An integrated geoarchaeological methodology to reveal site formation processes linked to building practices and pyrotechnology at Middle Neolithic Imvrou Pigadi, Greece

Abstract

The Middle Neolithic tell of Imvrou Pigadi (~6920–6570 cal. years before present) belongs to a cluster of sites at the southern edge of the Plain of Thessaly, Greece. Following a specifically tailored geoarchaeological methodology comprising micromorphology coupled with Fourier‐transformed infrared spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction, X‐ray fluorescence, and particle size analyses, we were able to reveal site formation processes linked with the construction of floors/occupational surfaces and successfully clarify a rather complicated archaeological stratigraphy. Moreover we present early evidence for specialized ceramic production contained in red, burnt strata rich in remnants of constructed combustion features and in situ pottery. The exclusion of a deliberate or accidental domestic fire as the cause of combustion, coupled with evidence of high firing temperatures of 600–700°C further supports a specialized ceramics workshop function of the site. The successful implementation here of an integrated analytical methodology enabled us to reveal the archaeological potential of Imvrou Pigadi and can be used to address similar archaeological questions at other Neolithic sites.

Current approaches to the Neolithic of Thessaly

“…The ongoing collaborative survey of the basins of Sykourio and Elateia in northeastern Thessaly (Reingruber et al forthcoming) and the intensive exploration of the area around the modern village of Prodromos in western Thessaly by the LTNS project (Krahtopoulou et al forthcoming b) are expected to start filling in this tangible gap in our regional knowledge. Moreover, the research agendas of several recent and ongoing projects (for example LTNS, Koutroulou Magoula Archaeology and Archaeological Ethnography Project and Platia Magoula Zarkou: Cultural Change during the Sixth Millennium BChttps://www.orea.oeaw.ac.at/en/research/prehistoric-phenomena/platia-magoula-zarkou-in-thessalygreece/) have incorporated geoarchaeological, palaeoenvironmental and bioarchaeological studies that are already shedding new light on Neolithic landscapes, environments and lifeways (Hamilakis et al 2017;Koromila et al 2018;Roussos and Kyparissi-Apostolika 2018;Krahtopoulou et al forthcoming b).…”

A Middle Neolithic Pottery Workshop at Magoula Imvrou Pigadi, at the Crossroads of Eastern-Western Thessaly and Phtiotida

“…The preservation of the structures ranged from very good to heavily eroded, while the entire assemblage reflects a major investment of time and labour and a high degree of structural uniformity and sophistication. The kilns were studied both macroscopically and through several geoarchaeological approaches, in order to investigate their construction and use (Germain-Vallée, Prévost-Dermarkar, Lespez 2011;Mentzer 2014;Mallol, Mentzer, Miller 2017;Roussos, Kyparissi-Apostolika 2019).…”