Unit:
Κατεύθυνση Προϊστορική ΑρχαιολογίαLibrary of the School of Philosophy
Author:
Giagkoudaki Konstantina-Pagona
Supervisors info:
Γιάννης Παπαδάτος, Αναπληρωτής Καθηγητής Προϊστορικής Αρχαιολογίας, Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Κωνσταντίνος Κοπανιάς, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής Αρχαιολογίας της Ανατολικής Μεσογείου, Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Αφροδίτη Χασιακού, Λέκτορας Προϊστορικής Αρχαιολογίας, Τμήμα Ιστορίας και Αρχαιολογίας, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Εθνοτική ταυτότητα και κοινωνική οργάνωση στα κυκλαδικού τύπου νεκροταφεία της Αττικής και της Εύβοιας: αρχαιολογικά και οστεοαρχαιολογικά δεδομένα
Translated title:
The Cycladic-type cemeteries of Attica and Euboea: issues of ethnic identity and social organization on the basis of archaeological and osteoarchaeological data
Summary:
In the middle of 3rd millennium the long-distance trade is established in the Aegean. This period is marked by widespread changes in economy, society and material culture technology. Moreover, there is evidence which supports the intensification of inter-regional exchange of ideas and material culture, which contributed to the existence of a “cultural koine”. According to many scholars, an effect of this phenomenon is the large distribution of Cycladic objects and raw material to adjacent areas, while the role of islanders is considered as vital in relation to the distribution of these artifacts.
In the case of Attica and Euboea, burial practices as well as several classes of artifacts are connected to the Cyclades. On the basis of these remarks, many researchers believe that these cemeteries are quite different from those of mainland and they display similarities with the Cycladic cemeteries of this period. According to them, these sites were characterized as “early Cycladic cemeteries”.
This characterization is a result of the belief that the artifacts which accompany the dead are indicative of his origin and social position. Therefore, the presence of certain material culture remains has been considered as evidence of the activities of people with specific identity, suggesting a strong relationship between material culture and ethnic identity and presenting the islanders as colonists to Attica and Euboea.
Τhe aim of this study firstly is the examination of the Cycladic-type cemeteries of Attica (Tsepi, Asteria, Aghios Kosmas) and Euboea (Manika, Gkisouri, Aghia Triada). Secondly, we draw conclusions about the presence of Cycladic people in these areas and the ethnic identity of the buried people at these cemeteries. For a better understanding of EBA community, the issues of “ethnic” identity and Cycladic colonies are thoroughly examined as a result of the interpretation of the archaeological data from the cemeteries. Then, the archaeological data from settlements is examined as well, since the personal items of community members are indentified in settlements, thus we can draw better conclusions about the social construction. Regarding the identification of the origin of the dead, the results of osteoarchaeological study (strodium and DNA analysis) are used, since only this kind of study can provide secure results. The final conclusions are drawn after a synthesis of data.
Main subject category:
Archaeology
Keywords:
Cyclades, Attica, Euboea, ethnic identity, colonies, cemeteries, Tsepi, Asteria, Aghios Kosmas, Manika, Gkisouri, Aghia Triada
