The Argolid 800-600 BC: An archaeological survey

Abstract

Ever since Schliemann's excavations in the Argolid, the area has been popular with archaeologists. One hundred years later the Geometric period is fairly well known in certain aspects but in other ways it is still unclear and even less is known about the immediately succeeding period, the early Archaic.

The aim of this thesis, therefore, is to present the archaeological evidence for both the later part of the Geometric and early Archaic periods, the eighth and seventh centuries, and to examine the differences and the changes that occur within that time at the various sites, noting in particular the contrasts between the eighth and seventh century. This is a purely archaeological survey; historical accounts are not considered except in passing. The thesis attempts to put into proper perspective the position of Argos in relation to her neighbours in the Argolid, and the position of the eastern peninsula in relation to the central plain. Reasons are also suggested for the sudden and important changes noticeable in the seventh century.

All the major facets of the archaeological evidence are presented, each in its own chapter beginning with the sites themselves, including distribution maps and a site index. Trends in settlement patterns from the LHIIIB to the Archaic period are noted, with particular attention to the Geometric and Archaic. The graves are then considered with an index of all graves of the eighth and seventh centuries. Contrasts and comparisons are made between the periods at each site. Pottery is examined by period and site, then metalwork in terms of the different types of artifacts found in the eighth and seventh centuries. The evidence of terracottas is treated in the same way and inscriptions and script are studied; finally the evidence for sanctuaries and cults brings together much of the previous material.