Πετρογραφική ανάλυση της ύστερης Πρωτοχαλκής ΙΙ-ΙΙΙ κεραμικής από το Ηραίον Σάμου: πρώτη προσπάθεια κατανόησης της σύστασης, της τεχνολογίας και της προέλευσης

Abstract

The present study is dealing with the preliminary analysis of a well-stratified ceramic assemblage from the site of the heraion on the island of Samos, which was unearthed back in the 1950s by Vl. Milojčić (1961) and dates to the early Bronze Age ii late- iii period (2500 - 2000 BC). Given the absence of analytical work on pottery from the heraion Prehistoric settlement and the eastern Aegean in general, this pilot study aims to elucidate for the first time the Samian ceramic technological tradition of the second half of the 3rd millennium BC (heraion i-V). This corresponds to a culturally significant chronological period which is characterised by intensified contacts and interactions throughout the Aegean area. The petrographic results revealed a great deal of information regarding issues of technology (choice and processing of raw materials, forming techniques and surface treatment of the vessels, firing characteristics), geological and/or geographical provenance, and have set the basis for the construction of an analytical background for the site under investigation. This study has produced useful insights, the real dimensions of which will be better realized by undertaking further analytical work in the future.