The Archaeological Society at Athens invites you to a Cycladic Seminar by Kostas Sbonias (Professor of Prehistoric Archaeology atthe Ionian University, Department of History):
Early Cycladic Stamp Impressions from Therasia: Considering Sealing Practices in the Cyclades and the Emergence of Writing in the Aegean
The lecture contributes to the understanding of Early Bronze Age sealing practices in the Cyclades, focusing on recent finds from Therasia. Systematic excavations by the Ionian University, the University of Crete, and the Ephorate ofAntiquities for theCyclades (2014-2022) have revealed the remains of a settlement at Koimisis, inhabited from the transitional EC I/II period until the end of the Middle Bronze Age. The deposits from the Minoan-period eruption later partially sealed the remains of the abandoned site, contributing to the good preservation of its architecture.
The presentation discusses two seal impressions on a jar handle from an Early Cycladic II context (see figure). One aligns with the broader Aegean glyptic tradition, while the second represents the earliest evidence associated with developments tied to the broader context of script formation in the Aegean. The evidence will be presented in detail: first the excavation context, second the Cycladic provenance of the vase, and third the broader interpretative context of seal impressions on vessels and other artefacts in the Cyclades.Finally, the emergence of writing in the prehistoric Aegean in relation to glyptic practices will be discussed.
The seminar is organized by Marisa Marthari.