Neo-Eneolithic settlement pattern and salt exploitation in Romanian Moldavia

Analyses of the accessibility of salt springs allow these observations to be further developed. Firstly, we note a significant increase in sites located close to salt springs in the period spanning the second half of the 5th millennium and the first half of the 4th millennium. It is precisely during these two phases that the exploitation of salt appears to increase. Secondly, the numbers of important fortified sites and prestige goods (copper axes) occurring close to salt springs illustrates the polarising role of salt resources.