Archaeological and analytical data from prehistoric sites led to the mapping of land and maritime communication routes in the Aegean. Due to the progress of research, these routes are being revised or expanded, enlightening the direction, mode and scale of the maritime dialogues in the Aegean from the Stone Age to the end of the Bronze Age.

Recent excavations at Heraion on Samos (2009-2013) have revealed for the first time the foundation of a settlement in this area during the Chalcolithic period (4500-3000 BC), a fortified settlement of the Early Bronze Age I-II/early (3000-2500 BC), the eastern limit of the expanded early urban settlement of the Early Bronze Age II/late-III (2500-2000 BC), as well as impressive fortifications and houses of the Middle Bronze Age (2000-1750 BC), during which Heraion seems to keep the early urban character and is the biggest insular settlement in the East Aegean.

Pottery and small finds from the above phases will be presented in their context and discussed in the wider cultural framework of the Aegean in order to trace the aspects and scale of the emerging cultural interaction between Heraion and Samos in general with the neighbouring Asia Minor, the East Aegean islands, the Cyclades and Crete from the Chalcolithic through the Middle Bronze Age.

Invitation