University of Edinburgh
Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, Cyprus.
Fieldschool 29th May – 30th June 2006.
Excavation at the Early Neolithic settlement of Ais Yiorkis, Paphos, Cyprus.
Edinburgh 1st Year Students should note that Ais Yorkis is NOT a departmental project and 1st-Year students will NOT be eligible for Vacation Grant support.
Ais Yiorkis is a Neolithic settlement in the low hills of the Paphos District of western Cyprus. It is one of only a handful of sites that have recently been recognized as belonging to a very early stage in the human occupation of the island that is often referred to as the Cypro-Pre-Pottery Neolithic B (Cypro-PPNB). This lengthy period, dating between the later 9th and the end of the 8th millennia Cal.BC., began with the colonization of the island of Cyprus, most probably uninhabited at that time, by agro-pastoralists from the coastlands of mainland western Asia. The colonists brought with them the early domestic animals and plants that were necessary for their newly-developed way of life, and established the first village settlements on the island. The animals were imported to Cyprus at a time scarcely later than the earliest evidence presently available for the beginnings of the process of domestication in the mainland Near East. What has so far been discovered about the material culture and way of life in this recently discovered phase of Cypriot prehistory is sufficient to characterize it as a regional variant of the PPNB culture that was widespread in western Asia.
The site of Ais Yiorkis lies in a region of fields and vineyards, and material eroding out of the site led to its discovery during an archaeological survey some 25 years ago. Lack of pottery amongst this surface material immediately suggested that the site might date to an early stage of the Neolithic period, as it was then understood. However, only with trial trenching in 1997 followed by three subsequent sessions of small-scale excavation on the site (2002-4) and more extensive work in 2005, did the very early date of the site, and the richness of its lithic and faunal assemblages in particular, begin to become clear. Seven radiocarbon dates that have so far been obtained on animal bones from the site suggest dates in the range ca. 6000 to 7600 Cal. BC, probably coinciding with Cypro-Late PPNB and the late aceramic Khirokitia Culture). A huge sample of animal bones has been recovered, and 4232 so far identified include mainly fallow deer (48%) pig (36%) and sheep and goats (15%). Cattle were also present (1%) along with even smaller amounts of bone of dog, cat, fox, fish and birds. Chipped stone is hugely abundant on the site, and as is characteristic for the Cypro-PPNB, the assemblage shows similarities with mainland PPNB industries. Work over the last three summers has revealed in situ features, including pits, a circular stone-built platform (the “dancing platform” – see picture) several meters in diameter and a substantial plaster surface with an inset basin and associated wall. The work at Ais Yiorkis has reached an exciting stage indeed, as it becomes clear from continuing excavations that more in situ archaeology exists here than was previously thought likely.
From the outset the excavation at Ais Yiorkis has been conducted by Prof. Alan Simmons of the University of Nevada at Las Vegas (UNLV). He is a prehistorian of very wide ranging experience in Cyprus and the Near East, with particular expertise in chipped stone and pigmy hippopotami. Dr. Paul Croft of the University of Edinburgh’s Lemba Archaeological Research Centre is an excavator and zooarchaeologist, and is responsible for the analysis of the Ais Yiorkis bone assemblage. Excavations in summer 2006 will once again be conducted as a collaborative venture between UNLV and LARC, under the overall direction of Prof. Simmons. It is also hoped during this season to conduct essential consolidation work on the “dancing platform”.
Applications are invited from students and others to participate as members of the LARC contingent of a dozen or so people, under the supervision of Dr. Croft. The work will be conducted between 29th May and 30th June, and participants are expected to attend for a minimum of three working weeks. Details of participant options are given below.
Prospective applicants are advised that days will be long and hot, and the work physically arduous. Working days will start early, since the site is a long drive (over half an hour) away from our home base in Lemba. Participants will be expected to undertake not only on-site excavation work, but also finds processing as required. It is envisaged that each week will consist of five working days and two non-work days involving some combination of trips to sites, museums and other places of interest, and of free time.
Accommodation & catering.
Participants will be based at the University of Edinburgh’s Lemba Archaeological Research Centre. The Centre is an old stone house located in Lemba, a small village located some 4 km north of the town of Paphos on the west coast of Cyprus, which lies within sight of the Mediterranean, only a few minutes walk from the sea. Basic camping/outdoor living facilities (self-catering) exist here. The large, vine-shaded roof of our building is ideal for outdoor living during the heat of summer, but participants are advised to bring their own small tent if privacy is particularly desired. Cooking facilities are available, and a large supermarket and several affordable tavernas are all located within a few minutes walk of the Research Centre. The village is reached by service bus or an inexpensive taxi ride from Paphos.
Our postal address is:
Lemba Archaeological Research Centre,
Lemba 8260,
Paphos,
Cyprus.
Things to bring and other information.
Participants should bring their own sheets or sleeping bag and pillow case (we provide mattress, pillow and blanket), towel, suntan lotion as required. Insects are not normally a big problem, but people may want to bring their favourite repellents and salves. Supermarkets and pharmacies in Cyprus stock much the same range of goods as their British counterparts. Electrical supply is 240V and 3 square pin sockets are standard.
Participants should also bring a suitable trowel with which to excavate - a good quality pointing trowel, forged, not riveted or even welded, and no more than 6 inches in length. WHS brand is probably the best available in the UK. Other tools and equipment will be provided.
Most flights to Cyprus arrive at Larnaca, which is a long way (and sometimes an expensive taxi ride) from Lemba, so a flight to Paphos is definitely worth considering when making travel arrangements, even if the cost is a little higher.
Participants are responsible for their own travel and medical insurance: neither the course directors nor the LARC/UNLV accept responsibility for participants' accidents or illness. Because of the nature of the work, participants are strongly advised to ensure that they are currently protected by an anti-tetanus vaccination.
Please note that the Research Centre has no telephone, but there is a public phone nearby for outgoing calls. Access to email etc. must normally be gained through one of the internet cafes in the nearby town although incoming messages sent to paulcroft@cytanet.com.cy will find their recipients.
Application, participant options and payment.
Intending participants are asked to complete the online application form. Upon acceptance, participants are required to remit a non-refundable deposit of £300 sterling by bank transfer, or a cheque payable to Paul Croft, at the above address. Whatever balance is due (£140 plus payment for any weeks above the basic three) is payable upon arrival at Lemba.
Participants may opt to begin on 29th May, 5th June or 12th June in order to complete the required minimum three weeks. Those beginning on 29th May may opt for an additional week or two weeks and those beginning on 5th June may opt for an additional week. Additional weeks will be charged at the reduced rate of £120 above the basic fee of £440 for three weeks.
The total charge of £440 covers the 3 week course fee, on-site picnic lunches accommodation and excursions that form part of the course. Travel to and from Cyprus, and food, are not included. For food and personal expenses participants are advised to allow not less than £70 per week.
Paul Croft.
Email paulcroft@cytanet.com.cy
Tel +357 26642697
APPLICATION TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LARC FIELD SCHOOL:
last edited 07/03/2006
