Pseira X: The Excavation of Block AF

Edited by Philip P. Betancourt and Costis Davaras

City: Philadelphia

Year: 2009

Publisher: INSTAP Academic Press

Series: Prehistory Monographs 28

Description: Hardback, 330 p., 19 b/w illus. in text, 42 tables, 45 b/w figs, 21 b/w pls, 28,5x22 cm

Abstract

This book is the tenth volume in the series of excavation reports about the harbor town of Pseira, which is located on the island of the same name, just off the northeast coast of Crete. The book focuses on the excavation and interpretation of the architecture and material culture in Block AF. This southern group of buildings is one of the most important areas in the settlement because of its long succession of building phases. Block AF provides the fullest sequence of building phases from any one area at Pseira, with habitation extending from before MM II to LM III. It has examples of complex architectural details including a “pillar crypt”, elaborate upstairs floors, a well-preserved U-shaped staircase, and a well-designed kitchen, all of which contribute significantly to our knowledge of East Cretan building practices. In addition to domestic pottery, the houses furnish examples of stone tools, stone vessels, loom weights, inscriptions in Linear A, cult objects, animal bones, marine shells, and a wide range of material recovered from water sieving. This latter category, with burned grain, fish bones, shells, and other categories of materials, fills many gaps in our knowledge of Pseiran life.

Contents

List of illustrations in the text

List of Tables

List of Figures

List of Plates

Preface

Acknowledgments

Abbreviations

PART I. HISTORY OF THE EXCAVATION

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Introduction’[3-4].

Philip P. Betancourt, Marianna Nikolaidou & Eleni Velona, ‘Architectural phases 1 to 3 (Early Phase)’ [5-16].

Philip P. Betancourt, Eleni Armpis, George Mitrakis, Marianna Nikolaidou, Eleni Velona & Fotini Zervaki, ‘Architectural phases 3 (Late Phase) to 5’ [17-28].

PART II. ARCHITECTURE AND MATERIAL CULTURE

John C. McEnroe, ‘Architecture in Block AF South’ [29-32].

John C. McEnroe, ‘Architecture in Block AF North’ [33-38].

Cheryl R. Floyd, ‘Pottery from Block AF’ [39-94].

Heidi M.C. Dierckx, ‘Ground and chipped stone tools from Block AF South’ [95-98].

Heidi M.C. Dierckx, ‘Ground and chipped stone tools from Block AF North’ [99-104].

Heidi M.C. Dierckx & Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Stone weights from Block AF’ [105-106].

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Miscellaneous objects from Block AF’ [107-112].

Maria C Shaw & Philip P. Betancourt ‘Plaster from Block AF [113-120].

George H. Myer & Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Analysis of the plaster’ [121-124].

Glynis Jones & Ian Smith, ‘Plant remains from Block AF’ [125-126].

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Lithic materials from Block AF’ [127-130].

David S. Reese, ‘Faunal remains from Block AF’ [131-142].

Mark J. Rose, ‘Fish remains from Block AF’ [143-150].

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Comments on the mud mortar’ [151-154].

PART III. INTERPRETATION AND CONCLUSIONS

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Architectural history’ [155-162].

Philip P. Betancourt, ‘Room functions and activities in the buildings’ [163-170].

Appendix A. Pottery Statistics by Ch. R. Floyd

Appendix B. Fabric Percentages by Ch. R. Floyd

References

Index

Figures

Plates