Anything after that, we can't really say for sure. My conclusion: there are a couple strong points to the idea of a more egalitarian Neolithic society that had possible elements of a religion involving numerous goddesses. Gimbutas is a highly controversial figure in archaeology, and I tried to wade a bit into the debate around her by reading a number of articles, to better weigh Eisler's argument.
![the chalice and the blade synopsis the chalice and the blade synopsis](https://kbimages1-a.akamaihd.net/e63517e0-6c8a-49b1-b90a-e18f1125b16c/353/569/90/False/the-prince-and-the-chalice.jpg)
The first half is in large part a summary and popularizing of the work of archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, who argues that before the spread of Indo-European civilization there existed a matrifocal, peaceful, egalitarian society, that practiced a predominately female-oriented polytheism that also involved a single Goddess figure. I read it because I know a number of people who claim this book fundamentally shaped their worldview (and a number of others who don't make that claim, but are certainly influenced by the popularity of Eisler's ideas). The first half is in large part a summary and popularizing of the work of archaeologist Marija Gimbutas, who argues that before the spread of Indo-European civilization there existed a Three stars because it was a pretty interesting read, and she covers, well, all of human history.
![the chalice and the blade synopsis the chalice and the blade synopsis](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41UH75hucJL._SX319_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg)
Three stars because it was a pretty interesting read, and she covers, well, all of human history.