In this thesis, the trade activities of two port sites, Berenike in Egypt and Thessaloniki in Greece, from their respective founding (275 BCE for Berenike and 316 BCE for Thessaloniki) until the...Show moreIn this thesis, the trade activities of two port sites, Berenike in Egypt and Thessaloniki in Greece, from their respective founding (275 BCE for Berenike and 316 BCE for Thessaloniki) until the early Byzantine era (~C.E. 700) have been researched through a comparative analysis. Both sites were important nodes in the trade networks of the ancient world, Berenike serving as a transit port between the areas of the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean, and Thessaloniki focusing more on the creation, export, and import of luxury goods. While research into these networks has been growing in popularity in recent years, there has been a distinct lack of variables that can be used to identify nodes and hubs. The development of a set of variables is an important step in identifying these key features of ancient trade networks and will contribute towards a more complete understanding of complex systems like this. Therefore, the aim of this thesis was to investigate, identify, and codify a set of variables that can be used for this express purpose. The variables were identified through a comparative analysis using the aforementioned port sites as case studies, taking an interdisciplinary approach, using sources like excavation reports, relevant literature, and museum exhibitions to create a clear picture. The theoretical framework applied to this research is Network theory, initially I intended to use Globalization theory but found that the latter did not fit the research as well as the former. This process resulted in the identification of five variables – diversity in religion, local material, non-local material, production centers, and warehouses – highlighting the importance of both ports, while at the same time not shying away from their differences. While most of the results were expected like Berenike having the transit of goods as its main objective, an unexpected result is that it seems likely that Thessaloniki took part in extra-Mediterranean trade before the Byzantine era, and thus earlier than previously assumed.Show less
Sanctuaries in ancient Greece were important religious hubs for the purposes of cult worship. Located on areas anointed as hallowed ground, the sanctuaries played important roles as regional,...Show moreSanctuaries in ancient Greece were important religious hubs for the purposes of cult worship. Located on areas anointed as hallowed ground, the sanctuaries played important roles as regional, economic and political centres, attracting many visitors in their time. This thesis aims to identify and structure the different roles of water in sanctuaries into two main categories. Firstly what the different uses of water are in a practical and utilitarian context, and secondly what the uses of water are in a ritual or sacred context. To analyse the roles and aspects of water in ancient Greek sanctuaries, the archaeological record of two very influential and important Greek sanctuaries is studied: the sanctuary of Zeus at Olympia and the sanctuary of Asklepios at Epidauros. The archaeological traces at these sanctuaries are investigated for traces of structures relating to water management. In addition to analysing and interpreting archaeological water management structures, the analysis of ancient written sources and inscriptions were used to further understand ancient water practices not visible in the archaeological record. Other methods like the study of sacrificial rituals in both sanctuaries provided additional insight into the role of water in cult contexts. The results showed a wide variety of water usage, with some roles associated to water that we no longer see today in western societies. Ritual roles of water were very unique to Greek religion, and were paired with concepts of pollutions (Miasma). In short, water usage had ritual and sacred aspects when dealing with ritual sacrifices, purifications before entering sanctuaries and specific holy temples. Furthermore, water was also believed to have healing properties, and was used to ritually bathe and clean. On the other hand, utilitarian and profane uses of water were more predictable and mostly out of necessities. These include water used for personal needs like drinking, cleaning and bathing. Yet also some non-personal needs like washing sanctuary statues, cleaning sacrificial altars and water spent on watering plants and animals. These results give us a wider view of the dimensions waters could have had in Greek sanctuaries, especially in a cult environment.Show less
Over the centuries the Silk Road networks spanned from Europe till Eastern Asia. The diverse cultures and traditions that existed along these networks has always been an area of interest for...Show moreOver the centuries the Silk Road networks spanned from Europe till Eastern Asia. The diverse cultures and traditions that existed along these networks has always been an area of interest for scholars. This paper focuses on the Northern reaches of the ancient region of Gandhara, which is a region in the North of present day Pakistan. This paper focuses on Buddhist anthropomorphic images found along the Indus river course that would have been used by merchants and traders to travel from the northern regions of Asia towards the southern regions. By analyzing the Buddhist anthropomorphic rock carvings found within this area, further information on the diversity of interactions can be gained and deeper knowledge of the intricacies of the Silk Road networks can be gained. The dataset I present produces an interesting result in terms of interactivity along these trade routes. From the evidence found, it becomes clear that throughout the long history of this trade route, different ideas of religion and religious imagery was transmitted from the southern regions northwards and vice versa. By conducting a stylistic and iconographic analysis on specific Buddhist anthropomorphic images from this dataset, I argue that there is a certain fusion of Buddhist imagery taking place within the research area.Show less
In this thesis an interdisciplinary approach was used in an investigation on the presentation of Classical Attic funerary sculptures in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. The Greek...Show moreIn this thesis an interdisciplinary approach was used in an investigation on the presentation of Classical Attic funerary sculptures in the National Museum of Antiquities in Leiden. The Greek Department of the museum will be reorganised and therefore a new exhibition on the collection should be created. The research question of this thesis focused on the creation of similar, authentic experiences of the funerary markers as visitors of a cemetery would have in Classical times. Each individual chapter provided a different perspective on the realisation of these aims. First, a museological perspective emphasized on the origin of the collection from the Flemish Colonel Rottiers. An archaeological chapter provided amongst others a sociological background on the sculptures, which is important in the overall understanding of the objects. The spatial chapter investigated the capabilities of Space Syntax within museums. Here, a spatial analysis of the new exhibition space was performed. In the last philosophical chapter the aims of the thesis were discussed. These individual chapters all constituted to the formulation of an advice for the museum which was provided in the next chapter. In this advice, an archaeological reconstruction of a peribolos was combined with the spatial results from the Space Syntax analysis. It is hoped that this case study will be useful in the ongoing discussion on the presentation of the past within both archaeology and museum studies and that its interdisciplinary character will inspire other scholars in their research in the presentation of the past in museums and its role for the public.Show less
Examination of the Imperial Potraiture at the time of the Tetrarchy (A.D. 293-311). I look at the different artstyles and choice of material. There is quite a sharp distinction between eastern and...Show moreExamination of the Imperial Potraiture at the time of the Tetrarchy (A.D. 293-311). I look at the different artstyles and choice of material. There is quite a sharp distinction between eastern and western portraits; of which the cause is explained.Show less
According to the myth Pan was a goat-footed god, born in Arcadia. The origin of his cult also lies in Arcadia, and was most likely established during the seventh century BC. Within Arcadian...Show moreAccording to the myth Pan was a goat-footed god, born in Arcadia. The origin of his cult also lies in Arcadia, and was most likely established during the seventh century BC. Within Arcadian veneration he was deemed to have a pastoral nature, from which herding and hunting were the most important characteristics. An overarching aspect of fertility emphasized his importance for the reproduction of the flocks, the increase of wild game, and his part in initiation rites of the paides; the Arcadian young males. His cult sites regarded temples and sacred buildings, often in the surroundings of sanctuaries of other deities. The votives consisted mostly of terracotta and bronze figurines. During the early fifth century BC the cult of Pan was established in Attica, where his rural nature was diminished, as it was only still considered important at the country side. Simultaneously, his hunting aspect was converted into a military character. He joined the nymphs in cult, as they were worshiped together in caves, connected through their mythical love affairs, and shared role in the rites de passage of youths. His votives mainly consisted of terracotta and bronze figurines, wine drinking vessels, and marble reliefs. Thus, both cults differ largely from each other, as Pan’s Arcadian veneration was considered an indispensable aspect in everyday life, whereas in Attica his worship was deemed to be of minor importance.Show less
Deze scriptie legt zich toe op de beschrijving van een survey assemblage van maalstenen. De hoofdvraag die centraal staat is “Zijn maalsteenfragmenten bruikbaar als survey data?”. Om deze...Show moreDeze scriptie legt zich toe op de beschrijving van een survey assemblage van maalstenen. De hoofdvraag die centraal staat is “Zijn maalsteenfragmenten bruikbaar als survey data?”. Om deze hoofdvraag te beantwoorden wordt getracht enkele deelvragen te beantwoorden over de stadsheuvel van koroneia: “Hoe vond voedselverwerking plaats in Koroneia en op welke schaal werd dit beoefend in respectievelijk de Archaische, Klassieke, Hellenistische en Romeinse periode? Hoe is dit te plaatsen in het huidige beeld van nederzettings geschiedenis?”.Show less
In this thesis the political, social, demographical and geographical relationships between the demes of Attica and the city of Athens are investigated. Because of the size of the polis and the...Show moreIn this thesis the political, social, demographical and geographical relationships between the demes of Attica and the city of Athens are investigated. Because of the size of the polis and the political organization of it Athens was an anomaly in the ancient world. Democracy was first implemented in Attica in 508/7 and therefore Athens played a unique role in history. The large number of settlements, or demes, that together formed the polis of Athens shared political power in the Ecclesia and the Boulé and although this power was never divided among them equally, the system worked for almost two centuries. Many demes housed larger populations than a normal-sized polis outside of Attica did so we must wonder how they were organized and how their size influenced their political power in the polis of Athens. Through archaeological remains and written sources the importance of several unique demes is clarified and the balance of power that existed in democratic Athens is confirmed. Through research we come to find out that very large demes located in the rural or coastal areas could very well have less political power than a much smaller deme within the city-walls of Athens. The reason for this is simple, the Ecclesia, or assembly, was the only legislative power in the polis and the great majority of its members came from the direct vicinity of the city since they were the only ones able to participate in the democratic processes of the polis on a daily basis. The rural and coastal areas of Attica therefore wielded less legislative power despite their superiority in numbers of inhabitants. Through equal representation in the Boulé the demes retained a certain amount of power though so the system, that was implemented by Kleisthenes in 508/7, essentially worked.Show less
