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The archaeobotany of Neolithic and Bronze Age Crete: synthesis and prospects

Livarda, Alexandra; Kotzamani, Georgia

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Authors

Alexandra Livarda

Georgia Kotzamani



Abstract

This paper explores the full potential of archaeobotanical research in the investigation of issues such as agricultural practices and resource management and mobilisation in shaping the social dynamics of Neolithic and Bronze Age Crete, through a synthesis for the first time of all available archaeobotanical information to date. To this body of data new information is added from six sites: Kephala Petras, Pryniatikos Pyrgos, Aghia Fotia, Knossos Little Palace North, Sissi and Zominthos. A comprehensive methodology is devised using three units of analysis to allow an in-depth study, firstly of the quality of the available dataset and secondly of its content. A total of 80 archaeobotanical records, compiled in one database, are examined in the light of the methods employed for their sampling, recovery and processing. The reliability of the current dataset is assessed, highlighting shortcomings; methodological issues are addressed to improve its quality. These records are then analysed according to their temporal, spatial and contextual distribution across the island. A synthesis of the full resource base, including cereals, legumes, fruits, nuts, condiments and wild species, is conducted, providing a contextualised picture of their availability and use, and identifying lacunae and interpretational potential. On these bases a research agenda is set and future research priorities and new approaches are suggested that place archaeobotany in the core of current archaeological discourse on social models, practices and meanings for prehistoric Crete.

Citation

Livarda, A., & Kotzamani, G. (2014). The archaeobotany of Neolithic and Bronze Age Crete: synthesis and prospects. Annual of the British School at Athens, 108, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0068245413000063

Journal Article Type Article
Acceptance Date Jan 11, 2013
Publication Date Jan 9, 2014
Deposit Date Jul 28, 2016
Publicly Available Date Mar 28, 2024
Journal The Annual of the British School at Athens
Print ISSN 0068-2454
Electronic ISSN 2045-2403
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 108
DOI https://doi.org/10.1017/S0068245413000063
Keywords archaeobotany, archaeobotanical, neolithic, bronze age, Crete
Public URL https://nottingham-repository.worktribe.com/output/722017
Publisher URL http://journals.cambridge.org/action/displayAbstract?fromPage=online&aid=9198633&fileId=S0068245413000063
Additional Information Copyright Cambridge University Press.

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