Geoarchaeological studies at the cemetery of ancient Kamara, assisted by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating: Insights in the post-Roman hydrological record of Eastern Crete

Theodorakopoulou, Katerina; Bassiakos, Yannis

doi:10.1016/j.jasrep.2016.07.001

Cited by 4 publications

(14 citation statements)

References 37 publications

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“…Values <2% are represented by dots and occurrence of taxa in pollen-poor samples are represented by crosses. main phases of alluvial aggradation/incision reported for the south Peloponnesus (Finné et al, 2014), eastern Crete (Theodorakopoulou et al, and 2017) and south central Crete (Doe and Homes, 1977;Pope et al, 2004;Macklin et al, 2010; the present study).…”

Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 59%

Reconstructing human-environment interactions in the western Messara Plain (Phaistos, Crete, Greece) from the emergence of city states to Byzantine times

Ghilardi

Revelles

Glais

et al. 2019

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

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Landscape evolution from the Early 1 st millennium BCE to the mid-1 st millennium CE is poorly documented around major archaeological sites in Crete. In a previous publication, the general landscape configuration in the vicinity of ancient Phaistos was reconstructed using a palaeoenvironmental approach, from the Proto-Palatial period (ca. 2000 BCE) to the Late-Proto Geometric period (ca. 8 th cent. BCE). However, the physiography of the landscape, its hydrology and vegetation history remained uncertain for the later archaeological periods. In the present study, additional radiocarbon dates (8) together with pollen, mollusc and sedimentological analyses (CM diagram) were conducted on previously documented sediment cores. These new results enable us to reconstruct in greater detail the landscape history from the Early Archaic period to Late Byzantine times. The results indicate the continuous presence of swampland from the Proto-Geometric period (10 th cent. BCE) probably until the initial stages of the Classical period (5 th cent. BCE). Subsequently, during the Classical and Hellenistic periods, there was a short interval of alluvial input of terriginous sediments (not exceeding two centuries in duration) which is directly linked with the complete drying up and drainage of the swampland. We address the issue of the possible climatic origin of this abrupt hydrological change, especially in relation to regional climate change and the sedimentary history of adjacent rivers and streams. Tectonic activity in the area is also an important factor and can be invoked as a potential environmental influence. Anthropogenic factors are also considered, even though there is no direct archaeological evidence of drainage in the western Messara Plain during the Archaic and Classical periods. Finally, from Roman times to the Early Byzantine period, floodplain development prevailed in the area and ponds formed locally, in particular from the Late Hellenistic to Early Byzantine periods; this was related to the climatic conditions of the Roman Warm period. Pollen analysis reveals an open forested landscape during the time interval under investigation, within which domesticated plants such as Olea (olive) were present. However, the representation of Olea

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Section: Discussionsupporting

confidence: 59%

Reconstructing human-environment interactions in the western Messara Plain (Phaistos, Crete, Greece) from the emergence of city states to Byzantine times

Ghilardi

Revelles

Glais

et al. 2019

Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports

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“…This last date corresponds to the phase of alluvial input following the lake sequence and one of the possible consequences of the arid climatic conditions observed during the Archaic period could have been the development of incision (of the lake deposits) and catastrophic floods. Nevertheless, an anthropogenic channel modification of the Geropotamos river course is possible and it has been observed elsewhere in Crete (Theodorakopoulou and Bassiakos, 2017). The aim of the river channelization during Early Greek times would have been to drain the wetland and to reclaim the area for agricultural purposes during a flourishing period (development of the Greek Poleis).…”

Section: The Western Messara Plain: Long-term History Of Complex Human-environment Interactions?mentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Although compared with the Last Glacial period, the amplitude of Mid- to Late-Holocene climate fluctuations was less pronounced, the eastern Mediterranean climate was less stable during this interval than previously thought (Kaniewski et al, 2013). For the last 5 kyr, climate reconstruction in South-Central and Eastern Crete is based mainly on past fluvial dynamics where phases of incision and aggradation, related to specific climatic conditions, were identified (Maas and Macklin, 2002; Macklin et al, 2010; Moody, 2000; Theodorakopoulou et al, 2009, 2012, 2017). In the nearby catchment of the Anapodaris River (East of Messara Plain; Figure 1), Macklin et al (2010) recorded two major phases of coarse-grained aggradation dated to 4.86–4.2 and 3.4–3 cal.…”

Section: Past Climate and Related Alluvial Evolution In Crete In The Second Half Of The Holocenementioning

confidence: 99%

First evidence of a lake at Ancient Phaistos (Messara Plain, South-Central Crete, Greece): Reconstructing paleoenvironments and differentiating the roles of human land-use and paleoclimate from Minoan to Roman times

et al. 2018

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Phaistos was one of the most important Minoan palaces in Crete and previous studies have addressed its relationship with the paleo-seashore position during historical times. Here, we reconstruct the environmental evolution of Phaistos from Early Minoan to Roman times. Study of two stratigraphic sections and nine boreholes drilled in the westernmost part of the Messara Plain has revealed the stratigraphy of the Mid- to Late-Holocene sediments. Laboratory analyses comprise granulometry, magnetic susceptibility measurements and identification of mollusks, diatoms and pollen grains. Eighteen radiocarbon dates provide a robust chronostratigraphy. In addition, a geophysical survey (electric resistivity tomography (ERT) method) was conducted to reveal the sub-surface morphology in the coring area. The results reveal that a freshwater lake existed from ca. 2100–2000 BC to ca. 1200–1100 BC, which subsequently became swampland until ca. 700 BC. A lake retreat is identified at ca. 1200–1000 BC and can be interpreted as resulting from the 3.2 cal kyr BP rapid climate change (RCC) dry event, observed elsewhere in the Eastern Mediterranean. Subsequently, from the 7th to the 5th century BC, there was the input of detrital material and fluvial dynamics prevailed until at least Roman times. The origin of the lake and its disappearance are discussed in the context of regional climate change and local tectonic activity, without excluding possible human influences. We also reconstruct the vegetation history for the period from the Late Minoan to the Early Archaic period. Pollen analysis reveals a Mediterranean maquis landscape dominated by Olea, together with hygrophilous vegetation, and highlights a clear transition from limnic to swampy environmental conditions around 1100 BC. The pollen sequence is also important for assessing the impact of the 3.2 cal. kyr BP RCC event and for assessing the possibility of an abrupt discontinuity in human activity around Phaistos after the demise of the Minoan Civilization.

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“…One of the most significant phases of hydrological activity occurred between 5000 and 3070 BP, broadly corresponding with the Minoan period (Ghilardi et al, 2018). Drier conditions are reported during the 1 st millennium BC in South Central (Macklin et al, 2010) and Eastern Crete (Theodorakopoulou and Bassiakos, 2017). A significant phase of flooding is observed from ~2700 -2500 BP on the Messara Plain (South Central Crete) (Ghilardi et al, 2018).…”

Section: 2 2 4 4 C Cr Re Et Te Ementioning

confidence: 96%

“…On southern-central Crete, widespread, coarse-grained aggradation occurred between ~4900 and 4200 BP and then 3400 to 3000 BP, processes probably driven by climate change (a phase of regional cooling between 5000 and 3000 BP) (Macklin et al, 2010;Theodorakopoulou and Bassiakos, 2017). However, we should also consider the probable impact of Bronze Age extension and intensification of arable and pastoral activity.…”

Section: 2 2 4 4 C Cr Re Et Te Ementioning

confidence: 99%

Holocene demographic fluctuations, climate and erosion in the Mediterranean: A meta data-analysis

et al. 2019

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Geoarchaeological studies at the cemetery of ancient Kamara, assisted by optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating: Insights in the post-Roman hydrological record of Eastern Crete

Cited by 4 publications

References 37 publications

Reconstructing human-environment interactions in the western Messara Plain (Phaistos, Crete, Greece) from the emergence of city states to Byzantine times

Reconstructing human-environment interactions in the western Messara Plain (Phaistos, Crete, Greece) from the emergence of city states to Byzantine times

First evidence of a lake at Ancient Phaistos (Messara Plain, South-Central Crete, Greece): Reconstructing paleoenvironments and differentiating the roles of human land-use and paleoclimate from Minoan to Roman times

Holocene demographic fluctuations, climate and erosion in the Mediterranean: A meta data-analysis

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