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Actes du co/loque « C14 Archeologie ». 1998. ñ. 279-286.

NEW EVIDENCE FOR ÔÇÅ CA ÕÅDURING ÔÇÅ LA ÔÅ NEOLITHIC PERIOD ÉÍ GREECE

,.Adámántios SAMPSON*, Yorgos FACORELLIS** ánd Yánnis MANIATIS**

Abstract : Recent archaeo\ogica\ research showed that during the \ate part ofthe Late Neo\ithic É period (4800/700-4200 BC)and the ear\y part ofthe Late Neo\ithic 11 period (4200-3800 BC) the use ofthe caves ßç Greece was very frequent. óç thecontrary, duÞng the \ate part ofthe \atter it reduces drastica\\y, tending to an even more important attenuation during theEar\y He\\adic É (transition from the Neolithic to the Cha\co\ithic period). A\though the radiocarbon dates from the specificperiod are not numerous yet, they confirm the above observation and coincide at about the midd\e ofthe 4" mil1ennium BC.

Resume : Des recherches archeo\ogiques recentes ont montre que pendant la demiere partie du Neolithique Recent É (4800/700-4200 BC) et \a partie initiale du Neo\ithique Recent 11 (4200-3800 BC) l'usage des grottes par l'homme en Grece etait tresfrequent. Au contraire, pendant \a demiere partie du Neolithique Recent 11 la frequence diminue considerab\ement, attenuantdurant \a periode Hel1adique Initiale É (transition du Neolithique au Cha\colithique). Ma\gre que \es dates par le radiocarboneappartenant specifiquement a cette periode ç~ soient pas encore nombreuses, el1es confirment pourtant ɼbservatßïnprecedente et cïúncßdent environ au mi\ieu du 4 eme mil1enaire avant J .-C.

Key-words : Cave occupation, Late Neo\ithic, Cha\co\ithic, transition, Greece, radiocarbon dates.

Mots-cles : Usage des grottes, Neo\ithique Recent, Cha\co\ithique, transition, Grece, datations par \e radiocarbone.

INTRODUCTION Some ofthe radiocarbon ages are presented for the firsttime and they are a11 converted to calendar dates uniformly

It was believed, so far, that the caves ßç Greece were using the latest high precision calibration curvemainly inhabited during a period named the "Final INTCAL98 (Stuiver and Reimer, 1993 ; Stuiver et áÉ,Neolithic". This term, cïíeÞng a time ÑeÞïd as 10ng as 1998). The calibrated dates are reported ßç table 1 within1000 years, was introduced by Renfrew (1972) and Éó and 2ó, probabilities of 68.3 % and 95.4 %,followed by many archaeologists. However, there is much respectively, along with other related informationconfusion about the age limits ofthat ÑeÞïd, which cannot (Laboratory code, name of the site, collection date,cover such a 10ng time. DuÞng the last three decades, the sampling location, type, name and institution of thearchaeological research ßç neolithic sites has been submitter, ä13c and conventional radiocarbon age ofthemultiplied and apart from good stratigraphical records sample). Figure 1 represents a map of Greece showingwe now possess seÞes of radiocarbon ages which help the archaeological sites mentioned ßç the text. Figure 2us to re-evaluate the old theïÞes. represents the age span (within Éó) ofthe sites based ïç

For that purpose we will discuss ages of samples the calibrated dates of the radiocarbon dated samplesproduced by the following Radiocarbon LabïratïÞes : ïÞgßnatßng from the sites reported ßç table 1.

1) Laboratory of Archaeometry of N.C.S.R."Demokritos" at Athens, Greece, 2) Radiocarbon NEW EVIDENCELaboratory of the University of Pennsylvania, USA, 3)Centre des Faibles Radioactivites at Gif-sur- Yvette, Based ïç recent excavation works, as wel1 as the studyFrance, 4) Radiocarbon Laboratory of the Institute of of the comparative and absolute chronology we haveEnvironmental Physics of the University of Heidelberg, concluded that the Late Neolithic must be divided ßç twoGermany and 5) Dicar Corp and Dicarb Radioisotope phases, the LN É and the LN 11 (fig. 2) (Sampson, 1990;Company, USA. Coleman, 1992). The first one includes the LN Ia which

*Ministry ÏÉ Culture - 21" Ephory ÏÉ Prehistoric ánd Classicál Antiquities, Epáminondá 10. 105 55 Á THENS, Greece.

**Láborátory ÏÉ Archáeometry, /nstitute ÏÉ Máteriáls Science. Í. C.S.R. "Demokritos '" 153 1 Ï AGH/A Ñ ARASKEV/, Á ð/ÊÉ. Greece.

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Fig. É : Map ofGreece showing the archaeological sites mentioned ßç the text.

(Sampson, 1992, 1993). This phase has a relatively shortÌ× L-üÉ- L"lb ÉÉ-ÉÉ- L"IIb ÅÇÉ ÅÍÉ ÅÍ) ÌÇ duration and it iS characterised by different ceramic

1;1-;1;-- ' . ~ CYCLOPE forms, although the mattpainted wares still exist.

É-É... . . SÓÏTlÍÉ Recently, LN Ib was also discovered ßç the cave ofLakes- - COIIYCIEN at Kastria Peloponnese (380 57' Í Lat. 220 08' Long.). É É SëlÉëÓIÍÏS ' "-- EUTIIESIS (Sampson, 1997), the cave ofCyclope ïç Youra (390 22' , PEIlACHOIlA Í Lat., 240 10' Long.) (Sampson, 1996) and the cave of.. . ~ LAKES Sarakenos at Akraifnio ßç Boeotia

(38028' Í Lat 230ÓÉÔSÏS .,É É . ÓÅÑÇëÉë 14' Long.) (figs. 1, 2) (Sampson, 1998), while by

rI ~ FRANCHTHI examining other excavated neolithic sites one may,- ÓïõíÅÉÅIÊI a b h .' , ÓïõíÅÉÅIÊI ë Ï serve t at the later part of LN É lS present almost- É É f AO.OEOROIOS everywhere. The confusion is due to the fact that some1- É ÓïõÌÅÉÏ researchers attribute this phase to the "Final Neolithic"

É É É É É É É i É É and others to the Chalcolithic (Aslanis, 1993) trying to6000 S500 5000 4500 4000 3500 3000 1500 2000 1500 1000 .

C_lead_. d-t. (Õ._É- BC) follow the standard chronology of Anatolla.The LN 11, which starts at the end ofthe 5TH millennium

. . . . . BC, is characteÞsed by the use of a new decorated ware,FIg.2 : A~e span (wIthm Éó) ofthe sltes based ïç the callbrated dates such asPattem bumished vessels DuÞng this Phase nd ofthe radlocarbon dated samples. .' a

also around lts end new elements come from the area ofcïðeSÑïnds to the phases Tsagli-Arapi ßç Thessaly (fig. the Aegean Sea, as well as from Asia Minor.

É1) doong which new ceramic forms (black and brown The inhabitation of caves seems much more commonbumished and mattpainted ware) become abundant ßç the ßç the LN Ib and at the beginning ofthe LN 11 (LN lIa).Helladic area. Its later part may be named LN Ib, which is We may say that this is the main ÑeÞïd of inhabitation ßça phase stratigraphically determined ßç the cave ofSkotini caves. It is not coincidental ~a~ most of the ~diocarbonat Th~ounia ïç Euboea (38031' Í Lat., 230 59' Long.) dates from the cave of Skotlm at Th~ouma, the two

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281

Tab. 1 : 14C results ofthe sites rnentioned ßç the text.

LAB SÐÅ COLLECTION SAMPLING LOCATION ÔÕÑÅ SUBMITTED &13C ëÏÅ CALIBRATED ëÏÅCODE DATE (~l (yean ÂÑ)Ñ-1659 FRANCHTHI CA VE, PORTO 1969 Ar.. F/A. Unit 39, Depth L25-L55 m Charcoal T.W. J,cobson, - 5163:t 78 4040 - 3810 BC (6&3$)

CHELI, ARGOLIS wilh .'rth Indian, Univ. 4220 - 3780 BC (95.4$)(370 26' Í Lat, 230 8' Long.) ~H. J,m.son

Univ ïÉ P.nnsyLÑ-I660 FRANCHTHICAVE,PORTO 1969 F/A BaIk,Unit 72s. Deplh L87-1.95m Ch,rcoaJ T.W.Jacobson, - 5261:t64 4220-3980BC(6&3$)

CHELI, ARGOLIS with ..rth Indian, Univ. 4310 - 3960 BC (954$)

(37" 26' Í Lat, 230 8' Long.) ~H. J,m.sonUniy. ïÉ P.nnsyL

Ñ-1630 FRANCHTHI CAVE, PORTO 1969 F/A BaIk, Unil 89 Í, Ch,rcoaI TW. J,cobson, - 611°:t 86 5210 - 4860 BC (6&3$)CHELI, ARGOL[S Deplh 2.24-2.30 m wilh .arth Indi,n, Univ. 5300 - 4780 BC (95.4$)

(37" 26' Í Lat, 230 8' Long.) ~ÉH. J,m.sonUniv. ïÉ P.nnsyL

Ñ-I661 FRANCHTHI CA VE, PORTO 1969 F/A Balk, Unil 97 Í, Charcoal TW. J,cobson, - 6I56:t 70 5260 - 4960 BC (6&3$)CHELI, ARGOLIS Dept.h 2.35-2.40 m wilh .arlh Indian, Univ. 5300 - 4850 BC (95.4$)

(37" 26" Í Lal. 230 8' Long.) Ì.Ç. JamesonUn!v ïÉ P.nn.!l.L

Ñ-1920 FRANCHTH[CAVE,PORTO É971 F/ABaIk,Unit83S Charcoal TWJ_cobson, - 6170:t60 5260-5000 BC(6&3$)CHELI, ARGOLIS Dark r.ddish gr.y .arth with .arth [ndi_n. Univ. S3OO - 4860 BC (95.4$)

(37" 26" Í Lac. 230 8' Long.)

Ñ-I280 ÊÅÑÇÁÉÁ. KEOS 1964 Carbonised ÉÉ. Ca.k.y - 4826 :t 56 3660 - 3530 BC (6&3$)(37" 42" Í Lac. 240 18' Long.) be.n. Univ. ïÉ Cincin. 3710 - 3380 BC (95.4$)

Ñ-317 EUTRES[S, SW THEBES, É958 H_bit_Iion d.p".ils, Tr.nch Á, W.st. Ch_rcoal J.L C_sk.y - 4210 :t 64 2890 - 2690 BC (6&3$)ÂÏÅÏÔÉÁ Depth ÉÉ7 m, Early HeII.dic 11 Áéç. SchooI ïÉ 29ÉÏ - 2600 BC (95.4$)

(38" 17" Í Lac. 230 09' Long.) (Eutresi. Group ÕÉÉÉ) CIa..ic_1 Studi.s alAth.ns

Ñ-307 EUTRES[S, SW THEBES, 1958 H_bil-lion dep"sils, Deplh L5 m. Ch_r..-ïal ÉÉ. Ca.k.y - 4440 :t 64 3330 - 2920 BC (6&3%)ÂÏÅÏÔ[Á Early HeIIadic [ Am. School ïÉ 3360 - 2910 BC (954%)

(38" 17" Í ÉÏé. 230 09' Long.) (Eulr.sis Group 11É) CI_,.icaI Sludies alArhen.

Ñ-306 EUTRES[s, SW THEBES, 1958 FIoor dep".ir ßç House é. Room 111, Charcoal JL Ca,k.y - 4450 :t 75 3340 - 2920 BC (68.3$)ÂÏÅÏÔ[Á Dcplh 2.5 m, Early HeIIadic [ Am. SchooI ïÉ 3360 - 2900 BC (95.4%)

(380 17" Í Lat, 230 09' Long.) (Eutresis Group [í) CI,..ical Studies atAthcn.

D[C-451 ÉÁÊÅ VOULIAGMENI, 1972 S-mpI. abov. thick deslruclion É.í.É CharcoaI John Fossey - 4ÏÉÏ :t É05 2840 - 2350 BC (68.3$)PERACHORA M..<JiII Univ. 2870 - 2210 BC (95.4%)

(38" 02. Í Lac. 220 53. Long.) MontrcaI

LAB SÐÅ COLLECTION SAMPLING LOCATION ÔÕÑÅ SUBMITTED &l3C ëÏÅ CALIBRATED ÁÏÅCODE DATE (~) (yea.. ÂÑ)Ñ-2474 LAKE VOULIAGMENI, 1972 Samp1. 28, Trcnch Áé, ÉÏí.1 5Å Charcoal John Fossey - 4060 :t 60 2840 - 2490 BC (6&3$)

PERACHORA Thick d.struction É.í.1 ïÉ Éßç,1 phase ÌïáßÉÉ Univ. 2870 - 2460 BC (95.4$)(380 02. Í Lat. 22" 53. Long.) ïÉ Early Bronz. Ð peÞod bldg. Montr.aI

D[C-449 éÁÊÅ VOULiAGMENI, 1972 Sampl. abov. thick d.struction l.í.1 Ch,rcoal John Fossey - 4270 :t 200 3310 - 2580 BC (6&3$)PERACHORA ÌïáßÉÉ Univ. 3500 - 2310 BC (95.4$)

(38" 02' Í ÉÏé. 22" 53. Long.) Montr..1DIC-453 LAKE VOULIAGMENI, 1972 SampI. 28, Tr.nch Áé, É.í.É 5Å CharcoaI John Fossey - 4330 :t 210 3350 - 2630 BC (6&3$)

PERACHORA Thick d.struclion l.í.É ïÉ final phase Ìïáß11 Univ 3630 - 2410 BC (954$)(38" 02' Í Lac. 220 53' Long.) ïÉ Early Bronz. 11 period bIdg. Montr.al

ÏßÉ-2122 ANTRO CORYCLEN, 1971 70/02. Lay.r 2 Charcoal Í. Lambert. - 5230:t 290 4350 - 3710 BC (6&3$)PARNASSOs. DELPHI Fr.nch School al 4690 - 3370 BC (95.4$)

(38" 29. Í Lac. 220 30. Long.) Alh.nsáßÉ-2123 ÁÍÐÏ CORYC[EN, 1971 70/01, Lay.r 3 Charcoa\ Í L,mbert. - 62.50 :t 90 5320 - 5060 BC (6&3$)

PARNAssos, DELPHI Fr.nch School ïé 5470 - 4950 BC (95.4$)(38" 29. Í L". 220 30. Long.) , Ath.ns

áßÉ-2124 ANTRO CORYCIEN, É971 7U03, L,y.r 3b Char..'oal Í. Lambert, - 6380:t 90 5470 - 5300 BC (6&3$)PARNASSOs. DELPH1 French School al 5510 - 5080 BC (95.4$)

(38" 29. Í Lac. 22" 30. Long.) Alh.ns

áßÉ-1610 GROTTE DE KITSOs. 1968 - 197É Kilso. É610. É_Õ.' 3, Sounding 2 Ch-rcoal Í. Lambert. - 5350:t 200 4430 - 3960 BC (6&3$)LAUR[ON He_rth ßç homog.n.ous ashy I-y.r Fr.nch SchooI al 4580 - 3710 BC (95.4$)

(37" 44' Í Lal. 240 2" Lon~) corresp"nding to a dweIIing lïíïÉ Arh.n.ÏßÉ-I280 GRÏÐÅ DE KITSOs. 1968 - 1971 Kilso. 335, É_Õ.' 3.. Sounding É Ch_rcoaI Í Lambert. - 5470 :t 150 4460 - 4050 BC (6&3$)

LAURION DweIIing l.í.1 Fr.nch SchooI _É 4610 - 3970 BC (95.4$)(37" 44' Í Lal. 240 2" Long.) Alh.n.

áßÉ-É670 GRÏÐÅ DE K[TSOS, 1968 - 1971 Kitsos 1830-31, É-Õ.' 4. H.arlh Ö 3 CharcoaI Í. Lambert. - 5550 :t É50 4550 - 4230 BC (6&3$)LAUR[ON Dw.IIing l.í.1 Fr.nch School al 4710 - 4040 BC (954$)

(37" 44' Í Lal. 240 2" Long.) Alh.nsáßÉ-1832 GRÏÐÅ DE KITSOS, 1968 - 1971 Kilsos 2/540, Lay.r 4 Ch_rcoaI Í. L_,nbert, - 5650:t 130 4670 - 4350 BC (6&3$)

LAUR[ON Fir.pl_c. Frcnch School al 4780 - 4250 BC (95.4$)(37" 44' Í éïé. 240 2" Long.) Alhens

áßÉ-254É GRÏÐÅ DE KITSOS, 1972 R.r.  11, c 8. Éïí.1 7 Charcoal Í. L_mbcrt, - 568°:t É50 4710 - 4350 BC (6&3$)LAUR[ON CNRS, Paris 4900 - 4250 BC (954$)

(37" 44' Í Lat. 240 2" Long.)ÏßÉ-16É2 GRÏÐÅ DE K[TSOs. 1968 - 1971 Kitsos É733, Layer 4, Sounding 2. Charcoa1 Í. LaInbcrt, - 5700 :t É40 4710 - 4360 BC (6&3$)

LAURION Hearlh Ö 2 Fr.nch SchooI al 4900 - 4250 BC (95.4$)(37" 44' Í ÉÏI. 240 2' Long.) Hearth ßç dw.IIing lïí.É Ath.n.

Ïßf-l729 GRÏÐÅ DE KITSOs. 1968 - É97É Kitsos 1826, Layer 4, Sounding 2 Ch_rco_I Í. Lambert, - 5750 :t 130 4770 - 4460 BC (68.3$)LAURION French SchooIa' 4900 - 4340 BC (95.4$)

(37" 44' Í Lat. 240 2" Long.) Alh.ns

Kouveleiki caves at ÁÉeÑïchïÞ ßç Laconia (360 57' Í ÂÕ exarnining the area ofthe Peloponnese, one can seeLat., 220 46' Long.) (Êïçáé÷ß et áÉ, 1995 ; Deilaki, ßç that the number ofthe neolithic sites at the end of5th andpress), the cave ofLakes at Kastria and the cave ofKitsos the beginning ofthe 4th millennium BC increases and theat Lamon (370 44' Í Lat., 240 2' Long,) (table 1, figs. 1, inhabitation becomes denser, particularly ßç caves (27 %)2) characteÞse this ÑeÞïd (DeÉßbÞas et áÉ, 1974, 1986). (Diamant, 1974), Éç the last years the interpretation ofFurthermore, the inhabitation ßç some sites (Õ oura, cave inhabitation or cave use has been the subject ofmanyTharrounia, Kastria, Antro Corycien) (table 1, figs, 1,2) studies (Diamant, 1974 ; Sampson, 1992 ; Sampson,ßç the LN Ib is longer ßç duration and intensity compared 1993), Whitehouse (1971) believes that duÞçg this time,to the following LN IIa phase, when there was successful mixed economy, the

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inhabitation of caves was not necessary. However, this may have had different uses. Their use as a habitat is ausually did not mean inhabitation, but instead the use of function of many factors, such as the environmentalthe caves for family or social relations. Diamant conditions, the size and the shape of their rooms, theassociates the increase of inhabitation ßç the LN É and opening and the ïÞeçtatßïç ofthe cave entrance. It seemsLN 11 with the increase of cattle breeding and this may be that some caves were used either ïç a circumstantial orßç general acceptable. lç the southern Peloponnese, where ïç a seasonal basis ßç those times (Sampson, 1985, 1992).the use ofthe caves is more frequent, one cannot exclude Their use as a buÞaÉ place is ßç general very frequentthe possibility that the rate of increase ßá the number of everywhere, while there are indications that they weredomesticated animals was greater due to pedological or also used as places for some kind of cult (cave of Skotiniclimatological reasons. DõÞçg the Late Neolithic caves at Tharrounia). However, recent excavation works

LAB SITE COLLBCTlON SAMPLJNG LOCAnON ÔÕÑ SUBMmBD al3c ëÏ CALIBRATED ëÏÂCODB DATB (-Ï) (Õï... ÂÑ)

Gif-2539 GROTrn DE KITSos, 1972 Rof. Â É. b 7. LovoI 4 Ch.n:oa1 Í. Lambon, - S840:t 150 4900 - 4500 BC (~)LAURION CNRs. Par.. SO6O - 4360 BC (95.4~)

(31" 44. Í La.. 240 2' Loog.)Gif-2S38 GROTrn DE KlTSQS, 1972 Rof. Â ð. d 9, Lovol 3 Chan:oaI Í. Lambon, - 5950:t 150 SO4O - 4620 BC (~)

LAURION CNRs, ÑÂð. S2S0 - 4470 BC (9S.4~)(31" 44. Í La.. 240 2' Long.)

HD-11342 CA ÕÅ OF êïõÌÅÉÏ, 1979 Troooh Á, LAN 4 Chan:oaI Á, Sampson -2S.91 4060 :t 95 2860 - 2470 BC (68.3~)ARCHANGELos, PHODES with oarth Ephory ïÉ 2880 - 2310 BC (9S.4~)(360 12' Í La.. 2SO 8. Long.) Cyolad..

HD-1I329 CA ÕÅ OF êïõÌÅÉÏ, 1979 Tronoh Â. ÉÁÍ 3 Charco.1 Á. Sampson -2S.24 S960 :t 220 S210 - 4550 BC (68.3~)ARCHANGELos, PHODES wiIh oarth Ephory ïÉ S370 - 4350 BC (95.4%)(360 12' Í La.. 2SO 8' Long.) CyoI.do.

HD-1I343 CA ÕÅ OF AGHIOS 1980 Tronoh Á. Layor 4, LAN 4 Chan:oal Á, Sampson -24.42 4160 :t 50 2878 - 2605 BC (68.3~)GEORGIOs, KALITHIES, . wiIh ,arth Ephory of 2885 - 25Ð BC (954%)

PHODES CyoI.d,.(360 20. Í La.. 2SO 10. Long.)

HD-11345 CA ÕÅ OF AGHIOS 1980 Tronch Á. Lay,r 1 Charooal Á. Sampson -23.41 6220 :t 125 5320 - SOOO BC (~)GEORGIOs, KALITHIES, with ,.rth Ephory ïÉ S470 - 4810 BC (95.4%)

PHODES CyoIad,.(360 20. Í LaL. 28" 10' Long.)

DEM-S21 CA ÕÅ OF CYCLOPE SI1II995 Tr,nch C/East. Lay,r 14, Squaro 9 Chan.'oal Á. Samp50R -2S.00 48IS j: 25 3646 - 3537 BC (68.3%)YOURA. Í. SPORADES Dcplh 2.03 - 2.13 m Ephory ïÉ 3651 - 3530 BC (954~)

(39" 22. Í L.t. 240 10. Long.) Cycl.d.,DEM-267 CA ÕÅ OF CYCLOPE 31111992 Tr,noh Â. Lay,r 7. Squ.r,. (1-4) Ch-rcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 S311 j: 35 4226 - 4044 BC (68.3~)

YOURA. Í SPORADES Dcpth ÉÉ8 m Ephory ïÉ 4241 - 4000 BC (954~)(39" 22. Í L_t. 240 10. Long.) Cyol-d"

DEM-345 CA ÕÅ OF CYCLOPE 51111993 Tr,nch C/W Lay,r 5, Squar,. (1-4) 5oa ,h.lI. Á. Sampson ÉÏÏ 6731 j: 38 S225 - 5067 BC (~)YOURA. Í SPORADES Dcpth 0.80 - 090 m Ephory ïÉ 5273 - 5ÏÉ8 BC (95. ~)

(39" 22' Í É.é.. 240 10. Long.) Cyol_d,.DEM-S25 CA ÕÅ OF CYCLOPE 5111199S Tr,nch C/East. Layer 14, Squ_ro 9 5oa .h.lI. Á. Sampson 2.S5 67S5:t 34 S248 - 5131 BC (~)

YOURA. Í. SPORADES Dcplh 2.03 - 2.13 m Ephory ïÉ S286 - SO48 BC (95.4~)(39" 22' Í LaL. 240 10' Long.) Cyol_d,.

DEM-I04 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 1986 Trench Á, Lay.r 6. Square 4 Ch.rcoal Á. Sarnpson É -2S.00 4812 :t 42 3648 - 3533 BC (~)THARROUNIA. EUBOEA D,pth 080 m Ephory ïÉ ,É 3692 - 3390 BC (95.4~)

(38" 31" Í LaL. 230 59' Long.) Cyol.d..

LA.B SITE COLLECTlON SAMPLING LOCAnON ÔÕÑ SUBMITTED auc ëÏÅ CALIBR.ATED ëÏÂCODB DATB (-Ï) (yoara ÂÑ)

DEM-I06 CA VE OF SKOTINJ 1986 Tronoh Á, Layor 13. Square 3 Charcoo1 Á. Sampson -2S.00 5S64 j: 276 4710 - 4050 BC (68.3~) ÉTHARROUNJA. EUBOEA Dcpth L81)-L90 m Ephory of SO4O - 3790 BC (95.4~)(380 31" Í Lat. 230 S9" Long.) F1oor surfaoo Cyo1ad..

DEM-107 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 8/1988 Tr,noh Á, Lay,r IS Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 S658 j: S4 4550 - 4400 BC (68.3~)

THARR.OUNiA. EUBOEA Dcpth L9s-2.00 m Ephory ïÉ 4610 - 4360 BC (95.4~)(38" 31" Í LaL. 23" S9' Long.) F1oor .urCao, wirh hoanh Cyolad,.

DEM-1I3 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTIN! 8/1988 Tronoh Á, Lay,r 21 Charooal Á. Sampson -2S.00 5106 j: 64 4670 - 4460 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNiA. EUBOEA Dcpth 2.75 m. F1oor .uMaoo undrrlyin8 Ephory of 4ÐÏ - 4360 BC (9S.4~)(38" 31" Í LaL. 230 59" ÉïçÉï) h.anh d,po.ilS Cyolad..

DEM-143 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 8/1990 Tronoh c. Lay.r 24, Squar.. (5-6) Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 S738 j: 39 4671 - 4503 BC (68.3~)THARROUNiA. EUBOEA DepIh 3.20 m Ephory ïÉ 4707 - 4461 BC (9S.4~)

(38" 31" Í LaL. 230 59" Long.) Floor .urfao, with h,arth Cyolado.DEM-I03 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTIN1 8/1988 Tr.nch Á, Lay,r 12 Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 5169 :t 89 4710 - 4510 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNiA. EUBOEA Depth 2.75 m. Floor .urCao. und,rlying Ephory of 4830 - 4400 BC (95.4~)(38" 31" Í LaL. 230 59' Long.) h.arth d'posilS Cyol.d,.

DEM-I38 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 1986 Tr,noh Á, Lay,r. 4-5. Squar' 8 Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 5817 j: 37 4768 - 4617 BC (68.3~)THARROUNIA. EUBOEA Dcpth O.S6.l}.65 m Ephory ïÉ 4Ð5 - 4S49 BC (95.4~)

(38" 31" Í Lat. 230 59" Long.) Di.turbod burial Cyolad.,DEM-I44 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 8/1990 Tr,nch c. Lay,r 14, Squar, 2 Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 S935 j: 69 4900 - 4720 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNIA. EUBOEA DcpIh 2.00 m Ephory ïÉ 4990 - 4620 BC (9S.4~)(38" 31" Í É.é. 23. 59. Long.) D.rk ..dim,nt with angular .ton,. and Cyol-d,.

h,arth, "DEM-14S CA ÕÅ OF SKÏÔINI 8/1988 Tr,noh Á. Lay,r 16, Squar" (1-2) Ch-rc.'oa1 Á S_rnp",n -2S.00 S961 j: 40 4903 - 4781 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNIA. EUBOEA DcpIh 2.15 m. Hearth d,po.it ßç Ephory ïÉ 4933 - 4726 BC (95.4~)(38" 31" Í LaL. 23. 59. Long.) r,ddi,h occupalion I_y.r CycIad., .

DEM-I05 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 1986 Tr,nch Á. I_y,r 5, Squ_r. 7 Ch_rcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 615\ :t 43 S208 - SOOO BC (68.3~)THARROUNiA. EUBOEA DcpIh 05Q-O6S m Ephory ïÉ 5259 - 4863 BC (95.4%)

(38. 31" Í É-é.. 230 S9. Long.) Cyclad,.DEM-I36 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTINI 8/1990 Tr.nch c. L-y,r 28. Squ_r" (3-4) Charcoal Á. Sampson -2S.00 6163 j: 36 S225 - 5043 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNIA, EUBOEA Dcpth 3.70 m Ephory ïÉ S2S9 - 4962 BC (95.4~)(380 31" Í LaL. 230 59. Long.) Thiok h.arth depo,it CycI-d,.

DEM-137 CA ÕÅ OF SKOTIN[ 8/[990 Tronch c. Layer 30, Squ_r, 4 Charcoal Á. Sampson -25.00 6247 j: 49 S299 - 5081 BC (68.3~)

THARROUNIA, EUBOEA Dcpth 3.90-4.00 m Ephory ïÉ S318 - 50S6 BC (95.4~)(380 31" Í LaL. 230 59. Long.) Thiok h,arlh deposit Cyol-d,s

DEM-S50 CA ÕÅ OF LAKES KASTRIA. Tr,nch C2. Lay,r 10 Charc.'oal Á Sampson -2S.00 S312 j: 29 4223 - 4045 BC (68.3~)KALAVRYTA , Dcpth É95-2.10 m Ephory ïÉ 4245 - 4002 BC (95.4~)

(38" 51" Í LaL. Ð os- Long.) Cyoi-de.DEM-S49 CA ÕÅ OF LAKES KASTR[A, Tr,nch C, Lay,r 9 Ch.roo_1 Á. Sampson -2S.00 5396 :t 27 4325 - 4173 BC (~)

KALAVRYTA Dcpth 1.85-É95 m Ephoryof 4333 - 40S4 BC (95.4%)(38" 57 Í LaL. 22" 08' Long.) Cycl_d"

~~.- ",,"...c- --'-

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283

LAB ÂIÔÅ COLLECnON SAMPLINGLOCAnON ÔÕÑÅ SUBM1TrED a13c ÁÏÅ CALIBRATEDAGECODE DATE ~ (yearo ÂÑ)

DEM-344 CA VE OF LAKES KASTRIA, Trench ÂÉ. Layer 3 Chorcoal Á. Sampson -25.00 5439 j: 45 4339 - 4248 BC (68.3%)KALA VRYTA Depth 0.80-ÉÏÏ m Ephory ïÉ 4356 - 4165 BC (95.4%)

(3SO S7 Í Lat.. 22" 08' Long.) CycladesDEM-394 CA íÅ OF LAKES KASTRlA, Trench c, Layer 22 Charcoa1 Á. Sampson -25.00 5444 j: 105 4440 - 4060 BC (68.3%)

KALA VRYTA Depth 3.80-3.85 m Ephory ïÉ 4460 - 4000 BC (95.4%)(3SO 57 Í Lat.. 22" 08' Long.) Cyclades

DEM-270 CA VE 01' LAKES KASTRlA, Trench Á2, Layer 13 Charcoal Á. Sampson -25.00 5447 j: 29 4338 - 4252 BC (68.3%)KALAVRYTA Depth L8~L95 m Ephory ïÉ 4346 - 4246 BC (95.4%)

(38" 57 Í Lat.. 22" os- Long.) CycladesDEM-271 CA íÅ 01' LAKES KASTRIA, Trench Á2, Layer 16 Chorcoal Á. Sampson -25.00 5484 j: 34 4356 - 4258 BC (68.3%)

KALAVRYTA Depth 2.30-2.35 m Ephory ïÉ 4442 - 4248 BC (95.4%)(38" 57 Í Lat.. 22" 08' Long.) Cyclades

DEM-395 CA VE OF LAKES KASTRIA, Trench c, Layer 28 Charcoal Á. Sampson -25,00 5651 j: 32 4522 - 4456 BC (68.3%)ÊÁÉÁ VRYT Á Depth 4.80-4.90 m Ephory ïÉ 4548 - 4373 BC (95.4%)

(3SO 57 Í Lat.. 22" 08' Long.) CycladesDEM-272 CA íÅ 01' LAKES KASTR1A, Trench Á2, Layer 21 CharcoaI Á. Sampson -25,00 6528 j: 55 5600 - 5390 BC (~)

KALA VRYTA DepIh 3.54-360 m Ephory ïÉ 5610 - 5370 BC (95,4%)(3SO S7 Í Lat.. 22" os- Long.) Cyclades

DEM-672 CA VE 01' SARAKENOS 10/10/1994 Trench Á, Layer 7, Square 6 Charcoal Á, Sampson -25.00 4873 j: 48 3700 - 3640 BC (68.3~)AKRA1PNIO, ÂÏÅÏÔÉÁ Depth 1.40 m Ephory ïÉ 3763 - 3535 BC (954%)

(38" 28' Í Éïé, 230 14' Long) Dark brown sedirnent with grey 'ñïé. CycladesDEM-671 CA ÕÅ 01' SARAKENOS 10/10/1994 Trench Á. Layer 7, Square 3 Charcoal Á. Sampson -25.00 5820 j: 52 4770 - 4600 BC (~)

AKRAII'NIO, ÂÏÅÏÔÉÁ Depth L40 m Ephory ïÉ 4800 - 4540 BC (95,4%)(380 28' Í Lat, 23" 14' Long.) D-drk brown sediment wilh Gary 'ñïé' CycIades

DEM-263 êïõíÅÉÅ1ÊÉ CA íÅ Á 24/6/1992 Trench Æ. Íï 3, Layer 2, ñ".. 3, Charco,,1 Å. Stravopodi -25,00 5076 j: 230 4220 - 3640 BC (68.3$)ALEPOCHORI. LAKONIA Depth 1.40 m Ephory ïÉ 4360 - 3370 BC (954~)

(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) Comp"ct sediment overlying a hearth Ñ"leoïðé and SpeLDEM-262 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊI CA ÕÅ Á 24/611992 Trench Æ. Íï 2, Layer 2, ñ,,-, 3, Charcoal Å. Strdvopodi -25,00 5640 j: 286 4840 - 4110 BC (683~)

ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Depth 1.40 m Ephory ïÉ 5010 - 3810 BC (95.4~)(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) Compact sediment overlying a hearth Paleoonl and SpeL

DEM-259 êïõíÅÉÅ1ÊÉ CA íÅ Á 23/6/1992 Trench Á4, Layer 2, Pa.. 4, CharL-oaI Å. Stravopodi -25,00 5791 j: 115 4180 - 4500 BC (683%)ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Depth 0.50 m Ephury ïÉ 4910 - 4360 BC (95.4%)

(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) É'ßð. loose ashy sediment wilh a lïé ïÉ Paleuanl and Spel.stones

DEM-261 êïõíÅÉÅIÊÉ CA ÕÅ Á 18/911992 Trcnch Æ. Íï É. Layer 2. Ñ".. 3, Charcoal Å. Stravupodi -25.00 5801 j: 53 4110 - 4550 BC (683~)ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍ1Á DepIh 1.40 m Ephury ïÉ 4800 - 4500 BC (954%)

(360 57 Í Ééé.. 220 46' Long.) Compact sediment overlying a hcarth Paleoanl and Spel.DEM-264 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊI CA íÅ Á 24/611992 Trench Á. Layer 2, Pa.. 4 Charcoal Å. Stravopodi -25.00 5849 j: 112 4840 - 4550 BC (68.3%)

ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Dcpth 1.31 m Ephory ïÉ 4960 - 4460 BC (95.4%)(360 57 Í Lat.. 220 46' Long.) CompacI coarsc sedimenl with ash Ñïleo"ðÉ and SpeL

LAB SITE COLLECTION SAMPLING LOCATION ÔÕÑÅ SUBMITTED at3C ÁÏÅ CALIBRATED ÁÏÅCODE DATE (~) (yeon ÂÑ)

DEM-518 KOUVELE1KI CA VE Á 24/911994 Trcnch Á3. Laycr 3, Pa.. 4, Charcoal Å. Stravopodi -25.00 5881 j: 43 4198 - 4112 BC (683%)ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Dcpth 048 m Ephory ïÉ 4841- 4621 BC (954%)

(360 57 Í Lat, 220 46' Loog) É'ßï. 100.. sedimcnt wilhouI ,toncs Paleo"nl and Spel.DEM-260 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊI CA ÕÅ Á 24/611992 Trooch 82, Íï É. L.yer 2, Pa.. 5, Charcoal Å. Stravopodi -25.00 5885 j: 51 4830 - 4693 BC (683%)

ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Dcpth 0.50-060 m Ephory of 4906 - 4596 BC (95.4%)(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) . I'ine grcy sedimcnt with many big Paleoanl and SpoL

,tonesDEM-519 êïõíÅÉÅ1ÊÉ CA VE Á 29/9/1994 Trench Á3, L.yer 4, Pass 5, Charcoal Å. Stravopodi -25.00 5932 j: 28 4844 - 4136 BC (683%)

ALEPOCHORI, ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Dcpth 0.52 m Ephory of 4900 - 4121 BC (954%)(36057 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) Wet (ßð. rclativcly compact laycr with Palcoanl and SpeL

a 10É of ïéñðßá ßð Ihc rcgion ïÉhearths

DEM-604 KOUVELEIKI CA íÅ Â 12/6/1996 Square 3,20-3,30, L.ycr 6-6a, Bones c. Konlaxi -21.00 5011 j: 62 3940 - 3110 BC (68.3%)ALEPOCHORI, ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Pa.. 1, Dcpth 1_~~I,62 m Ephory of 3960 - 3660 BC (954%)

(360 57 Í L.t.. 220 46' Long.) Palcoanl and SpoLDEM-391 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊ1 CA ÕÅ Â 21/911993 #1509, Íá 2, Squarc 4,40, L.yer 3, Charcoal c. Kontaxi -25,00 5198:! 82 4220 - 3820 BC (68.3%)

ALEPOCHORI, ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Pa.. 5, Dcpth 1.65 m Ephory of 4230 - 3800 BC (95.4%)(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) Dark brown ,cdimcnt ÑéÉeoéðé and Spol.

DEM-396 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊ1 CA íÅ Â 18112/1993 #1509, Íï 3, Squarc 4,40, L.yer 3, Charcoal c. Kontaxi -25.00 5263 j: 45 4219 - 3989 BC (683%)ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Pass 5, Dcpth 1.65 m Ephory of 4224 - 3914 BC (954%)

(360 57 Í Lat.. 220 46' Long.) Dark bro"n ,.diment Paleoanl and Spol.DEM-398 êïõíÅÉÅÉÊÉ CA íÅ Â 24/9/1993 #1508, Íá É. Squarc 4,40.. L.yer 3. Charcoal c. Kontaxi -25.00 5320 j: 48 4229 - 4043 BC (68_l%)

ALEPOCHORI. ÉÁÊÏÍÉÁ Pass 4, Depth 1.45 m Ephory ïÉ 4324 - 3992 BC (95.4%)(360 57 Í Lat.. 22" 46' Long.) Dark brown compact sedimcnt Palcoanl and Spol.

confinn that the caves were used, intensively or not, for use of the earth for two millennia could have depletedthe storage of goods, as it is suggested by the numerous the soil obliging the population to seek and find altemativepithoid vessels found and the excellent conditions for nutritional resources.

, food preservation that prevailed ßç some of them óç the other hand, although there is a lot of debate

(Sampson, 1992, 1997). conceming the magnitude of climatic changes (PirazzioliDiamant has suggested four interpretations for the use et áÉ" 1982 , Stiros, 1994), many recent

ofthe caves by humans: 1) population growth, 2) political palaeoclimatological studies tend to prove that the effectturmoil or invasions, 3) erosion or depletion of the ofthe climate also played an important role (Flint, 1971 ;cultivated earth, and 4) climatic change. The population Psychoyos, 1988 ; Schultz, 1989). Today, we know thatgrowth ßç the LN ÉÉ has been confinned. However, it is the important climatic changes, which occurred ßç thenot necessarily associated with the inhabitation or the beginning of the 5tb millennium ~C, drastically affecteduse of the caves, as there were plenty of fields for the economy. This was a wann and dry ÑeÞïd, duringcultivation ßç plains or plateaux, whereas the caves were which the mean temperature was two degrees higher thanusually situated in inaccessible mountainous regions. The today's mean and which probably had an unfavorablesecond interpretation has not Qeen confmned so far by influence ïç the cultivation ßç the plains and obligedthe archaeological research, and as for the last two people to find shelter ßç the mountains, where there mustreasons, which have direct dependence ïç each other, haíe been more water reserves. Maybe this was the reasonthere is çï evidence up to now. However, one cannot rule for the increase ßç the number of the animals bred andout the possibility that a continuous and non-systematic the specialisation ßç cattle breeding.~

284

It is believed that the rainfall decrease and the belonging to the ÅÇ 2 and the ÌÇ ÑeÞïd are present,temperature increase continued till the middle of the 4th while the ÅÇ 1 ÑeÞïd is absent.milleççium BC, when an important mean sea level Þse Á few radiocarbon dates, belonging to the middle ofof 3 m compared to the present mean is observed. the 4th milleççium BC, from the cave ofCyclope ïç Õ ouraHowever, recent archaeological research shows that the and the cave of Skotini at Tharrounia (table 1, fig. 2),use of caves ßç the late part ofthe LN 11 is very sparse and characteÞse the latest phase ofthe neolithic ÑeÞïd dõÞçgbecame sparser ßç the following Early Helladic É (ÅÇ 1) which the use ofthe caves becomes sparse. Á sample (Ñ-ÑeÞïd. 1280) from that phase from the rockshelter of Kephala

It is not yet known what caused neolithic people to ïç Keos (37° 42' Í Lat., 24° 18' Long.) (Coleman,decrease their visits to the caves and to stop stïÞng their 1977) gave an equivalent date of 3660-3530 BC (tableproducts inside. In some caves there was not much activity 1, fig. 2) (Stuckenrath and Lawn, 1969).after the neolithic ÑeÞïd. The number of the finds is very Theoretically, the following ÅÇ É phase begins at 3300-small from the Early Helladic (ÅÇ), Middle Helladic 3200 BC and lasts till 2900-2800 BC. The radiocarbon(ÌÇ) and Mycenian ÑeÞïd, as well as ßç the historic ages of charcoal samples from Eutresis ßç south-westemtimes, which testifies sporadic visits for bõÞals and cult. Thebes (38° 17' Í Lat., 23° 09' Long.) (fig. É) (Caskey,Ifwe admit that the storage ßç the caves concemed more 1960) for that phase are 3330-2920 BC (Ñ-307) andthe products of cattle-breeding (milk, cheese, salt meat) 3340-2920 BC (Ñ-306) (table É, fig. 2) (Ralph andthan those of harvesting, the sparse use of the caves ßç Stuckenrath, 1962). For the same ÑeÞïd two samplesthe LN IIb maybe due to the reduced activity ßç cattle- (DIC-449 and -453) from Perachora ßç the Lakebreeding and the shift ofthe people towards intensive Vouliagmeni(38°02'NLat.,22°53'Long.)(fig.l)gavecultivation. . comparable dates 3310-2580 BC and 3350-2630 BC

At the cave ofSkotini at Tharrounia ßç Euboea (fig. É), (table 1, fig. 2) (Fishman and Lawn, 1978), respectively,there is intensive inhabitation till the LN lIa, while dõÞçg although with a considerable age span. However, the ÅÇthe LN IIb the human presence is very sparse. The fmal 1 is a quite undetermined and rare phase even for open-phase of inhabitation of that cave is determined by the air sites. This transitional ÑeÞïd of the Late Neolithicradiocarbon age (3648-3533 BC) of a charcoal sample and the begiççing of the Chalcolithic (fig. 2) represent(DEM-I04) (table 1, fig. 2), while dõÞng the same time another phase of abandonment ofthe caves.the inhabitation of the settlement outside the cave At the cave ofKoumelo at Archangelos ßç Rhodes (36°becomes more intensive. The ages of the rest of the 20' Í Lat., 28° 10' Long.) (fig. 1) duÞng the LAN 4 (Latesamples (DEM-I06, -107, -113, -143, -103, -138, -144, Aegean Neolithic) the small amount of ceramic sherds-145, -136, -137) belong to the begiççing and the middle shows a gradual abandonment. Á radiocarbon age fromof the 5th milleççium BC (Facorellis, 1996). this transitional phase (HD-11342 : 2860-2470 BC) is

At the cave ofLakes at Kastria (fig. 1), the inhabitation considered quite recent (table É, fig. 2), implying that ßçis intensive from the LN Ib till the begiççing of the LN isolated parts ofthe Dodecanese the latest neolithic phaselIa, while dõÞçg the fmal phase of the LN IIb the cave of inhabitation probably had a longer duration overlappingwas not inhabited (table 1, fig. 2). The dates of the the Early Bronze Age (ÅÂÁ). In addition, a sample (HD-intensive inhabitation phase fluctuate from 4400 to 4100 11343) from the cave of Aghios Georgios at Kalithies ßçBC (DEM-271, -270, -394, -344, -549), while the sample Rhodes (36° 20' Í Lat., 28° 10' Long.), where this phaseDEM-550 gave the younger date 4223-4045 BC is hardly present, gave a similarradiocarbon date of2878-(Facorellis and Maniatis, 1997). At the Antro Corycien 2605 BC (table 1, fig. 2). At the same time the(38° 29' Í Lat., 22° 30' Long.) at Pamassos and the cave inhabitation ßç open-air sites such as Yali (Sampson,of Franchthi at Porto Cheli ßç Argolis (37° 26' Í Lat., 1988), Partheni ßç Leros, Alimnia and Kos (Sampson,23° 8' Long.) (fig. 1) the final phases of the Neolithic 1987) becomes more intensive. Éç the DodecaneseÑeÞïd are almost absent (table 1, fig. 2) (Lawn, 1971, inhabitation is observed ßç the end ofthe ÅÂÁ ßç the cave1974). However, a sample (Gif-2122 : DeÉßbÞas et áÉ., of ÁSÑÞ Petra ïç Kos (Levi 1925/26) and the cave of1974) from the former gave a date of 4350-3710 BC Vathi ïç Kalymnos.(table 1). The cave of Cyclope ïç Youra represents adifferent situation since it is scarcely used during the CONCLUSIONSwhole LN 11 ÑeÞïd. The most recent radiocarbon datesßç the neolithic ÑeÞïd from that cave are 4226-4044 BC Summarising, the inhabitation or use of the caves(DEM-267) and 3646-3537 BC (DEM-521) (Facorellis becomes more intensive ßç the later part ofthe LN É, aset áÉ, 1998). The two caves ofKouveleiki (Á and Â) have well as the early part ofthe LN 11 ÑeÞïd, while at the endalso given dates belonging to the 4th millennium BC, of that period (LN IIb) it decreases significantly.DEM-263 : 4220-3640 BC, DEM-604 : 3940-3710 BC Furthermore, there is a trend for an even more significantand DEM-397 : 4220-3820 BC (table 1) (Facorellis, decrease dõÞng the transitional ÅÇ 1 phase (fig. 2). Ïç1996). In addition the cave ofFranchthi also gave a date the contrary, the open-air sites of the same ÑeÞïd arewhich falls ßç the same age range 4040-3810 BC (Ñ- inhabited intensively. This is observed ïç the mainland1659: Lawn, 1971) (table 1, fig. 2). of Greece, as well as the Aegean islands. This

An exception to the previous evidence is the cave of phenomenon is probably due to environmental causes andSarakenos at Akraifnio ßç Boeotia (fig. 1), where dõÞng the change ßç economy at the end ofthe Neolithic ÑeÞïd.the excavation works (1994-96) thick layers belonging The radiocarbon dates that we have from the late partto the final phase of the Neolithic ÑeÞïd (LN IIb) were ofLN É and the early part ofLN 11 are abundant, but onlyfound. Obviously, the local climatic and environmental a few concem the last phase of the Neolithic and theconditions of that region, which are probably associated begiççing of the ÅÂÁ. If the archaeological record andwith the water level of the neßghbïuÞng lake, were the the 14C evidence suggest a small amount of interest ßçcauses of the intensive use of that cave. The only the occupation of most of the caves dõÞçg LN IIb andradiocarbon date so far of that phase is 3700-3640 BC the begiççing of ÅÂÁ ßç Greece, ßé does not mean that(DEM-672) (table 1, fig. 2). Éç the same cave finds the Greek mainland was sparsely populated or totally

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285

uninhabited for six or seven cenùÞes (3800/3700-3200/ DÅÐëêé.Å.,ÊÏÍÔÁ×É,c.,ÊϺ7ëÌÑÏÑÏULOu,Å.,SfRAV~~DÉ,3100 BC) as Coleman argues (1999). The dates from Å.,ÊÏUMÏU~ÅLé'Ì:.andG.~ÏÑ~UL~s,v..,-ÊïuveÉe~cave

, . . Á ÂÉ Alepochon, Lacoma : PrelImmary estImatIons, m : Proceedmgs ÏÉ

Tharrounla, Õ oura, Sarakenos, Kouvelelki Á and Â, Poros the É', Hellenic Archaeological Conlerence "Man and

Cephalonia (Stratouli et á/., this volume) belong to the Speleoenvironment '" 26-29 Íïv.eé:çber É 992, Ephory <:éf4th milleççium BC and cover well this "hiatus'" while the Paleoanthropology and Speleology, MmIstry ofCulture, Athens, (éç

press).date from Kephala, Keos (Ñ-1280 : 3660-3530 BC)(table 1, fig, 2) perfectly fits ßç the same period DEL~RIAs,G.,Gun.LIER,M.T.and~EYRIE,J.,I974-Gifnaturnl(Stuckenrath and Lawn, 1969 ; Coleman, 1977), However, radIocarbon measurements íÉlÉ, Radzocarbon, 16 (É), 15-94.

Coleman would rather characteÞse the latter and the one DELffiRIAS,G.,GUlLLIER,M.T.andLABEYRIE,J.,I986-Gifnaturnlfrom Tharrounia (DEM-I04 : 3648-3533 BC) radiocarbon measurements ×, Radiocarbon, 28(1),9-68.

erroneously late (Sampson, 1993). Áç increase or ÏÉÁÌÁÍÔ, S., 1974 -Thelatervillagelarmingstage inSouthern Greece,decrease of population used to be a common explanation Cincinnati,362.for the existence or non-existence of sites ßç every FACORELLIS, Õ., 1996 - Study ÏÉ the conditions and theÑeÞïd, but the possibilities of research ßç the Greek area parameters lor high precision dating with J4C, Ph.D. thesis,still have a promising future, and, given the 10w number UniversityofPatras, ISBN : 960-90516-0-×.of prehistoric sites excavated so far, it is considered FACORELL1s, Y.andMANlATIS, Õ.,I997-14CdatingïfsarnÑÉes1ß¼mpremature to extract generalised conclusions. The hiatus the ca~e of Lakes at Kastria of Ê:aÉav~ta, ~n : !he cav~ ÏÉ Lakes atduring this ÑeÞïd ßç Mandal0 (Maniatis and Kromer, Kastrza ÏÉ Kalavryta. Á prehzsto~zc szte zn the hz~hlands. ÏÉ1990) d D ' k .l . Ô h (And / 1996) ' rth Peloponnese, Á., Sampson, (ed.), Soczety ofPeloponnesIan StudIes,

an é éé as reoueta" éççï ern no.7,Athens,527-531.Greece. (fig. 1) ~r the abandonment of the cave FACORELLIS, Y.,MANIATIS, Õ. andKROMER,B., 1998-Apparentoccupahon at Ka~tria, Pelopoççese. (Sampson, 1997) are radiocarbon ages of maÞne mollusks shells from a Greek island :not adequate evldence to generahse for the whole of Calculation of the marine reservoir effect ßç the Aegean Sea,Greece. It seems that during LÍ IIb and ÅÇ 1 new open- Proc~edings of.the 16'" Intemational Radiocarbon Conference ßçair sites are occupied, usually small ßç extent, as we can Gronmgen,Radzocarbon, 40 (É), 963-974.judge from Euboea and Boeotia, FISHMAN, Â. and LA WN, Â., 1978 - University of Pennsylvania

Á major problem is the earliest stages of the ÅÂÁ radiocarbondatesXX,Radiocarbon,20(2),210-233.population of mainland Greece. Éç spite of the increase FLINT, R.F., 1971- Glacial and Quaternary Geology, New York.of sites ßç. recent .years (Cosmopoulos, 1991) most of GIMBUTAS, Ì., 1997 - The Kurgan culture and the /ndo-

the ceramlc matenal comes from surface research, and Europeanization ÏÉ Europe .. selected articles Irom 1952-1993,

seÞïus problems remain ßç distinguishing between ÅÇ 1 Washington.

and ÅÇ 2 sherds ~d ßç deÞvßng.reÉ~abÉe statisti~s fr~m ÊÏÍÔÁ×É,c.,ÊϺ7ëÌÑÏÑÏULOU,Å.andSfRAVÏÑÏDÉ,Å.,I995-those. Even the dahng of the beglççmg of ÅÇ 1 lS qurte Preliminary report of the excavation of the Kouveleiki cave Á atuncertain and, though many scholars agree for a date ÁÉeÑïchïÞ, Laconia, Archeologika Analekta ex Athinon ××ÉÉ, 1989.around 3300-3200 BC, others prefer a higher date around LA WN, Â., 1971- University ofPennsylvania radiocarbon dates ×ÉÕ,3600-3500 BC (Coleman, 1992 ; Warren, 1996). Radiocarbon,13(2),363-377.Neither is based ïç a seÞes of 14C dates, because, except LA WN, Â., 1974 - University ofPennsylvania radiocarbon dates XVIÉ,for Eutresis and Perachora, we do not have other Radiocarbon, 16(2),219-237.radiocarbon dates. Moreover, the lack ofEH 1 occupation LEVI D 1925/26 - La grotta ÁSÑÞ Petra (Coo) Annuario VIII-IX 235.ßç the majïÞty of Greece (Sampson, 1990, 1993a) is ' ., , . . 'characteÞstic, and it would be preferable to speak about ÌÁÍÉÁ; T~S, Õ. and KROMER, Â.., 1990 - RadIocarbon Datmg oft!le

h. . th ., b LN IIb d ÅÇ 2 th NeolIthIc Early Bronze Age Slte of Mandalo, W. Macedoma,a latus éç e translhon etween an ra er Radiocarbon 32(2) 149-153.than at the end of the Neolithic. Also the lack of real ' ,

LABO1 d . ÅÇ 1 ' 11 d t th th PIRAZZIOLI,P.A, mOMMERET,J., moMMERET, Õ., REL,J.sett em~nts . unng lS equa Õ oppose ï ~, eory and MONTAGGIONI, L.F., 1982 - Crustal black movements fromof a mlgrahon of Indo-European speakers or Proto- Holocene shorelines: Crete and Antikythira, Tectonophysics, 86,27-Greeks" from the Pontic-Caspian region, north and east 43.of the Black sea, to Greece around 3400-3200 BC PSYCHOYOS, Ï., 1988 - Deplacement de Éá ligne de rivage et sites

(Gimbutas, 1997 ; Antony, 1995 ; Coleman, 1999), archeologiques dans les regions cé5tieres de Éá mer Egee, auNeolithique et a l'Qge du Bronze, Jonsered.

RALPH, Å.Ê. and STUCKENRATH, JR. R., 1962 - University of

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