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An integrated geoarchaeological methodology to reveal site formation processes linked to building practices and pyrotechnology at Middle Neolithic Imvrou Pigadi, Greece
Author(s) -
Roussos Dimitrios N.,
KyparissiApostolika Nina
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
geoarchaeology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.696
H-Index - 44
eISSN - 1520-6548
pISSN - 0883-6353
DOI - 10.1002/gea.21711
Subject(s) - prehistory , archaeology , pottery , stratigraphy , geology , geoarchaeology , geography , paleontology , tectonics
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.

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