Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology

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  Book:
  PB69

Bronzework of Mainland Greece from c. 2600 BC to 1450 BC.

Author: Daya Nath Tripathi

Content:

The widespread use of copper and bronze objects started in the Early Helladic II period on the mainland. Although the bronzework of this period appears basically Anatolian in origin, it seems to have developed indepently, adjusting itself to new demands and situations. Whereas there are signs of Anatolian and Cycladic links with the metalwork of EH II mainland, there is no such link with Crete.
   During the following EH III-MH II period we find a sudden recession in the mainland metal industry; but a few of the remaining copper and bronze objects show that the connection with the Cyclades and Anatolia was not broken. The EH III-MH II metal objects appear to have evolved directly from EH II forms. The distribution of metallurgical centres in the Middle Helladic period suggests that new centres started producing metal objects. The new sophisticated weapons produced testify to the high level of craftsmanship of the smiths. The widespread distribution of similar types of weapons and knives throughout the mainland indicates internal trade of such objects. The metal analyses of EH-MH objects suggest the use of tin-bronze on the mainland from the beginning of the Early Helladic II period.
   During the last phase of the Middle Helladic period we find evidence of growing prosperity on the mainland, due to the interaction of Cretan influence and Middle Helladic prosperity. Most of the bronzework during the Shaft Grave and the following periods is indigenous, particularly the weaponry. Craftsmen elsewhere on the mainland also produced similar objects in the Early Mycenaean period, and we find evidence for bronze armour for the first time.

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