Lecture
Behind the Scenes: A New Perspective of the Neolithic Landscape of Thessaly, Central Greece
- Date
- Tuesday 11 December 2018
- Time
- Location
-
Van Steenis
Einsteinweg 2
2333 CC Leiden - Room
- E0.03b
Please note that this Digital Archaeology Group lecture takes place on Tuesday December 11, instead of the regular Thursday.
Abstract
Thessaly, Central Greece, is considered to be the “ground zero” for the spreading of the Neolithization of Europe. This is proven by the high density of the Neolithic mounds (so called “magoules”), the early date of occupation and the different trajectories that it followed.
This presentation focuses in the employment of different geospatial technologies (mainly geophysical prospection) to study the natural landscape and social dynamics of Neolithic settlements within the coastal hinterlands of E. Thessaly. The manifold research agenda which was developed specifically to approach the archaeological questions proved effective for the detailed mapping and analysis of the broader habitation configurations of the Neolithic agricultural villages.
The intra-site distribution and clustering of dwellings, the structural differences of them (daub or stone made structures of variable sizes), the existence of ditches and enclosures demarcating the limits of the sites and the differentiation between habitation quarters and open spaces within the settlements, the existence of corridors and entrances within the enclosures are included among the various finds of this research.