Neolithic Kritou Marottou-Ais Giorkis, Cyprus—Living in the Uplands

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

5-1-2018

Publication Title

Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research

Volume

379

Issue

1

First page number:

171

Last page number:

195

Abstract

For many years, the "Neolithic Package" was believed to be a latecomer to the Mediterranean islands. The oldest Neolithic remains were those from the Cypriot aceramic Khirokitia Culture, starting around 7000 cal B.C. Late by mainland standards, the Khirokitia Culture had few parallels with either the Levantine or Anatolian mainland from which it derived. Recent research, however, has revolutionized perspectives on the colonization of these islands, with Cyprus again playing a major role. We now know that the island had a pre-Neolithic occupation around 12,000 years ago. In addition, an early Neolithic occupation predating the Khirokitia Culture has been documented, with both Pre- Pottery Neolithic A and B (or Cypro-PPNB) phases as early as those on the mainland. Most sites are coastal; however, Cypro-PPNB Ais Giorkis is located in the foothills. Interdisciplinary excavations have revealed it to be a unique occurrence, with some of the earliest directly dated domesticates in the Near East, unusual architecture, and evidence for trade and feasting-all of which are summarized here. Ais Giorkis contributes to emerging research on Cyprus that has reoriented how we view island colonization, early seafaring abilities, domestication processes and accompanying social changes, and the spread of the Neolithic from its core areas.

Keywords

Akrotiri Phase; Cypro-PPNB; Cyprus; Khirokitia culture; Neolithic; Settlement patterns

Disciplines

Anthropology

Language

English

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