The prehistoric settlement of Archontiko Giannitson (in Greek)

Αικατερίνη Παπαευθυμίου-Παπανθίμου Εγνατία 14 (2010): 257-274.

Abstract

The systematic interdisciplinary excavation at the ArchontikoToumba, situated between ancient Pella and Giannitsa, illuminates a little-known period of Macedonian prehistory, which is chronologically located at the transition from the Early to the Middle Bronze Age. Two main settlement phases with sub-phases have been determined. The upper layer (phase A, 1516-1414 BC) revealed houses with stone foundations, one of which -a square building (3×4 m)- was well preserved. The second phase (phase B, 2135-1890 BC), with post houses, was located beneath the stone structures, especially on the eastern slope of the Toumba. Here, at least seven dwellings with their household goods were uncovered. Especially interesting among the finds were clay constructions (bins, hearths etc.). Of particular note is their variety, quantity and distribution in the excavation area, which attest to an intensification of house-hold activities related to processing, preparing and storing food. The archaeological data, at least until now, lead us to the conclusion that they are probably self-sufficient households, probably without great differentiation among them. What we have is a picture of a densely structured settlement with houses of the same size, which present common morphological characteristics and the same orientation. There is possibly a common planning in the conception as well as in the accomplishment.