Abstract
Theme of my dissertation is the Settlement patterns and spatial planning on Salamis from the 6th to the 1st century B.C. During this period a small and insignificant area at the eastern end of Salamis (Ambelaki) is transformed into the administrative and religious center of the island, following the political will of Athens. These political developments are reflected through a variety of archaeological evidence in the spatial planning of the island. The classification and evaluation of the available archaeological data led to the establishment of a list of 224 sites and monuments. Five time periods are formed, the criteria of which were based on residential phases and / or significant historical events. The interpretation of the structures is attempted through the combination of geographic and topographic features, but also through the comparison of places and monuments from the rest of the Greek world. At the same time, the above information is examined into the historical, political ...
Theme of my dissertation is the Settlement patterns and spatial planning on Salamis from the 6th to the 1st century B.C. During this period a small and insignificant area at the eastern end of Salamis (Ambelaki) is transformed into the administrative and religious center of the island, following the political will of Athens. These political developments are reflected through a variety of archaeological evidence in the spatial planning of the island. The classification and evaluation of the available archaeological data led to the establishment of a list of 224 sites and monuments. Five time periods are formed, the criteria of which were based on residential phases and / or significant historical events. The interpretation of the structures is attempted through the combination of geographic and topographic features, but also through the comparison of places and monuments from the rest of the Greek world. At the same time, the above information is examined into the historical, political and social context. There is a distribution of structures across the island and a wealth of evidence is provided for the exploitation of the sources, which is related to the islets around Salamis, where various structures (towers-lighthouses) and activities (fishing, livestock farming) are being developed, as well as to mountain peaks and slopes (livestock structures, watch towers). The lack of architectural remains in some places is often offset by other indications (eg. mobile findings). The greatest residential activity is recognized in the northern, eastern and central parts of the island. Apart from the fact that more fertile land is available for farming, there is another option. Some autonomous bays in the southern part may be exploited by wealthy landowners. All locations in the northern, eastern and central parts have convenient land access, while the approach in the south part would be easier by sea.The administrative structures are gathered at Ambelaki, despite the lack of data. In the city, a significant account of the workshops is gathered too, while only one relevant structure is recognized in the rest island. On two occasions it is noted that the development of workshops is related to important historical events, such as the establishment of cleruchs on the island in the late 6th century B.C. (ceramic workshop at Ambelaki) and the destruction of Corinth in 146 B.C. (ceramic workshop at Kanakia), where in both cases there is a clear need to cover the increasing demands of the markets. The sanctuaries are mainly developed in the city and its surroundings. In the city there are the sanctuaries of Demeter, Dionysus, Artemis, Bendis, Asclepius, Hermes, Ajax and Twelve Gods. In the country there are the sanctuaries of Athena and Enyalios with political and martial symbolism, and the sanctuaries of Zeus, Ajax, Pan and Dionysus with rural character. There are cult statues and votive offerings, and a multitude of rituals and celebrations are recognized.The island is not detached from the rest of the Aegean, and there are strong commercial relations with other regions, through commercial amphorae, coins, imported ceramics etc. Metics or slaves from various parts of the ancient world (Peloponnese, Thrace, North Africa, Phrygia) are acknowledged and the information is mainly derived from tombstones.Athens has the main role in the formulation of the spatial planning on the island as well as the reinforcement of ideological bonds between Athens and Salamis. Solon, Ajax and the naval battle of 480 B.C. are the backbone of the Athenian history of the island. Solon is the most powerful and influential personality with affiliated ties to the island. Ajax is used in the 6th century B.C. as the ultimate manipulation tool. Lacking his martial qualities, he is presented as a distant but venerable ancestor. The naval battle of 480 B.C. is the most important landmark for Athenian history, since it has been the springboard for the creation of the Athenian empire. Furthermore, during the 1st century B.C., the quest for shaping the cultural background of the Roman Empire will lead on the discovery and revival of the myth of Salamis too. Through the dissertation, the need to link the archaeological material and the historical framework is highlighted for the most accurate interpretation of human activity on the island.
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