Yannick Boswinkel studied archaeology at Leiden University, focusing on Near Eastern and Mediterranean archaeology and recently graduated cum laude. In both his BA and RMA he focused on Greek architecture, computer applications in archaeology and spatial analyses. While the BA thesis concentrated on a small selection of structures on the acropolis of Koroneia, a site in Boeotia, in his RMA thesis this was broadened to the entire site. The primary aim of the RMA thesis was to research all the architectural remains at the site, which comprised sections of walls, individual blocks as well as previously excavated structures, covering 2000 years of architecture. A consecutive study of the architecture of the nearby site of Hyettos is currently being finalized in association with Dr. Lorenzo Ogentili and Prof. Dr. John Bintliff. A different architectural study was done in collaboration with Dr. Joanita Vroom, which aimed at reconstructing the old excavation of Byzantine structures on the Athenian agora. Yannick has worked on archaeological projects in the Netherlands, Germany, Greece and Jordan.

In his current research he focuses on monumental Cyclopean architecture in Mycenaean Greece (c.1600-1100BC). The methodology of architectural energetics is being used to calculate the costs of monumental architecture in labour (man-hours). By breaking down the building process into various phases a proper cost estimate can be calculated. The calculated costs can then be used to investigate the impact of such structures on the community in which they were constructed. This will provide insight into the wealth and power of the ruling class and subsequently the distribution of wealth among the people. Therefore, this study will increase our understanding of the structuring of Mycenaean communities and may offer new information on Mycenaean society as a whole.

Publications