New Findings Regarding the The Early Iron Age Carian Material Culture and the Emergence of Fibula Production in the Region

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In recent years, our knowledge of the Early Iron Age material culture in the Carian region has significantly increased through studies conducted on the Leleg Peninsula and the Keramos Chora. In 2019, one of the fibulae among the metal finds in a rectangular chamber tomb unearthed in Belentepe / Kavaklı in the Keramos Chora drew attention as a 'new' type of fibula not previously encountered in the region. The artifacts recovered from the burial chamber indicate that the tomb was used almost throughout the Early Iron Age. Fibulae consistently and regularly appear as characteristic finds in Carian burial contexts from the middle of 11th century BC to the first half of the seventh century BC. The fibula from Grave 78 should be considered as an example produced and used just before the standardization phase of Caner Type II d fibulae. The early series fibulae of Caner Type II d, produced in two different sizes, should be seen as indisputable evidence of the widespread use of fibulae in Caria and the production of local forms. Establishing a connection with the asymmetrical twisted bow fibulae known from Sub-Mycenaean burial contexts and exhibiting sufficient similarities that indicate it as a precursor to Caner Type II d fibulae, the fibula from Grave 78 in Belentepe/Kavaklı should be dated to the first half of the 11th century BC, likely its early years. Fibulae, along with Nau II type swords and other metal artifacts, indicate the inclusion of the Carian region in the commonality observed in metal objects across the Mediterranean world. The similarity of fibulae from the Lelegian Peninsula and the Keramos Chora to comparable examples in the early centuries of the Iron Age serves as evidence of shared production sites. The copper used in regional bronzes and the techniques employed in metal production are indicators of the proximity of relations with Cyprus. If we presume that this fibula is an imported find, then we should consider the possibility of it being of Cypriot origin.