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Papers by Anthi Balitsari

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jan 2, 2020

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Nov 30, 2022

SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica Natural Sciences in Archaeology, 2021

The Middle Helladic Grey Minyan ware is usually assigned with archetypical features, including th... more The Middle Helladic Grey Minyan ware is usually assigned with archetypical features, including the systematic use of the potter’s wheel. However, because of the significant variation observed, terms such as “True Grey Minyan” and “Imitations of Grey Minyan” were commonly applied in order to emphasise the differences, which, nonetheless were never systematically analysed. The main subject of the present paper is to highlight the differences existing in the potting traditions of Grey Minyan in two nearby regions, namely the Argolid and Attica, which seem to belong to different cultural spheres, given the divergence observed especially in the shape repertoire. The identification of different production and consumption practices is obviously related to different cultural phenomena, as evidenced through (a) the production of similar wheel-fashioned and hand-built Grey Minyan shapes in Attica, and (b) the introduction of foreign potting traditions, namely wheel-fashioned Grey Minyan pots,...

Introduction: Marathon in prehistory The strategic location of Marathon on the east coast of Atti... more Introduction: Marathon in prehistory The strategic location of Marathon on the east coast of Attica, which enables control of a large part of the Euboean gulf and the opposite coastline, favored intensive human occupation throughout prehistory (Fig. 19.1). The earliest evidence, dated to the Early and Middle Neolithic, has been discovered at Nea Makri, immediately south of the Marathon plain and the marshes of Brexiza (Pantelidou Gofa 1991: 182; Banou 2010: 36-37). Late Neolithic habitation i..

Bulletin de Correspondance Hellénique, Dec 1, 2019

This paper presents the final results from the systematic re-examination of a household assemblag... more This paper presents the final results from the systematic re-examination of a household assemblage, known as the “House of Pithoi” in the South Quarter of Argos, excavated by the late Prof. Francis Croissant in 1966, and dated to the Middle Helladic (MH) period. The purpose of the study is to (a) present the four distinct architectural phases, which cover the entire span from MH I to MH II early, (b) highlight the burials made, both during its period of occupation and shortly after its abandonment, (c) describe the early MH pottery in detail, and (d) discuss and contextualize the storage facilities of the House of Pithoi – dating from the beginning of the MH period. These, taken with other pieces of evidence including the wider socio-economic circumstances in the Argive plain, reveal a more dynamic situation than traditionally thought.Cet article présente les résultats du réexamen systématique d’un assemblage domestique mésohelladique du Quartier Sud d’Argos fouillé par Francis Croissant en 1966 et baptisé « Maison aux pithoi ». L’étude a pour but : a) d’établir la séquence architecturale du bâtiment, qui présente quatre états couvrant les phases de l’HM I et de l’HM II initial ; b) de mettre en lumière l’usage funéraire occasionnel de l’espace, aussi bien pendant son occupation que peu après son abandon ; c) de présenter en détail la céramique des premières phases de l’HM ; d) de s’interroger sur les pratiques de stockage dont témoigne la Maison aux pithoi, en les comparant avec les données d’autres sites et en les replaçant plus largement dans le contexte socio-économique de l’Argolide mésohelladique, qui s’avère être plus dynamique qu’on ne le pensait habituellement, et cela dès le début de la période.Στο άρθρο αυτό παρουσιάζονται τα αποτελέσµατα της συστηµατικής επανεξέτασης ενός οικιακού συνόλου στη Νότια Συνοικία του Άργους, γνωστού ως «η Οικία των Πίθων», η οποία ανασκάφθηκε το 1966 από το καθηγητή Francis Croissant και χρονολογείται στην Μεσοελλαδική (ME) εποχή. Στους στόχους της µελέτης εντάσσεται: (α) η διάκριση των επιµέρους αρχιτεκτονικών φάσεων, οι οποίες ανέρχονται σε τέσσερεις και καλύπτουν τη ME I και πρώιµη ME II φάση, (β) η ανάδειξη της ταφικής χρήσης του χώρου σε διάφορες φάσεις, τόσο σε σχέση µε την χρήση όσο και µε το άµεσο διάστηµα που ακολούθησε την εγκατάλειψή του, (γ) η λεπτοµερής συζήτηση της κεραµεικής των πρώιµων ΜΕ φάσεων, και (δ) η διαπραγµάτευση των αποθηκευτικών δυνατοτήτων της Οικίας των Πίθων σε συνάρτηση µε άλλα δεδοµένα και η ένταξη στο ευρύτερο οικονοµικο-κοινωνικό πλαίσιο στην Αργολική πεδιάδα, το οποίο εντέλει αποδεικνύεται περισσότερο δυναµικό από ό, τι παραδοσιακά πιστευόταν, ήδη από τις απαρχές της Μέσης Εποχής του Χαλκού

Bulletin De Correspondance Hellenique, 2014

The Mycenaean culture of Greece (ca. 1700–mid-11th century BC) has left an outstanding material l... more The Mycenaean culture of Greece (ca. 1700–mid-11th century BC) has left an outstanding material legacy in terms of buildings and artefacts. For a long time, its exploration has focused on palaces and funerary monuments. However, in recent years the state of research has changed significantly, opening up new perspectives for a broader understanding of the emergence of Mycenaean culture in the 17th to 15th centuries B.C. The contributions in this volume provide new information, either insights from recent fieldwork, the fresh analysis of key assemblages, or more comprehensive comparative studies that, by examining settlements and tombs alike, open up new perspectives on the emergence of a new social order.

Athens and Attica in Prehistory: Proceedings of the International Conference, Athens, 27–31 May 2015, 2020

Bulletin archéologique des Écoles françaises à l’étranger, 2020

This paper investigates the prehistoric tumulus discovered in 2001 at Klopas, Marathon, by the la... more This paper investigates the prehistoric tumulus discovered in 2001 at Klopas, Marathon, by the late Maria Oikonomakou. Despite the difficulties caused by the prior discovery and then exploration of the monument, part of which was destroyed by modern seekers after treasure, the available evidence yet allows us to reconstruct something of its history of development, demonstrating its use from the end of Early to the beginning of Middle Helladic. A brief overview of the contemporaneous tumuli in northeastern Attica, namely at the nearby sites of Aphidna and Vranas (Tumulus I), reveals interesting affinities with mounds in other areas of mainland Greece and further away. This kinship is a result of the strategic location of the region in question, which enabled the local communities to participate in a wider exchange network that was maintained even after the abrupt end of the Early Helladic II culture. The mound is additionally examined within its regional context, especially in conjunction with the nearby settlement of Plasi. It is proposed that the close spatial relationship observed between an Early Helladic II large building and the later Middle Helladic megaron there might indicate strategies for the deliberate assimilation of the past, which can be also detected in the development of the tumulus.

Birgitta Eder – Michaela Zavadil (eds.), (Social) Place and Space in Early Mycenaean Greece.International Discussions in Mycenaean Archaeology October 5–8, 2016, Athens , 2021

The present paper focuses on the life cycle of Argos during the early Mycenaean period (MH III/LH... more The present paper focuses on the life cycle of Argos during the early Mycenaean period (MH III/LH I-LH II), also taking into consideration the back-history of the settlement from the beginning of the MH period. On the basis of new evidence from the Aspis MH settlement, and using the Adaptive Cycle model for Argos and for nearby settlements (Lerna, Mycenae), we propose the existence not only of varied life paths for the different sites, but also of important potentials in the MH period that led Argos to great prosperity during the MH II phase, completing a whole AC by the end of the MH period. During the transitional phase (MH III/LH I), and despite a rather illusory image of continuous growth, as reflected in new buildings in the fortified acropolis of the Aspis, Argos enters a critical phase that then becomes apparent through the abandonment of certain residential areas and the relocation of some population groups within and probably beyond its borders. According to one possible scenario, a group of people moved, at the very beginning of MH III, from the Aspis acropolis probably to Mycenae, thus participating in its spectacular rise from the late MH period and onwards. In LH I-ΙΙΑ Argos is still in a phase of reorganisation, marked by the definite abandonment of the acropolis and changes in the social and economic domains. Only in LH IIB does Argos enter a phase of substantial renewal, as reflected in both the burial/ideological and the residential spheres through the respective establishment of a new burial ground at the Deiras and the rapid expansion of the settlement in the Lower Town upon the vestiges of the old cemetery. However, the critical phase in the transition to the LH period and the restraint of Argos' dynamic course irreversibly transformed it from a leader and a prime agent of the plain (in MH) into a secondary political power throughout the Mycenaean period.

Bulletin de correspondance hellénique

The Annual of the British School at Athens

This paper focuses on a presentation and discussion of the solitary Middle Helladic tomb found in... more This paper focuses on a presentation and discussion of the solitary Middle Helladic tomb found in the Athenian Kerameikos. Our purpose is twofold: first of all, to present in detail the tomb offerings that we were able to relocate, and to suggest a MH I date for the burial. Secondly, given the significant presence of ceramic imports from various Aegean islands, we outline the connectedness that Attica enjoyed at the beginning of the Middle Bronze Age. This is a story that involves not just Athens, but Aigina, the Argolid, and Minoan Crete, as well as the much sought-after metal ores of Laurion.

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jan 2, 2020

SCOPUS: ar.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Nov 30, 2022

SCOPUS: re.jinfo:eu-repo/semantics/publishe

Interdisciplinaria Archaeologica Natural Sciences in Archaeology, 2021

Bulletin de Correspondance Hellénique, Dec 1, 2019

Bulletin De Correspondance Hellenique, 2014

Athens and Attica in Prehistory: Proceedings of the International Conference, Athens, 27–31 May 2015, 2020

Bulletin archéologique des Écoles françaises à l’étranger, 2020

Birgitta Eder – Michaela Zavadil (eds.), (Social) Place and Space in Early Mycenaean Greece.International Discussions in Mycenaean Archaeology October 5–8, 2016, Athens , 2021

Bulletin de correspondance hellénique

The Annual of the British School at Athens

Gray Minyan is considered an emblematic ceramic class of Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2100-1700 BCE) in... more Gray Minyan is considered an emblematic ceramic class of Middle Bronze Age (ca. 2100-1700 BCE) in mainland Greece. It is a ceramic tradition particularly related to central Greece, mainly Boeotia, where it was fi rst recognized by H. Schliemann, during the Orchomenos excavations back to 19th century. It is usually assigned with archetypical features such as, the gray colour throughout section, nicely burnished surfaces with soapy texture, and the systematic use of potter’s wheel. However, because of the signifi cant variation observed between regions, terms such as ‘True Gray Minyan’ and ‘Imitations of Gray Minyan’ were commonly applied in order to emphasize the differences, which, nonetheless were never systematically analyzed, so as to gain a better view of the distinction made between authentic and less authentic Gray Minyan pots. The main subject of the present paper is to highlight these differences, especially as far as the use of potter’s wheel is concerned, with special emphasis placed upon Argolid and Attica. The two regions were chosen, because they represent different cultural spheres, during the Middle Bronze Age, and the ultimate goals are to stress: a) the rather
limited present of potter’s wheel, which is almost exclusively used for Gray Minyan and non-existent for the rest of fi ne pottery classes (i.e. Mattpainted), even in core areas of central Greece, such as Attica, b) the coexistence of different manufacture techniques of Gray Minyan, namely wheelmade or wheel-fashioned and handmade technique. This observation is related to different cultural phenomena, associated either to local variants within a more-or-less common framework, as evidenced through the production of similar shapes (Attica), or the introduction of
foreign potting traditions, which are completely alien to local ceramics (Argolid).

The present thesis attempts a holistic approach of the Middle Helladic (MH) period in Argos, main... more The present thesis attempts a holistic approach of the Middle Helladic (MH) period in Argos, mainly of the MH I-II phase (ca. 2100-1800 BC), under the light of the new evidence deriving from the thorough examination of the unpublished material from Fr. Croissant's excavations (1966-1974) at the South Quarter of the modern town. The main aim is to highlight the importance of research of the early MH culture, which is traditionally described in terms of material poverty, and to discuss the significance of Argos in the wider region of Argolid. The combined examination of both pottery and stratigraphy enabled the identification of four distinct phases of habitation (South Quarter I-IV), dated from MH I to early MH III, and a fifth one (South Quarter V), dated to the MH III-LH I transition, when the area was used exclusively for burials. For each phase, the research focused on the particular characteristics of the settlement and the burial record, with special emphasis placed upon the comparison between different habitation areas of Argos, most importantly between the South Quarter and the Aspis, as well as between Argos and other Argive sites, mainly Lerna and Asine. The comparative analysis revealed important differences, related to the management of the production surplus, the participation in the external networks, mainly with Aigina and Crete, and the treatment of the dead, the latter in conjunction with the presence of formal burial grounds outside the settlements. The results of this analysis support the existence of social differentiation (horizontal and/or vertical) and put into question the traditional belief for social and economic stagnation of the early MH societies. Moreover, evidence for collective eating and drinking in Argos, during the early and late MH period, are taken into serious consideration since they represent important fields of action either for the strengthening of the existing social ties or the sharpening of the social competition. Finally, given the combined examination of MH I-II pottery of the South Quarter, both in stylistic and technological terms, some remarks are drawn for the organization of the pottery production in the Argolid plain that put into question even modern approaches, according to which the limited use of potter's wheel indicates the overall lack of technological specialization.

This presentation explores pottery production and consumption choices at Argos during the early p... more This presentation explores pottery production and consumption choices at Argos during the early phases of Middle Helladic period (MH I-II). The close examination of pottery is combined with petrographic analysis, the latter applied in order to shed light to local/regional potting traditions. Emphasis is placed upon the comparative study of pottery from separate habitation districts, so as to explore the degree of participation in networks of communication and exchange. The results from the macroscopic analysis, which was particularly focused on the classification of visually distinct wares and imports, such as Aeginetan and Minoan(izing), are integrated with the results from the petrographic examination. With the help of petrography we were able to establish the main fabric groups and clay recipes of local production and recognize a number of other imports that most probably come from Central Greece and other regions of the Peloponnese.

Thorikos: Reports and Studies XII, 2021