Comparison of Altars from Neolithic to Eneolithic in East Croatian Territory as an Example of Cultural Continuity

Ovim radom ukratko se prikazuje razvoj kulturnih skupina kroz neolitik i enolitik s ciljem prikazivanja kulturnog kontinuiteta na temelju materijalnih ostataka kultne namjene – žrtvenika. Kulturni kontinuitet u ovom, prapovijesnom smislu predstavlja trajanje tradicije bez prekida u vremenu i prostoru. Rad obrađuje starčevačku, sopotsku, vinčansku, badensku, kostolačku i vučedolsku kulturu na prostoru istočne Hrvatske. Daje se pregledna sinteza svake kulture, uključujući njihovu rasprostranjenost, privredu, društveni i duhovni život te utjecaj na druge kulture. Svaka od ovih kultura koristila je žrtvenike ili je nositelj tradicija koje su vezane uz korištenje žrtvenika. Uz same kulture i žrtvenike, važnost se pridaje i kultnim praksama koje su važan čimbenik u ovakvim zajednicama. Analizom dostupnih izvora i materijalate komparacijom i kritičkom prosudbom, rad ukazuje na argumente o dva kulturna kontinuiteta korištenja žrtvenika – neolitički i eneolitički. Rad se osvrće i na dosadašnja istraživanja i publikacije koje se bave ovom i sličnim temama.This paper briefly presents the development of cultural groups through the Neolithic and Enolithic with the aim of presenting cultural continuity based on the material remains of the cult purpose - the altar. Cultural continuity in this, prehistoric sense represents the duration of tradition without interruption in time and space. The paper deals with the Starčevo, Sopot, Vinča, Baden, Kostolac and Vučedol cultures in eastern Croatia. A short synthesis of each culture is given, including their distribution, economy, social and spiritual life, and impact on other cultures. Each of these cultures used altars or is a bearer of traditions associated with the use of altars. In addition to the same cultures and altars, importance is also attached to cultic practices that are important factors in such communities. By analyzing the available sources and material by comparison and critical thinking, the paper points to arguments about two cultural continuities of altar use - Neolithic and Eneolithic. The paper comments on previous research and publications dealing with this and similar topics.