Aims of the Argos Tumuli Project
The main aim of the Argos Tumuli Project is to publish the assemblage of the Argos ‘tumuli’ cemeteries, excavated by the late Dr. E. Deilaki and published by her in preliminary fashion in her doctoral dissertation (University of Athens, 1980).
The project involves the study of the finds and the study of the archival information (the Deilaki archive held at the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology in Athens, the Deilaki excavation diaries held in the Nauplion Ephorate and the Photographic Archive of the Nauplion Ephorate). In addition, a full osteological examination of the (extant) skeletons is undertaken. The following methods will be used: Radiocarbon analysis in order to increase the chronological resolution of the analysis; stable isotopes analysis in order to establish dietary variation; ancient DNA analysis in order to confirm the sex of the deceased and to establish kinship relations.
The ultimate aim is to place the Argos ‘tumuli’ in their wider context and to understand the position of Argos in the changing political landscape of the MH Argolid.
The sub-project on the Argos ‘tumuli’ is financed by the Institute of Aegean Prehistory.
The team consists of Oliver Dickinson (final synthesis of grave contexts), Sofia Kouidou-Andreou (DNA analysis), Leda Kovatsi (DNA analysis), Eleni Milka (study of mortuary practices), Albert J. Nijboer (radiocarbon analysis), Michael Richards (stable isotopes analysis), Kalliopi Sarri (MH finds, study of archival information, preparation of publication), Sevi Triantaphyllou (osteological analysis) and Sofia Voutsaki (general coordination, LH finds, radiocarbon analysis, study of the archive).
Summary of work undertaken in 2006
- The MH and LH ceramic finds have been studied, drawn and photographed.
- The analysis of the MH ceramic finds was started. Special emphasis was given to chronology, the characteristic features of the local workshop and the use of pottery in the funerary context.
- The extant skeletons have been studied.
- The Deilaki diaries have been photocopied, scanned and transcribed using a ‘voice recognition’ programme. In addition, they have been indexed and special keywords have been added in order to facilitate the retrieval and processing of information.
- All excavations photographs of the Argos tumuli kept in the Photographic archive of Nauplion Ephorate have been scanned and the information has been entered into a database.
- Initial steps were taken to place the tumuli in the GIS grid set up for Argos by the Nauplion Ephorate.
Summary of work undertaken in 2007
- All photographs and pencil drawings of the finds made during the study of the material have been inked, digitized and classified into an electronic archive.
- The MH ceramic finds have been entered into a database. The statistical analysis (seriation) of the pottery is under way.
- The Deilaki Archive (kept at the Ephorate of Palaeoanthropology and Speleology) has been studied. All the material (plans, topographical plans, photoes included in the dissertation, photoes not included in the dissertation, notes, various documents including correspondence by E. Deilaki, permits, etc) has been recorded, scanned and classified in our electronic archive.
- The MH and LH small and valuable finds have been studied, drawn and photographed.
- The analysis of the osteological data is reaching completion.
- The analysis of variation in mortuary practices has been completed.
