Supervisors info:
Κατάκης Στυλιανός, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Ιστορίας- Αρχαιολογίας, Ε.Κ.Π Α
Κανελλόπουλος Χρύσανθος, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Τμήμα Ιστορίας- Αρχαιολογίας, Ε.Κ.Π Α
Ανεζίρη Σοφία, Επίκουρη Καθηγήτρια, Τμήμα Ιστορίας- Αρχαιολογίας, Ε.Κ.Π Α
Summary:
This Master thesis investigates the evolution of human settlement of the area of the ‘poleis’ which constituted the ‘Koinon of the Oreioi’ during the hellenistic period, the first confederacy among cities which took place in Crete in antiquity. Given the innovative and solid nature of the political structure of Oreioi and the common identity which seems that was shaped over time, the six cities (Hyrtakina, Elyros, Lisos, Syia, Poikilasion and Tarrha) are examined as a whole.
The aim of this thesis, at first, is the as complete as possible compilation and exposition of the archaeological data, in an overall way, as it has never been attempted till today by the research, whereas emphasis is given to the personal recording, as a result of the autopsies of the sites. Secondly, the attempt to study them synthetically, in order to draw any possible conclusions regarding the factors that created the common character of Oreia and Oreioi as well; i.e. the identification of the common elements and the common background of the cities, which not only led to the foundation of their federal state, but also continued to unite them after its dissolution.
On the first chapter, the research history is exhibited, whereas the second chapter focuses on the confederacy from a historical perspective, as the period during which it exists is crucial for the understanding of the development before and after this milestone: firstly a clarification is attempted between the terms concerning the federal state (‘Oreioi’) and its territory (‘Oreia’). Accordingly, the participants, the geographical scope of that territory and the chronological framework of the federation’s existence are traced and the features and its character are defined through the literary sources, the inscriptions and the coinage.
After these introductory parts, historical evidence is cited for each city separately, on the next, individual chapters, alongside the data referring to the geographical location, geomorphology and environment, contacts and economy, as they appear through the material and non-material evidence, followed by a description of the topography of the monuments which are today visible at the sites.
Finally, a comprehensive overview of the various parameters is attempted within this specific, common, distinct geographical context and it is demonstrated that the area of the Oreioi constituted a separate micro-geography that linked the environment with its inhabitants over time and at the same time, it defined their material culture, the character and the economy of their cities and their historical fate.
Keywords:
Classical Archaeology, ancient Crete, Topography, ancient urbanism, greek federal states
