This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).
This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).
Based on the author's dissertation, this study discusses the evidence for the reconstruction ... more Based on the author's dissertation, this study discusses the evidence for the reconstruction of the palaeovegetation of northern Greece in the Late Glacial and Holocene periods. The three case studies discussed are the rockshelter site of Boila and the Late Neolithic sites of Dispilio and Makri, and an analysis of charcoal and palaeobotanical samples from the sites is presented. Spanish text, short English summary.
Y. Facorellis, B. Damiata, E. Vardala-Theodorou, M. Ntinou and J. Southon, 2010, “AMS Radiocarbon... more Y. Facorellis, B. Damiata, E. Vardala-Theodorou, M. Ntinou and J. Southon, 2010, “AMS Radiocarbon Dating of the Mesolithic site Maroulas on Kythnos and Calculation of the Regional Marine Reservoir Effect” in “The Prehistory of the Island of Kythnos (Cyclades, Greece) and the Mesolithic settlement at Maroulas”, A. Sampson, M. Kaczanowska and J.K. Kozlowski (eds), Krakow 2011, The Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences and The Aegaen University - Rhodes, 127-135.
STAR:Science & Technology of Archaeological Research, 2020
The paper discusses aspects of cooking pottery technology and operation through observations made... more The paper discusses aspects of cooking pottery technology and operation through observations made in a series of experiments, utilizing the results of archaeological ceramic analysis in Neolithic northern Greece. The first stage of experiments focused on the experimental manufacture of three types of cooking pots, following the Neolithic techniques, from raw material processing to firing. In the second stage the pots were used in cooking performances, using structures, fuel and contents identified in the archaeological record. The qualitative data generated allow for testing a series of archaeological assumptions on ceramic technology, particularly vessel building and firing, along with the effects of cooking on pots. Moreover, experimental cooking provided insight to the relations between the different participant parts, highlighting the pivotal relation of cooking pots to fuel and different cooking modes. This pilot study aspires to endorse ceramicists to refine protocols for future experiments and analyses on cooking technologies.
The archaeological research carried out in the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalaureia is one of the f... more The archaeological research carried out in the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalaureia is one of the few cases of a Classical excavation, where a broad and multifaceted program for the retrieval and analysis of bioarchaeological remains has been adopted. The nature and dating of the site presents us with the particular challenge of how to integrate the analysis of the bio-archaeological remains with other aspects of research such as architecture, stratigraphy, pottery, small finds etc. Can the different approaches to the material culture which are most often exercised by the practitioners of Classical archaeology and those of ‘science based’ archaeology produce compatible results? This paper describes certain modes of integration as they have been applied in the Kalaureia Research Program. Emphasis on contextuality, research around certain key themes which are considered relevant to the life in a Greek sanctuary, and the comprehensive use of the ancient written record are some of these m...
Abstract Resinous and tarry materials have been valuable commodities since prehistory as their wi... more Abstract Resinous and tarry materials have been valuable commodities since prehistory as their widespread use for numerous purposes indicates, but remain largely neglected by archaeological research, in part due to their poor preservation and the need for chemical analyses to identify them. This paper explores the use of these plant exudates in northern Greece and the Balkans during the Early and Middle Holocene with the aim of documenting the production and use of tarry materials and the exploitation of woodland resources. To this end tarry material found on pottery from 10 neolithic settlements located in North Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia, spanning the Early to Late Neolithic periods (7th to 5th millennia BC), were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified using the biomarker approach. Data from analysis of wood charcoal found at Neolithic sites together with the pollen record have also been considered in order to assess the availability of raw materials to local populations. The results of biomolecular analysis show that birch-bark tar was almost exclusively used by Neolithic communities located in the Balkan hinterland, while a more complex picture arises for the northern Aegean area. Here, in addition to the predominant birch-bark tar, pine resin and pitch have also been identified as well as beeswax. The pollen and anthracological record suggest that birch existed in northern Greece and the Balkans hinterland during the Early Holocene, but must have been restricted to the uplands. Procurement of raw material may have taken place, therefore, at some distances from the settlements, involving the movement of people and raw materials or final products within the wider region. Chemical analysis provides evidence for variability in the production of tarry materials between settlements in northern Greece, while in the Balkan interior tar-making appears to have followed a more standardised recipe.
This paper discusses the distribution of archaeobotanical remains of Olea europaea (olive) across... more This paper discusses the distribution of archaeobotanical remains of Olea europaea (olive) across space and through time in mainland Greece and the Aegean from Neolithic to Hellenistic times (7th millennium-1st century bc) in order to explore the history of olive use in the study area. Olive stones and olive charcoal retrieved from prehistoric and historic sites on mainland Greece and the islands offer the basis for a discussion of the context and processes involved in the introduction of olive cultivation to the study area. The olive was nearly absent for most of the Neolithic and only appears in the southern parts of mainland Greece and the islands towards the end of the period. From the Early Bronze Age onwards it becomes increasingly visible in the archaeobotanical record. A possible cause for the introduction and increased presence of the olive during the Bronze Age could have been for oil production for elite use and trade. From the Bronze Age palaces of the 2nd millennium bc to the Hellenistic kingdoms towards the end of the 1st millennium bc, the olive thrived and was introduced northwards to new terrain, more marginal for olive growing than the warm lands of southern Greece. This introduction of olives to the northern Aegean region could be attributed to Greek colonisation and the increase in later times to a gradually increasing need for olive oil, perhaps associated with the emergence of new lifestyles, such as training in gymnasia.
This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).
This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeom... more This paper presents the results of the chemical, microscopic and isotopic analysis of an archaeometallurgical assemblage consisting of slag and metal samples from two Cypro-Classical monuments recently located within the urban landscape of the polity of Paphos, and from two slag heaps in the metalliferous region of the Paphos hinterland. The project identified technological changes and innovations, such as the introduction of new types of fluxes and the optimization of the smelting technology. Furthermore, the analysis of slag samples from one of the two monuments, identified as workshop complex on the plateau of the Paphian citadel, revealed the presence of an iron smithy. This pioneering interdisciplinary study paves the way for the development of a comparative archaeo-metallurgical project that will define the fingerprint of the Paphos copper deposits. The study was carried out in the context of the University of Cyprus-Leventis Foundation Project, “From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of ancient Paphos: Archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment” (acronym MEANING 2017-2019).
Based on the author's dissertation, this study discusses the evidence for the reconstruction ... more Based on the author's dissertation, this study discusses the evidence for the reconstruction of the palaeovegetation of northern Greece in the Late Glacial and Holocene periods. The three case studies discussed are the rockshelter site of Boila and the Late Neolithic sites of Dispilio and Makri, and an analysis of charcoal and palaeobotanical samples from the sites is presented. Spanish text, short English summary.
Y. Facorellis, B. Damiata, E. Vardala-Theodorou, M. Ntinou and J. Southon, 2010, “AMS Radiocarbon... more Y. Facorellis, B. Damiata, E. Vardala-Theodorou, M. Ntinou and J. Southon, 2010, “AMS Radiocarbon Dating of the Mesolithic site Maroulas on Kythnos and Calculation of the Regional Marine Reservoir Effect” in “The Prehistory of the Island of Kythnos (Cyclades, Greece) and the Mesolithic settlement at Maroulas”, A. Sampson, M. Kaczanowska and J.K. Kozlowski (eds), Krakow 2011, The Polish Academy of Arts and Sciences and The Aegaen University - Rhodes, 127-135.
STAR:Science & Technology of Archaeological Research, 2020
The paper discusses aspects of cooking pottery technology and operation through observations made... more The paper discusses aspects of cooking pottery technology and operation through observations made in a series of experiments, utilizing the results of archaeological ceramic analysis in Neolithic northern Greece. The first stage of experiments focused on the experimental manufacture of three types of cooking pots, following the Neolithic techniques, from raw material processing to firing. In the second stage the pots were used in cooking performances, using structures, fuel and contents identified in the archaeological record. The qualitative data generated allow for testing a series of archaeological assumptions on ceramic technology, particularly vessel building and firing, along with the effects of cooking on pots. Moreover, experimental cooking provided insight to the relations between the different participant parts, highlighting the pivotal relation of cooking pots to fuel and different cooking modes. This pilot study aspires to endorse ceramicists to refine protocols for future experiments and analyses on cooking technologies.
The archaeological research carried out in the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalaureia is one of the f... more The archaeological research carried out in the sanctuary of Poseidon at Kalaureia is one of the few cases of a Classical excavation, where a broad and multifaceted program for the retrieval and analysis of bioarchaeological remains has been adopted. The nature and dating of the site presents us with the particular challenge of how to integrate the analysis of the bio-archaeological remains with other aspects of research such as architecture, stratigraphy, pottery, small finds etc. Can the different approaches to the material culture which are most often exercised by the practitioners of Classical archaeology and those of ‘science based’ archaeology produce compatible results? This paper describes certain modes of integration as they have been applied in the Kalaureia Research Program. Emphasis on contextuality, research around certain key themes which are considered relevant to the life in a Greek sanctuary, and the comprehensive use of the ancient written record are some of these m...
Abstract Resinous and tarry materials have been valuable commodities since prehistory as their wi... more Abstract Resinous and tarry materials have been valuable commodities since prehistory as their widespread use for numerous purposes indicates, but remain largely neglected by archaeological research, in part due to their poor preservation and the need for chemical analyses to identify them. This paper explores the use of these plant exudates in northern Greece and the Balkans during the Early and Middle Holocene with the aim of documenting the production and use of tarry materials and the exploitation of woodland resources. To this end tarry material found on pottery from 10 neolithic settlements located in North Greece, Bulgaria and Serbia, spanning the Early to Late Neolithic periods (7th to 5th millennia BC), were analysed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and identified using the biomarker approach. Data from analysis of wood charcoal found at Neolithic sites together with the pollen record have also been considered in order to assess the availability of raw materials to local populations. The results of biomolecular analysis show that birch-bark tar was almost exclusively used by Neolithic communities located in the Balkan hinterland, while a more complex picture arises for the northern Aegean area. Here, in addition to the predominant birch-bark tar, pine resin and pitch have also been identified as well as beeswax. The pollen and anthracological record suggest that birch existed in northern Greece and the Balkans hinterland during the Early Holocene, but must have been restricted to the uplands. Procurement of raw material may have taken place, therefore, at some distances from the settlements, involving the movement of people and raw materials or final products within the wider region. Chemical analysis provides evidence for variability in the production of tarry materials between settlements in northern Greece, while in the Balkan interior tar-making appears to have followed a more standardised recipe.
This paper discusses the distribution of archaeobotanical remains of Olea europaea (olive) across... more This paper discusses the distribution of archaeobotanical remains of Olea europaea (olive) across space and through time in mainland Greece and the Aegean from Neolithic to Hellenistic times (7th millennium-1st century bc) in order to explore the history of olive use in the study area. Olive stones and olive charcoal retrieved from prehistoric and historic sites on mainland Greece and the islands offer the basis for a discussion of the context and processes involved in the introduction of olive cultivation to the study area. The olive was nearly absent for most of the Neolithic and only appears in the southern parts of mainland Greece and the islands towards the end of the period. From the Early Bronze Age onwards it becomes increasingly visible in the archaeobotanical record. A possible cause for the introduction and increased presence of the olive during the Bronze Age could have been for oil production for elite use and trade. From the Bronze Age palaces of the 2nd millennium bc to the Hellenistic kingdoms towards the end of the 1st millennium bc, the olive thrived and was introduced northwards to new terrain, more marginal for olive growing than the warm lands of southern Greece. This introduction of olives to the northern Aegean region could be attributed to Greek colonisation and the increase in later times to a gradually increasing need for olive oil, perhaps associated with the emergence of new lifestyles, such as training in gymnasia.
“From the real to the imagery” is a research project developed between 2005 and 2007. The objecti... more “From the real to the imagery” is a research project developed between 2005 and 2007. The objective of this study is to examine Iberian Iron Age flora (VI-I centuries BC) from a number of perspectives in order to understand the use of plants and their symbolism in ancient societies and, more specifically, in ancient Iberia. The method comprises both a paleobotanical approach, based on palinology, anthracology and paleocarpology, and an iconographical approach. All the published images of plants that were reproduced on objects from the era (including pottery, architecture, stone sculpture, metals and coins) have been collected and classified chronologically and contextually. The primary aim of this study is to develop a database of plants that were recognised and used by the Iberians and to highlight their uses (“the realness”) and their representation on artefacts (“the imagery”).
Research Project:
MEANING 2017-2019
An A.G. Leventis Funded University of Cyprus Research Project... more Research Project: MEANING 2017-2019 An A.G. Leventis Funded University of Cyprus Research Project
Prof. Maria Iacovou (Principal Investigator)
From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of Ancient Paphos: archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment
Del neolític a l’edat del bronze en el Mediterrani occidental. Estudis en homenatge a Bernat Martí Oliver., 2016
Este trabajo trata de la importancia de los recursos vegetales locales para las sociedades neolít... more Este trabajo trata de la importancia de los recursos vegetales locales para las sociedades neolíticas a partir de la identificación botánica del carbón. Se presentan los paisajes vegetales neolíticos y sus diferentes respuestas ante la gestión de los primeros grupos agropastorales. Seguiremos el camino de la neolitización, empezando por Grecia con los poblados de Knossos, Dispilio, Makri y las cuevas de Alepotrypa, Sarakenos, los Cíclopes. Seguiremos las dos direcciones clásicas: hacia el norte hasta la Gran Llanura Húngara con varios yacimientos del valle del Tisza y el poblado de Moravany (Eslovaquia). Hacia el oeste seguiremos a las cerámicas impresas y cardiales, en Piana di Curinga (Italia) y en la península Ibérica, donde nos centraremos en los sitios de Alicante (Cova de les Cendres, Cova de l’Or, La Falguera, etc.).
Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el yacimiento arqueol... more Se presentan los resultados de las excavaciones arqueológicas realizadas en el yacimiento arqueológico de época romana de Faldetes, ubicado junto a una calzada romana identificada como la vía Augusta y un camíno de época ibérica.
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Papers by maria ntinou
MEANING 2017-2019
An A.G. Leventis Funded University of Cyprus Research Project
Prof. Maria Iacovou (Principal Investigator)
From the metalliferous sources to the citadel complex of Ancient Paphos:
archaeo-environmental analysis of the mining and the built environment