Quaderni della ricerca scientifica

Serie Beni Culturali18

Comitato di redazioneGennaro Carillo, Giovanni Coppola, Piero Craveri,

Edoardo D’Angelo, Pierluigi Leone de Castris,Emma Giammattei, Massimiliano Marazzi

UNIVERSITÀ DEGLI STUDÎ SUOR ORSOLA BENINCASA

STUDIES OF THE PROTOPALATIAL ARCHITECTURAL

REMAINS IN MONASTIRAKI (AMARI VALLEY).

Part I. The East Quarter of Monastiraki (MON EAST).

Edited byAthanasia Kanta

Massimiliano Marazzi

MMOONNAASSTTIIRRAAKKIIIIIIII

I volumi della collana sono distribuiti daHERDER00186 Roma piazza Montecitorio, 120tel. +39 06.6794628 / 6795304fax +39 06.6784751www.herder.itdistr@herder.it

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ISBN 978-88-96055-19-9

English traslation

Colum Fordham

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Loredana De SimoneGermana Pecoraro

contents

VII Introduction (A. Kanta - M. Marazzi)

I. Documentation Procedures

1 I.1 Planimetric and Topographic Documentation (S. Tilia)19 I.2 GIS and Othophotogrammetry: Strategies and Updating

(F. Cammarota - A. Ferraro)Addendum: Orthophotographic Survey of Mon East

43 I.3 3D Scanning and Modelling (L. Repola)

II. Architectural Research in Monastiraki East

57 II.1 General Intoduction (A. Kanta - M. Marazzi)63 II.2 The East Quarter of Monastiraki (Mon East):

a Survey of the Rooms (A. Kanta - M. Marazzi - C. Fordham in coll. with S. Cipriano - L. De Simone - L. Solimeno)

117 II.3 Archaeological Survey of the Central Area (S. Di Tonto - S. Festuccia)

167 II.4 The Architecture of the Central Area (M. T. Como)209 II.5 Archaeological Data and C14 Analyses Results (M. Capano -

S. Di Tonto - S. Festuccia - I. Passariello - F. Terrasi - G. Trojsi)219 II.6 Water drainage, canalization and cistern system in the East Quarter

(M. Marazzi)

III. Structural Materials

249 III.1 Natural and Chemical Bindings in the Palace of Monastiraki (L. Pontieri - G. Trojsi)

271 III.2 Study of Wall and Floor Materials: Plaster and Mortar (G. Pecoraro - F. Roma)

314 List of abbreviations

316 Bibliography

* Rooms R37, R35, R35a, R36 and staircase, R40,R42, R60 and the Pottery Catalogue of R37, R35.R36 and staircase, R40 written by S. Di Tonto.Rooms R31, R32, R34, R38, R41, R41a, R58 and thePottery Catalogue of R32, R38, R41a, written by S.Festuccia. The General Introduction andConcluding Remarks are written by A. Kanta, S. DiTonto, S. Festuccia.

1 Cf. Chapter II.2. 2 As supporting evidence for this point, see the

references to the graphic and photographic recordsin the Addendum: Orthophotographic Survey ofMon East (pp. 9-22) and Chapter I.3, 6: 3dimensional Survey of Mon East (pp. 7-10) in thisvolume.

3 Cf. Chapter II.4.

II.3.

Athanasia Kanta, Serena Di Tonto, Silvia Festuccia*

Archaeological Survey of the Central Area

1. The central complex of Monastiraki East (General Plan Pll.II-V)

The aim of this chapter is to report the archaeological researchcarried out in selected rooms of the Monastiraki East complex, excavatedfrom the 1980s onwards and re-investigated in 2006-2008 and 2010, inorder to provide a better understanding of the earlier occupationalphases.

This work presents the results of the stratigraphic sequencesidentified in the recent soundings and examines all the data collected bythe various excavation seasons relating to these rooms.

To date, the monumental complex building of Monastiraki Eastincludes approximately 90 rooms1, although its boundaries have not yetbeen discovered and other rooms are visible beneath the surface.

The rooms here investigated were, from south to north: D31, D34,D32, D37, D35a, D35, D35&36 staircase, D38, D40, D41, D41a, D42,D58, D60 (see Plan 1)2.

They were located in the well-preserved eastern part of thecomplex where several building phases, connected to wall structures,have been recorded. It is, at this point, worth underlining that thenaming system used for the individual masonry walls follows thenumbering of the functional units - or 'rooms' - and corresponds to thenumber associated with the functional units (or rooms) that each walloverlooks, linked to the symbol & (e. g. wall 28&22)3. If the masonry walloverlooks several functional units on one or more sides, the numberingof these additional units is inserted in the name with the symbol + (e. g.

117

Plan 1.Central Complex Monastiraki East, showing the se-lected rooms.

the masonry wall which opens onto room 42 on one side and rooms 23,24 and 43 on the other side is named wall 42&23+24+43).

At the moment it has been possible to identify at least threechronological phases in this part of the complex. They were labelled inchronological order from the oldest to the latest: Phase I (MMIb-MMIIa), early Phase II (MMIIa-MMIIb) and late Phase II (MMIIb) andthey will be described for each room and in the conclusions to thischapter.

The oldest wall structures identified during the last campaignshave been labelled using Roman numerals I - VII.

118

1.D31 Excavation 1985: detail of the pottery attribu-ted to the collapse of the upper floor (late PhaseII).

2.D31 - D34: plan and general view from NEshowing the more recent masonry structureswhich overlap the oldest phase and the bedrock.

D31 (see Addendum, P7, and Chapter I.3, 6)

Located in the south - central part of the complex, D31 measures1.72 x 2.11 m. This room was discovered and excavated in 1984, 1985,1987, 1989 and 1998 (Fig. 1). In the last phase (late Phase II), the wallsare built of large stones and there is an entrance on the NE side throughto D34.

The collapse of an upper floor was clearly identified, associatedwith finds including several conical cups, various fragments of kernoi ordouble vessels and loom weights as well as an agrimi (wild goat). Therewere also several cretule were also several sealings with many sealedsurfaces. In the light of these discoveries, it seems that craft activitieswere carried out in the upper floor.

Various pottery vessels associated with the last phase of this roomwere found. The pottery includes carenated cups, conical cups, kernoietc. A sealing was among the finds of this room. The constructionmaterials identified in the room and the excavated layers included stone,plaster, mud brick and wood. Given the nature of the materials foundhere, the room may have been used as a workshop.

Beneath the masonry of D31, a wall was uncovered, running NE-SW, in the eastern part near the entrance through D26a. The visible partof this wall, labelled V, measures 2.07 x 0.35 m, and it probablycontinued, towards NE, under the outer walls D26a (Fig. 2). In thesouthern part of D31, a floor was associated with this structure, probablydating to the first occupation phase of the area (Phase I). Hardly anypottery was found and what there was had little diagnostic value. In someparts of the room, the natural bedrock emerged. The bedrock has beenleft in situ in various parts of this sector of the settlement.

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3.D34 1985 Excavation: detail of the pottery of thelast phase (late Phase II) of the room.

4.D34 Detail of the burned soil layer connectedwith the old wall under the wall 31&25+26.

D34 (see Addendum, P7, Chapter I.3, 6)

Located in the south central part of the complex, the room D34measures 1.32 x 2.08 m. This room was uncovered and excavated in 1984,1985, 1987, 1989 and 1998.

Together with D31, D34 formed a subdivided unit measuringapproximately 3 x 2 m, during the final phase of the life of the complex,and no outer access points were found.

The collapsed upper floor, built of mud bricks as suggested bylarge quantities mud bricks discovered during the excavation, producedseveral fragments of kernoi (Fig. 3). Particularly, in the NW corner, agroup of about 17 kernoi of the so called saliera type were identifiedtogether with other pottery including several conical cups and a sealingwith several sealed surfaces.

Beneath the destruction layer, a solid floor level with very fewpottery sherds was identified, belonging to the late phase of the room.

The construction material identified in the room and in theexcavated levels consisted of stone, plaster, wood and mud brick.

Beneath the floor an earlier wall was discovered. In the lastcampaigns (2006-2007), the thorough cleaning of this wall made itpossible to clarify this older phase. This wall, labelled 'wall IV', isoriented NW-SE and measured c. 1.86 x 0.55 m. It was built on thebedrock with regular stones of medium and large size and was alsopartially used as a foundation wall for 31&34. Moreover, under the wall31&25+26, a burned soil layer connected with the old wall was visible insection (Fig. 4). The boundaries of this older structure, as is the casewith the one in D31, are not completely discernible, since they weresubsequently covered by other walls. It almost certainly belonged to thefirst occupational phase of the area named Phase I.

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5.D32 1985 excavation : detail of pithos in situ.

6.D32 General view from west. To the right hand ofthe picture two mud brick piers can be seenlinked to the nearby staircase.

7.D32 Detail of eastern mud brick pillars on thesouth side constructed after wall32+37+24&34+25.

8.D32 General view from south east. Note how themud brick pillars lean against the staircase (on theleft side) leading to the second floor of thecomplex.

9.D32 Detail of the floor on the south side. Notethe older wall oriented east-west (Wall I) partiallycovered by the cross-shaped mud brick piers.

D32 (see Addendum, P7 - P9 and Chapter I.3, 6)

Located west of D34, in the south - central part of the complex,D32 measures 3.11 x 0.95 m. It was discovered and excavated in 1985 (Fig.5) and subsequently in 2006, 2007 and 2008 (Fig. 6). It is linked withD37, to which there is access through a wide opening to the north.

In this room it is possible to identify the collapse of a second floor.Moreover a layer of unbaked mud-bricks and a piece of burnt wood,fallen along the opening of the room, probably belonged to a staircasestructure.

Two mud brick piers, abutting the outer walls of the room, werediscovered beneath the layer of collapsed material of the upper floor.One pier, on the south side, was built of five mud bricks with mudmortar. Each mud brick: 37 x 37 in size and 8.5 cm in height. The totalheight of the pier was 57 cm. It was built after the construction of theroom walls and, in particular, after the completion of the eastern wall32+37+24&34+25 (Fig. 7). The other pier, on the north-western side ofthe room, was made of six mud bricks resting on stones. The dimensionsof each mud brick were 52x38 cm. Their height was 8 cm. The totalheight of the pier was 63 cm and it was part of a cross-shaped structure

121

10.D32 Detail from north east of the pinkish silty-sandy brown floor in situ.

11.D32 Detail viewed from south of the cross-shapedmud brick structure.

12.D32 General view from north of a partially visiblestructure (Wall VI) in south east portion of theroom, covered by wall 32+37+24&34+25.

(Wall 36+32&35a+37) which supported the staircase that runs up fromroom D35a. The location of this staircase suggests that D36 and perhapsD32 could be an understairs spaces (Fig. 8).

In the destruction level of late Phase II, particularly evident in thewestern part of the room, there was a small bronze object, together withsome coarse sherds, including a pithos lid, and fine and medium-finepottery fragments, datable to the MMII 5. Along the southern wall acrushed pithos on the floor was discovered in situ (Fig. 5).

The building material identified in the room and in the excavatedlevels consisted of stone, plaster, wood and mud brick.

Several elements dating to the oldest phase were identified. Apinkish silty-sandy brown earth floor was uncovered. It was connected toan east-west foundation wall, labelled I (cf. Plan XV), made of mediumto large sized stones (measuring 1.13 x 0.65m). This wall, which is onlypartially visible, was covered by the cross-shaped mud brick pierstructure (Figs. 9-10-11-12).

Another structure that was only partly visible, labelled VI (cf. PlanXV), was discovered in the south-east side of the room. It measured 1.10x 0.90 m and was covered by wall 32+37+24&34+25. It seems to beconnected with wall IV in D34, with which it formed an L-shapedstructure (Fig. 11).

The small amount of pottery related to these structures isfragmentary and not very useful for diagnostic purposes. In the centre ofthe room some remains of a plaster floor are connected with the oldeststructures, and they are similar to the fragments of plaster floor found insitu in D37.

Both the structures, belonging to Phase I, were covered by adestruction level, grey and red in colour and granular in texture.

122

5 Cf. the Pottery Catalogue pp 142ss..

13.D37 Excavation 1995: destruction level with afragment of a pithos in the northern side.

14.D37 General view from W

15.D37 A clay floor beneath the destruction level isvisible on the left side (late Phase II).

D37 (see Addendum, P9 and Chapter I.3, 6)

Room D37, situated north of D32, is an irregularly shaped roommeasuring 2.23 x 2.09 m. It underwent repeated excavation in 1984, 1985,1995, 2006 and 2008 (Figs. 13-14).

D37 was connected with D32 and D35a. It was probably part of thestaircase connected with Room 35a and formed an architectural unitwith D32. Both the entrances between were blocked with mud-bricks inthe final phase of the building's history.

The same destruction levels as the ones in D32 can be observed inD37. The destruction level contains several burnt mud-bricks, conicalcups and carinated cups, a hemispherical cup, some loom weights andstone tools which indicates that craft activities were carried out.

Immediately beneath the remains of the collapsed masonry thedestruction level was discovered. On the northern side there was afragment of a pithos with a potter's mark and a sherd with a sealimpression close to its base.

The building materials identified in the room and in the excavatedlevels were stone, plaster, wood and mud-brick.

Beneath the destruction level there was a plaster layer (Figs. 15-16,17) which can be attributed to late Phase II, and some fragments ofplaster appeared on the surfaces of the walls (east wall 35a+37&24).Moreover the N part of the wall 35a+37&24 appears to lean to one side,perhaps as a result of an earthquake.

The preparation layer of the plaster floor (reddish brown soil witha granular texture) contained small pebbles, bones, charcoal, clay andplaster, several fragments of coarse and fine pottery. These include bothfragments that are distinctively MMIIb, such as a wheel-madehemispherical cup (RP186, Fig. 80a, 80b), and several fragments thatwould appear to belong to an older phase (RP102, Fig. 83a, 83b; RP189,Fig. 84a, 84b). In the south-west corner a fragment of this plaster floorwas found in situ (depth - 2.125), abutting wall 32+37+24&34+25 (Fig. 18).

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Beneath the floor preparation level of the above mentioned recentfloor were the remains of the oldest phase (Phase I). The plentifulpottery, which was not associated with any masonry structure, wassituated within a reddish brown granular layer, filling the bedrock (Figs.19, 20, 21, 22). This pottery was composed by several fragments of bothcoarse and fine ware (Fig. 23). The layer was almost certainly connectedto the oldest phase. The presence on the bases of some cups of fingerimpressions and the absence, or rare occurrence, of the use of thepotter's wheel indicates a date between the MMIb and the MMIIa (e.g.RP195, Fig. 90a, 90b; RP207, Fig. 94a, 94b; RP231, Fig. 96a, 96b).

124

6 See C14 analysis.

16.D37 Clay floor beneath the destruction level (latePhase II).

17.D37 Clay floor beneath the destruction level (latePhase II).

18.D37 Fragment of a plaster floor found in situ(depth - 2.125), abutting the south west corner ofwall 32+37+24&34+25.

19.D37 Pottery fragments, among which a fragmentwith clay slip, included in a reddish brown layerwith a granular consistency which levelled out theirregularities of the bedrock.

20.D37 Levelled layers of the bedrock (layer 4), floorpreparation and clay floor (layer 6).

21.D37 Levelled layers of the bedrock (layer 4), floorpreparation and clay floor (layer 6).

22.D37 General view from the south of levelled layerof bedrock and preparation of upper floor.

23.D37 Levelled layers of bedrock with inclusions ofpottery sherds.

D36 and staircase (see Addendum, P10 and Chapter I.3, 6)

Room 36, which was roughly south of D35a, may represent thesottoscala, the space under the staircase rather than a distinctarchitectural space. It measures 2.42 x 2.75 m. The room was excavatedin 1985, when the staircase was discovered (Fig. 24), and thensubsequently in 2008.

Beneath the destruction level, probably attributable to the debrisof the upper structure of the staircase, in the area of the entrance to thisspace, the remains of a staircase were identified. It was described inprevious pages. It was constructed by successive layers of clay and stones.On the first step there were traces of charcoal, probably from remains ofa wooden threshold. Traces of mud plaster were found in many pointsof the staircase.

The following construction materials were identified in the roomand in the excavated levels: stone, plasters, wood and mud brick.

In the last campaigns a deep sounding in the staircase wall 35a&36was excavated (Fig. 25). To better understand the chronology of thestaircase a small part of it, consisting of stones and astraki, was removedand the material from the fill was collected. 6. Four different layers wereeventually identified: layer 1a 2008 and layer 1b 2008, brown in colour,sandy in texture with a few inclusions; layer 2 2008, reddish brown incolour, granular and with various inclusions, i.e. burnt soil and charcoal,a loom weight, some pottery sherds, among which one egg cup base(RP238, Fig. 106a, 106b); layer 3 2008, reddish brown in colour withconsistent burnt traces and pottery inclusions; layer 4 2008, greyish incolour, tough with a few undiagnostic sherds (Fig. 26).

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24.Wall35&36 staircase Excavation, 1985.

25.Wall 35a&36 staircase: zenith view.

26.Wall 35a&36 staircase: view from SW part of D32.

27.D32, D35, D37: upper levels.

D35a (cf. Chapter I.3, 6)

Room 35a, located in the central sector W of D37, measures 1.58x 1.59 m. This room was uncovered and repeatedly excavated in 1985(Fig. 27), 1995, 1997 and 2006. D35a, together with D35, D37 and D32,probably represents a functional unit closely connected to the staircase(35a&36). There were an entrance to E towards room D37 and one toNE towards D35, of which D35a seemed to be an annex. The walls weremade of stones and mud brick while the frame was made of transversaland horizontal wood like all the walls of the Palatial Centre. Thesouthern and eastern walls of the room were made of mud-brick.

The destruction level of the upper floor was identified by thepresence of mud-brick with imprints of architectural elements, redcoloured plaster, several loom weights, pottery fragments and a sealing.Several loom weights, pestles and a small cup, related to the collapsewere found within the three pithoi discovered in situ in D35a. Thedestruction layer contained traces of burnt material and scattered plasterfragments. The pottery included amphorae, a jug, a deep bowl and acarinated cup. Immediately below this, the floor of the room wasidentified.

The room, which forms a kind of narrow corridor, is at present thesouthernmost limit of the storage areas.

The construction material identified in the room consisted ofstone, plaster, wood and mud-brick.

126

7 KANTA 1999B, p. 179.8 See infra.

D35 (cf. Pll. VI-VII and Chapter I.3, 6)

D35, located to the west of D35a, measures 2.48 x 3.19 m. Thisroom was uncovered and repeatedly excavated in 1985 (Fig. 28),1995,1997, 2006 and 2007. Room D35, besides being a natural extension ofD35a, is directly linked to D38 and D40 with which it shares thefunction of storage rooms.

The walls of this room were made of stones and mud, thenplastered with mud as for most of other rooms.

In this room as in the adjoining one D35a, it was possible toidentify a debris layer of an upper floor. This layer included mud-brick,plaster, clay loom weights, 12 spindle whorls, 2 horns, 11 sealings, 4pestles and pottery fragments. These finds suggest that the upper floormay have been used for craft and domestic activities, and that it houseda loom.

Immediately below it, incorporated in the destruction layer, were12 pithoi, located along walls 35&35a and 42+41a &35, several smallpithoi, an amphora, two cooking pots, a carinated cup (inv. 4482), othercoarse and fine pottery and a lamp (inv. 4485) (Figs. 29, 30 and Plan 2).One of these pithoi contained traces of grapes 7, along with severalscattered pieces of plaster and loom weights, from the collapsed upperfloor. The pithoi were placed on a bench, built of small and large stones.It occupied the whole width of the room from north to south. In thenorthwest corner, in the area of the (northern and western) entrances ofthe room, there were paving stones in order to flatten the ground.

Beneath the destruction layer there was a burnt floor of clay andfine gravel.

In D35 the construction materials identified in the final phasewere also stone, plaster, wood and mud-brick.

Beneath the remains of the floor of this room dating to the latestphase (late Phase II), the most recent campaigns uncovered the vestigesof a paved floor near the passage through D41a (Fig. 31), similar to theone brought to light in other adjacent rooms (as D41, D41a, D60) 8 (earlyPhase II).

The construction of this floor was preceded by destruction, shownby various fragments of charcoal, pebbles and pottery sherds, whichcovered the structures of the oldest phase (Phase I).

Two connected foundation structures were uncovered in thecentre of the room. One of these walls, labelled II, was L-shaped andhad an orientation NW-SE/NE-SW. It measured approximately 1.80 x0.60 m. and 1.19 x 0.60 m. and seems to continue under the more recent

127

9 LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pp. 234 ff.; BETANCOURT

1990; VAN DE MOORTEL 2006, pp. 264-377.10 See the Pottery Catalogue pp. 142ss.

28.D35 1985 excavation: general view of the pithoifound in situ. The access to R35a can be seen atthe back of the room.

29.D35 1985 excavation: detail of the pithoi found insitu viewed from the south.

30.D35 1985 excavation: detail of the pithoi in situviewed from the west.

31.D35 General view from the south. Masonrystructures are visible (Wall II-III) dating to thesame period as the clay floor of the oldest phase.

32.D35: zenith view of the oldest structures and ofthe clay floor. On the right side a stone slabbelonging to early Phase II is visible.

33.D35 Detail of the clay floor on the west side ofthe room. On the left part of the oldest structureis visible (wall II)

wall 40&38. The other one, called III, measured 1.43 x 0.56 m and wasNE-SW oriented. It probably continues under the wall 42+41a&35 (Fig.32). Linked to these structures there was also a mortar floor and apreparation of small stones and lumps of orange clay, whose limits werepartly preserved (Fig. 33).

The pottery fragments found under this destruction level,connected with the oldest structure, included both coarse and finewares. This pottery finds its best comparisons with some cups from thecontemporary sites of Phaistos and Kommos9. For some of them a MMIBdate could be suggested (RP34, fig. 103a, 103b; RP39, fig. 105a, 105b),while for others a MMIIA date fits better (RP38, Fig. 100a, 100b; RP43,Fig. 101a, 101b)10.

128

D38 (see Pll. VI end VII and Chapter I.3, 6)

Located in the central part of the complex, south of room 35, roomD38 measures 3.66 x 2.10 m. This room was uncovered and repeatedlyexcavated in 1985 (Fig. 34), 1988 and then in 2008.

D38 seems to be closely connected to D40 and D35. Indeed, thesethree spaces constitute one of the largest and most importantarchitectural units of the entire building complex. The free-standingdividing wall that separates D40 from D38 and D35 is very unusual inMinoan architecture.

Moreover rooms 38-40 appear to form a large storage unit,accessed from the north and from the staircase complex of 35a

The walls had a wooden frame and were built of small and largestones packed with clay. The wall faces were plastered with mud.

In this room, like the adjoining ones, there is evidence of acollapse of the upper floor, marked by the presence of parts of mud-bricks, and various fragments of plaster and clay, especially in the north-east corner. Among the remains of the destruction layer, it is possible todistinguish several spindle whorls near the north wall and several pestlesclose to the north west wall. In the same level and in the same area thereare several obsidian flakes, possibly representing working debris. Theevidence thus suggests that, here also, the upper floor may well havebeen used for craft activities.

Beneath the collapsed layer there were the remains of 12 pithoi,most of which had been damaged by the superstructure that hadcollapsed on them (Fig. 35). Five pithoi were arranged along the eastwall. There were also two pithoi in the centre of the room and one infront of the entrance to D35 (Plan 3).

In the interior and underneath some of the pithoi, apart fromfragments of plaster and pottery that had fallen from above, there wasblack greasy soil, perhaps due to burning of oil contained in the storagevessels (cf. Figs 34-40).

On the floor of burnt clay, some stones, mostly along the easternside of the room, were almost certainly used to support the pithoi. Apartfrom the pithoi in D38 other vessels were also present at the time ofdestruction, such as decorated jugs, amphorae, carinated cups andconical cups.

The building material identified in the room and the excavatedlevels consisted of stone, plaster, wood, mud-brick, sand, clay and lime.

The 2007 excavation located the imprints that the pithoi removedin 1985 had left on the soil (Fig. 36). The pottery in this layer was quite

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34.D38 1985 excavation: detail of the pithoi in situfrom the south.

35.D38 1985 excavation: general view of the roomfrom south east with the pithoi found in situ.

36.D35-D40-D38: orthophoto with the impressionsof pithoi in situ, identified during the 2008excavations.

numerous, but extremely fragmentary. Some of the most representativefinds included a wheel-thrown carinated cup and a conical cup (RP225,Fig. 107; RP226, Fig. 108a, 108b in the catalogue below). The whiteplaster present near and under the pithos bases was probably connectedwith an earlier phase (named early Phase II), than the one connected tothe pithoi (Figs. 37 - 38).

Moreover it is now clear that the free-standing partition wall40&38, between D38 and 40, was only built in the latest phase of the lifeof the complex, while the two rooms initially formed one functionalunit, since traces of plaster floor were found under this wall (Fig. 39).

The several sherds brought to light, related to this floor, consistedof coarse, medium-fine and fine wares (Fig. 40). This floor can berelated to the widespread slab and plaster floor, also found in theadjacent rooms and dated to early Phase II.

The existence of the oldest phase (Phase I) has only beenidentified in the part of the room connected to D35 11.

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11 Cf. D35.

37.D38 The “bench” in which the pithoi were placedis visible on the right. Beneath it are fragments ofa plaster floor dating to early phase II.

38.D38 Detail of the imprint of the pithos 11. Beneathit traces of the plaster floor from early Phase IIare visible.

39.D38 Fragmented plaster floor beneath wall 40&38connected to D40

40.D38 Fragments of a conical cup.

D40 (cf. Pll. VI-VII and Chapter I.3, 6)

Located in the central part of the complex, to the south of rooms41, room 40 measures 6.23 x 1.70 m. It was first excavated in 1985 (Fig.41), 1989 and then subsequently in 2006, 2007, and 2008. It has anopening to the south west towards room 38. To the Northwest itcomunicates with D41a through D35. Through D35, it is linked to room35a and thus with the staircase providing access to the upper floor.

There was a layer that contained many fragments of mud-brickand scattered plaster, some of which had traces of red and blue colour.This evidence suggests the existence of an upper floor. The layer alsocontained fragments of schist slabs, probably from the floor of the roomabove. Beneath the collapse of the upper floor, it was possible to identifythe burnt destruction layer of the latest phase, containing large potteryvessels of both coarse and medium-coarse ware (amphorae, jugs andcooking pots) and fragments of several fine vases including a smallKamares fragment. Near the southeast entrance of D40 there was apithos on the clay floor. A second one was situated in the north westcorner. Its base was supported by stones. Another pithos stood by thewestern side. It had fallen over with its mouth oriented to the north andits base towards the south. Several tools were also found.

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41.D40 1985 excavation: D40 is visible on the leftand D38 on the right-hand side.

42.D40 View of the central part of the room. On theleft-hand side, the plaster floor belonging to earlyPhase II is visible. It goes under the partition wall38&40.

43.D40 North side of the room and eastern entrancethrough D35.

44.D40 NE-SW oriented stone structure belonging tothe oldest phase (Wall VIII).

45.D40 Detail of wall VIII. Several fragments of redplaster, probably from the wall surface, are visible.

The building material identified in the room and in the excavatedlayers consisted of stone, plaster and mud-brick. In the last phase, theroom was used for storage purposes, shown by the pithoi found inside.

In the recent campaigns the room has been extensively excavated.Several pottery sherds were found in the same level as the pithoi. Onlya few shapes are discernible, including two carinated cups and a raisedbase conical cup, both datable to the MMIIb (RP5, Fig. 118a, 118b;RP167, Fig. 119a, 119b; RP68, Fig. 120a, 120b).

In the central and southern part of the room, beneath afragmentary plaster floor (0.97 x 0.43 m, depth -2.939 m) on which tracesof a pithos were visible (S end of the wall 40&38), a fragmentary whitefloor and a clay orange preparation level were found (Fig. 42). Bothcontinued under wall 40&38, and could be related to the intermediatephase with the slabs and plaster floor, before the transformation of theroom with the erection of the free-standing central wall.

In the northern part of the room, several stone slabs wererecovered, probably belonging to the same slab and plaster floor (PhaseII early), also found in the adjacent rooms D35, D41 and D41a (Fig. 43).

A NE-SW oriented stone structure, maybe a wall, belonging to theoldest phase (Phase I), was partially brought to light along the outer wall49&40 which rested on it (Fig. 44). This wall, labelled VIII, is preserved

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12 Cf, pp. PECORARO - ROMA, Chapter III.2 inthis volume.

46.D41 1985 excavation: general view

47.D41 South-east part of the Room.The stone slabsfrom the floor of early Phase II are visible in theforeground. Under wall 41&40 (upper part of thephoto), a structure that can be attributed to theoldest phase (Wall VII) is visible.

for a length of 1.72 m and consisted of random uncoursed rubble ofdifferent size. Near the wall, several fragments of red plaster, probablyfrom the wall faces, were found 12 (fig. 45). Few fragments can besecurely related to the oldest wall, including two bases of conical cupswith finger impressions (RP257, Fig.121a, 121b; RP258, Fig. 122a, 122b).

D41 (cf. Addendum, P8, and Chapter I.3, 6)

Located in the central part of the complex, north of room 40, D41measures 2.46 x 1.85 m. It was excavated in 1985 (Fig. 46) and 1989 andthen in 2007. It is a communicating room linked by an opening to theeast with room D41a and through it to D35 to the south. It also givesaccess to D42 to the north east and to corridor D60 to the north.

The collapse of an upper floor has been identified in this room.40 loom weights of different shapes and sizes were located in the westernpart of the room along with stone tools and sherds of fine pottery. Theseloom weights had fallen from a room in an upper storey used for weavingactivities, while room D41 itself was a storage room. The destructionlayer also covered the remains of a pithos found in situ towards thenorth-east. There was also a stone lid of a pithos, and various potteryshapes including an amphora, a carinated cup, several conical cups,fragments of jugs, a plate, a spouted jar and a bridge-spouted jar.

Beneath the floor of late Phase II, a floor was identified made ofslabs and plaster, belonging to early Phase II. A very limited soundingwas opened in the last campaigns to evaluate the extension of these slabsand the plaster floor partially covered by wall 41&40 (Fig. 47). Someslabs with mud mortar were identified, belonging to the same floorwhich was uncovered in several other rooms.

An older wall was identified, covered by wall 41&40, which partlyhad a similar orientation, labelled VII. It measured 1.61 x 0.76 m.Although the few pottery sherds collected were very fragmentary and

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48.D41a 1985 excavation: general view.

49.D41a South western part of the room andentrance through D35.

undiagnostic, it seems that this structure, like the ones detected in otherrooms, belonged to Phase I.

D41a (cf. Addendum, P8 and Chapter I.3, 6)

Room D41a, north of D35, in the central area of the complex, wasfirst excavated in 1985 (Fig. 48), 1989, and again in 2007. This roughlyrectangular room measures 2.35 x 1.58 m. From the first excavationcampaigns, it was clear that this room, during the final building phase,before its destruction by fire, was a passageway leading to rooms D35,D41 and D42, with which there were no partition walls.

There are no signs of an upper floor for this room. The destructionlayer contains mud-brick, wood, fragments of plaster, a pounder, manystones and few sherds.

D41a was also partly used as a storage room, similar to the adjacentrooms, as suggested by the presence of four large pithoi (P1-4) along thewest wall and one (P5) along the east wall, together with severalfragments of bowls and cups. These pithoi rested on a plaster floor, alongthe northern wall for a length of 1.40m and a width of 0.50-1 m. In thelatest phase of use of the complex, during late Phase II, D41a appears tohave been used as a storage room. It also provided communicationamong rooms D35 and D40 and the rooms to the north.

Beneath the floor on which the pithoi were placed, several slabswere found together with significant traces of plaster, which seem tobelong to the same floor as that found in D41 and adjoining rooms. Thisfloor is clearly attributable to early Phase II (Fig. 49, 50). The extensionof this floor has been further clarified in recent excavation campaigns,when a sounding was made in the entire room in order to see whetherthe deep wall III found under room D35 continued north east in D41a(Fig. 51) and to investigate older phases. Several slabs were unearthednear the passageway towards D41 (north-west) and in the north-easternsector beneath the level of the foundations of wall 41a&42.

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13 Cf. Levi - Carinci 1988, pl.86; pl. 100c.

50.D41a.

51.D41a Central part of the room. Stone slabbeneath which there were a burnt level andpottery fragments. On the left there are severaltraces of a plaster floor, belonging to the earliestphase.

Beneath the slab floor there was a burnt level, with several potteryfragments, both coarse and fine wares, possibly datable to MMII, due tothe presence of a very fragmentary and badly preserved carinated cupwith lower carination and a conical cup with a raised base, both similarto an example from Phaistos13 (RP33, Fig. 127a, 127b; RP52, Fig. 129a,129b).

Beneath the fill, the remains of a deeper plaster floor were visible,belonging to the earliest phase (Phase I), also found in D35 (Fig. 51).

D42 (cf. Addendum, P8 and Chapter I.3, 6)

Room D42, located to the north of D41a, is linked to D42a andD58. It measured 2.33 x 2.65 m. and was excavated in 1985 (Fig. 52),1989, 2006 and 2007. It is located at the heart of the structure and actsas a communicating room between the various wings of the building.

There is no indication of an upper floor. The destruction layer hada compact consistency and a sandy composition of blackish-browncolour mixed with fragments of mud-brick. The destruction layercontained a pounder and a few sherds.

The presence of several pithoi in the northern part of room wherethe bedrock emerges suggests that this room, apart from being used as acentral passageway leading to the different parts of the complex, also hada storage function.

The construction material identified in the room and theexcavated layers consisted of stone, plaster, mud-brick and wood.

An older floor, covered by walls 60&42 and 58&42+60, belongedto early Phase II. Situated in the south-west side of the room, it was builtof slabs and hewn stones of different sizes and, on the north east side, ata higher level, of a plaster floor the naturally emerging bedrock (Fig. 53).The same plaster floor could be followed in the adjacent rooms D41 andD60 (Fig. 54). Unfortunately, only a few undiagnostic pottery fragmentscan be associated with this phase.

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52.D42 1985 excavation: general view at the begin-ning of the excavation.

53.D42 The emerging bedrock with traces of the pla-ster that adhered tos it can be seen in the fore-ground.

54.D42 Floor with stone slabs.

55.D60 On the left, part of the slab floor with theslabs covered by wall 58&42+60 is visible.This slabfloor seemed to be blocked and overlain by a newhigher floor in the passageway between D60 andD66b.

56.D60 Detail of stone slabs beneath wall 58&42+60.

D60 (cf. Addendum, P8 and Chapter I.3, 6)

D60 is an area located to the north of D41, east of D53, measuring0.96 x 2.56 m. excavated in 1988, 1989 (Plan 4) and 2007. Once again,no traces of an upper floor were found in this room.

In the latest building phase, it acted as a narrow corridorconnecting the northern and southern parts of the complex. Thedestruction layer, late Phase II, was partially composed of collapsed mud-brick, stones, plaster, wood and pottery fragments. This part of thecomplex seems to have had another function in early Phase II. It wasprobably part of a centrally located court paved with limestone slabs and,in the southern half with an uneven plaster floor, most likely connectedto the slabs. This slab floor continued under walls 60&42 and 58&42+60and seemed to be blocked and overlaid by a new and higher floorpreparation in the passageway between D60 and D66b.

The slabs in D42 and D60 seemed different in size and materialto the slabs in D66c and D66b although this does not necessarily implythat they belong to different sub-phases.

All these evidences suggest that the drainage system in D66 wasprobably related to the oldest phase. The drainage system lies under thewalls 58&42+60 and 60&42 that were certainly built later (Photos 55, 56).

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57.D58 Wall 42+42a&58 from north west.

58.D58 Wall 42+42a&5 from NW.

D58 (cf. Addendum, P8 and Chapter I.3, 6)

This elongated room, located in the central complex, measuring3.30 x 1.15 m, was excavated in 1988, 1989 (Plans 5, 6) and 2010. Theexcavation revealed a collapse of mud-brick and the destruction level ofthe latest phase (Phase II late) with many stones, fragments of plaster,pottery and a few fragments of wood and bone. As for the other roomssituated to the south and linked to it (D42, D41a, D60), there was noevidence of the presence of an upper floor.

This latest phase saw the addition of a beaten earth floor withtraces of plaster, covered by some fragmentary pithoi, vases and stonetools. This suggests that it acted as a storage room, a function that hasbeen identified for the whole of this part of the complex for late PhaseII.

In the last campaign, a test trench of 1.20 x 0.40 m was dug in thearea by the entrance to the western side of wall 42+42a&58 where theplaster was not preserved. In the area near the entrance between D58and D42, a NE-SW oriented wall was identified, that measured 1.40 x0.48 m, named wall 42+42a&58 (Fig. 57).

The test trench revealed two distinct traces of plaster (Fig. 58),with a few centimetres of thickness between the two, confirming the twophases (early and late Phase II) already recorded for rooms D41 and D41aand, until now, only hypothesised in corridor D60. Wall 42+42a&58 wascertainly earlier than wall 58&42+60 which partially covered it andbelongs to the same phase as the plaster and stone slab floor of earlyPhase II. An older level that was removed beneath the floor of slabs andplaster consisted of clay with small stones and flakes and covered thebedrock.

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Concluding remarks

As a result of the recent excavations together with a re-examinationof past excavations, it was possible to distinguish at least threechronological phases within the eastern complex of Monastiraki. Thesephases present moreover some rearrangements and reorganizations ofthe rooms in question.

The above-mentioned rooms were located in the central-southernpart of the Monastiraki East complex which was probably a focal pointof the monumental building.

The most important results to emerge from these campaigns werethe discovery of several occupational levels in the rooms and theidentification of older structures in rooms D31, D34, D32, D35 and D41.This new data enabled us to distinguish three occupational phaseslabelled Phase I (related to the oldest walls and floors), early Phase II(characterized by a slab and plaster floor) and late Phase II, the lastphase of the complex before the final destruction and abandonment ofthe Protopalatial site.

The new evidence suggests that a residential complex was built atthis part of the site at some early stages in the Protopalatial period (PhaseI). This phase was clearly distinguished into rooms: D31, D32, D34, D35,D37, D38, D40, D41 and D41a. The oldest traces are mostly representedby walls “I” to “VII” (Plan 2), of which only the foundations survive dueto the intentional levelling following an initial destruction prior to thesubsequent building phase. These walls were partially covered by laterstructures so they provided only limited data. One of the most importantpieces of evidence to emerge is the difference in orientation comparedto the overlying structures. In a few cases, the floor levels associated withthese structures (D32, D35) were found; the absence of floors in otherareas may be due to the material used and the building techniques. Thewalls were made of medium-sized stones, bound by a mortar composedof earth and clay; the small portions of preserved floor were made of clay

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Tab. 1:The three macro-phases identified at Monastiraki

Phases Date

Phase II late (presence of pithoi) MMIIb

Phase II early (floor of slabs and plaster) MMIIa-MMIIb

Phase I (oldest walls and floors) (MMIb?)-MMIIa

14 The strong resemblance between the materialfrom Monastiraki and Phaistos was alreadyunderlined in KANTA 1999A, pp. 388 ff.

and lime. Given the current state of research, it is not possible toestablish the extent of this first settlement since the fragmentary tracesmake it difficult to understand the exact boundaries.

The destruction of Phase I was clearly detectable in the greyish -black level that covered it. The intentional levelling that followed led tothe absence or significant fragmentation of the pottery. For the samereason, the quantity of sherds associated with the oldest structures wasdifferent in the excavated rooms, and pottery shapes and wares were notalways recognizable. With regard to the oldest phase, linked to the newmasonry structures, the pottery is scarce and fragmentary, consistingmainly of medium, fine or coarse pottery, conical cups and a few othervase shapes, generally badly preserved.

The comparison instituted between some of the fragments herepresented and the well-known shapes from the contemporary site ofPhaistos, which represents a significant parallel for Monastiraki duringthe Protopalatial period14, hint the possibility of a MMIb-MMIIa date forthis phase (cf. for example in the Pottery Catalogue below RP170 fig. 87,RP199 fig. 89, RP207 fig. 92, RP231 fig. 94, RP38 fig. 97, RP2 fig. 99, andRP258 fig. 119).

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Plan 2.Particular of the Eastern Complex showing therooms quoted in the text and the oldest walls (re-ticulate).

15 See MARAZZI, Water drainage, distribution andcistern system in the East Quarter (II.6).

The pottery was generally hand made and there are only few tracesof wheel-thrown vessels. Most of the conical cups had finger impressionson the base and fairly thick walls due to being made by hand, and canbe dated to MMIb (for example, see RP201, Fig. 90a, 90b; RP207, Fig.2a, 2b; RP239, Fig. 111a, 111b; RP258, Fig. 119a, 119b in the cataloguebelow). Other ceramic vessels found in these layers does bear strikingsimilarities with MMIIa pottery (for example RP38, Fig. 97a, 97b; RP199,Fig. 89a, 89b).

After the destruction of the oldest structures by fire, the area wasgiven a new layout.

This phase, which was named early Phase II, was recognized inrooms D35, D38, D40, D41, D41a, D42, D58 and D60.

In early Phase II it was noted that this part of the complexcontained a courtyard connecting various rooms. The courtyard wasapparently paved with slabs and white plaster, identified in several of theexcavated rooms (D60, D42, D41, D41a, D38, D35), and was providedwith a drainage system15.

The pottery fragments associated with this phase were nothomogeneously distributed in all the excavated areas and were moreabundant in room D38. The established parallels and the use of thepotter's wheel suggested a MMII date, even though the material did notmake it possible to identify the sub-phase precisely. Some similarities canbe found with material attributable to MMIIa (such as two fragments offootled goblets found in room D38 - RP248, Fig. 112a, 112b - and in thefill of staircase - RP238, Fig. 103a, 103b -).

Material from Late Phase II - i.e. the last in the life of the complex- was found in all the excavated rooms. The phase was marked by asubstantial change in the layout of the area. Indeed, it is interesting tonote the construction of several partition walls (42&41, 60&42, 41&40,41&41a, 40&38) in order to subdivide larger spaces and to create smallermodular units.

During this period, the smaller rooms were mainly used asstorerooms, as suggested by the presence of pithoi (D34, D35, D35a,D37, D38, D40, D41a, D42). Some of them also served as corridors orconnecting rooms (D41, D60, D42), and D32 was probably anunderstairs room. Communication within the complex was assured bythe presence of several connecting passageways that link the whole of thecentral complex during Late Phase II.

Several pieces of evidence such as loom weights or pots foundinside the pithoi, indicated the presence of a second floor above roomsD31, D34, D32, D37, D35, D35a, D38, D40 and D41 where crafts

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(weaving) and domestic activities were recorded. Other rooms of theEastern Complex have also produced evidence that an upper floorexisted. This floor was also used as an archive of sealings. This archiveis the second of the three archives discovered at the site so far.

The final destruction of the eastern complex of Monastiraki canbe dated to late MMIIb, as is the case for the main palatial centres ofthe island during this period. Most of the material found in thesettlement belongs to this phase and consists of both coarse and fineware pottery kept in the storerooms and other rooms of the upper floor.Generally, they include pithoi for the storage of foodstuffs such as oil,fruit (figs, grapes), amphorae, jugs, but also various carinated and conicalcups in fine and medium-fine buff ware.

The parallels established between the material found during thelast campaigns and the ones of the contemporary sites of Phaistos andKommos confirm the date of MMIIb (see, for example, RP10, Fig. 63a,63b; RP13, Fig. 64a, 64b; RP226, Fig. 105a, 105b; RP5, Fig. 115a, 115b;RP68, Fig. 117a, 117b in the pottery catalogue below).

Finally, it can be stated that the Monastiraki eastern area was firstlyoccupied in MMIb-MMIIa, Phase I, as the scattered walls and beatenfloor testify; subsequently, building work on the main complex beganand the courtyard was laid out, paved with plaster and stone slabs, in aperiod dating to between MMIIa and the beginning of MMIIb; lastly,during the third and last phase of the complex, datable to MMIIb, thearea previously occupied by the courtyard was subdivided into a series ofsmall rooms and storerooms.

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16 For each fragment, information is providedabout the shape, where this can be identified, theprovenance and the date of discovery. The piece isdescribed in terms of its construction and thetreatment of the surface followed by details of itsmeasurements. Lastly, there is a general descriptionand suggested analogies with material from thecontemporary and nearby Minoan sites of Phaistosand Kommos.

Pottery Catalogue

The catalogue contains the diagnostic pottery fragments retrievedfrom the deep soundings during the 2006-2010 excavation campaigns.The pottery is presented on a room-by-room basis and divided accordingto the layers identified (from the latest to the oldest phases) anddescribed in the text. and described in the text.

All the pottery fragments have been recorded in a database linkedto the general GIS of Monastiraki. The pottery fragments belonging tothe same layer received an identification number (P) and were thenrecorded in a general file of the “Pottery” database. Of the variousfragments, those considered particularly diagnostic received anothernumber (RP) and were described in a special file in the database16.

Pottery from room D32

Destruction Level:RP28: Pithos Lid (fig. 59)Provenance: D32, Level 13, 13.07.2006Fabric: coarse reddish / brownish yellow (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 - 10 YR 6/6)Measures: th. 2.5 cm; d. 28 cm.Description: Big pithos lid.

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RP12: Milk jug (fig. 60a, 60b)Provenance: D32, Level 16, 18.07.2006Fabric: coarse yellowish red (Munsell 5 YR 5/6)Measures: h. 9.9; w. 23.2 cm; th. 0.9 cm; handle th. 1. 4 cm; d. 35Description: three large fragments reconstructing the partial profile of a container. Sometraces of burning on the exterior side.

RP16: Conical cup (fig. 61a, 61b)Provenance: D32, Level 12, 13.07.2006Fabric: medium fine very pale brown (Munsell10 YR 7/4)Measures: h. 4.7 cm; th. 0.3 / 0.4 cm; d. base 3.6 cm; rim 7.6 cmDescription: It has globular walls and a slightly raised base. Clear signs of being wheel-thrown. Similar to cups datable to MMIIB from Phaistos (LEVI-CARINCI 1988, pl. 100, s).

RP9: Conical Cup (fig. 62a, 62b)Provenance: D32, Mudbrick wall, 12.07.2006Fabric: fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/4)Measures: h. 2.4 cm; th. 0.4 cm; d. base 3.1 cmDescription: Base of a cup with slightly raised base. Clear signs of being wheel-thrown.

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RP10: Conical Cup (fig. 63a, 63b)Provenance: D32, Mudbrick wall, 12.07.2006Fabric: fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/4)Measures: h. max 3.0 cm; th. 0.4 cm; d. base 3.8 cmDescription: Base of a cup with curving walls and waisted base. Similar to several cups fromPhaistos datable to the MMIIB (LEVI-CARINCI 1988, pl. 100, t-u-v).

RP13: Cup (fig. 64a, 64b)Provenance: D32, Level 16, 18.07.2006Fabric: fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/4)Measures: th. 0.6 cm; d. 14.4 cm.Description: Rim and globular walls of a wheel-made cup. The shape is similar to some MMII B conical cups from Phaistos (LEVI–CARINCI 1989, pl 100, s, v).

RP27: Bowl (fig. 65a, 65b)Provenance: D32, Level 13, 14.07.2006Fabric: medium fine reddish yellow (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6)Measures: th. 0.4/0.5 cm; base 0.6 cm; d. base 4.2 cm; rim 15 cm.Description: Several fragments reconstructing the profile of a truncated conical bowl. Signsof being wheel-thrown. Similar to the “piattello troncoconico” from Phaistos datable toMMIIB (LEVI-CARINCI 1988, pl. 96) and to several examples from Kommos (BETANCOURT

1990, fig. 20, 305; VAN DE MOORTEL 2006, pl 3.14, L/11).

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RP17: Bowl (fig. 66)Provenance: D32, Level 12, 13.07.2006Fabric: medium fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/6)Measures: 4.7 x 12.5 cm; th. 0.9 cm; d. rim 18 cm; d. base 15 cm.Description: Dark on light painted bowl. Traces of black bands on the interior side.Similar to the “piattello a disco” from Phaistos (LEVI-CARINCI 1988, pl. 96, v), althoughthe Monastiraki example has more flaring walls.

RP15: Closed shape (fig. 67a, 67b)Provenance: D32, Level 16, 18.07.2006Fabric: medium fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/6)Measures: h. 4.5 cm; th. 0.8 cm; d. base 4.6 cmDescription: Base of an indeterminate closed shape.

RP63: Closed shape (fig. 68)Provenance: D32, Level 16, 18.07.2006Fabric: medium fine light brown (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/3)Measures: h. 3.8 cm; th. 0.8 cm; d. 8.6 cmDescription: Base of an indeterminate closed shape

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Oldest Phase:

RP218: Indeterminate (fig. 69a, 69b)Provenance: D32, Level 1, 24.07.2008Fabric: medium coarse brownish yellow (Munsell 10 YR 6/6)Measures: h. max 4.3 cm; th. 0.8/1.0 cm; d. base 4 cmDescription: Base of an indeterminate shape. Some finger impressions on the exterior.The interior is very badly preserved.

RP265: Jug (fig. 70)Provenance: D32, Level 18, 24.07.2006Fabric: Fine very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/4)Measures:Description: Several joining fragments probably belonging to a fine jug with barbotinedecoration.

RP18: Deep bowl (fig. 71a, 71b)Provenance: D32, Level 18, 24.07.2006Fabric: medium fine reddish yellow (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6)Measures: h. 10.2 cm; th. 0.5/0.7 cm; th. base 1.0 cm; d. base 7.4 cm; d. rim 17 cm.Description: Bowl with slightly curving walls. The surface is completely flaked offcompletely.

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RP221: Basin (fig. 72a, 72b)Provenance: D32, Level 1, 24.07.2008Fabric: medium fine yellow (Munsell 10 YR 7/6)Measures: h. 6.9: w. 5.7 cm; th. 1.0 cm; d. 28 cm.Description: Basin with slightly everted rim.

Pottery from room D37

Preparation Level of the Plaster Floor:

RP164: Pithos (fig. 73a, 73b)Provenance: D37, Level 3, 18.07.2008Fabric: coarse reddish yellow (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6)Measures: 6.2 x 8.2 cm; th. wall 2.7 cm / rim 3.1 cm; d. n.i.Description: One fragment of a pithos rim.

RP183: Indeterminate closed shape (fig. 74a, 74b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium coarse pale brown / yellow (Munsell 10 YR 7/4-7/6)Measures: h. max. 4.1 cm; d. base 13 cmDescription: Base of a closed shape, possibly a jar or an amphora.

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RP160: Basin (fig. 75a, 75b)Provenance: D37, Level 3, 16.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff pottery (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. 4.9; w. 5.4 cm; th. 1.1 cm; d. 26 cm.Description: Large basin with traces of reddish brown paint on the interior. Similar toBETANCOURT 1990, fig. 20, no. 305.

RP165: Bowl/Plate (?) (fig. 76)Provenance: D37, Level 3, 18.07.2008Fabric: medium fine reddish yellow (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6)Measures: 9.4 x 5,9 cm; th. 1.0 cm.Description: this small fragment may have been part of a conical bowl decorated witha dark band along the internal rim. It bears similarities with the example inLEVI–CARINCI 1988, plate 95-96.

RP162: Open shape / Bowl (fig. 77a, 77b)Provenance: D37, Level 3, 16.07.2008Fabric: medium fine yellow (Munsell 10 YR 7/6)Measures: h. 5.1; w. 12.5 cm; th. 0.6 cm; d. 20 cmDescription: Probably a conical bowl with curved walls.

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RP186: Hemispherical cup (fig. 78a, 78b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 19.07.2008Fabric: medium fine very pale brown (Munsell10 YR 7/4)Measures: h. 5.2; w. 6.5 cm; d. 11 cm.Description: : Part of a wheel-thrown hemispherical cup, with slightly everted rim.Dipped in black paint, now faded. Its profile is similar to several cups from Phaistos(LEVI-CARINCI 1988, pl. 84).

RP177: Cup (fig. 79a, 79b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 21.07.2008Fabric: Fine buff (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: 4.2 x 4.7 cm; th. 0.6 cm; d. n.i.Description: Cup with black band on the rim.

RP190: Cup (fig. 80a, 80b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 19.07.2008Fabric: medium fine yellow (Munsell 10 YR 7/6)Measures: h. max 2.8 cm; th. 0.7 cm; d. base 5 cmDescription: Slightly raised base, possibly belonging to a hemispherical or conical cup.

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RP102: Conical cup (fig. 81a, 81b)Provenance: D37, Level 2, 23.07.2007Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. max. 2.1 cm; d. base 3.4 cm; th. 0.6 cm.Description: Small cup with raised base. It is similar to several MMIIA conical cups(skoutelia) from Phaistos (LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pl 99, u) and to a miniature conical cupform Phaistos (see LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pl. 105, h).

RP189: Conical cup (fig. 82a, 82b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 19.07.2006Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. max 4.4 cm; d. base 4.2 cm.Description: Base of conical cup with slightly raised base. It shares similarities withseveral cups from Phaistos (LEVI–CARINCI 1988, tav. 100, f, y).

RP193: Cup (fig. 83a, 83b)Provenance: D37, Level 4, 19.07.2008Fabric: medium fine light brown (Munsell) with several small inclusions.Measures: h. max 3.3 cm; d. 5.5 cm.Description: Base of a cup with slightly flaring walls.

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Oldest Phase: Filling Pottery:

RP181: Closed shape (fig. 84a, 84b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium coarse reddish yellow (Munsell) with several small and medium sizeinclusions.Measures: h. max 2.8 cm; d. 17.2 cmDescription: Base of indeterminate shape.

RP236: Jar (fig. 85a, 85b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep B, 23.07.2008Fabric: Coarse very pale brown (Munsell 10 YR 7/4)Measures: h. 6.9; w. 8.9 cm; th. 1.3/1.7 cm; d. 32 cmDescription: Thickened rim and walls that curve inwards.

RP233: Closed shape (fig. 86a, 86b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep B, 23.07.2008Fabric: medium coarse buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown) with severalinclusions of small and medium size.Measures: h. max 4.4 cm; th. 0.8/1.0 cm; base 1.2 cm; d. base 12.6 cm.Description: Base of indeterminate shape.

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RP170: Conical cup (fig. 87a, 87b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 6/4 light yellowish brown)Measures: h. max. 3.3 cm; th. 1.1 cm; d. 4.6 cmDescription: Base of a conical cup similar to LEVI – CARINCI 1988, pl. 100, o (MMIIA)and LEVI 1976, pl. 46, a.

RP195: Conical cup (fig. 88a, 88b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/6 yellow)Measures: h. max 4.8 cm; th. 0.7 cm; d. 5 cmDescription: Cup with raised base and globular body. Some finger impressions on thebase. This base could belong to a conical cup.

RP199: Conical cup (fig. 89a, 89b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/6 yellow)Measures: h. max. 2.8 cm; th. 0.7 cm; d. base 4.2 cmDescription: Raised base and curvilinear walls. It is similar to several MMIIA examplesfrom Phaistos (LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pl. 100, b-f) and to several vessels from Kommos(BETANCOURT 1990, fig. 16, n. 147; VAN DE MOORTEL 2006, pl. 3.3, Ja/1).

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RP201: Cup (fig. 90a, 90b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max 4.0 cm; th. 0.8 cm; d. base 4.2 cmDescription: Raised base and globular body. It resembles the example in LEVI 1976, pl.35, e’-g’.

RP203: Cup (fig. 91a, 91b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: 3.3 x 3.2 cm; th. 0.4 cm; d. n.i.Description: Rim of a cup dipped in black paint.

RP207: Conical cup (fig. 92a, 92b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep B, 23.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. 5.8 cm; th. 0.5 cm; d. 4.5 cm.Description: Raised base and globular body. Some finger impressions on the base. Thisconical cup shows similarities with some cups from Phaistos (see LEVI 1976, pl. 35, i’- l’(MMIB); pl. 46, r (MMIIA).

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RP212: Conical cup (fig. 93a, 93b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep B, 23.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. max. 4.4 cm; th. 0.5/0.6 cm; d. baseDescription: Cup with raised base and globular body. Finger impressions on the base.Similar to RP 201.

RP231: Conical cup (fig. 94a, 94b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep B, 23.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max. 4.1 cm; th. 0.5/0.9 cm; d. base 5.2 cmDescription: Cup with raised base and globular body. Finger impressions on the base.The shape is similar to BETANCOURT 1990, fig. 14, n. 79 (MMIB).

RP180: Hole-mouthed jar (fig. 95a, 95b)Provenance: D37, Level 4 deep, 21.07.2008Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 8/4 very pale brown)Measures: 2.5 x 3.4 cm; th. 0.7 cm; d. n.i.Description: Rim curving inwards. Traces of dark paint.

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Pottery from room D35Under the Destruction Level/ Oldest Structure:

RP42: Basin (fig. 96a, 96b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 31.07.2007Fabric: medium coarse buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/4 light brown)Measures: 5.2 x 9.7 cm; th. 1.4/1.9 cm; d. n.i.Description: Flattened rim. Curving walls.

RP38: Bowl (fig. 97a, 97b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 31.07.2007Fabric: medium fine buff clay with small inclusions visible on the surface (Munsell 7.5YR 6/3).Measures: 3.3 x 3.6 cm; th. 0.5 cm; d. 6.9 cm.Description: Rim slightly curving outward. Black paint on the exterior. Very similar toLEVI - CARINCI 1988, tav. 82, k (MMIIA) and to BETANCOURT 1990, fig. 23, 440.

RP43: Cup (fig. 98a, 98b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 31.07.2007Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: 2.9 x 2.8 cm; th. 0.5 cm / rim 0.3 cm; d. n.i.Description: Flaring walls, rim slightly curving outwards. Black band along the rim.Similar in shape to BETANCOURT 1990, fig. 16, nos. 149, 150.

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RP34: Conical cup (fig. 100a, 100b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 26.07.2007Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/3 - 6/3 pale brown)Measures: h. 5.9 cm; th. 0.4/0.6 cm; d. base 4.5 cm; d. rim 9 cm.Description: Flat base, walls curving inward. Some finger impressions along the base.Similar to LEVI 1976, pl. 35, a’-c’ (MMIB).

RP35: Conical cup (fig.101)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 26.07.2007Fabric: medium fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max. 3.1; th. 0.8 / 1.0 cm; base 0.6 cm; d. base 4.6 cmDescription: Flat base of conical cup.

RP2: Conical cup (fig. 99a, 99b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 31.07.2007Fabric: medium fine light brown pottery (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/3)Measures: h. 6.2 cm; sp. 0.6 cm; d. rim 9 cm; d. base 4 cm.Description: Raised base, flaring walls. Finger impressions on raised base. Few traces ofuse of potter's wheel. Similar to Levi 1976, pl. 35, g’ (MM IB) and also to pl. 46, t(MMIIA).

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RP39: Conical cup (fig. 102a, 102b)Provenance: D35, Level 1, 31.07.2007Fabric: medium fine light buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6-6/6 reddish yellow).Measures: h. 3.1 cm; th. 0.6 cm; d. base 4.5 cm.Description: Base slightly waisted, globular body. Similar to LEVI 1976, pl. 35, l’-k’(MMIB).

Pottery from wall 35A&36:RP238: Footed goblet (fig. 103a, 103b)Provenance: Staircase Wall 35a&36, Level 2, 29.07.2008Fabric: Fine orange clay (Munsell 5 YR 5/8 yellowish red).Measures: h. max 1.6 cm; th. 0.6 cm.Description: Faded base of footed goblet similar to an example from Phaistos (See LEVI

- CARINCI 1988, pl. 80, a). This form is better known at Knossos, where it ceased to beproduced in MMIIA (MACGILLVRAY 1998, pp. 67-68).

Pottery from room D38Latest Level:RP225: Carinated cup (fig. 104)Provenance: D38, Level 1, 24.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. 2.6; w. 1.9 cm; th. 0.4 cm; d. base n.i.Description: base with wheel marks on the interior. Black paint.

RP226: Conical cup (fig. 105a, 105b)Provenance: D38, Level 1, 24.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. 3.2; w. 4.8 cm; th. 0.3/0.4 cm.Description: Cup with slightly everted rim. Traces of use of potter's wheel.

Plaster Level:

RP249: Pithos (fig. 106)Provenance: D38, Level 3, 29.07.2008Fabric: coarse clay with several inclusions also on the surface (Munsell 10 YR 7/4-7/6very pale brown /yellow)Measures: h. 9.4; w. 10.0 cm; th. 1.4/1.6 cmDescription: Wall fragment with raised rope decoration incised with chevrons.

RP254: Pithos (fig. 107)Provenance: D38, Level 2, 28.07.2008Fabric: coarse buff clay with several inclusions (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: 3.9 x 7.7 cm; th. 1.5Description: Wall fragment with raised rope decorated with incisions. Traces of burning.

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RP245: Closed shape (fig. 108a, 108b)Provenance: D38, Level 3, 29.07.2008Fabric: coarse clay with several small inclusions, also on the surface (Munsell 5 YR 5/6yellowish red).Measures: h. 5.7; w. 6.2 cm; th. 0.5 / 0.6 cm; d. rim 24 cmDescription: Several pieces of a vase with the rim narrower than the maximumdiameter. Extensive traces of burning on the exterior. It could be a cooking pot.

RP244: Closed shape (fig. 109a, 109b)Provenance: D38, Level 2, 28.07.2008Fabric: medium coarse buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max 6.1 cm; th. 1.4; base 0.9 cm; d. base 18Description: Some sign of working along the base on the exterior. It could be anamphora.

RP243: Basin (fig. 110a, 110b)Provenance: D38, Level 2, 29.07.2008Fabric: medium fine very pale brown clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4). plain paintedMeasures: 5.6 x 6.0 cm; th. 0.6/0.7 cm; d. 32 cm.Description: Large bowl with flaring walls and rim curving outwards. Similar to LEVI –CARINCI 1989, tav. 12 q (MMII).

RP239: Conical cup (fig. 111a, 111b)Provenance: D38, Level 3, 29.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. 5.8 cm; th. 0.4/0.5 cm; base d. 4.5 cm; rim d. 7.8 cm.Description: Cup with globular walls and a slightly raised base. Dark band on the rimobtained by being dipped in paint. Marks from use of potter's wheel. Several fingerimpressions on the base. It shares similarities with LEVI – CARINCI 1989, tav. 100, e.

RP248: Cup (fig. 112a, 112b)Provenance: D38, Level 3, 29.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10YR 7/6 very pale brown).Measures: h. 6.0; w. 4.4 cm; th. 0.3/0.5 cm; d. 9.5 cm.Description: Cup with ovoid form. It could be compared with the upper part of aPhaistian MMIIA footed goblet (LEVI – CARINCI 1988, pl. 80, a).

RP251: Bowl (fig. 113a, 113b)Provenance: D38, Level 2, 28.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. 3.8; w. 4.7 cm; th. 0.5 cm; d. 7 cmDescription: Small cup with flaring walls and vertical rim and one black band along therim. It resembles the 'hemispherical bowls' from Phaistos decorated by being dipped inpaint. Production began in the MMIIA and continued till the MMIII

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RP247: Bowl (fig. 114a, 114b)Provenance: D38, Level 3, 29.08.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. 12.4; w. 9.2 cm; th. 0.8/0.9 cm; d. n.i.Description: Bowl decorated with curvilinear bands. Surface polished and then painted.

Pottery from room D40:Latest Phase:

RP5: Carinated cup (fig. 115a, 115b)Provenance: D40, North wall, 20.07.2006Fabric: Fine buff clay fine (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/4 light brown)Measures: h. 4.9 cm; th. 0.2 cm; handle th. 0.35 cm; d. 8.4 cmDescription: Carinated cup restored from many fragments. Low carination and upperpart curving outward. Dipped in black paint, now faded. Similar to MMII example fromPhaistos (see LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pl 86, i – k).

RP167: Carinated cup (fig. 116a, 116b)Provenance: D40, Level 1, 16.07.2008Fabric: fine Light buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 6/3 pale brown).Measures: handle h. 6 cm; th. 0.6 cm.Description: Handle of a black painted carinated cup, with several small wall fragmentsbelonging to the same cup.

RP68: Conical cup (fig. 117a, 117b)Provenance: D40, North wall, 20.07.2006Fabric: Fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. max 1.7 cm; th. 0.3 cm; base d. 3.2 cmDescription: Raised base and globular walls. Similar to LEVI - CARINCI 1988, pl 100, s, v(MMIIB).

Oldest Phase:

RP257: Conical cup (fig. 118a, 118b)Provenance: D40, Level 1 deep, 28.07.2008Fabric: semi fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max 2.7 cm; th. 0.7 cm; d. 4.1 cm.Description: Flat base with several finger impressions on the exterior side.

RP258: Conical cup (fig. 119a, 119b)Provenance: D40, Level 1 deep, 28.07.2008Fabric: semi fine buff clay (Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6-6/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max 2.6 cm; th. 0.5/0.7 cm; d. base 4.1 cmDescription: Base with some finger impressions on the exterior and globular walls.Similar to LEVI 1976, pl. 35, t, x MMIB).

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RP168: Bowl (fig. 120a, 120b)Provenance: D40, Level 1 deep, 18.07.2008Fabric: semi fine buff clay with some inclusions of small and medium dimensions(Munsell 7.5 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. 5.8 cm; w. 10.2 cm; th. 0.5 cm; d. 18 cmDescription: Tronco-conical bowl with flaring walls. Surface totally faded.

Pottery from room D41aBurnt Level under the Slab Floor:

RP51: Pithos (fig. 121a, 121b)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 01.08.2008Fabric: coarse light brown clay with several small and medium size inclusions (Munsell7.5 YR 6/4).Measures: h. 7.8 cm; w. 11.5 cm; th. 1.5 / 1.7 cm; d. n.iDescription: The rim is rounded and forms a flat ledge on top. Walls curving inwards.

RP54: Closed shape (fig. 122a, 122b)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 03.08.2007Fabric: semi-coarse orange clay with several medium size inclusions (Munsell 5 YR 5/8yellowish red).Measures: h. max 6.0 cm; wall th. 0.9 cm; base th. 1.4 cm; base d. 9 cm.Description: Flat base and rounded body.

RP246: Milk jug (fig. 123a, 123b)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 01.08.2008Fabric: semi-coarse buff clay with several medium size inclusions (Munsell 7.5 YR 6/3light brown)Measures: h. 11.5; handle th. 1.9 cm.Description: Handle with rounded section from the rim to the upper body.

RP48: Cup (fig. 124a, 124b)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 01.08.2008Fabric: semi-fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/6 reddish yellow)Measures: h. max. 3.1 cm; th. 0.7/0.8 cm; d. base 4.2 cmDescription: Base slightly raised and globular walls.

RP52: Conical cup (fig. 125a, 125b)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 01.08.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/4 very pale brown)Measures: h. max 2.0 cm; th. 0.4 cm; d. base 4 cm.Description: Raised base and globular walls. Similar to LEVI – CARINCI 1988, pl. 100, e(MMIIA).

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RP50: Indeterminate (fig. 126)Provenance: D41a, Level 2, 31.07.2008Fabric: fine buff clay (Munsell 10 YR 7/6 yellow)Measures: h. 1.7 cm; w. 1.8 cm; th. 0.4 cm / h. 1.7 cm; w. 2.2 cm; th. 0.4 cm.Description: Two little pieces of a closed shape decorated with large and separated pro-tuberances (Barbotine decoration). Surface totally faded.