Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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The research presented in this thesis focusses on the architectural remains at Koroneia, recorded during the survey of the site. The research has two main aims: firstly to categorise the finds in a...Show moreThe research presented in this thesis focusses on the architectural remains at Koroneia, recorded during the survey of the site. The research has two main aims: firstly to categorise the finds in a workable manner in order to create a base file from which the analyses of the material are made. The second aim is to analyse the architecture to reconstruct the ancient city in the various periods of time in which it existed. In other words, the architecture encountered at Koroneia is used as an archaeological proxy to investigate an ancient city, but also the methodology of using this type of material to do this type of research is studied. The first aim is achieved by creating an interactive digital map of the site in which all the data are combined and as such a research tool is created. The second aim is achieved by creating a broad frame in which the material is studied. An extensive background study on architecture through time as well as a broad historical overview of Greece and the region in which Koroneia is situated form two sides of the frame that is used. The intensive manner of survey that was applied to the site in regard to architecture is unique and therefore this thesis is also used to evaluate this methodology. The results of the study definitely prove that this type of study provides reliable information with which the development of a city can be researched. This research shows that Koroneia went through various phases of growth and contraction, often contemporary with nearby cities and/or larger regional developments. It will form a vital comparison with the analysis of the spread of ceramics across the site in each phase of its existence, ongoing work. Although the results show that this study was successful, further research into the use of architecture as an archaeological proxy is possible and advisable. It is clear that more can be discerned if a larger scale is applied to the material, as most of the architectural styles and changes are not formed on a city-level, but rather on a regional, or even larger, scale. More elaborate comparisons within the region of Boeotia as well as with other regions like Attica, Thessaly, but also in other Mediterranean regions outside Greece, could greatly enhance our understanding. Furthermore, more detailed studies of the individual styles encountered may also result in more elaborate ideas on the architecture and this will further enhance our understanding of the past.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
The Late Antique architectural remains on the acropolis of Koroneia’s city hill have not yet received the research attention they need in the current Ancient Cities of Boeotia project. This thesis...Show moreThe Late Antique architectural remains on the acropolis of Koroneia’s city hill have not yet received the research attention they need in the current Ancient Cities of Boeotia project. This thesis will delve deeper into the collapsed vaulted ceiling remains that have been found on the acropolis and provides a thorough description, coordinate measurements and plans, and begins the difficult task op interpreting these remains. It is attempted to reconstruct what the building was and draw parallels to other similar buildings. Research into the remains was conducted in the 2009 field season by architectural specialist Dr Inge Uytterhoeven, and the August 2012 field season saw the continuance of this research by students. For a field school on ground-based digital recording techniques, students were tasked with recording the remains of the large structure on the acropolis which had earlier been dubbed the ‘Bishop’s Palace’ by researchers. Over 200 Total Station measurements were taken, detailed descriptions and sketches were made, and over the course of two mornings the entire remains were carefully documented. Also, suggestions for the improvement of fieldwork and analysis methods and suggestions for further research are made in this thesis. In this thesis, special attention is paid to the recording and analyzing techniques used, and these are described in detail. Also, an attempt has been made to interpret the remains and compare them to other, perhaps similar, complexes. In close consultation with Dr Inge Uytterhoeven, the remains have been roughly dated to the 5th or 6th century AD, the Late Antique period on the Greek mainland. A look at both the remains and the period suggests that the most likely interpretation is an elite villa or house with a public character.Show less
During Late Antiquity a lot of changes took place in the organization and buildup of towns and cities. These changes comprise a number of things: an overall decline of construction (both in number...Show moreDuring Late Antiquity a lot of changes took place in the organization and buildup of towns and cities. These changes comprise a number of things: an overall decline of construction (both in number of buildings as well as overall quality), a retraction of the town to the acropolis or ‘upper town’ area, a decline in organization and planning of the town and an increase in reusing older materials. At Koroneia these changes take place as well, this is suggested by both the architectural finds and the analysis of the ceramic finds of the survey done at the site. The religious and public spaces on the acropolis are now joined and/or replaced by everyday life (domestic and industrial structures). Different construction methods are used during the Late Antique period, which can say something about the use and (social) value of the structure. The archaeological data for this thesis consist of several structural remains which are recorded both manually and digitally. The construction methods used allow for a general division of the walls and a probable distinction of outer and inner walls. Due to the layout, two different sets of spaces can be traced, which might suggest either two buildings, or two units within one building. However further research in the chronology of the walls and research with the help of techniques like GPR, will greatly enhance our ideas about the total layout and size of the structures and will allow us to make more detailed conclusions. For now it seems most likely that these architectural remains had a domestic function and comprises a single structure, although a division into smaller units cannot be ruled out at this point. The methods used for the data acquisition were not perfect, but done quite quickly. In order to enhance the amount, but more importantly the accuracy and usability of the data, a couple of suggestions are made. Namely, planning in advance what the data will be used for, taking the time to check the data before processing and make a clear organization of the tasks that are needed for the acquisition of the data.Show less
