The Southeast Naxos Survey 2015

An important early bronze age settlement and sanctuary on the now uninhabited Cycladic island of Keros was examined by excavation in 2006-2008, and by surface survey in 2012-2013.

Group of Cycladic figurines of the Spedos Variety, c. 2500-2200 BCE (ECII), 
Bronze Age, Aegean, Cyclades [Credit: Archaiologia Online]

A new project in 2015 will begin with surface survey on the neighbouring, much larger island of Naxos. The aim is to understand the maritime hinterland of the Keros sanctuary, and to reconstruct the settlement network in Naxos in the early bronze age and in later times. This will be followed by new excavations at Keros in 2016.

The work in 2015 is divided into two three-week seasons. The first begins on 4 May and continues to 23 May (inclusive). After a break survey resumes from 14 September to 3 October (inclusive). We shall be based on the nearby island of Kouphonisi and travel daily by caique to Naxos.

The Early Bronze age site of Spedos in southeast Naxos, looking south 
to the island of Schinousa [Credit: Aegeus Society]

The daily schedule involves (sometimes strenuous) walking to the day’s survey zone, then structured survey over the area. Areas of interest, identified through surface features and remains of material culture, will be further surveyed in a more intensive fashion. The focus will be on the southern coast of Naxos, between the areas of Panormos, Spedos and Kallandos.

You will learn field prospection methods, recording, and material culture recognition and analysis. In addition there is usually a small seminar series on the prehistoric Cyclades, the project, and the specialisms of those present. Accommodation and subsistence will be organised by the project.

Those who are interested should in the first instance contact Michael Boyd (mjb235@cam.ac.uk).

Source: Aegeus Society [December 22, 2014]