Agia Marina and Peristereònas: Two New Epipalaeolithic Sites on the Island of Lemnos (Greece)

Abstract

The surveys carried out along the coasts of the island of Lemnos (Greece) have led to the discovery of new Late Epipalaeolithic sites at Agia Marina and Peristereònas. Peristereònas yielded a knapped stone assemblage that is strictly comparable with that from Ouriakos, a site located along the south-eastern coast of the same island, while the artefacts from Agia Marina are more problematic to interpret because they are probably to be attributed to a slightly different period. However, the most characteristic artefacts recovered from the sites are represented by microlithic geometrics obtained by abrupt, bipolar, or direct retouch, end scrapers, and different types of exhausted cores and technical pieces, which help us reconstruct the operational sequence employed for the manufacture of the armatures. The aim of the paper is to contribute to the interpretation of the characteristics of the Late Epipalaeolithic assemblages discovered on the island and to frame them into the general picture of the end of the Pleistocene in this part of the Aegean. The artefacts from the sites show unique characteristics, without parallels to the knapped stone assemblages of the same period so far recovered along the coasts of the Aegean Sea, the eastern Mediterranean, the Levant, and the Black Sea.

“Geo-Archaeo-Routes” on the Island of Lemnos: The “Nalture” Experience as a Holistic Geotouristic Approach within the Geoethical Perspective

“…The Prehistoric Settlement of Myrina is located on the coastal site "Richa Nera", on a volcanic geological basement (Figure 2). It was developed slightly earlier than the Poliochni settlement in the eastern part of the island, with its earliest phases being assigned to the first half of the 4th millennium BC [30]. Together with the rest of the prehis- Hiking "Geo-Archaeo-Route" 1 continues with a visit to the Prehistoric Settlement of Myrina (C02; Table 4, Figures 3 and 4), which is located only a few meters away from the Archaeological Museum and is considered an important residential center of the early Bronze Age.…”

“…The Prehistoric Settlement of Myrina is located on the coastal site "Richa Nera", on a volcanic geological basement (Figure 2). It was developed slightly earlier than the Poliochni settlement in the eastern part of the island, with its earliest phases being assigned to the first half of the 4th millennium BC [30]. Together with the rest of the prehistoric settlements on the island, the site reflects the importance of Lemnos during the Bronze Age associated with its strategic location in the vicinity of Dardanelles [74].…”

“…The Prehistoric Settlement of Koukonisi (C08; Table 4, Figure 3) located in the area, was first discovered in 1992 during exploratory excavations and together with the other prehistoric sites on the island pinpoints the importance of Lemnos during the Bronze Age associated with its strategic location in the Aegean at the vicinity of the Dardanelles entrance and opposite Troy. Human presence is testified in Lemnos from around 12,000 BC, with signs of communities of fruit pickers, fishermen and hunters located at Ouriakos, on the eastern outer coast of the gulf of Moudros [30]. Early Bronze Age (3200-2000 BC) evidence with signs of early urbanization appear in the northeastern part of the Koukonisi islet, in the settlement area on the Koukonos plateau [125][126][127].…”

“…It displays a smooth landscape, carved within millions of years by the volcanic activity, the water runoff, the sea and the wind, which resulted in a spectacular agro-pastoral environment hosting numerous geosites and some of the largest and most important Mediterranean wetlands [29]. The land of Lemnos exhibits among others, some of the oldest human settlements of hunters and fishermen in the Aegean Sea dating back to the 11th millennium BC [30]. Furthermore, the island is widely known for its distinguished household economy and traditional high-quality local wines, meats, cheeses, fruits, vegetables, herbs and handmade pasta.…”