Postmortems for Workshop #2: Geometric Athens

Ryan Farb's postmortem:

So, despite strong evidence that appeared in favor of the drought, we can say the Camp’s scenario is in fact, not so likely. Step one is to see that something happened in this time period. This is clear: there is the obvious increase in burials, the increase in dedications, and the development of apparently more elaborate and more specialized burials, with a definite change in type and accessories.

I think some of the most telling evidence that this dramatic change was in fact a matter of an evolving society rather than a meteorological catastrophe is the movement of the burials away from the settlements (workshop evidence #12). If there were no change in the specific burial practice of the society then there would be no change in the positioning of burials in relation to the settlements. But obviously in this time period there was a conscious move to place burials further from society, a separation of the living from the dead. This kind of separation suggests a religious change of some sort.

The increase in dedications at sites around Greece also suggests this kind of religious change, and that the change occurred not just locally. Were the dedications ONLY to Zeus Ombrios the only increased votives, then Camp’s drought theory would be on firmer ground. But the dramatic increase of votives to all kinds of sanctuaries around Greece suggests that there is an increased religious awareness, and increased devotion to religion. People are now, when they weren’t before, spending time and money on lots of objects made specifically as dedications to the gods. Grecian reverence must have increased, and Camp would probably argue that it is the natural difficulties that are arousing the populations to seek aid from the gods, however, since the dedications are to various gods it would appear that reverence for all gods has increased and it is necessary to suggest another probable cause.

I am partial to the suggestion that the epic texts of Homer and the texts of Hesiod start to appear, and certainly had been in formulation around this time period. With the power and presence of the gods so strongly emphasized, what population wouldn’t be prone to increase their religious activity?

What else suggests this religious social change and awareness? The typology of trench and hole burials shows a definite change toward more elaborate burials which suggests an increased importance of the burial ritual. There are more grave goods, and specific grave goods. In protogeometric to geometric periods there is the lack, or at least extreme lessening of the use of metal goods in burials and pottery appears the most frequently. Oh yes, and what about that increase in the use of pottery?

The class brought up the interesting point that it takes water to make pottery and increased pottery means an increased use of water for something other than drinking and cooking. If there’s a drought, wouldn’t the water usage be shifted in another direction? And as also stated, it takes fuel to fire the clay, so lots more fuel would be burnt. This does not sound like a civilization struggling against an environment, it sounds like a civilization manipulating its environment and exhibiting new social ideals.

Melissa Strickland's postmortem:

When examining archaeological evidence, any professional or amateur must be aware of, and readily accept, that the archaeological record is imperfect. We came across this problem in our class discussion, as some circumstances simply cannot be seen, much less tested. In any event, ‘hypotheticals’ and ‘what ifs’ are necessary evils. Considering the data provided, I noticed several trends/changes: the amount of graves increase drastically (which is demonstrated on a line graph), there is a shift in the types of burial practices and grave goods, as well as a decrease in the number of usable wells. Camp suggests that this may have been caused by a drought; a drought would explain the decrease in wells used, as well as an increase in offerings at temples to Zeus Ombrios, the Bringer of rain. As a result of drought, one would expect an outbreak in epidemics and disease, thus accounting for the increase in burials. However, how should we explain the change in burial practice or goods? Moreover, what of the fact that this particular area becomes devoid of material, as people begin to locate wells and burials elsewhere? I don’t believe that the theory of change due to drought can answer these anomalies alone.

I think it’s important to consider the biases that excavation can bring; unless an archaeologist and his/her team are in the fortunate position to completely excavate a site which has never been disturbed, even then, the record will never be complete, and ambiguity is a guarantee. For example, we notice that during this particular period, there are very few, if any, burials with children. If an epidemic were the cause of the increase in burials, children and the elderly should dominate the record; however, this is not the case. In addition, what of the fact that Dr. Norman mentioned that in any given area in Attica, children usually make up 50% of all burials, yet that number does not show up here. I think a reasonable explanation for this absence of material is due to the particular area being excavated; the scenario is not that children are not being buried, they are simply not being buried here, and excavation that is more intensive is needed. Unfortunately for us, it may not be possible to recover this information, as the modern city of Athens sits upon most of its ancient counterpart.

Another point to consider is that of the dynamic cultural filter; people, as well as places, events, and ideals about aspects of life are constantly changing. I mention this because the area being excavated/discussed/examined is the area of the present agora, the area where everything and anything in later Athenian daily life takes place. It is possible that a change occurred in how this area was being used, which would account for the change in location of burials and wells, wells going out of use, and the population increase. New people from new areas bring new ideas and require a higher degree of urban organization to facilitate daily functions.