Final revival of the Aegean Bronze Age: a case study of the Argolid, Corinthia, Attica, Euboea, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese during LH IIIC Middle

Abstract

My thesis examines the post palatial phase of Late Helladic IIIC Middle. The beginning of this period is marked with the collapse of the Mycenaean system dating roughly to 1200 B.C., while after its final phase the Early Iron Age communities of the Aegean begin to emerge.

The importance of this period has come to light in the past few decades with discoveries of new cemeteries and settlements as well as continuity of occupation at many Mycenaean sites such as Mycenae and Tiryns. Although current research examines various aspects of LH IIIC, there is a need of a more synthetic study of the whole period. My thesis examines the archaeological material from settlements and burials together with their associated finds of pottery, weapons, jewellery, and terracotta figurines. The areas which will be examined are the Argolid, Corinthia, Attica, Euboea, the Cyclades and the Dodecanese.

LH Hie middle is characterised both as a period of continuity and change. In general, pottery production, burial customs and architectural traditions continue from LH IIIB, the Mycenaean palatial period. There are however new features introduced in this period such as new types of burial rites (introduction of cremation) and new patterns of exchange within and outside the Aegean. The most important phase of this period appears to be the middle phase. The evidence for this phase indicates a plethora of decorative pottery, richness in finds and what appears to be a complex social system

My aim is to demonstrate that LH IIIC was a period of contact and cross-influence, both within and outside the Aegean and marks the transition from the palace administrative system of the Mycenaean era to that of the city-states of the Early Greek period.