The Minoanisation of the Southern Aegean : a comparative approach through ceramic assemblages
Settlements in the Southern Aegean show a dramatic increase of Minoan imports and local imitations from the Middle to the early Late Bronze Age period. This phenomenon has been called 'Minoanisation'. The evidence of Minoanisation and the ensuring scholarly debate about the meaning of this observed cultural change are discussed in this work. It shall be suggested that current models are no longer applicable: they focus on the wider region rather than individual sites, they cannot incorporate the great diversity of evidence in local responses to Minoan influence, and they are descriptive rather than explanatory. Instead, a new, flexible model of cultural interaction will be presented. By working progressively from the local to a regional perspective, Minoanisation can be investigated from a variety of angles. Innovation, acculturation, trade and world-systems theory are drawn upon. Ceramics from five assemblages, with particular emphasis on Phylakopi, are examined to demonstrate the explanatory potential of new model. An analysis of the local situation of Phylakopi demonstrates that its pottery production was conceptually divided into two traditions, one maintaining indigenous features and the other employing
Berg, I.
The Minoanisation of the Southern Aegean : a comparative approach through ceramic assemblages. Settlements in the Southern Aegean show a dramatic increase of Minoan imports and local imitations from the Middle to the early Late Bronze Age period. This phenomenon has been called 'Minoanisation'. The evidence of Minoanisation and the ensuring scholarly debate about the meaning of this observed cultural change are discussed in this work. It shall be suggested that current models are no longer applicable: they focus on the wider region rather than individual sites, they cannot incorporate the great diversity of evidence in local responses to Minoan influence, and they are descriptive rather than explanatory. Instead, a new, flexible model of cultural interaction will be presented. By working progressively from the local to a regional perspective, Minoanisation can be investigated from a variety of angles. Innovation, acculturation, trade and world-systems theory are drawn upon. Ceramics from five assemblages, with particular emphasis on Phylakopi, are examined to demonstrate the explanatory potential of new model. An analysis of the local situation of Phylakopi demonstrates that its pottery production was conceptually divided into two traditions, one maintaining indigenous features and the other employing
southern_aegean comparative ceramic_assemblage settlements southern_aegean show dramatic increase minoan import local imitation middle early late_bronze_age period phenomenon call evidence ensure scholarly_debate meaning observed cultural_change discuss work shall suggest current_model longer applicable focus wider_region rather_individual site incorporate great diversity evidence local_response minoan influence descriptive rather explanatory instead new flexible model cultural_interaction present work progressively local_regional perspective investigate variety angle innovation acculturation trade world systems theory draw_upon ceramics assemblage particular_emphasis examine explanatory potential new_model analysis local situation demonstrate pottery_production conceptually divide_two tradition maintain indigenous feature employ