Geoarchaeology and Soil Micromorphology Insights into Late Bronze Age Constructions at Eleon, Greece (20 min)

Presenters

Amanda M. Gaggioli, University of Memphis

Abstract

In recent years, geoarchaeological and soil micromorphological analyses have aided in the identification of construction materials and social uses and structuring of space in a variety of spatial and temporal settings. Ancient Eleon, the current focus of the Eastern Boeotia Archaeological Project (EBAP), preserves a variety of contexts enabling the geoarchaeology and soil micromorphology program to include areas of monumental constructions and also private households. Previous work investigated a burial complex and associated tumulus of a massive earthen construction at the site of Eleon dating to the late MH to LH I period—contemporary with other cemeteries of the Shaft Grave period (ca. 1600–1450 B.C.E.). The most recent investigations extended the study to include additional construction phases of the tumulus as well as a series of internal and external constructed surfaces (e.g., plastered floors and paved roads) within the surrounding LH IIIC (ca. 1200–1050 B.C.E.) settlement. Analysis of these previously unexplored areas reveals evidence on the timing and phasing in construction materials and engineering techniques of the final accomplished tumulus and insight into associated ritual activities of the generations of people who visited and interacted with the monument. The analysis also reveals taphonomic and pedogenic processes that altered the preservation of the human-built constructions and associated remains. Comparisons of construction materials and techniques of the monument with areas of the surrounding settlement demonstrate a sophisticated understanding of local geological properties of construction materials. Furthermore, these comparisons reveal a long tradition of building skills and empirical knowledge on material properties and their variable applications to create new types of monuments. Overall, this work not only adds to our understanding of developments at Eleon but also provides methodological advancements in applications of geoarchaeology and soil micromorphology for understanding human-built constructions between monuments and private and public spaces and associated activities.