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Minoan Colonialism

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  27 September 2013

Keith Branigan
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Extract

Most recent discussions of Minoan colonies have referred to bases, trading posts, or settlements without attempting to define these terms, or to define the term ‘colony’ itself. Welcome exceptions are the papers by Renfrew and Shaw in the publication of the Second Thera Congress, which have sought to put the discussion on a more clearly defined basis. Warren's list of criteria by which to identify a Minoan settlement abroad is also a useful move in the direction of establishing a framework within which the problem can be discussed. This short paper is a preliminary attempt to take recent progress a stage further. It begins with a summary of the development of Minoan trade until the end of LM I, thus placing the ‘colonies’ in a historical perspective. Attention is then given to the problem of defining what is meant by the term ‘colony’, and to suggesting how the different types of colony can be recognized in the archaeological record. Next the settlements at Ayia Irini on Keos, Phylakopi on Melos, and Akrotiri on Thera are briefly examined in the light of their recent excavations in an attempt to match them to one of the ‘models’ of a colony which has been established. These three sites are selected for discussion since all have been excavated or re-excavated within the last fifteen years. Finally, a concluding section briefly considers the evidence from the site of Kastri on Kythera, and summarises the conclusions reached.

Type
Research Article
Information
Annual of the British School at Athens , Volume 76 , November 1981 , pp. 23 - 33
Copyright
Copyright © The Council, British School at Athens 1981

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References

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