Marija Gimbutas’ Kurgan Hypothesis and Indo-European Studies

Edgar C. Polomé (USA)

Abstract

It is difficult to measure how extensive an impact any one scholar has had on a specific field. Not only are her or his publications relevant, but more important is the response of other researchers within the discipline. Sometimes, the influence of particular views is even made deeper by the dissenting opinions they have triggered or the continued investigations they have inspired. Nowhere are these considerations more valid than in the case of Marija Gimbutas. This paper offers a brief overview of the contributions she made to Indo-European studies, and the ongoing discussions and controversies her work has inspired.