Bramiana: Salvaging Information from a Destroyed Minoan Settlement in Southeast Crete

The Minoan site at Bramiana in southeastern Crete provides evidence for a Bronze Age economy based on trade, agriculture, and craftwork. This publication uses a new system of organizing the pottery by petrography-sorting it by materials and workshop practices-revealing a trade network of cooking pots and other clay vessels and their contents.

Format: Hardback
Length: 210 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
Publisher: Institute for Aegean Prehistory

The Minoan site at Bramiana in southeastern Crete offers compelling evidence of a thriving Bronze Age economy characterized by trade, agriculture, and craftwork. This groundbreaking publication employs a novel approach to organizing pottery by employing petrography, a technique that sorts pottery based on its materials and workshop practices. Through this systematic sorting, a remarkable trade network of cooking pots and other clay vessels emerges, along with the contents they held.

The Minoan civilization, which thrived on the island of Crete between 3000 and 1100 BCE, was a highly advanced society that left behind a rich cultural legacy. The site at Bramiana, located in the southeastern part of the island, is particularly significant as it provides a glimpse into the economic and social structures of the Minoan period.

The pottery found at Bramiana is a testament to the diverse range of goods and services exchanged within the Minoan trade network. The site has yielded a vast collection of pottery, including cooking pots, storage jars, and drinking vessels. These vessels were crafted from various materials, including clay, stone, and metal, and were adorned with intricate designs and patterns.

The petrography-sorting method used in this publication allows researchers to analyze the composition and manufacturing techniques of the pottery. By studying the minerals and impurities present in the clay, researchers can identify the different workshops and regions where the pottery was produced. This information provides valuable insights into the trade networks and economic relationships of the Minoan civilization.

One of the most significant findings of this publication is the discovery of a trade network of cooking pots and other clay vessels. The study reveals that these vessels were not only used for cooking but also for storing and transporting goods. The Minoan civilization had a well-developed transportation system, including canals and ships, that facilitated the exchange of goods between different regions.

The contents of the cooking pots and other clay vessels also provide valuable insights into the diet and lifestyle of the Minoan people. The study reveals that the Minoan diet was primarily based on agriculture, with a focus on crops such as wheat, barley, and olives. The vessels used for cooking were often adorned with images of agricultural scenes, indicating the importance of agriculture in the Minoan economy.

In addition to trade and agriculture, craftwork was also an important aspect of the Minoan economy. The site at Bramiana has yielded a wide range of artifacts, including jewelry, sculptures, and pottery, that were crafted by skilled artisans. These artifacts were not only used for decorative purposes but also for practical purposes, such as storage and transportation.

The Minoan trade network was not limited to the island of Crete but also extended to other regions of the Mediterranean. The civilization had established trade relationships with Egypt, Greece, and other neighboring countries, which facilitated the exchange of goods and ideas. The Minoan civilization was also known for its advanced technology, including the use of writing and the development of a complex calendar system.

In conclusion, the Minoan site at Bramiana provides evidence for a Bronze Age economy based on trade, agriculture, and craftwork. This publication employs a novel approach to organizing pottery by petrography, revealing a trade network of cooking pots and other clay vessels and their contents. The study provides valuable insights into the economic and social structures of the Minoan civilization, and sheds light on the complex trade relationships that existed within the Mediterranean region during the Bronze Age.

Dimension: 280 x 216 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781931534307