Recent research has revealed that during the Bronze Age, European families managed their finances in a manner surprisingly similar to modern-day practices. Conducted by Italian researchers Nicola Ialongo and Giancarlo Lago, the study, published in the journal Nature Human Behavior, examined over 23,000 metal fragments used as currency across 1,200 sites in northern Italy, Switzerland, Austria, Slovenia, and Germany. These fragments, which weighed around 10 grams, were not actual minted coins but served as units of exchange, allowing families to independently manage their savings and expenditures based on their income.
The findings challenge previous beliefs that economic activity in ancient Europe was primarily based on barter or centralized income redistribution. Ialongo noted that their analysis offers a glimpse into the economic dynamics of the time, likening it to discovering the financial records of numerous shops in a neighborhood. This evidence suggests that each family unit had its own income, which they could spend or invest independently, much like today.
In contrast, the new Disney+ series Tracker, featuring Justin Hartley, presents a different narrative landscape. While many fans of This Is Us may turn to Tracker as a substitute, the series diverges significantly in tone and emotional depth. Hartley portrays Colter Shaw, a bounty hunter driven by personal trauma and a solitary quest to find missing persons. Despite its action and thriller elements, the show struggles to evoke the same emotional resonance that characterized This Is Us, leaving viewers with a sense of disconnection from the protagonist's journey. The series, based on Jeffery Deaver's novel The Never Game, offers a mix of adventure and psychological exploration, but ultimately falls short of capturing the heartfelt connections that fans may be seeking.
- The study conducted by Ialongo and Lago emphasizes the sophistication of economic practices in ancient Europe, suggesting that these societies were more advanced than previously thought. By analyzing the circulation and use of metal fragments, the researchers provided insights into consumer behavior and economic management during the Bronze Age, a period often overshadowed by more documented civilizations like Mesopotamia.
- On the other hand, Tracker attempts to fill the void left by This Is Us through its lead character's journey. However, while the series features thrilling plotlines involving drug trafficking and kidnappings, it lacks the emotional depth that made its predecessor resonate with audiences. The narrative focuses on Shaw's solitary endeavors, which may appeal to viewers seeking action but may disappoint those looking for a deeper exploration of human relationships.
