Mycenae and Tiryns: the pottery of the second half of the thirteenth century BC – contexts and definitions

Ε.Β. French, Ph. Stockhammer & U. Damm-Meinhardt The Annual of the British School at Athens 104 (2009) [February 2010]: 175-232.

Abstract

Since 1950 widespread and important excavation has taken place in the Argolid. For Mycenae and Tiryns much of the post-excavation study has now been completed but has not yet reached final publication. The use of material from the preliminary reports has, however, led to conclusions which are not justified. The study teams at both sites, working in close collaboration, present here the detailed stratigraphic background to their work and the definitive assignments produced. The diagnostic pottery for the second half of the thirteenth century BC (LH III B2 Early and Late), which culminated in a major destruction at each site, is illustrated with its contextual background. The relationship between the two sites can thus be accurately assessed and the evidence will enable well-founded historical hypotheses.