The development of forms of inequality in mainland Italy is analyzed for the periods between the Early Bronze Age and the beginning of the Late Bronze Age (Recent Bronze Age). Basically about a millennium (ca. 2200-1150 BC) during which a trend towards more structured and hierarchical forms of social and political organization can be observed. In this perspective, the earliest forms of inequality – i.e., based on established forms of economic differentiation, and not only on rank – are visible at the threshold of the Recent Bronze Age in some regions. This paper reconsiders the model developed by Renato Peroni since 1970s, on the basis of the main archaeological evidence of recent years. Although the overall validity of that model is acknowledged, the wealth of recent evidence provides the opportunity to update and integrate the former model in several, substantial aspects.
