Interpreting the Pottery Record from Geometric and Archaic Sanctuaries in the Northwestern Peloponnese

Abstract

The northwestern Peloponnese played an important role in Greece during the Geometric and Archaic periods. This has only become clear with the research of the last three decades. The sanctuaries of Achaia and northern Arkadia made significant contributions to early temple architecture. Their range of finds attests to both supra-regional connections and regional specificities. The 17 papers in this symposium provide an overview of the state of research on Early Greek sanctuaries in the northwestern Peloponnese and neighbouring areas. Well-studied sanctuaries are discussed alongside lesser-known ones in order to provide as complete a picture as possible. Sanctuaries of supra-regional importance such as Ano Mazaraki, Lousoi and Nikoleika are discussed, as well as local cult sites in caves that are difficult to access (Tria Goupata, Drakaina). The focus is on the interpretation of ceramic assemblages. The functional analysis of the pottery allows conclusions to be drawn about ritual and profane activities in the temene. Together with the votive offerings, it also provides information about the composition of the cult communities and their concerns for the worshipped deity. The origin of the pottery provides information on the connectivity of the sanctuary. Special emphasis is placed on archaeometric analyses of pottery and the function of miniature vessels. Other papers deal with early sacred architecture and the design of sacred precincts.