Thessaly: from the late Bronze Age to the early Iron Age (c. 1600-700 BC)

Thessaly during the Late Bronze (LBA) and Early Iron Age (EIA) is a relatively little-known region that only recently has started to be studied more thoroughly. The present thesis seeks to examine Thessaly during those two periods and understand its social, cultural and political character and the way it changes from the one period to the other. The focus of this thesis is the transformation of Thessaly from the LBA to the EIA. This research will offer a new approach to the changing network of interactions among sites within Thessaly and their connections with the rest of the Greek mainland and the Aegean. This thesis will explore the similarities and differences among the Mycenaean centres of power in the Pagasetic Gulf, namely Kastro, Dimini and Pefkakia and attempt to define their relationship and in what ways they related to each other and with other places in Thessaly and the Aegean and ultimately, try to understand the extent and organisation of the local Mycenaean administrative system. Another issue that is explored is how Thessaly overcame the crisis after the collapse of the Mycenaean palaces during the transition from the LBA to the EIA. Through the study of changes in the settlement and cemetery patterns throughout these periods in Thessaly, this thesis explores population movements to and from Thessaly and re-evaluates theories about the societal structure, outside influences, invasions and population decline. It is concluded that Thessaly emerges as part of the Mycenaean world and not as a peripheral entity, certain ‘big’ sites show a remarkable degree of continuity from the LBA to the EIA, which is also reflected in the burial practices, and finally the emergence of new centres of power in the inner route that connects the Almiros plain with the region of Elasson. Chapter 1 provides a brief history of research and sets the aims of the thesis: to examine Thessalian settlements, sanctuaries and burials from the LBA to the EIA to understand how Thessaly changed socio-politicaly and culturally from the one period to the other. Chapter 2 examines closely the site of Kastro Volou which I employ as a case study for those two periods since it is one among few in Thessaly occupied continuously and one of the rare sites for which we have evidence from both the settlement and the cemeteries. Chapter 3 explores in detail the LBA and EIA Thessalian settlements. The chapter focuses on 12 sites throughout Thessaly which offer more substantial evidence, while other smaller sites that could offer valuable information are also mentioned. The settlements are examined in a geographical order and the evidence of the remains of architecture and other small movable finds are assessed in a chronological order. Chapter 4 presents the evidence for Thessalian sanctuaries in a chronological order. Chapter 5 offers a study of the burial practices in Thessaly during the LBA and EIA. The chapter explores the similarities and differences in burial practices and is organised by grave types. Chapter 6 presents a summary of the evidence and a final discussion.