Dissertation
Plain of plenty
Farming practices, food production, and the agricultural potential of the Late Bronze Age (1600-1200 BCE) Argive Plain, Greece
- Author
- Timonen, R.E.
- Date
- 17 October 2024
- Links
- Scholarly Publications repository
The Argive Plain in the northeastern Peloponnese, Greece, was a key region of Mycenaean culture during the Late Bronze Age (1600–1200 BCE). While its central settlements are known for their architecture, burial treasures, and written records, less is known about its agricultural communities. This study examines Mycenaean farming strategies and their societal impacts, exploring potential resource depletion in the Argive Plain area. By using an agricultural potential model, which analyses food consumption, energy needs, and land usage, the research reconstructs Mycenaean farming practices and assesses their sustainability. The results suggest that Mycenaean farmers practiced sustainable agriculture, adapting to challenges such as drought and crop losses. Nevertheless, the Argive Plain rural communities may have struggled to meet the additional demands of ruling elites. The study also reviews earlier estimates of the land needed to sustain one person during the Bronze Age, highlighting the overlooked importance of livestock. The inclusion of dairy and meat production in future models could significantly affect our understanding of ancient food production and environmental sustainability. Ultimately, the research provides insights into the agricultural systems and societal structures of Mycenaean society prior to the Bronze Age collapse.