An Archaeometric Study of Early Bronze Age Pottery Production and Exchange in Argolis and Korinthia (Corinthia), Greece

Abstract

The manufacture- and movement of Early Helladic (EH) pottery within Argolis and Korinthia (Corinthia) have been investigated by archaeometric means. The objective was to determine the nature and extent of ceramic exchanges of various wares within this culturally homogeneous area. Neutron activation analysis was performed on samples from 417 objects of the EH II and III periods found at Keramidháki, Korakoú, Phlious, Zygouriés, Tiryns, Asine, Lerna, and Lake Vouliagméni. Multivariate statistical treatment of the concentration data for up to 19 chemical elements yielded 11 compositional reference groups. Many of these reference groups could be attributed to centers of production on distributional or other grounds, thereby allowing the sources of more than half the samples to be determined.The following conclusions were reached: 1) All eight sites, except possibly Phlious, were sources of common EH II tableware (slipped sauceboats and small bowls). 2) The distributions of these tablewares were limited almost exclusively to the assigned sources and neighboring sites. 3) Many unusual EH II fine wares had other sources and broader distributions. 4) The attribution of coarse wares was complicated by the presence of tempering materials. 5) Some changes in distribution patterns were noted at Zygouriés between early and late phases within EH II. 6) The changes in pottery acquisition patterns which accompanied the beginning of EH III appear to have been more extensive at Tiryns than at Lena or Korakoú.