What did the first pan-European currency look like

Researchers from Leiden University wondered why the vast majority of rings and bracelets that have come down to us from the Bronze Age are so similar to each other. And not only in shape, but also in weight! Have they already been used as a single currency?

After studying more than 5,000 items from hundreds of ancient treasures, the researchers concluded that about 70% of the rings are so similar that they cannot be distinguished by eye. If there were any differences in weight, they turned out to be minimal (the average weight of one ring was 195 g).

The shape and weight of other items – such as bracelets, curved "ribs" and even axe blades - also turned out to be standard, and the items themselves were made as if according to one template. Moreover, they are often found stored in large quantities. It is logical to assume that such items 5,000 years ago could serve as cash.

Below is a map of treasures in which deposits of identical rings, "ribs" and axe blades were found. Treasures with rings and "ribs" are marked with a black circle, treasures with axe blades are marked with a red triangle, and mixed treasures are marked with a blue square. We are talking about Central Europe.

The picture below shows an axe blade and ribs found together in the Veglini hoard, which may have been used as currency.

The results of the study were published in the journal PLOS One.