Tracing Ancient Grinding Technologies in the Neolithic - Bronze Age Transition

ongoing

Grinding technology (i.e. querns and handstones) is an integral part of the material culture of prehistoric societies, involved in numerous human productive activities, incorporating socioeconomic and cultural significance. For decades the study of grinding systems in the context of Greek prehistory remained limited with only a few exceptions. The GrindTrace project aspires to change the research landscape and enhance our knowledge regarding this understudied field, at the same time shedding light on the yet-little-known transitional period from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. What first appeared to be a gap of about 500-700 years in the evolution of prehistoric societies in Greece, from the end of the 5th to the late 4th millennium BC, is now seen as the result of a combination of low visibility and insufficient research. The assemblage to be analyzed includes over 500 specimens originating from six sites in northern and central Greece. The following lines of investigation will be pursued: a) technological and functional study of the selected artifacts; b) experimental investigation of parameters influencing the grinding systems; c) petrographic characterization of the tools' raw materials; and d) combined analysis of contextual, spatial and temporal information. The proposed multidisciplinary approach integrates elements of archaeology, geology, GIS and tribology, and aspires to use the micro-scale to talk about the macro-scale (human behavior patterns, settlement organization, temporality of habitation). In this framework, I will have the chance to explore various analytical techniques, some of which are particularly underdeveloped. This will help me establish a novel methodological approach, which, besides boosting my potential to lead cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the future, will contribute to the internationally growing functional studies, enhancing at the same time similar research prospects in the field of Greek prehistory.