This book documents the rise of prehistory from its first faltering steps to a sophisticated discipline, bringing together key papers in the debate since 1851.Prehistory was born in Denmark, and over the last century and a half an outstanding succession of archaeologists has developed revolutionary approaches to the past, pioneering artefactural, economic, environmental and ecological interpretations. Central to this development was a debate centred around the relationship between the Ertebølle hunters and gatherers who left its distinctive megalithic tombs. Were the differences cultural, economic, seasonal or chronological? This is a debate that has continued unabated.