Characterization of the siliceous rocks at Stelida, an early prehistoric lithic quarry (Northwest Naxos, Greece), by petrography and geochemistry: A first step towards chert sourcing

International audienceThis article presents the results of a combined petrographic and geochemical characterization study of raw materials from the early prehistoric chert source of Stelida, on Naxos (Cyclades, Greece). The project represents the first step in a larger provenience studies programme dedicated to documenting which communities exploited this source during the Lower Palaeolithic to Mesolithic (>= 250,000-9000 BP). Field-and lab-based studies conclude that the cherts originated by pervasive silicification of the upper part of a clastic sedimentary sequence by hydrothermal fluids moving along a detachment fault separating them from the underlying Naxos granodioritic intrusive. Quartz is the dominant mineral, while zircon, anatase, hematite and barite are accessories. Petrographic features that are considered characteristic of the Stelida raw materials (e.g. colour and lustre, massive microcrystalline texture, abundant cavities, quartz crystals projecting into cavities and thin quartz veinlets crosscutting bedding planes) are described. The cherts are strongly depleted in trace and Rare Earth elements. The petrographic and geochemical study of any stone tool made of chert showing similar macro-and microtextures, mineralogical features, and geochemical signature indicates a potential Stelida origin

Early Holocene Interaction in the Aegean Islands: Mesolithic Chert Exploitation at Stélida

This paper details the Mesolithic component (potential date 9000-7000 cal. BC) of a recent geo-archaeological survey of Stélida, a chert source and associated stone tool making workshops on Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands (southern Greece). The history of research is provided, followed by a precis of the survey methods, and the results of the geological study. The techno-typological attributes of the Mesolithic chipped stone artefacts are detailed, and the material’s intra-site distribution discussed, followed by an in-depth comparison with Early Holocene material from elsewhere in the southern Aegean, both insular and continental, concluding that the assemblage can be situated within an “island lithic tradition”. Stélida is then located within the wider context of the Aegean Mesolithic to consider issues of chronology and the site’s significance within broader debates concerning the nature of Early Holocene insular activity and colonization. While the Mesolithic activity at Stélida forms part of an increasing data-set of Early Holocene sites in the Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese and Sporades, it remains unclear as to whether (a) this evidence attests to perennial island habitation, or (b) to what extent these sites form part of a “slow-fuse” colonisation process, or simply a period of intensified maritime activity and/or the remnants of failed long-term settlement

Early Holocene Interaction in the Aegean Islands: Mesolithic Chert Exploitation at Stélida (Naxos, Greece) in Context

International audienceThis paper details the Mesolithic component (potential date 9000-7000 cal. BC) of a recent geo-archaeological survey of Stélida, a chert source and associated stone tool making workshops on Naxos, the largest of the Cycladic islands (southern Greece). The history of research is provided, followed by a precis of the survey methods, and the results of the geological study. The techno-typological attributes of the Mesolithic chipped stone artefacts are detailed, and the material’s intraite distribution discussed, followed by an in-depth comparison with Early Holocene material from elsewhere in the southern Aegean, both insular and continental, concluding that the assemblage can be situated within an “island lithic tradition”. Stélida is then located within the wider context of the Aegean Mesolithic to consider issues of chronology and the site’s significance within broader debates concerning the nature of Early Holocene insular activity and colonization. While the Mesolithic activity at Stélida forms part of an increasing data-set of Early Holocene sites in the Cyclades, Crete, Dodecanese and Sporades, it remains unclear as to whether (a) this evidence attests to perennial island habitation, or (b) to what extent these sites form part of a “slow-fuse” colonisation process, or simply a period of intensified maritime activity and/or the remnants of failed long-term settlement

Géoarchéologie des îles de la Méditerranée

Parmi les dix mille îles et îlots de Méditerranée, moins de trois cents seraient habités et seulement deux cents mesureraient plus de 5 km2. Ces îles sont des entités géologiques et géographiques complexes où coexistent des formations de roches très anciennes et d'autres créées très récemment (îles volcaniques). A la fois ouvertes sur l'horizon et les côtes continentales voisines, elles restent, paradoxalement, relativement fermées de par leur isolement, créant ainsi des spécificités quant à leur biodiversité et leur colonisation par les sociétés humaines. Les îles de Méditerranée forment ainsi un objet d'étude privilégié pour la géoarchéologie. Celte dernière emprunte les concepts, les méthodes et les techniques de disciplines relevant des sciences humaines et environnementales (l'archéologie, l'épigraphie, la philologie, la géographie. la paléoécologie, la paléontologie...). Cet ouvrage établit un premier état des connaissances dans le domaine de la géoarchéologie des îles de Méditerranée. L'éclatement géographique de ces dernières, ainsi qu'une histoire de l'occupation propre à chacune, démontrent toute la difficulté de globaliser ces espaces géographiques, progressivement transformés en territoires sous l'action répétée des sociétés humaines. Des spécialistes dressent ici les relations complexes entre les dynamiques et les processus paysagers et les logiques d'occupation humaine depuis la fin du Pléistocène. Le présent ouvrage recueille vingt-quatre contributions regroupées dans cinq parties intitulées « Anthropisation et mutations paysagères à la transition Paléolithique/Néolithique » ; « Mobilité et reconstitution des anciens niveaux marins depuis la fin de la dernière grande glaciation quaternaire » ; « Adaptation aux mutations paysagères à l'échelle intra-site : la nécessaire prise en compte des paramètres environnementaux » ; « Deltas, lagunes et marais : des interfaces propices à l'implantation des sociétés humaines » et « Matières premières ; exploitation et interactions ». Cet ouvrage s'adresse principalement à des spécialistes de géographie, d'archéologie et de paléoécologie mais aussi à un public plus large : étudiants des niveaux L-M-D, enseignants et simples néophytes souhaitant s'initier aux concepts, méthodes et techniques de la géoarchéologie