Archaeology of the Ionian Sea: Landscapes, seascapes and the circulation of people, goods and ideas from the Palaeolithic to the end of the Bronze Age

This book explores the Stone Age and Bronze Age archaeology of the Ionian Sea, based on an international conference in Athens in 2020. It examines the processes of circulation of people, materials, artifacts, and ideas, focusing on the islands of the Central Ionian Sea and contemporary sites in west Greece and southeast Italy. The Ionian Sea offers new and exciting data that alters our perceptions of mobility, settlement, and interaction.

Format: Hardback
Length: 232 pages
Publication date: 10 December 2021
Publisher: Oxbow Books

The Ionian Sea, situated off the south-western Balkan peninsula, is home to a rich archaeological heritage spanning the Stone Age and Bronze Age. This captivating collection of papers, compiled from an international conference held in Athens, Greece, in January 2020, delves into the intricate tapestry of these ancient civilizations.

The eastern Ionian region, characterized by its geographically complex terrain, has undergone significant transformations throughout the Pleistocene due to tectonic activity and sea-level fluctuations. This dynamic environment, where islands, mainland, and sea intertwine to present diverse landscapes and seascapes to human communities throughout history, provides a unique setting for the study of these societies from a diachronic perspective.

This book explores the intricate processes of human circulation, material exchange, artifact creation, and cultural interaction by examining patterns of settlement, burial practices, and multi-layered interconnections between different communities. It investigates aspects of regional and interregional communication, isolation, collective memory, and the formation of distinct identities within and between various cultural and social groups.

The focus of this volume is on the islands of the Central Ionian Sea, including Zakynthos, Kefalonia, Ithaki, and the smaller islands of the Inner Ionian Archipelago between Lefkada and Akarnania. Through extensive excavations and surveys, new data has been unearthed, shedding light on the rich cultural heritage of these regions. The cultural interchange between the islands and the continental coasts is also explored, with chapters dedicated to contemporary sites in west Greece and southeast Italy.

The Ionian Sea, often considered a periphery within the broader Aegean, Balkan, and central Mediterranean archaeological discourse, has recently yielded exciting new data that not only expands our knowledge but also challenges our existing perceptions of mobility, settlement, and interaction. This volume contributes to the ongoing dialogue by presenting a comprehensive and interdisciplinary examination of the Stone Age and Bronze Age archaeology of the Ionian Sea.

Weight: 1112g
Dimension: 222 x 287 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789256734