Cultural dynamics in Ionia at the end of the second millennium BCE : new archaeological perspectives and prospects
Was there ever an Ionian migration? This is a question that has recently led to much discussion among historians and archaeologists. The present study maintains, however, that the way in which the question has been posited means that it can only be answered in either negative or positive terms, which easily leads to polarisation. Moreover, archaeologists have tended to be more concerned with finding archaeological evidence to either support or reject the Ionian migration rather than with trying to come up with a sustained analytical or reasoned attempt to explore what allowed the material patterns observed to emerge. It is, therefore, suggested that it might perhaps be best to put the whole question to rest or at least sideline it for the time being and instead study the archaeological remains and the region on their own terms in an attempt to come to a better understanding of the material and social dynamics in Ionia at the end of the second millennium BCE. The aim of this study is not in the first place to reject previous research, but rather intends to steer archaeological research in the region into a different direction by asking new questions and offering alternative perspectives. The study starts with
Vaessen, Rik
Cultural dynamics in Ionia at the end of the second millennium BCE : new archaeological perspectives and prospects. Was there ever an Ionian migration? This is a question that has recently led to much discussion among historians and archaeologists. The present study maintains, however, that the way in which the question has been posited means that it can only be answered in either negative or positive terms, which easily leads to polarisation. Moreover, archaeologists have tended to be more concerned with finding archaeological evidence to either support or reject the Ionian migration rather than with trying to come up with a sustained analytical or reasoned attempt to explore what allowed the material patterns observed to emerge. It is, therefore, suggested that it might perhaps be best to put the whole question to rest or at least sideline it for the time being and instead study the archaeological remains and the region on their own terms in an attempt to come to a better understanding of the material and social dynamics in Ionia at the end of the second millennium BCE. The aim of this study is not in the first place to reject previous research, but rather intends to steer archaeological research in the region into a different direction by asking new questions and offering alternative perspectives. The study starts with
cultural_dynamic ionia end second_millennium bce new archaeological_perspective prospect ever ionian migration question recently lead much_discussion among historians archaeologist present_study maintains however way question posit mean answer either negative_positive term easily lead polarisation moreover archaeologist tend concerned find archaeological_evidence either support reject ionian migration rather try come sustained analytical reason attempt_explore allow material pattern observe emerge therefore_suggest might perhaps best put whole question rest least sideline time instead study archaeological_remains region term attempt come well material social_dynamic ionia end second_millennium bce aim_study first_place reject previous rather intend steer archaeological region different_direction ask new question offer_alternative perspective study start