With National Science Foundation support, Dr. Allan Simmons will conduct two seasons of archaeological investigation into the initial colonization of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus,. For many years, scholars considered the Mediterranean islands as late recipients of human occupation. Cyprus, however, had the earliest evidence, with most data pointing to the founding of the first villages during the later Neolithic period, around 6,000 B.C. The Neolithic, the transition from hunting and gathering economies to those based on food production, first occurred on the Near Eastern mainland about 9,000 B.C. and thus the colonization of the Mediterranean islands was seen as relatively late. Furthermore, the island Neolithic was characterized as a nondescript counterpart of its mainland ancestors, often regarded as little more than a footnote in the wider Neolithic world. Research at Ais Yiorkis challenges this perception.

Recent discoveries on Cyprus demonstrated an initial occupation around 10,000 B.C., which likely resulted in the extinction of native Pleistocene fauna such as the pygmy hippopotamus. Other research has extended the chronology and scope of the actual Neolithic colonization of the island by about 1,000 years. This newly defined phase, the Cypro-PPNB, presently consists of a handful of sites, of which Ais Yiorkis is one. Research at the settlement is oriented towards understanding why it is atypical from other Neolithic sites. First, it is located in the uplands rather the coastal area, where nearly all other sites are situated. Second, it contains a technologically and typologically sophisticated artifact assemblage, including imported obsidian artifacts. Third, although it does not appear to be a village, it contains a large circular stone structure unlike anything previously found in the Cypriot Neolithic. Finally, economic data suggest a far more wide ranging subsistence base that previously suspected. This included the limited presence of cattle, which had not been documented until the much later Bronze Age. Cattle also have recently been reported from another Cypro-PPNB site, thus these animals appear to have been part of the "Neolithic Package" that accompanied the island's first colonists.

This research will establish base-line data for the newly defined Cypro-PPNB period. The project will test models related to variability in the early permanent occupation of Cyprus which is now known to be far more complex than initially believed. In particular, the research examines both the nature of an upland occupation and the economic, and possible ritual, impact of cattle in the early Neolithic of the island. The work contributes to a better understanding of the trajectory of how early food producing societies spread throughout the Mediterranean area during the tumultuous "Neolithic Revolution." It is now clear that Cyprus was an active participant in this event much earlier than believed.

The Neolithic resulted in both the establishment of the Mediterranean agro-pastoral economic pattern and the ecological degradation associated with food production and high population densities that is still being felt in the region today. It is, therefore, a relevant research issue with contemporary significance. Both Cypriot and U.S. students will join the project, thereby gaining valuable research experience. Archaeology students from the fledging University of Cyprus will be encouraged to participate, enhancing joint participation between the U.S. and Cyprus.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Behavioral and Cognitive Sciences (BCS)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0352689
Program Officer
John E. Yellen
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2004-08-01
Budget End
2008-07-31
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2003
Total Cost
$109,348
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Nevada Las Vegas
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Las Vegas
State
NV
Country
United States
Zip Code
89154