A Raw Material Database for Comparative Archaeological and Geological Research

There are many important archaeological problems that can only be solved with high quality provenancing of artifactual material. To address this need a research team from the disciplines of Classical Archaeology, Geological Sciences and Information Technology has been assembled.

In the beginning the South Aegean Volcanic Arc (SAVA) databank permitted us a simplistic means of provenancing artifactual material. With time it became more apparent that the identification of provenance, i.e. what is local versus non-local, was the foundation of any new cultural modeling. 

In the past year we have employed the techniques of Information Technology in order to develop more powerful provenancing and data visualization tools. With these new tools the database is in a better position to address many high-profile archaeological problems. In addition, we have added an interactive component to the database. Many researchers who in the past have not been exposed to this type of interaction now have an opportunity to investigate their own data questions. We believe that the integration of humanities-based research with the physical science approach and the rapid exploration potential of Information Technology techniques ushers in a new direction for social enquiry.

Current SAVA Database projects:

(1) The “Aeginetan Ware” (AW) distribution phenomenon and the rise of urban society. "Local Cultural Change Model" PPT
(2) The Early Helladic II-Early Helladic III transition (ca. 2150-2000 B.C.) and emergent social complexity. "Environmental Change Model" PPT
(3) The relationship of potters’ marks and specialized production organization

RECENT DATA INTERPRETATION:

AW PROVENANCING REPORT

SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIALS:
a) Tables (Kolonna, Halieis, Athens, Tsoungiza)
b) Individual Na-K plots
c) Geochemical Data Files
d) Protocols for data manipulation

CERAMIC DATABASE
Kolonna • Halieis • Athens • Tsoungiza

PETROGRAPHIC DATABASE:
Aegina • Kolonna • Kolonna Backscatter Images
Lerna • Mercouri • Asine

MAP DATABASE

POWERPOINT SLIDES

• Lerna House of Tiles
• Source Clay for Aeginetan Ware
• Ceramic Technology for Aeginetan Ware
• Overview for Distribution Problems
• Local Cultural Change Model
• Environmental Change Model

Cross-polarized image of amphibole: Tourli Raikou volcanic unit, Aegina, Greece.
Image credit: C.Shriner


INTRODUCTION WELCOME

NUMERICAL DATA GEOCHEMICAL DATABASE/INTRODUCTION
SEARCHABLE DATABASE
AEGINA ISLAND GEOLOGIC HISTORY
GEOLOGIC FIELD WORK

IMAGE DATA IMAGE DATABASE/INTRODUCTION
1. CERAMIC DATABASE
2. MAP DATABASE
3. PETROGRAPHIC DATABASE

COLLABORATORS J. BROPHY
C. SHRINER
R. DROPPO
R. WALKER
G. CHRISTIDIS
H. MURRAY
C. LI
A. SCHIMMELMANN
E. RIPLEY

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FUNDING
BIBLIOGRAPHY