Monumentality, Place-Making and Social Interaction on Late Bronze Age Cyprus

This book investigates the role of monumental architecture in shaping social dynamics and power relations on the island of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (LBA; c.1700-1050 BCE). It emphasizes the socially constructed nature of these buildings, which provided contexts for social interactions and forged wider community identities while also materializing social boundaries and inequalities. An interdisciplinary methodology is used to explore how buildings configured movement and encounter, and how they encoded and communicated meanings and shaped the experiences of those who interacted with them.

Format: Hardback
Length: 412 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2023
Publisher: Equinox Publishing Ltd

This captivating book delves into the intricate relationship between monumental architecture and social dynamics on the island of Cyprus during the Late Bronze Age (LBA; c.1700-1050 BCE). By adopting an integrative approach, archaeologists explore the profound impact of these architectural wonders on shaping social relationships and power structures. This innovative methodology allows scholars to analyze the intricate interplay between the built environment and human behavior, offering valuable insights into ancient societies beyond Cyprus.

Monumental buildings on Late Bronze Age Cyprus served as vibrant hubs for social interactions, fostering the creation of social bonds and solidifying broader community identities. These structures not only provided physical spaces for ceremonies and rituals but also imbued them with cultural significance, creating a sense of belonging and heritage. At the same time, monumental architecture also played a crucial role in delineating social boundaries and hierarchies, reflecting the complex social structures of the time.

However, these buildings were more than mere physical structures; they were socially constructed places that held deep meaning and memory. They were imbued with identity and significance, shaping the experiences and interactions of those who inhabited them. The architecture itself became a catalyst for social organization, facilitating movement, encounter, and the development of sociopolitical relations.

Through an interdisciplinary methodology that combines access analysis with a deep study of the materiality of built environments, the book uncovers the intricate ways in which buildings configure movement, shape encounters, and encode and communicate meanings. It explores the ways in which these meanings are interpreted and translated by individuals and communities, ultimately contributing to the formation, maintenance, transformation, and reproduction of sociopolitical relations.

By adopting an integrative approach, this book sheds light on the multifaceted role of monumental architecture in shaping social dynamics and power relations during the Late Bronze Age on the island of Cyprus. It provides valuable insights into the complex interplay between the built environment, human behavior, and cultural identity, offering a rich tapestry of knowledge for scholars and enthusiasts alike.

Weight: 3116g
Dimension: 254 x 178 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781845534042