Microstratigraphic study of the Neolithic Alepotrypa Cave, Mani, Greece

Summary

Alepotrypa cave is one of the few examples of deep caves being intensively occupied throughout its extension during the Neolithic of Greece. The study of the microstructure and the microstratigraphy of the sediment revealed that the front entrance chambers consist of occupational deposits characterized by constructed clay surfaces and occupational debris. In addition to the several burials, frequent reorganization of the space in the form or fillings, leveling and resurfacing has resulted to intensive reworking of the deposits. The deposits of the interior chambers of the cave are quite different. They are mainly characterized by extensive and relatively thick smoldered dung-rich deposits often interbedded with thin clay constructed surfaces. The burnt dung deposits are rather transported by the occupants stabling deposits that consequently were burnt in situ in the back chambers. Their association with large amounts of fine pottery and probably burial remains might have to do with some kind of ritual or other not yet identified cultural practices. The final abandonment of the cave is probably associated with the partial collapse of the entrance of the cave and is associated with the capping of the sequence with widespread speleothem formations on the ground.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• Long-Term Settlement Dynamics and Land Use on the Mani peninsula of Southern Greece

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Spatial Coverage