New publication presents dataset with records of primary archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological remains from the ‘Palace and Landscape at Palaikastro’ (PALAP) excavation project, providing insight to ongoing debates surrounding the Bronze Age, including the emergence and economic organisation of urban centres during this era.
We are thrilled to announce the release of a comprehensive dataset of our latest findings from the ‘Palace and Landscape at Palaikastro’ (PALAP) Excavation Project in Crete, Greece. This invaluable dataset encompasses a wide range of archaeobotanical and zooarchaeological remains (including a large mammal bone, mollusc, and fish remains) shedding light on the fascinating history of the Bronze Age town of Palaikastro. These remains were recovered during the PALAP project, which took place between 2013 and 2015, revealing precious insights into the lives of ancient inhabitants in east Crete.
The excavations focused on the south-east sector of the Bronze Age town, using a systematic sampling approach using techniques such as flotation, dry-sieving, and hand collection. This methodology allowed researchers to capture a diverse array of bioarchaeological remains, enabling the reconstruction of ancient diets, agricultural practices, and interactions with the environment.
All remains were identified and quantified using well-established methodologies, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of the data. To preserve them, the remains have been safely stored at the prestigious British School at Athens in Crete, specifically at the Ayios Antonios centre in Palaikastro.
The significance of this dataset reaches far beyond the shores of Crete, as it promises to be an invaluable resource for archaeologists working not only in the Aegean region but also beyond. The data offers a unique opportunity to contribute to ongoing debates surrounding the Bronze Age, including the emergence and economic organization of urban centers during this era.
Full reference
Livarda A., Tzevelekidi V., Veropoulidou R., Marlasca Martín R. 2023 Archaeobotanical and Zooarchaeological (Large Mammal Bone, Shell and Fish Remains) Data from the ‘Palace and Landscape at Palaikastro’ (PALAP) Excavation Project, Crete, Greece. Journal of Open Archaeology Data, 11: 7, pp. 1–5. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5334/joad.108
Funding
Dr Livarda is a Ramón y Cajal researcher funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities (RyC-2017-22105) and was further supported by an I+D+i grant (PID2019-107605GB-100). The PALAP project was funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Insight Grant on ‘Urbanization in Bronze Age Crete: between palace and landscape at Palaikastro’ (2014–16), The Institute for Aegean Prehistory.
Related publications
- Livarda, A., Orengo, H.A., Cañellas-Boltà, N., Riera-Mora, S., Picornell-Gelabert, Ll., Tzevelekidi, V., Veropoulidou, R., Marlasca Martín, R. and Krahtopoulou, A. 2021. Mediterranean polyculture revisited: olive, grape and subsistence strategies at Palaikastro, East Crete, between the Late Neolithic and Late Bronze Age. Journal of Anthropological Archaeology 61: 101271 https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaa.2021.101271
- Cañellas-Boltà, N., Riera-Mora, S., Orengo, H.A., Livarda, A., Knappett, C. 2018. Human management and landscape changes at Palaikastro (Eastern Crete) from the Late Neolithic to the Early Minoan period. Quaternary Science Reviews 183, 59–75. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.quascirev.2018.01.010
- Orengo, H.A. and Knappett, C. 2018. Toward a Definition of Minoan Agro-Pastoral Landscapes: Results of the Survey at Palaikastro (Crete). American Journal of Archaeology 122(3): 479-507. https://doi.org/10.3764/aja.122.3.0479
