Andreas Vlachopoulos | University of Ioannina (original) (raw)
Papers by Andreas Vlachopoulos
The archaeological site of Vathy is situated in the northern part of the island of Astypalaia, on... more The archaeological site of Vathy is situated in the northern part of the island of Astypalaia, on the rocky peninsula at the entrance to the Vathy gulf. After preliminary research in 2008, systematic surface survey and investigations since 2012 have revealed an extensive archaeological site that occupies the easternmost part of the Pyrgos / Elliniko promontory. Prehistoric boulder-built walls, a Hellenistic tower complex, an Early Christian basilica and other manmade structures are still visible in the area.
In the present study, five sediment cores and surrounding soil from different depths and strata of recently excavated areas on the promontory were dated using the Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) method. Palaeodoses De and radioactivity measurements were conducted at the Archaeometry Centre of the University of Ioannina. Results show a timeframe for human habitation at the site that spans from the Final Neolithic / Early Bronze Age (4th / 3rd mill. BC) to the Early Christian era (5th c. AD).
Astypalaia lies in the midst of the Southeast Aegean sea, between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese... more Astypalaia lies in the midst of the Southeast Aegean sea, between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. The geomorphology of the two ‘Nisia’ that comprise it, the richly indented coastline and the singular surrounding
complex of islands are features that shaped its archaeological wealth, which far outshines the acclamatory references to it in mythology and the ancient literary corpus. A Mesolithic burial (ca 9000 BC) has been excavated on the island and extensive habitation has been ascertained from the Final Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age (4th and 3rd millennium BC), with the most important site at Vathy. Astypalaia flourished during the Mycenaean period (1400-1100 BC), and its ‘asty’ was to be the seat of the citystate throughout antiquity. With highly important archaeological assemblages in the Negros cave at Vatses and the Drakontospilio cave, the long-lived cemetery of infant pot burials (enchytrismoi) at Kylindra in Chora, the unexplored ruins at Agrelidi, Vai, Kastro Agiou Ioanni and Panormos, and the towers that guarded
the many-havened coasts, securing the eradication of piracy, crucial for the Romans, antiquity smoothly gave way to Early Christian times (5th/6th c.), when Astypalaia enjoyed a new heyday.
The island of Astypalea (Greece), known for its rich and pristine archeological sites, encompasse... more The island of Astypalea (Greece), known for its rich and pristine archeological sites, encompasses a semi-enclosed silled basin that has been very susceptible to global sea levels and regional climate changes due to its relatively modern shallow sill of 4.7 m water deep that connects the Vathy bay with the adjacent Aegean Sea. To identify the causal relationship between regional climate, sea-level trajectories, and environmental change and their potential impact on hominine habitats on the island, we investigated a high-resolution seismic profile together with sediment, stable isotope, geochemical, and biotic proxies retrieved from a marine sediment core (ASTC1). Our results show that the basin was once isolated, and a marine inundation occurred at around 7.3 ka BP, which is older than expected, based on global sea level reconstructions. The entire transition from isolation to full marine conditions was accomplished in three major phases: (1) non marine isolated conditions between 9–7.3 ka BP, (2) semi-isolated hypersaline marsh and lagoonal conditions between 7.3 and 4.1 ka BP, and (3) semi-isolated shallow marine conditions of today (4.1 ka BP to present). High water alkalinity, elevated organic content, and heavier isotopic signals indicate relatively arid conditions in the region that favored Sr-rich carbonate precipitation within the 7.3–6 ka BP interval. On the other hand, freshwater biota, along with a high Corg/N ratio and lighter isotopic signal, showed wetter conditions, at least for the intervals 8–7.3 ka and 6–5.4 ka BP, in contrast to the aridification trend seen as 4.1 ka to present. Finally, the hominine habitat evolution at around 6 ka BP might be attributed to the wetter conditions and the freshwater source provided by the bay at that time.
Recent findings of archaeological research in the Vathy gulf area, Astypalaia island, indicate it... more Recent findings of archaeological research in the Vathy gulf area, Astypalaia island, indicate its continuous habitation since prehistoric times, most importantly in the transitional period from the Final Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (late 4th/early 3rd millennium BC). The evaluation of the prehistoric stone artefacts from Vathy using non-invasive analytical methods (Near Infrared Spectroscopy-NIR), in combination with the mineral-petrographic characterization of the main lithological formations of the island, is expected to provide important information about raw material procurement and possible exchange networks. The geological study of the island combined with the analytical methods applied to the archaeological artefacts and the geological samples led to the identification of both local and allogenic materials. The possible locations of raw material sources were established and the origin of allogenic materials was estimated. The stone artefacts made of local geo-materials consist mainly of calcitic sandstone, shale, marl, and limestone/marble, comprising the largest part of the lithological formations of the island, as well as pumice and volcanic rocks of varying chemical composition. By means of a portable microscope and NIR spectroscopy, we were further able to identify allogenic geo-materials including chalcedony, mica schist, bauxite and meta-bauxite, steatite, and paragonite. Based on the mineralogical and petrographic characterization of the stone artefacts, a first attempt is made to evaluate the possible raw material sources and to identify potential intra-island modes of stone exploitation.
The evidence from the last years of work at Akrotiri, a particularly productive period in terms o... more The evidence from the last years of work at Akrotiri, a particularly productive period in terms of excavation and conservation, has not essentially altered the picture of the dispersion of wall-paintings in the settlement, or rather, has differentiated it less than we would perhaps have expected. In the course of excavating the 120 trenches opened for founding the pillars of the new shelter at the site, very few nuclei with concentrations of painted plaster fragments were found that can be compared with the dense concentrations brought to light in the rooms of Xeste 3 or in room 5 of the West House. In one case only was it decided to move the position of a pillar because of the discovery of wall-paintings. on the contrary, spaces where wall-paintings were preserved in excellent condition on the walls (Xeste 5) were located, and indeed in one case it was decided to leave them in situ rather than to detach them (Xeste 4).
Aim of this chronicle is to re-examine the circumstances in which the excavation of the tholos to... more Aim of this chronicle is to re-examine the circumstances in which the excavation of the tholos tomb at Kapakli, Volos was conducted (1905) and to highlight some scientific and social parameters of Konstantinos Kourouniotis’s research in a milieu in which the national vision was drawing argumentation through the monuments and adulation of antiquity was trying to heal recent wounds (Greek-Turkish War of 1897), as well as to underpin the “Hellenic” roots of the recently-annexed new territories (1881). Assessed too is the exemplary manner of the excavation procedure and the excellence of the publication of the finds, characteristics distinctive of the entire oeuvre of this ground-breaking Greek archaeologist public functionary, whose activity starts in the romantic 19th century, but whose genius and method are motivated by the scientific principles and rationalist values of the 20th.
The pigments used for the blue tones in the Theran wall-paintings have been the subject of resea... more The pigments used for the blue tones in the Theran wall-paintings have been the
subject of research since the early years of the Akrotiri Excavations. Specialists
have detected the use of both ‘Egyptian blue’ or glaucophane riebeckite, the former a man-made pigment (one of the most ancient synthetic pigments originating
from Egypt) and the latter a natural pigment (inosilicate minerals belonging to
the group of the alkali amphiboles). In 2011-2012, the authors implemented a
research programme, funded by the University of Ioannina and the Institute for
Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP), aimed at clarifying the use of the two pigments in
the Thera wall-paintings, by applying the recently developed non-invasive imaging method of infrared photoluminescence for the diagnosis of ‘Egyptian blue’.
This paper presents the preliminary results of the project, which suggests that the
selection of one or the other pigment, or even a combination of both pigments, by
the painters was made on the basis of iconographic criteria, with the aim of
achieving from a technical viewpoint the optimal aesthetic effect and chromatic
tone, rather than of economizing or promoting a more expensive material.
Selective affinities. A Late Helladic IIIC Attic stirrup jar of the Pictorial - Close Style from ... more Selective affinities. A Late Helladic IIIC Attic stirrup jar of the Pictorial - Close Style from the Mycenaean asty of Naxos
A Late Helladic IIIC stirrup jar finely decorated in the Pictorial - Close Style of Attica is presented here as a token of esteem for Professor Eva Simantoni-Bournia and her beloved Naxos. The upper half of the stirrup jar was unearthed from the so-called “Pottery Workshop” complex of the Mycenaean asty of Naxos, along with other prestigious local and imported vases, that offer precious synchronisms among the Attic, Naxian, Dodecanesian and Minoan Pictorial wares of Postpalatial Aegean (12th century BC).
The “Metropolis stirrup jar”, dubbed after the location of the excavation at Grotta, is a little ceramic chef- d’oeuvre of an eponymous master painter of the Perati cemetery (East Attica), whose Octopus - Close Style vases have been found in Athens-Kerameikos and Keratea, but also acquired by the elite communities of Naxos and Kos. An elegant stirrup jar from the Aplomata cemetery of Naxos and two similar vases from the cemeteries of Kos seem to have been imported to the islands as goods of aesthetic value rather than as containers of liquid commodities.
The same holds true for the “Metropolis stirrup jar”, a fine example of the LH IIIC Pictorial - Close Style that correlates his “Painter of International Relations” with other Attic vase painters or workshop groups of equivalent Aegean-wide reputation.
The 18th International Aegean Conference on the subject of Zoia (literally ‘creatures endowed wit... more The 18th International Aegean Conference on the subject of Zoia (literally ‘creatures endowed with an anima or life force’) was conceived and organized by Robert Laffineur and Tom Palaima, director of the Program in Aegean Scripts and Prehistory (PASP) in the Department of Classics at The University of Texas at Austin, marking 30 years of their collaboration on Aegaeum volumes and conferences. In the event, Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the conference proper.
This volume, however, testifies to the dedication of Aegeanist scholars worldwide to accomplish the scholarly objectives of the proposed conference: to examine, from a wide range of specialist research perspectives, how the human societies that developed in the Aegean area in the Middle and Late Bronze Age and the human beings within them interacted with wild, domesticated and semi-domesticated animals of the sea, sky and land socio-politically, economically, religiously, ideologically, imaginatively and artistically.
Επισκόπηση της ερήµωσης και αναβίωσης οικισµών στην Κάλυµνο από τη σκοπιά της ιστορικής γεωγραφία... more Επισκόπηση της ερήµωσης και αναβίωσης οικισµών στην Κάλυµνο από τη σκοπιά της ιστορικής γεωγραφίας …………………………………………. ΧΑΡΟΥΛΑ ΦΑΝΤΑΟΥΤΣΑΚΗ: Αρχαιολογικό οδοιπορικό στην Αστυπάλαια ………………………………………………......... ΑΝ∆ΡΕΑΣ Γ. ΒΛΑΧΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ: Βαθύ Αστυπάλαιας: Έρευνα και µελέτη σε ένα διαχρονικό παλίµψηστο της νησιωτικής αρχαιολογίας ………………………………………………………….. ΜΑΡΙΑ ΜΟΥΚΑΖΗ: Λυχνάρια, πύραυνα, θυµιατήρια της εποχής του χαλκού στο Αιγαίο ………………………………………… ΘΕΟ∆ΟΣΗΣ Ν. ∆ΙΑΚΟΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ: Στο Ασκληπιείο της Κω γινόντουσαν θεοκρατικές θεραπείες; ………………………………. ΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ ΚΑΤΣΙΩΤΗ: Η κυκλοφορία λυχναριών της ύστερης αρχαιότητας στις Κυκλάδες και τα ∆ωδεκάνησα. Η περίπτωση των λυχναριών «αιγαιακού τύπου» ……………………………. ΚΑΛΛΙΟΠΗ ΜΠΑΪΡΑΜΗ: Ρόδος: Ο απόηχος των ελληνιστικών εργαστηρίων στην γλυπτική παραγωγή του νησιού τη ρωµαϊκή περίοδο. Οι σχέσεις µε τα γειτονικά κέντρα …………………… ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΗΛ. ΒΟΛΑΝΑΚΗΣ: Τα µοναστήρια του όρους Λάτµου της Μικράς Ασίας και η µονή του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου της Πάτµου ……………………………………………. ΕΛΕΝΗ Κ. ΠΑΠΑΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ: Ανάγλυφο από τον Άγ. Γεώργιο (Χουρµαλί) στη Μεσαιωνική Πόλη της Ρόδου: Μια πρώτη ανάγνωση και ερµηνεία …………………………………………. ΜΙΧΑΗΛ Ι. ΚΟΥΤΕΛΛΑΣ: Το Μαρτύριο-Βαπτιστήριο της Παλαιοπαναγιάς στον Βαθύ Καλύµνου …………………………… ΙΟΥΛΙΑ Κ. ΠΑΠΑΕΥΤΥΧΙΟΥ: Ξερολιθικά κτίσµατα στο νησί της Καλύµνου. Η αξία και η απαξίωσή τους …………………... ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΡΟΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ: Εικόνες που ταξιδεύουν… Φορητά ζωγραφικά έργα από την Κύπρο στα νησιά του Αιγαίου… ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΡΟΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ: Michael Heslop, Medieval Greece. Encounters Between Latins, Greeks, and Others in the Dodecanese and the Mani, εκδ. Routledge, London-New York 2021. (Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση) ……………………………….
In honour of professor G.S. Korres I have chosen to focus on a strainer hydria with tubular spout... more In honour of professor G.S. Korres I have chosen to focus on a strainer hydria with tubular spout that was found in the chamber tomb cemetery of Volimidia (in Pylia) and dates to the 12th century BC (Late Helladic IIIC period). This idiosyncratic libation vase, with the unique feature of a second strainer on the rim of the mouth, is of exceptional importance both in the context of the longest lasting Mycenaean cemetery of Pylia (c. 1650-1200 BC), which continued to be in use during the sparsely attested in the region Postpalatial period (1200-1050 BC); and in terms of its typology, as it falls under the category of strainer jugs / hydriae that are associated with the ritual of offering grave goods, or with memorial practices taking place in Mycenaean cemeteries of the Peloponnese, Attica and the Aegean islands.
When Spyridon Marinatos excavated the LH I–II chamber tomb cemetery at Volimidia, among other sit... more When Spyridon Marinatos excavated the LH I–II chamber tomb cemetery at Volimidia, among other sites in the region of Pylos (1955–1965), Messenia started to emerge as a prosperous and dynamic region of the early Mycenaean world that contributed essentially to the formation of the elite sites of the Mycenaean Peloponnese. The cemetery of Volimidia was founded in the transitional MH III/LH I period, and its rock-cut chambers stand among the earliest examples of this type of tomb, probably as a result of successful local experimentation at the time of the foundation of the first tholos tombs in the region. Despite the fact that the considerable quantity of LH I–II vases from Volimidia were not found in association with the burials they accompanied due to the continuous use of the cemetery until LH IIIC Early, these ceramics constitute the best-preserved assemblage of early Mycenaean pottery from the Pylos region. Their preliminary study points to a local production, consistent with the LH I–II repertoire of northern Triphylia (Elis), but also combining Argive, Lakonian, Kytheran and Cretan elements, which echo the cultural blend thanks to which the hegemonic ‘estates’ of Pylos thrived.
The many years of research that led to the present paper on the so-called Ring of Nestor (CMS VI,... more The many years of research that led to the present paper on the so-called Ring of Nestor (CMS VI, nο. 277), with the documentation of its authenticity, have offered me the opportunity to discuss the cases of erroneous identifications of some Creto-Mycenaean gold rings as fakes . This tendency, underpinned by the obscure – even legendary – circumstances in which these rings were found, not only the Ring of Nestor but also the Ring of Minos, has been reassessed completely in favour of their authenticity. This revision has been significantly reinforced by recent finds of iconographic subjects of comparable resonance (wall-paintings, gold rings, figurines, ivories, and so on), as well as by more thorough study of the techniques and craftsmanship of these unique signet rings of the first centuries of the Late Bronze Age (16th-15th century BC). The key pictorial unit of the Ring of Nestor examined in this paper is Evans’s “watch-dog” or “dragon”, namely the guardian of the old “tree of the world”, whose branches host the most populous scene in Aegean glyptic art. This motif is here identified as a scorpion, a major apotropaic symbol in Bronze Αge Aegean iconography, which kills the “Μinoan Dragon” of the ring and offers a sound interpretation of the ring’s iconography.
In this paper, we discuss the problem of object detection in a cultural heritage application cont... more In this paper, we discuss the problem of object detection in a cultural heritage application context. In particular, the objects to be detected are ancient rock carvings, discovered at the archaeological site of Vathy, Astypalaia in Greece. Without the help of a marker or a human expert, the rock carvings are extremely difficult for a visitor of the site to discern from their surroundings. We explore the possibility of using a computational method that could replace the human expert and detect the rock carvings of interest without the aid of a specific marker. We present a dataset of images that is comprised of annotated photographs of the rock carvings, taken in situ and under differing poses and lighting parameters. Two methods for detection are applied; the first method makes use of a supervised, deep learning-based model, while the other relies on feature point-based matching to an annotated template, in the context of which we propose a simple image matching distance. We show that each method is applicable under different conditions, and evaluate their effectiveness with numerical trials.
A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich ana... more A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich analysis of early Greek culture.
A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers an original and inclusive review of two key periods of Greek archaeology, which are typically treated separately—the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. It presents an in-depth exploration of the society and material culture of Greece and the Mediterranean, from the 14th to the early 7th centuries BC. The two-volume companion sets Aegean developments within their broader geographic and cultural context, and presents the wide-ranging interactions with the Mediterranean.
The companion bridges the gap that typically exists between Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology and examines material culture and social practice across Greece and the Mediterranean. A number of specialists examine the environment and demography, and analyze a range of textual and archaeological evidence to shed light on socio-political and cultural developments. The companion also emphasizes regionalism in the archaeology of early Greece and examines the responses of different regions to major phenomena such as state formation, literacy, migration and colonization. Comprehensive in scope, this important companion:
- Outlines major developments in the two key phases of early Greece, the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
- Includes studies of the geography, chronology and demography of early Greece
Explores the development of early Greek state and society and examines economy, religion, art and material culture.
- Sets Aegean developments within their Mediterranean context.
Written for students, and scholars interested in the material culture of the era, A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide that bridges the gap between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich ana... more A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich analysis of early Greek culture
A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers an original and inclusive review of two key periods of Greek archaeology, which are typically treated separately—the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. It presents an in-depth exploration of the society and material culture of Greece and the Mediterranean, from the 14th to the early 7th centuries BC. The two-volume companion sets Aegean developments within their broader geographic and cultural context, and presents the wide-ranging interactions with the Mediterranean.
The companion bridges the gap that typically exists between Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology and examines material culture and social practice across Greece and the Mediterranean. A number of specialists examine the environment and demography, and analyze a range of textual and archaeological evidence to shed light on socio-political and cultural developments. The companion also emphasizes regionalism in the archaeology of early Greece and examines the responses of different regions to major phenomena such as state formation, literacy, migration and colonization. Comprehensive in scope, this important companion:
Outlines major developments in the two key phases of early Greece, the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age
Includes studies of the geography, chronology and demography of early Greece
Explores the development of early Greek state and society and examines economy, religion, art and material culture
Sets Aegean developments within their Mediterranean context
Written for students, and scholars interested in the material culture of the era, A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide that bridges the gap between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
The birth of the earliest monumental painting of Europe in the Aegean: the wall paintings of Ther... more The birth of the earliest monumental painting of Europe in the Aegean: the wall paintings of Thera (in Italian)
The archaeological site of Vathy is situated in the northern part of the island of Astypalaia, on... more The archaeological site of Vathy is situated in the northern part of the island of Astypalaia, on the rocky peninsula at the entrance to the Vathy gulf. After preliminary research in 2008, systematic surface survey and investigations since 2012 have revealed an extensive archaeological site that occupies the easternmost part of the Pyrgos / Elliniko promontory. Prehistoric boulder-built walls, a Hellenistic tower complex, an Early Christian basilica and other manmade structures are still visible in the area.
In the present study, five sediment cores and surrounding soil from different depths and strata of recently excavated areas on the promontory were dated using the Optical Stimulated Luminescence (OSL) method. Palaeodoses De and radioactivity measurements were conducted at the Archaeometry Centre of the University of Ioannina. Results show a timeframe for human habitation at the site that spans from the Final Neolithic / Early Bronze Age (4th / 3rd mill. BC) to the Early Christian era (5th c. AD).
Astypalaia lies in the midst of the Southeast Aegean sea, between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese... more Astypalaia lies in the midst of the Southeast Aegean sea, between the Cyclades and the Dodecanese. The geomorphology of the two ‘Nisia’ that comprise it, the richly indented coastline and the singular surrounding
complex of islands are features that shaped its archaeological wealth, which far outshines the acclamatory references to it in mythology and the ancient literary corpus. A Mesolithic burial (ca 9000 BC) has been excavated on the island and extensive habitation has been ascertained from the Final Neolithic period and the Early Bronze Age (4th and 3rd millennium BC), with the most important site at Vathy. Astypalaia flourished during the Mycenaean period (1400-1100 BC), and its ‘asty’ was to be the seat of the citystate throughout antiquity. With highly important archaeological assemblages in the Negros cave at Vatses and the Drakontospilio cave, the long-lived cemetery of infant pot burials (enchytrismoi) at Kylindra in Chora, the unexplored ruins at Agrelidi, Vai, Kastro Agiou Ioanni and Panormos, and the towers that guarded
the many-havened coasts, securing the eradication of piracy, crucial for the Romans, antiquity smoothly gave way to Early Christian times (5th/6th c.), when Astypalaia enjoyed a new heyday.
The island of Astypalea (Greece), known for its rich and pristine archeological sites, encompasse... more The island of Astypalea (Greece), known for its rich and pristine archeological sites, encompasses a semi-enclosed silled basin that has been very susceptible to global sea levels and regional climate changes due to its relatively modern shallow sill of 4.7 m water deep that connects the Vathy bay with the adjacent Aegean Sea. To identify the causal relationship between regional climate, sea-level trajectories, and environmental change and their potential impact on hominine habitats on the island, we investigated a high-resolution seismic profile together with sediment, stable isotope, geochemical, and biotic proxies retrieved from a marine sediment core (ASTC1). Our results show that the basin was once isolated, and a marine inundation occurred at around 7.3 ka BP, which is older than expected, based on global sea level reconstructions. The entire transition from isolation to full marine conditions was accomplished in three major phases: (1) non marine isolated conditions between 9–7.3 ka BP, (2) semi-isolated hypersaline marsh and lagoonal conditions between 7.3 and 4.1 ka BP, and (3) semi-isolated shallow marine conditions of today (4.1 ka BP to present). High water alkalinity, elevated organic content, and heavier isotopic signals indicate relatively arid conditions in the region that favored Sr-rich carbonate precipitation within the 7.3–6 ka BP interval. On the other hand, freshwater biota, along with a high Corg/N ratio and lighter isotopic signal, showed wetter conditions, at least for the intervals 8–7.3 ka and 6–5.4 ka BP, in contrast to the aridification trend seen as 4.1 ka to present. Finally, the hominine habitat evolution at around 6 ka BP might be attributed to the wetter conditions and the freshwater source provided by the bay at that time.
Recent findings of archaeological research in the Vathy gulf area, Astypalaia island, indicate it... more Recent findings of archaeological research in the Vathy gulf area, Astypalaia island, indicate its continuous habitation since prehistoric times, most importantly in the transitional period from the Final Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age (late 4th/early 3rd millennium BC). The evaluation of the prehistoric stone artefacts from Vathy using non-invasive analytical methods (Near Infrared Spectroscopy-NIR), in combination with the mineral-petrographic characterization of the main lithological formations of the island, is expected to provide important information about raw material procurement and possible exchange networks. The geological study of the island combined with the analytical methods applied to the archaeological artefacts and the geological samples led to the identification of both local and allogenic materials. The possible locations of raw material sources were established and the origin of allogenic materials was estimated. The stone artefacts made of local geo-materials consist mainly of calcitic sandstone, shale, marl, and limestone/marble, comprising the largest part of the lithological formations of the island, as well as pumice and volcanic rocks of varying chemical composition. By means of a portable microscope and NIR spectroscopy, we were further able to identify allogenic geo-materials including chalcedony, mica schist, bauxite and meta-bauxite, steatite, and paragonite. Based on the mineralogical and petrographic characterization of the stone artefacts, a first attempt is made to evaluate the possible raw material sources and to identify potential intra-island modes of stone exploitation.
The evidence from the last years of work at Akrotiri, a particularly productive period in terms o... more The evidence from the last years of work at Akrotiri, a particularly productive period in terms of excavation and conservation, has not essentially altered the picture of the dispersion of wall-paintings in the settlement, or rather, has differentiated it less than we would perhaps have expected. In the course of excavating the 120 trenches opened for founding the pillars of the new shelter at the site, very few nuclei with concentrations of painted plaster fragments were found that can be compared with the dense concentrations brought to light in the rooms of Xeste 3 or in room 5 of the West House. In one case only was it decided to move the position of a pillar because of the discovery of wall-paintings. on the contrary, spaces where wall-paintings were preserved in excellent condition on the walls (Xeste 5) were located, and indeed in one case it was decided to leave them in situ rather than to detach them (Xeste 4).
Aim of this chronicle is to re-examine the circumstances in which the excavation of the tholos to... more Aim of this chronicle is to re-examine the circumstances in which the excavation of the tholos tomb at Kapakli, Volos was conducted (1905) and to highlight some scientific and social parameters of Konstantinos Kourouniotis’s research in a milieu in which the national vision was drawing argumentation through the monuments and adulation of antiquity was trying to heal recent wounds (Greek-Turkish War of 1897), as well as to underpin the “Hellenic” roots of the recently-annexed new territories (1881). Assessed too is the exemplary manner of the excavation procedure and the excellence of the publication of the finds, characteristics distinctive of the entire oeuvre of this ground-breaking Greek archaeologist public functionary, whose activity starts in the romantic 19th century, but whose genius and method are motivated by the scientific principles and rationalist values of the 20th.
The pigments used for the blue tones in the Theran wall-paintings have been the subject of resea... more The pigments used for the blue tones in the Theran wall-paintings have been the
subject of research since the early years of the Akrotiri Excavations. Specialists
have detected the use of both ‘Egyptian blue’ or glaucophane riebeckite, the former a man-made pigment (one of the most ancient synthetic pigments originating
from Egypt) and the latter a natural pigment (inosilicate minerals belonging to
the group of the alkali amphiboles). In 2011-2012, the authors implemented a
research programme, funded by the University of Ioannina and the Institute for
Aegean Prehistory (INSTAP), aimed at clarifying the use of the two pigments in
the Thera wall-paintings, by applying the recently developed non-invasive imaging method of infrared photoluminescence for the diagnosis of ‘Egyptian blue’.
This paper presents the preliminary results of the project, which suggests that the
selection of one or the other pigment, or even a combination of both pigments, by
the painters was made on the basis of iconographic criteria, with the aim of
achieving from a technical viewpoint the optimal aesthetic effect and chromatic
tone, rather than of economizing or promoting a more expensive material.
Selective affinities. A Late Helladic IIIC Attic stirrup jar of the Pictorial - Close Style from ... more Selective affinities. A Late Helladic IIIC Attic stirrup jar of the Pictorial - Close Style from the Mycenaean asty of Naxos
A Late Helladic IIIC stirrup jar finely decorated in the Pictorial - Close Style of Attica is presented here as a token of esteem for Professor Eva Simantoni-Bournia and her beloved Naxos. The upper half of the stirrup jar was unearthed from the so-called “Pottery Workshop” complex of the Mycenaean asty of Naxos, along with other prestigious local and imported vases, that offer precious synchronisms among the Attic, Naxian, Dodecanesian and Minoan Pictorial wares of Postpalatial Aegean (12th century BC).
The “Metropolis stirrup jar”, dubbed after the location of the excavation at Grotta, is a little ceramic chef- d’oeuvre of an eponymous master painter of the Perati cemetery (East Attica), whose Octopus - Close Style vases have been found in Athens-Kerameikos and Keratea, but also acquired by the elite communities of Naxos and Kos. An elegant stirrup jar from the Aplomata cemetery of Naxos and two similar vases from the cemeteries of Kos seem to have been imported to the islands as goods of aesthetic value rather than as containers of liquid commodities.
The same holds true for the “Metropolis stirrup jar”, a fine example of the LH IIIC Pictorial - Close Style that correlates his “Painter of International Relations” with other Attic vase painters or workshop groups of equivalent Aegean-wide reputation.
The 18th International Aegean Conference on the subject of Zoia (literally ‘creatures endowed wit... more The 18th International Aegean Conference on the subject of Zoia (literally ‘creatures endowed with an anima or life force’) was conceived and organized by Robert Laffineur and Tom Palaima, director of the Program in Aegean Scripts and Prehistory (PASP) in the Department of Classics at The University of Texas at Austin, marking 30 years of their collaboration on Aegaeum volumes and conferences. In the event, Covid-19 forced the cancellation of the conference proper.
This volume, however, testifies to the dedication of Aegeanist scholars worldwide to accomplish the scholarly objectives of the proposed conference: to examine, from a wide range of specialist research perspectives, how the human societies that developed in the Aegean area in the Middle and Late Bronze Age and the human beings within them interacted with wild, domesticated and semi-domesticated animals of the sea, sky and land socio-politically, economically, religiously, ideologically, imaginatively and artistically.
Επισκόπηση της ερήµωσης και αναβίωσης οικισµών στην Κάλυµνο από τη σκοπιά της ιστορικής γεωγραφία... more Επισκόπηση της ερήµωσης και αναβίωσης οικισµών στην Κάλυµνο από τη σκοπιά της ιστορικής γεωγραφίας …………………………………………. ΧΑΡΟΥΛΑ ΦΑΝΤΑΟΥΤΣΑΚΗ: Αρχαιολογικό οδοιπορικό στην Αστυπάλαια ………………………………………………......... ΑΝ∆ΡΕΑΣ Γ. ΒΛΑΧΟΠΟΥΛΟΣ: Βαθύ Αστυπάλαιας: Έρευνα και µελέτη σε ένα διαχρονικό παλίµψηστο της νησιωτικής αρχαιολογίας ………………………………………………………….. ΜΑΡΙΑ ΜΟΥΚΑΖΗ: Λυχνάρια, πύραυνα, θυµιατήρια της εποχής του χαλκού στο Αιγαίο ………………………………………… ΘΕΟ∆ΟΣΗΣ Ν. ∆ΙΑΚΟΓΙΑΝΝΗΣ: Στο Ασκληπιείο της Κω γινόντουσαν θεοκρατικές θεραπείες; ………………………………. ΑΓΓΕΛΙΚΗ ΚΑΤΣΙΩΤΗ: Η κυκλοφορία λυχναριών της ύστερης αρχαιότητας στις Κυκλάδες και τα ∆ωδεκάνησα. Η περίπτωση των λυχναριών «αιγαιακού τύπου» ……………………………. ΚΑΛΛΙΟΠΗ ΜΠΑΪΡΑΜΗ: Ρόδος: Ο απόηχος των ελληνιστικών εργαστηρίων στην γλυπτική παραγωγή του νησιού τη ρωµαϊκή περίοδο. Οι σχέσεις µε τα γειτονικά κέντρα …………………… ΙΩΑΝΝΗΣ ΗΛ. ΒΟΛΑΝΑΚΗΣ: Τα µοναστήρια του όρους Λάτµου της Μικράς Ασίας και η µονή του Αγίου Ιωάννου του Θεολόγου της Πάτµου ……………………………………………. ΕΛΕΝΗ Κ. ΠΑΠΑΒΑΣΙΛΕΙΟΥ: Ανάγλυφο από τον Άγ. Γεώργιο (Χουρµαλί) στη Μεσαιωνική Πόλη της Ρόδου: Μια πρώτη ανάγνωση και ερµηνεία …………………………………………. ΜΙΧΑΗΛ Ι. ΚΟΥΤΕΛΛΑΣ: Το Μαρτύριο-Βαπτιστήριο της Παλαιοπαναγιάς στον Βαθύ Καλύµνου …………………………… ΙΟΥΛΙΑ Κ. ΠΑΠΑΕΥΤΥΧΙΟΥ: Ξερολιθικά κτίσµατα στο νησί της Καλύµνου. Η αξία και η απαξίωσή τους …………………... ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΡΟΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ: Εικόνες που ταξιδεύουν… Φορητά ζωγραφικά έργα από την Κύπρο στα νησιά του Αιγαίου… ΝΙΚΟΛΑΟΣ ΜΑΣΤΡΟΧΡΗΣΤΟΣ: Michael Heslop, Medieval Greece. Encounters Between Latins, Greeks, and Others in the Dodecanese and the Mani, εκδ. Routledge, London-New York 2021. (Βιβλιοπαρουσίαση) ……………………………….
In honour of professor G.S. Korres I have chosen to focus on a strainer hydria with tubular spout... more In honour of professor G.S. Korres I have chosen to focus on a strainer hydria with tubular spout that was found in the chamber tomb cemetery of Volimidia (in Pylia) and dates to the 12th century BC (Late Helladic IIIC period). This idiosyncratic libation vase, with the unique feature of a second strainer on the rim of the mouth, is of exceptional importance both in the context of the longest lasting Mycenaean cemetery of Pylia (c. 1650-1200 BC), which continued to be in use during the sparsely attested in the region Postpalatial period (1200-1050 BC); and in terms of its typology, as it falls under the category of strainer jugs / hydriae that are associated with the ritual of offering grave goods, or with memorial practices taking place in Mycenaean cemeteries of the Peloponnese, Attica and the Aegean islands.
When Spyridon Marinatos excavated the LH I–II chamber tomb cemetery at Volimidia, among other sit... more When Spyridon Marinatos excavated the LH I–II chamber tomb cemetery at Volimidia, among other sites in the region of Pylos (1955–1965), Messenia started to emerge as a prosperous and dynamic region of the early Mycenaean world that contributed essentially to the formation of the elite sites of the Mycenaean Peloponnese. The cemetery of Volimidia was founded in the transitional MH III/LH I period, and its rock-cut chambers stand among the earliest examples of this type of tomb, probably as a result of successful local experimentation at the time of the foundation of the first tholos tombs in the region. Despite the fact that the considerable quantity of LH I–II vases from Volimidia were not found in association with the burials they accompanied due to the continuous use of the cemetery until LH IIIC Early, these ceramics constitute the best-preserved assemblage of early Mycenaean pottery from the Pylos region. Their preliminary study points to a local production, consistent with the LH I–II repertoire of northern Triphylia (Elis), but also combining Argive, Lakonian, Kytheran and Cretan elements, which echo the cultural blend thanks to which the hegemonic ‘estates’ of Pylos thrived.
The many years of research that led to the present paper on the so-called Ring of Nestor (CMS VI,... more The many years of research that led to the present paper on the so-called Ring of Nestor (CMS VI, nο. 277), with the documentation of its authenticity, have offered me the opportunity to discuss the cases of erroneous identifications of some Creto-Mycenaean gold rings as fakes . This tendency, underpinned by the obscure – even legendary – circumstances in which these rings were found, not only the Ring of Nestor but also the Ring of Minos, has been reassessed completely in favour of their authenticity. This revision has been significantly reinforced by recent finds of iconographic subjects of comparable resonance (wall-paintings, gold rings, figurines, ivories, and so on), as well as by more thorough study of the techniques and craftsmanship of these unique signet rings of the first centuries of the Late Bronze Age (16th-15th century BC). The key pictorial unit of the Ring of Nestor examined in this paper is Evans’s “watch-dog” or “dragon”, namely the guardian of the old “tree of the world”, whose branches host the most populous scene in Aegean glyptic art. This motif is here identified as a scorpion, a major apotropaic symbol in Bronze Αge Aegean iconography, which kills the “Μinoan Dragon” of the ring and offers a sound interpretation of the ring’s iconography.
In this paper, we discuss the problem of object detection in a cultural heritage application cont... more In this paper, we discuss the problem of object detection in a cultural heritage application context. In particular, the objects to be detected are ancient rock carvings, discovered at the archaeological site of Vathy, Astypalaia in Greece. Without the help of a marker or a human expert, the rock carvings are extremely difficult for a visitor of the site to discern from their surroundings. We explore the possibility of using a computational method that could replace the human expert and detect the rock carvings of interest without the aid of a specific marker. We present a dataset of images that is comprised of annotated photographs of the rock carvings, taken in situ and under differing poses and lighting parameters. Two methods for detection are applied; the first method makes use of a supervised, deep learning-based model, while the other relies on feature point-based matching to an annotated template, in the context of which we propose a simple image matching distance. We show that each method is applicable under different conditions, and evaluate their effectiveness with numerical trials.
A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich ana... more A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich analysis of early Greek culture.
A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers an original and inclusive review of two key periods of Greek archaeology, which are typically treated separately—the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. It presents an in-depth exploration of the society and material culture of Greece and the Mediterranean, from the 14th to the early 7th centuries BC. The two-volume companion sets Aegean developments within their broader geographic and cultural context, and presents the wide-ranging interactions with the Mediterranean.
The companion bridges the gap that typically exists between Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology and examines material culture and social practice across Greece and the Mediterranean. A number of specialists examine the environment and demography, and analyze a range of textual and archaeological evidence to shed light on socio-political and cultural developments. The companion also emphasizes regionalism in the archaeology of early Greece and examines the responses of different regions to major phenomena such as state formation, literacy, migration and colonization. Comprehensive in scope, this important companion:
- Outlines major developments in the two key phases of early Greece, the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
- Includes studies of the geography, chronology and demography of early Greece
Explores the development of early Greek state and society and examines economy, religion, art and material culture.
- Sets Aegean developments within their Mediterranean context.
Written for students, and scholars interested in the material culture of the era, A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide that bridges the gap between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich ana... more A Companion that examines together two pivotal periods of Greek archaeology and offers a rich analysis of early Greek culture
A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers an original and inclusive review of two key periods of Greek archaeology, which are typically treated separately—the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age. It presents an in-depth exploration of the society and material culture of Greece and the Mediterranean, from the 14th to the early 7th centuries BC. The two-volume companion sets Aegean developments within their broader geographic and cultural context, and presents the wide-ranging interactions with the Mediterranean.
The companion bridges the gap that typically exists between Prehistoric and Classical Archaeology and examines material culture and social practice across Greece and the Mediterranean. A number of specialists examine the environment and demography, and analyze a range of textual and archaeological evidence to shed light on socio-political and cultural developments. The companion also emphasizes regionalism in the archaeology of early Greece and examines the responses of different regions to major phenomena such as state formation, literacy, migration and colonization. Comprehensive in scope, this important companion:
Outlines major developments in the two key phases of early Greece, the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age
Includes studies of the geography, chronology and demography of early Greece
Explores the development of early Greek state and society and examines economy, religion, art and material culture
Sets Aegean developments within their Mediterranean context
Written for students, and scholars interested in the material culture of the era, A Companion to the Archaeology of Early Greece and the Mediterranean offers a comprehensive and authoritative guide that bridges the gap between the Late Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age.
The birth of the earliest monumental painting of Europe in the Aegean: the wall paintings of Ther... more The birth of the earliest monumental painting of Europe in the Aegean: the wall paintings of Thera (in Italian)
2018
“ΧΡΩΣΤΗΡΕΣ / PAINTBRUSHES. Wall-painting and vase-painting of the second millennium BC in dialogu... more “ΧΡΩΣΤΗΡΕΣ / PAINTBRUSHES. Wall-painting and vase-painting of the second millennium BC in dialogue” was an interdisciplinary symposium addressed to archaeologists, conservators of antiquities and artists specialized in the study of Aegean iconography. All were invited to Akrotiri, Thera, from 24 to 26 May 2013, to participate in open discussions on the dialectical relationship that developed between the arts of vase-painting and wall-painting in the Aegean during the second millennium BC.
Σ τον δεύτερο τόμο της μονογραφίας για την Υστεροελλαδική ΙΙΙΓ περίοδο στη Νάξο, τα συμπεράσματα ... more Σ τον δεύτερο τόμο της μονογραφίας για την Υστεροελλαδική ΙΙΙΓ περίοδο στη Νάξο, τα συμπεράσματα που προέκυψαν από τη μελέτη των ταφικών συνόλων της Νάξου συγκρίνονται με τα δεδομένα του 12ου στο Αιγαίο, και επιχειρείται μία ιστορική ανάγνωση της αρχαιολογικής μαρτυρίας του μετανακτορικού μυκηναϊκού κόσμου. Με τη συγκέντρωση των πορισμάτων της έρευνας για την περίοδο αυτή γίνεται απόπειρα να φωτιστεί καλύτερα η φυσιογνωμία της Νάξου και να αναδειχθεί η συμβολή του νέου ιστορικού χάρτη του Αιγαίου στη διαμόρφωση του μετασχηματιζόμενου ελληνικού πολιτισμού.
A.°.B. 2002 √™Δ∂´¡∞ 327 √™Δƒ∂∞ 330 ∫∂º∞ §∞π√ 6: ∂π¢ø §√ ¶ §∞™Δπ∫∏ ∫∂º∞ §∞π√ 7: ∂π™∏°ª∂¡∞ ∞¡Δπ∫∂πª... more A.°.B. 2002 √™Δ∂´¡∞ 327 √™Δƒ∂∞ 330 ∫∂º∞ §∞π√ 6: ∂π¢ø §√ ¶ §∞™Δπ∫∏ ∫∂º∞ §∞π√ 7: ∂π™∏°ª∂¡∞ ∞¡Δπ∫∂πª∂¡∞ ™Δ∞ À∂ πππ° ¡∂∫ƒ√Δ∞º∂π∞ Δ∏™ ¡∞•√À 337 ∫∂ƒ∞ªπ∫∏ 337 ∂ÈÛ·ÁˆÁ¤˜ "¢‰fiÛÙÔÌˆÓ ·ÌÊÔÚ¤ˆÓ ÔÏ˘Ô‰ÈÎÔ ‡ Ú˘ıÌÔ ‡ 337 ∂ÈÛ·ÁˆÁ¤˜ ÎÂÚ·ÌÈ΋˜ ˘ÎÓÔ ‡ Î·È ÁÚ·ÌÌÈÎÔ ‡ Ú˘ıÌÔ ‡ 343 ∞ § §∞ ∞¡Δπ∫∂πª∂¡∞ 348 ª∂ƒO™ μ ∞¡∞™∫∞ºπ∫∞ ¢∂¢Oª∂¡∞ -∫∞Δ∞ §O°O™ ∞. ¡∂∫ƒ√Δ∞º∂π∞ ∫∞ªπ¡π√À 351 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ∞ ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 351 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ μ ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 372 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ° ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 368 ∏ ˘Ú¿ 404 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ¢ ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 422 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ∂ ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 432 ∂˘Ú‹Ì·Ù· ÂÎÙfi˜ ÙˆÓ Ù¿ÊˆÓ ÙÔ˘ ∫·ÌÈÓÈÔ ‡ 437 ∂˘Ú‹Ì·Ù· ¿ÁÓˆÛÙ˘ ÚÔ¤Ï¢Û˘447 μ. ¡∂∫ƒ√Δ∞º∂π√ ∞ ¶ §øª∞Δø¡ 451 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ∞ ÙˆÓ ∞ÏˆÌ¿ÙˆÓ 451 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ μ ÙˆÓ ∞ÏˆÌ¿ÙˆÓ 451 ∞‰ËÌÔÛ›Â˘Ù· Â˘Ú‹Ì·Ù· Ù¿ÊˆÓ ∞ Î·È μ ÙˆÓ ∞ÏˆÌ¿ÙˆÓ 451 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ° ÙˆÓ ∞ÏˆÌ¿ÙˆÓ 454 √ Ù¿ÊÔ˜ ¢ ÙˆÓ ∞ÏˆÌ¿ÙˆÓ 456 ∂Àƒ∂Δ∏ƒπ√ 457 ™À°∫∂¡ΔƒøΔπ∫√™ ¶π¡∞∫∞™ ∂Àƒ∏ª∞Δø¡ 476 ™Ã∂¢π∞ 487 ¶π¡∞∫∂™ 531 μπμ §πO°ƒ∞ºπ∞ ΔOªø¡ ∞ ∫∞π μ ABERG 1933 N. ABERG, Bronzezeitliche und Früheisenzeitliche Chronologie IV, Stockholm. ∞°∞ § §O ¶OÀ §OÀ 1973 ¶. ∞°∞ § §O ¶OÀ §OÀ, ª˘ÎËÓ·˚ÎeÓ ÓÂÎÚÔÙ·ÊÂÖÔÓ ·Úa Ùe ∫·Ìd Ùɘ ∑·-Î ‡ÓıÔ˘, ∞¢ 28, ªÂϤٷÈ, 198-214.
«Ἐστένωται μὲν οὖν ἡ νῆσος περὶ τὸ μέσον, περὶ δὲ τὰ ἄκρα ἐξαπλοῦται· ἐν οἷς καὶ φρούρια πλεῖστα ... more «Ἐστένωται μὲν οὖν ἡ νῆσος περὶ τὸ μέσον, περὶ δὲ τὰ ἄκρα ἐξαπλοῦται· ἐν οἷς καὶ φρούρια πλεῖστα ἠρημωμένα ὁρῶνται. Πρὸς οὖν τὸ ἀρκτῶον μέρος φρούριόν ἐστι Βαθὺ καλούμενον, πρὸς μεσημβρίαν δὲ καὶ δύσιν ἡλίου ἡ Ἀστυπαλαία καλουμένη πόλις ὁρᾶται. Μένουσιν ἔτι μέχρι τῆς σήμερον ἐν τῇ νήσῳ ταύτῃ καὶ λείψανα φρουρίων τινά παλαιότατα καὶ λιμένες περὶ αὐτὴ ἄριστοι, πάλαι ὑπὸ πειρατῶν ἠρημωμένοι, οἱ καὶ μέχρι τοῦ νῦν ὁρῶ νται, παντὸς ἐστερημένοι κόσμου.» 'The island narrows at about the middle of its surface and widens at its extremities; there (at these extremities) one sees many ruined forts. In the north part there is a fort with the name Vathy, and to the west, there where the sun sets, the city named Astypalaia is visible. Preserved to this day on this island are some very old remains of forts and all round (on its coasts) are excellent harbours, which were once laid waste by pirates, and which are vis ible still today, but are totally uninhabited.'
The 16th International Aegean Conference/Rencontre égéenne internationale encompasses all the geo... more The 16th International Aegean Conference/Rencontre égéenne internationale encompasses all the geographical regions west of the Aegean (Western Mainland Greece, the Ionian islands and the Adriatic, Italy, Sicily, Malta, Sardinia, Corsica and the Balearic islands), giving prominence to those focal points and traits of the local civilizations which interact with their Aegean counterparts of the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, not excluding their Neolithic background.
Some of the issues for which HESPEROS opens the floor to discussion are the nature of Mycenaean presence in Iberia, the spread of the early technology of bronze across the Mediterranean, the expansion of phenomena connected with the Cetina “culture”, the local productions and the Mediterranean trade network of goods, such as the industry of amber, glass and murex, the distribution of tumuli and their social implications as monuments for the local elites, the lack of local manufacture of Italo-Mycenaean pottery in Sicily, the nodal role of the Balkans in a “connecting cultures” process, the documentation of Cycladic elements as far away as the Ionian islands, and the aspects of the metallurgical koine across the LBA Adriatic and the Aegean, not neglecting the examination of “traditional” questions, such as the nature of Mycenaean imports in Italy, the spread of matt-painted pottery in the SW Balkans and the degree of “Mycenaeanization” of Epirus.
Tον τέταρτο τόμο της σειράς «Αρχαιολογία» συγκροτούν oι ενότητες της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης, π... more Tον τέταρτο τόμο της σειράς «Αρχαιολογία» συγκροτούν oι ενότητες της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης, που αντιστοιχούν σε μεγαλύτερα ή μικρότερα τμήματα των αρχαίων ομώνυμων περιοχών. Ακολουθώντας τη μεθοδολογία που τηρείται στους τόμους της σειράς, το κυρίως έργο εξετάζει τη Μακεδονία και τη Θράκη κατά νομό, ξεκινώντας από την Πίνδο και τον Όλυμπο και καταλήγοντας στον Έβρο. Εισαγωγικά-συνθετικά κείμενα για τις δύο περιοχές, εποπτικοί χάρτες, πλούσια φωτογραφική τεκμηρίωση και επιλεγμένη βιβλιο-γραφία για κάθε εντότητα συμπληρώνουν το έργο. Μέσα από ένα γεωφυσικό περιβάλλον σπάνιας ποικιλότητας, ο τόμος ξεδιπλώνει το ταξίδι του ανθρώπου στον χώρο που γεφυρώνει την Ανατολή με τη Δύση και τα Βαλκάνια με το Αιγαίο. Προσφέρει, έτσι, στον αναγνώστη τη δυνατότητα να παρακολουθήσει την ιστορική και αρχαιολογική διαδρομή της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης από την απώτατη προϊστορία έως το τέλος της αρχαιότητας, το οποίο σηματοδοτεί η νέα θρησκεία. Oι 85 συγγραφείς του έργου, διευθυντές των ανασκαφών και έμπειροι ερευνητές του πεδίου και των αρχαίων πηγών, προβάλλουν τα σημαντικότερα αρχαιολογικά τεκμήρια κάθε περιοχής και αποτυπώνουν τα συμπεράσματα των πρό-σφατων ερευνών, εμπλουτισμένα με υψηλής ποιότητας εικονογράφηση. Το αποτέλεσμα συνιστά μία ενημερωμένη και πρωτότυπη συμβολή στην αρχαιολογική βιβλιογραφία της Μακεδονίας και της Θράκης.
The book presents the prehistory of Attica (Neolithic and Bronze Age) first and then focuses main... more The book presents the prehistory of Attica (Neolithic and Bronze Age) first and then focuses mainly on the topography of the city-state of Athens over the centuries from 1050 BC, the beginning of historical times, to the 3rd/4th century AD, which is considered the end of Antiquity. The narration combines a discussion of the topographical, epigraphical and archaeological data, as well as of the great works of ancient Greek art created in Athens during this period.
O τρίτος τόμος της σειράς Aρχαιολογία εξετάζει την Πελοπόννησο, επικράτεια σημαντικών πολέων-κρατ... more O τρίτος τόμος της σειράς Aρχαιολογία εξετάζει την Πελοπόννησο, επικράτεια σημαντικών πολέων-κρατών, γενέθλια γη μυθικών ηρώων, έδρα σεπτών ιερών πανελλήνιας εμβέλειας, κοιτίδα αρχαίων λατρειών και των σημαντικότερων αθλητικών αγώνων του αρχαίου κόσμου.
Oι 65 συγγραφείς του τόμου, διευθυντές των ανασκαφών της Πελοποννήσου και έμπειροι ερευνητές του πεδίου και των αρχαίων πηγών, προβάλλουν τα σημαντικότερα αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα κάθε περιοχής και αποτυπώνουν τα συμπεράσματα των πρόσφατων ερευνών, καλύπτοντας τη διαδρομή από την εμφάνιση του ανθρώπου και την Eποχή του Λίθου έως το λυκόφως της Pωμαϊκής Αυτοκρατορίας.
Tο φυσικό τοπίο, η μυθολογία, η αρχαιολογική και η ιστορική τοπογραφία διαμορφώνουν έναν πρωτότυπο ιστό ανάγνωσης των νομών της Πελοποννήσου, με κείμενα, χάρτες και σπάνια εικονογράφηση.
Eισαγωγικά κεφάλαια για κάθε περίοδο της προϊστορικής και ιστορικής αρχαιότητας προσφέρουν στον αναγνώστη την πληρέστερη εικόνα της αρχαιολογικής έρευνας.
H Kορινθία, η Aργολίδα, η Aρκαδία, η Λακωνία, η Mεσσηνία, η Hλεία και η Aχαΐα παρουσιάζονται κατά τρόπο επιστημονικό, σύγχρονο και εποπτικό, σε ένα συλλογικό έργο που συμβάλλει ουσιαστικά στην αρχαιολογική βιβλιογραφία.
Στο βιβλίο παρατίθενται η ιστορία και η τοπογραφία της πόλεως-κράτους των Αθηνών από το 1050 π.Χ.... more Στο βιβλίο παρατίθενται η ιστορία και η τοπογραφία της πόλεως-κράτους των Αθηνών από το 1050 π.Χ. που θεωρείται η αρχή των ιστορικών χρόνων, μέχρι τον 3ο/4ο αι. μ.Χ. που θεωρείται το πέρας τους.
Στη συγγραφή της ιστορίας συνυπολογίζονται τα τοπογραφικά, τα επιγραφικά και τα αρχαιολογικά δεδομένα, καθώς και τα μεγάλα έργα της αρχαίας ελληνικής τέχνης, που δημιουργήθηκαν στην Αθήνα κατά την προαναφερθείσα περίοδο.
Πλην του άστεως, παρουσιάζονται και τα αρχαιολογικά δεδομένα των δήμων της Αττικής, οι οποίοι αποτελούσαν ζωτικό χώρο της πόλεως-κράτους αλλά και της λειτουργίας του πολιτικού συστήματος. Ιδιαίτερη έμφαση δίδεται στον μεγάλο δήμο του Πειραιώς, ο οποίος, ως ο κατεξοχήν λιμήν της πόλεως, διαδραμάτισε σημαντικό ρόλο στην οικονομία αλλά και στη γενικότερη ιστορία των Αθηνών. Επίμετρο με σχέδια, μακέτες και αποκαταστάσεις των μνημείων καθιστά διδακτικότερα τα κείμενα και εμπλουτίζει την εικονογράφηση.
Στον δεύτερο τόμο της σειράς Αρχαιολογία εξετάζεται η Εύβοια και η Στερεά Ελλάδα, η ευρεία γεωγρα... more Στον δεύτερο τόμο της σειράς Αρχαιολογία εξετάζεται η Εύβοια και η Στερεά Ελλάδα, η ευρεία γεωγραφική ζώνη που εκτείνεται από τις δυτικές ακτές του Αιγαίου έως τα παράλια του Ιονίου Πελάγους. Στην ιστορική και αρχαιολογική αυτή περιήγηση η Εύβοια και ο νότιος ελλαδικός κορμός –Αττική, Βοιωτία, Φθιώτιδα, Ευρυτανία, Φωκίδα, Αιτωλία και Ακαρνανία– παρουσιάζονται από την προϊστορική περίοδο έως το τέλος του αρχαίου κόσμου. Τριάντα πέντε έλληνες και ξένοι αρχαιολόγοι αναλαμβάνουν το ταξίδι του αναγνώστη στην ιστορία και τα μνημεία, δίνοντας επιστημονική πληροφορία για κάθε περιοχή. Στο βιβλίο συνυπάρχουν σημεία αναφοράς του αρχαίου κόσμου με περιοχές και μνημεία που μόλις πρόσφατα άρχισαν να συγκεντρώνουν το αρχαιολογικό ενδιαφέρον. Πλούσια εικονογράφηση χώρων και ευρημάτων και εύχρηστοι χάρτες συμπληρώνουν την έκδοση.
The second volume in the Archaeology series examines Euboea and Central Greece, the wide geographical region spreading from the western shores of the Aegean to the coasts of the Ionian Sea. In this historical and archaeological journey, Euboea and the southern part of mainland Greece—Attica, Boeotia, Phthiotis, Eurytania, Phokis, Aetolia and Akarnania—are presented from the prehistoric era to the end of the ancient world. Thirty-five Greek and foreign archaeologists introduce the reader to the history and the monuments, with concise authoritative texts for each area.
Ο πρώτος τόμος της σειράς «Αρχαιολογία» αποτελεί μια επισκόπηση της αρχαιολογικής δραστηριότητας ... more Ο πρώτος τόμος της σειράς «Αρχαιολογία» αποτελεί μια επισκόπηση της αρχαιολογικής δραστηριότητας στα νησιά του Αιγαίου από τον 19ο αιώνα έως σήμερα, με έμφαση στις σημαντικότερες έρευνες που έχουν γίνει τα τελευταία είκοσι χρόνια.
Τα νησιά, από τα μεγαλύτερα και γνωστότερα έως τις μικροσκοπικές ερημονησίδες, παρουσιάζονται με περιεκτικά κείμενα και πλούσια εικονογράφηση. Έτσι, αποδίδεται εποπτικά η φυσιογνωμία κάθε νησιού, όπως αυτή τεκμηριώνεται μέσα από τα αρχαιολογικά ευρήματα και την ερμηνεία τους.
Σε ξεχωριστή ενότητα του βιβλίου περιλαμβάνονται συνθετικά κείμενα μέσα από τα οποία φωτίζεται η πορεία του Aρχιπελάγους στην ιστορία, την κοινωνία και την τέχνη, από την προϊστορική περίοδο έως την ύστερη αρχαιότητα.
Συγγραφείς του τόμου είναι σαράντα έξι γνωστοί Έλληνες και ξένοι αρχαιολόγοι, οι οποίοι ειδικεύονται στην ανασκαφή και τη μελέτη των αρχαιοτήτων των νησιών και προσφέρουν τα πολύτιμα ευρήματά τους στο ευρύτερο κοινό.
The first volume in the Archaeology series is a survey of archaeological activity in the Aegean islands from the 19th century to the present day, with an emphasis on the most significant discoveries of the last twenty years. The islands, from the largest and best known to the tiniest and least explored, are presented in comprehensive texts accompanied by rich illustrations which shed light on their course from prehistoric times to Late Antiquity. The introductory section comprises essays reviewing the history, art and society of the Archipelago in ancient times. The contributing authors to this work are 46 prominent archaeologists devoted to uncovering the island antiquities and making them known to the public as testimonies of the unique Aegean civilization.
Θαλάσσια γεω-αρχαιολογικὴ ἔρευνα στὸν κόλπο Βαθὺ 1 Στόχος τῶν ἐργασιῶν ὑπαίθρου τοῦ Ἐργαστηρίου Θ... more Θαλάσσια γεω-αρχαιολογικὴ ἔρευνα στὸν κόλπο Βαθὺ 1 Στόχος τῶν ἐργασιῶν ὑπαίθρου τοῦ Ἐργαστηρίου Θαλάσσιας Γεωλογίας καὶ Φυσικῆς Ὠκεανογραφίας (Ε.ΘΑ.ΓΕ.Φ.Ω.) ἦταν ἡ συλλογὴ 1. Τὴν ἐρευνητικὴ ὁμάδα τοῦ Ἐργαστηρίου Θαλάσσιας Γεωλογίας καὶ Φυσικῆς Ὠκεανογραφίας (Τμῆμα Γεωλογίας, Πανεπιστήμιο Πατρῶν) ἀποτελοῦσαν οἱ καθηγητὲς Γ. Παπαθεοδώρου καὶ Μ. Γεραγᾶ, ὁ ἐρευνητὴς δρ Δ. Χριστοδούλου καὶ ἡ περιβαλλοντολόγος Μ. Παπακωνσταντίνου. Στὴν ἐπεξεργασία δεδομένων συμμετεῖχαν οἱ Ἀλ. Κοντὸς καὶ Στ. Μυλωνᾶ, ὑποψήφιοι MSc Ὠκεανογρα φίας. Τμῆμα τῶν ἀποτελεσμάτων δημοσιεύτηκε στὸ A.
Οἱ ἔρευνες στὸ Βαθὺ Ἀστυπάλαιας κατὰ τὸ 2018 συνεχίσθηκαν σὲ δύο περιόδους.
ΠΡΑΚΤΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΑΣΚΑΦΗ ΣΤΟ ΒΑΘΥ ΑΣΤΥΠΑΛΑΙΑΣ Οἱ ἔρευνες πεδίου τ... more ΠΡΑΚΤΙΚΑ ΤΗΣ ΕΝ ΑΘΗΝΑΙΣ ΑΡΧΑΙΟΛΟΓΙΚΗΣ ΕΤΑΙΡΕΙΑΣ ΑΝΑΣΚΑΦΗ ΣΤΟ ΒΑΘΥ ΑΣΤΥΠΑΛΑΙΑΣ Οἱ ἔρευνες πεδίου τῆς ἐν Ἀθήναις Ἀρχαιολογικῆς Ἑταιρείας στὸ Βαθὺ Ἀστυπάλαιας συνεχίστηκαν τὸ 2017 ὑπὸ τὴ διεύθυνση τοῦ γράφον τος, κατὰ τὸ διάστημα 115 Ἰουλίου καὶ 319 Σεπτεμβρίου 1 .
Οἱ ἔρευνες πεδίου τῆς ἐν Ἀθήναις Ἀρχαιολογικῆς Ἑταιρείας στὸ Βαθὺ Ἀστυπάλαιας (σχ. 1) συνεχίστηκα... more Οἱ ἔρευνες πεδίου τῆς ἐν Ἀθήναις Ἀρχαιολογικῆς Ἑταιρείας στὸ Βαθὺ Ἀστυπάλαιας (σχ. 1) συνεχίστηκαν τὸ 2015 ὑπὸ τὴ διεύθυνση τοῦ γράφοντος, γιὰ σύντομο διάστημα τοῦ Ἰουλίου καὶ γιὰ μικρότερα διαστήματα τῶν μηνῶν Αὐγούστου καὶ Σεπτεμβρίου, λόγῳ τῶν ἀπρόβλεπτων πολιτικῶν γεγονότων ποὺ ἐπηρέασαν ἄμεσα τὴν οἰκονομικὴ ρευστότητα, ἀλλὰ καὶ τὴν κινητικότητα τῶν συνεργατῶν 1 . Συνέπεια τῶν παραπάνω ἦταν νὰ μὴν πραγματοποιηθεῖ τὸ ἀνασκαφικὸ πρόγραμμα ποὺ εἶχε ἐγκριθεῖ γιὰ τὸ 2015 καὶ ἀντ' αὐτοῦ νὰ γίνουν μόνο περιορισμένοι καθαρισμοὶ καὶ νὰ συνεχισθεῖ ἱκανοποιητικὰ μόνο ἡ ἐντατικὴ ἐπιφανειακὴ ἔρευνα στὰ ψηλότερα σημεῖα τῆς χερσονήσου.
Στὸν ἀρχαιολογικὸ χῶρο Βαθέος Ἀστυπάλαιας (πίν. 73α-β) διακρίνονται λείψανα ἐγκατάστασης τῆς Πρώι... more Στὸν ἀρχαιολογικὸ χῶρο Βαθέος Ἀστυπάλαιας (πίν. 73α-β) διακρίνονται λείψανα ἐγκατάστασης τῆς Πρώιμης Ἐποχῆς τοῦ Χαλκοῦ, πιθανὸν ὀχυρωμένης ἀκρόπολης, πάνω στὰ ὁποῖα ἑδράστηκαν ἰσχυροὶ ἀναλημματικοὶ τοῖχοι, διαμορφώθηκε ἐπίπεδο πλάτωμα καὶ οἰκοδομήθηκε ὀρθογώνιος πύργος ἑλληνιστικῶν χρόνων, μὲ συγκρότημα βοηθητικῶν χώρων στὰ νότια. Ἀσβεστοκάμινο τῶν νεότερων χρόνων, σωζόμενο σὲ ἀρκετὸ ὕψος, καταλαμβάνει τὸ κεντρικὸ σημεῖο τοῦ πύργου. Τὴ θέση εἶχε ἐντοπίσει ἀπὸ τὴ δεκαετία τοῦ 1970 ὁ καθ. Χρ. Ντούμας, ὁ ὁποῖος τὸ 2008 διεξήγαγε ἐπιφανειακοὺς καθαρισμοὺς ἀπὸ τὴ βλάστηση στὰ μνημεῖα (βλ. Ἔργον 2008) καὶ περισυνέλεξε ἐνδεικτικὴ κεραμικὴ καὶ ἐργαλεῖα.
Υπό την αιγίδα της εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και με χρηματοδoτήσεις μέσω του Πανεπιστημί... more Υπό την αιγίδα της εν Αθήναις Αρχαιολογικής Εταιρείας και με χρηματοδoτήσεις μέσω του Πανεπιστημίου Ιωαννίνων από το 2011 διεξάγονται αρχαιολογικές έρευνες πεδίου στη θέση Βαθύ της Αστυπάλαιας.
Το Βαθύ είναι φυσικά προστατευμένη χερσόνησος, που ελέγχει την από θαλάσσης στενή πρόσβαση από το πέλαγος προς τον ομώνυμο κόλπο, εξασφαλίζοντας την πλήρη εποπτεία μιας ευρείας θαλάσσιας και χερσαίας περιοχής. Στην απόληξη της χερσονήσου, στο ακρωτήριο Ελληνικό ιδρύθηκε κατά τη μετάβαση από την 4η στην 3η χιλιετία π.Χ. ακρόπολη, της οποίας ογκολιθικοί περίβολοι, πύλες, αναλημματικοί τοίχοι και λιμενικά έργα έφεραν μονάδες και ομάδες επίκρουστων βραχογραφιών με παραστάσεις πολύκωπων πλοίων, εγχειριδίων, σπειρών και άλλων θεμάτων, τα οποία συγκροτούν έναν εικονογραφικό χάρτη επαναλαμβανόμενων και πολύσημων συμβόλων οπτικής, νοητικής και συμβολικής πρόσληψης της νησιωτικής κοινότητας. Με την εντυπωσιακή αυτή αρχιτεκτονική συνδέονται σύνολα άθικτων βρεφικών εγχυτρισμών, γύρω από τα οποία τεκμηριώνονται κτερισματικές και τελετουργικές δραστηριότητες που δεν βρίσκουν παράλληλα έως σήμερα στο προϊστορικό Αιγαίο. Κεραμική του 7ου και επιγραφές του 6ου και 5ου αι. π.Χ. τεκμηριώνουν συνεχή ανθρώπινη δραστηριότητα στην στρατηγικής σημασίας περιοχή, ενώ στην ανώτερη επιφάνεια του ακρωτηρίου τον 4ο αι. π.Χ. οικοδομείται πύργος με περιβάλλοντα βοηθητικά κτήρια, τα οποία μετατρέπονται σε τρίκλιτη παλαιοχριστιανική βασιλική.
Τα ευρήματα από το Βαθύ, οι συνάφειές τους και οι χρονολογικοί τους συσχετισμοί τεκμηριώνουν την καίρια γεωγραφική θέση της Αστυπάλαιας, ως σταθμού και περάσματος από τις Κυκλάδες στα Δωδεκάνησα και τη Μικρασιατική ακτή, και συνθέτουν ένα διαχρονικό παλίμψηστο της νησιωτικής αρχαιολογίας του Αιγαίου.
The Ring of Nestor and the quest for authenticity SUMMARY The many years of research that led t... more The Ring of Nestor and the quest for authenticity
SUMMARY
The many years of research that led to the republication of the so-called Ring of Nestor, with the documentation of its authenticity, have offered me the opportunity to discuss the cases of erroneous identifications of some Creto-Mycenaean gold rings as fakes. This tendency, underpinned by the obscure –even legendary– circumstances in which these rings were found, not only the Ring of Nestor, but also the “Ring of Minos”, has been reassessed completely in favour of their authenticity. This revision has been significantly reinforced by recent finds of iconographic subjects of comparable resonance (Theran wall-paintings, gold rings, ivories, and so on), as well as by more thorough study of the manufacturing techniques of these unique signet rings of the first centuries of the Late Bronze Age (16th-15th century BC).
The paper focuses on on historical issues of archaeological research, such as the expertise of those who deemed the rings to be fakes, as well as the difficulties of demonstrating the authenticity of these resoundingly unique artifacts in periods when museums and private collections were attracting even fake works, allegedly of the Creto-Mycenaean civilization.
Το Δακτυλίδι του Νέστορα και η αναζήτηση της αυθεντικότητας
ΠΕΡΙΛΗΨΗ
Η πολυετής έρευνα που οδήγησε στην επαναδημοσίευση του λεγόμενου "Δακτυλιδιού του Νέστορα", με την τεκμηρίωση της αυθεντικότητάς του, μου προσφέρει την αφορμή να συζητήσω τις περιπτώσεις λανθασμένων ταυτίσεων μερικών χρυσών κρητο-μυκηναϊκών δακτυλιδιών ως κίβδηλων. Η τάση αυτή, ερειζόμενη στις σκοτεινές -έως μυθιστορηματικές- συνθήκες ανεύρεσης δακτυλιδιών, όπως το εν λόγω δακτυλίδι, αλλά και το "Δακτυλίδι του Μίνωα", έχει πλήρως αναθεωρηθεί, υπέρ της αυθεντικότητάς τους, ενισχυόμενη σημαντικά από πρόσφατα ευρήματα ομόηχων εικονογραφικών θεμάτων (θηραϊκές τοιχογραφίες, χρυσά δακτυλίδια, τέχνεργα ελεφαντουργίας κλπ), αλλά και από την εμβριθέστερη μελέτη των τεχνικών με τις οποίες έγιναν τα μοναδικά αυτά σφραγιστικά δακτυλίδια των πρώτων αιώνων της Ύστερης Εποχής του Χαλκού (16ος-15ος αι. π.Χ.).
Η ανακοίνωση θα εστιασθεί σε ζητήματα ιστορικά της αρχαιολογικής έρευνας, όπως η αυθεντία εκείνων που αποφάνθηκαν για την πλαστότητα των δακτυλιδιών, αλλά και οι δυσκολίες που υπήρχαν για αυτά τα τέχνεργα εκκωφαντικής μοναδικότητας να καταδειχθούν ως αυθεντικά, σε εποχές που τα μουσεία και οι ιδιωτικές συλλογές προσείλκυαν ακόμα και κίβδηλα έργα του κρητο-μυκηναϊκού πολιτισμού.
Από την αυγή της Αιγαιακής εικονογραφίας (2η χιλιετία π.Χ.) ο κρόκος καταλαμβάνει κεντρική θέση σ... more Από την αυγή της Αιγαιακής εικονογραφίας (2η χιλιετία π.Χ.) ο κρόκος καταλαμβάνει κεντρική θέση στη διακόσμηση της κεραμικής, της μικροτεχνίας και των τοιχογραφιών. Οι κροκόφυτοι λειμώνες μέσα στους οποίους κινούνται ζώα, άνθρωποι και θεοί προσδιορίζουν τη σημασία του φυτού και προβάλλουν ή υπαινίσσονται τις ποικίλες ιδιότητές του, ιδίως στην Κρήτη και τα νησιά του Αιγαίου, όπου ο κρόκος ενδημεί ποσοτικά και ποιοτικά. Παράλληλα, τα υψηλής αξίας παράγωγα της κροκοσυλλογής αναφέρονται πυκνά στις πινακίδες των αιγαιακών γραφών, τεκμηριώνοντας της ευρεία παραγωγή και τη μαζική εξαγωγή του πολύτιμου φυτού. Οι ιατρικές, ιαματικές, χρωστικές, μυρεψικές, αρτυματικές και συμβολικές-μεταφυσικές ιδιότητες του κρόκου καταγράφονται επίσης από την αρχαία γραμματεία και μυθολογία, στοιχεία που διευκολύνουν την αναγνώριση της σημασίας του στα προϊστορικά χρόνια και ερμηνεύουν τη διαχρονική σπουδαιότητα του φυτού στον ελληνικό πολιτισμό.
The iconography of the crocus (the native purple flower that blooms after the first rainfalls of ... more The iconography of the crocus (the native purple flower that blooms after the first rainfalls of the Mediterranean autumn) appears in the 2nd millennium BC, at the time when the civilizations of Minoan Crete and the Cyclades shape the earliest "symbol-images" in their figural art. The motif of the crocus is then harmoniously incorporated in the fields of narrative vase painting, the miniature arts and mostly of the iconography of wall paintings, as a pictorial symbol closely related with the nature of females and their rituals. Concurrently, the Aegean scripts testify that this valuable and versatile flower constituted a major source of wealth for the island societies of the Bronze Age Aegean.
In the art of Thera, and especially in the iconography of the murals that embellished the buildings of Akrotiri (c. 1600 BC), the crocus serves as the pictorial nucleus of a multilayered representational art, which seems to derive its iconography from the rituals of females. These "crocus meadows" configure the natural habitat as an actual landscape, and yet as far as symbolism and religion are concerned these seem to also convey most of the cosmological, metaphysical and ritual beliefs of the Therans. Recent readings of scholarship tend to decode these beliefs on a basis of a holistic reconsideration of the Aegean Bronze Age iconography.
Warfare without wars: the case of the Cyclades in Mycenaean times The effect of the Mycenaean Ci... more Warfare without wars: the case of the Cyclades in Mycenaean times
The effect of the Mycenaean Civilization on Cycladic societies was gradual and diverse. Initially of limited scope, during the sixteenth and fifteenth centuries BC, Mycenaean influence in the Cyclades reached its peak in the fourteenth and the first half of the thirteenth century BC. The degree of influence is evidenced by the replacement of local traditions by the “Mycenaean” way of life, in almost all sectors (pottery, architecture, settlement organization, fortifications, sanctuaries, mortuary customs, and so on). The extent of “Mycenaeanization” was so catalytic for the physiognomy of the Cycladic islands that some researchers have considered that it had, ipso facto, military and/or political ramifications.
From the late thirteenth century BC onward, within the more general context of disasters in the Aegean region as a whole, the situation in the Cyclades was no exception. The turbulent wind blowing there at the transition from the Late Helladic ΙΙΙΒ2 to the Late Helladic ΙΙΙC period (c. 1200 BC) is reflected in the expansion of fortifications at established settlements (Phylakopi on Melos) and the founding of new fortified settlements at naturally-fortified sites (Agios Andreas on Siphnos, Koukounaries on Paros).
During the twelfth century BC, following the destruction of the Mycenaean palaces on the Greek Mainland, new fortification walls were erected around old urban centres (Grotta on Naxos), while new sites were inhabited on steep crags difficult of access (Τis Baronas to Froudi on Siphnos), critical considerations being the monitoring and physical defence of the area.
It is clear that the need to fortify the settlements in the Cyclades was manifest and probably continuous throughout the Late Bronze Age, until the end of the period, when it became more acute. Nevertheless, nowhere is there evidence of any destruction that was definitely caused by martial action, with the possible exception of Koukounaries. In the Cyclades of Mycenaean times, field of cultural variances and pole of attraction for goods and vested interests, the climate of insecurity and military campaigns are hinted at but not documented, making the islands, as it were, a case of an arena of warfare without wars.
Le conflit sans la guerre : le cas des Cyclades à l’époque mycénienne
L’influence de la culture mycénienne dans les sociétés cycladiques a eu des effets graduels et variés. Au départ limitée, durant le XVIe et le XVe siècle, elle devient forte au XIVe et durant la première moitié du XIIIe siècle av. J.-C. Son importance se mesure dans le degré de remplacement des traditions locales par les modes de vie «mycéniens» dans la plupart des secteurs (poterie, architecture, organisation de l’habitat, fortifications, sanctuaires, rites funéraires, etc.). Le développement de cette « mycénéisation » est donc un catalyseur évident dans la physionomie sociale des Cyclades et beaucoup de chercheurs en ont déduit que cette situation a conduit à l’essor de ramifications d’ordre militaire et/ou politique.
À partir du XIIIe siècle av. J.-C. et après, dans un contexte égéen qui est marqué dans son ensemble par un grand nombre de destructions, les Cyclades ne sont pas une exception. Le «vent de trouble» qui touche les îles à la transition entre le Helladic Récent IIIB2 et le Helladic Récent IIIC (c. 1200 av. J.-C.) est matérialisé ici par l’accroissement des fortifications sur des sites déjà occupés (Phylakopi à Melos) et la fondation de nouvelles
citadelles sur des sites naturellement défensifs (Agios Andreas à Siphnos, Koukounaries à Paros).
Au XIIe siècle, suivant la destruction des palais mycéniens du continent, de nouveaux remparts sont élevés autour des vieux centres urbains (Grotta à Naxos), alors que des habitats sont conçus en des zones très reculées et escarpées, difficiles d’accès (Tis Baronas to Froudi à Siphnos), dans une optique de défense et de surveillance. Il paraît évident que le besoin de fortifier l’habitat fut manifeste et probablement continu durant l’Age du Bronze Récent des Cyclades et ce, jusqu’à la fin de la période, moment lors duquel la tendance s’accroit.
Cependant, nul témoignage de destruction causée par une action martiale n’a été observé, sauf peut-être à Koukounaries. Dans les Cyclades mycéniennes, espace de transition culturelle et pôle d’attraction pour les industries et autres intérêts spécifiques, le climat d’insécurité et les campagnes militaires sont sous-entendues mais ne se matérialisent pas, faisant des îles un cas particulier d’arène de conflit mais non de guerre.
Το Ιόνιο εκτείνεται στον βορρά από τον πορθμό του Ότραντο, μεταξύ Τα Ιόνια νησιά, σε αντίθεση με ... more Το Ιόνιο εκτείνεται στον βορρά από τον πορθμό του Ότραντο, μεταξύ Τα Ιόνια νησιά, σε αντίθεση με εκείνα του Αιγαίου, δεν είναι σπαρμένα μεσοπέλαγα, και εκτείνονται σε μία λωρίδα που τρέχει παράλληλα προς τον ηπειρωτικό κορμό, και σε μικρή απόσταση από αυτόν. Όλα τα νησιά βρίσκονται σε οπτική επαφή με την περαία χώρα, ωστόσο, δεν έχουν πάντοτε το ίδιο γεωφυσικό ανάγλυφο με αυτήν. Η Κέρκυρα, απέναντι από την ορεινή Ήπειρο, είναι στο μεγαλύτερο μέρος της πεδινή, με κατάφυτους λόφους, φυσικά λιμάνια και μικρότερα ρεμέτζα (εικ. τοπίου). Η Κεφαλλονιά βρίσκεται απέναντι από τις πεδινές παραποτάμιες εκτάσεις της Ακαρνανίας, αλλά η ίδια είναι ορεινό νησί (εικ. τοπίου). Πεδινή στο δυτικό τμήμα είναι η Ζάκυνθος (εικ. τοπίου), ημιορεινή η Λευκάδα (εικ. τοπίου) και ορεινή κατά το πλείστον η Ιθάκη (εικ. τοπίου).
Τιμητική Εσπερίδα για τον Σπυρίδωνα Μαρινάτο, Σάββατο 7 Δεκεμβρίου 2024, 6.30 μ.μ. Κεντρική Αίθου... more Τιμητική Εσπερίδα για τον Σπυρίδωνα Μαρινάτο, Σάββατο 7 Δεκεμβρίου 2024, 6.30 μ.μ. Κεντρική Αίθουσα του Μουσείου Ληξουρίου