Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, 
 University of Edinburgh


 

Souskiou-Laona Settlement Project,
Cyprus, 2010
21 April-16 May, 2010

 

SORRY - TEAM FULL
 

The Laona Ridge with settlement and cemeteries
 

Near the famous temple of Aphrodite at Palaepaphos in southwest Cyprus is an equally remarkable prehistoric complex with similar claims to be a ritual centre. This complex and some of its cemeteries are located on the Laona ridge overlooking adjacent valleys and the Mediterranean, shown above. Volunteers are invited to apply to join a team of about 12.

****A description of the project and initial findings so far is available (PDF Format). There are photos of the team on site in 2009 available and also the Lemba Archaeological Research Centre website.

The Excavation

Souskiou consists of four contemporary cemeteries and an associated settlement of c. 3000 BC. Since the 1950s, the cemeteries have yielded striking objects including a vast number of cruciform female figurines and statuettes that have found their way into collections world-wide. This excavation is the first systematic investigation of the settlement in an attempt to test the hypothesis that it functioned as a regionally integrative centre in which the ideology of birth, symbolised by the cruciform figurines in birth-giving posture, and death figured strongly. The settlement also has extensive evidence for working the imported picrolite used to carve the human cruciform-shaped figurines found among the habitations but especially in the cemeteries. Artisans’ workshops no doubt exist in this special settlement.

 

The complex is situated along the frontier between prehistoric villages to the west and rugged hill country to the east, and so it is also being assessed as a nodal place for unusual behaviour and exchange for the attractive picrolite. In short, the Souskiou-Laona Settlement Project (SLSP) aims to investigate community integration at local and regional levels.

Our research strategy aims to investigate the extent and character of the settlement by systematic surface collection, geomagnetic survey and coring to estimate site depths and map subsurface features, and strictly limited excavation of selected areas. Trial tests in 1992 proved that stratified deposits survive in discrete locales on its steep slopes. We anticipate floating 50% of sediments and sieving 100%. In 2010 we will concentrate on the excavation of a sequence of living and work areas in the lower settlement, a resistivity anomaly in the upper settlement and the area of a picrolite workshop on the West Ridge. To do so, we have assembled a team of widely recognised scholars who have committed themselves to the project. Drs. Bolger has agreed to deal with the pottery, Goring with figurative works, McCartney the chipped stone, Croft faunal remains and Lorentz human remains. We plan to integrate the study of the settlement and cemeteries in order to assess community integration at local and regional levels.

 

Daily routines

We work five-and-a-half days per week, from approx. 8:00 to 12:30 and 2:00 to 4:00 on site. Some members may stay in our base, the Kouklia Manor House, on occasional afternoons to process findings. Further processing may be done later in the afternoons if needed. These timings must be regarded as flexible since we need to be prepared for the unexpected.

Requirements
You will need to be conscientious, with attention to detail. The duration of the excavation is four weeks and wegive priority to applicants who apply for the full period. If you have had a tetanus booster within the last year or so, then further vaccination may not be necessary on this occasion — but check with your GP!

You need to bring the following with you:

  • a robust pointing trowel not greater than 4 inches long (ideally a 4 inches solid-forged WHS pointing trowel)

  • water bottle, hat, sunglasses, sun block, insect repellent

  • sturdy workboots (the hillside can be tricky walking)

  • light as well as water proof clothing; also warm jersey for surprisingly cool evenings and early mornings at start of season

  • Freestanding tent (optional), sleeping bag, linen and pillow

  • towels and toiletries

  • torch

  • lightweight sandals/flip flops

  • passport (no visa required by holders of EU and most countries passports)

  • travel insurance policy document


Costs
 Team members will be provided with accommodation and basic maintenance. They must pay for their own airfares, transport to and from airports, meals on days off, and attend to their own travel and medical insurance (possession of valid insurance is a condition of acceptance). The SLSP funds travel and maintenance costs of supervisors and specialists. Newcomers who are offered a place will be asked to reserve that place by sending a non- refundable registration fee of sterling £50. Spending Money: Prices in Cyprus are approx. the same as in the UK for most things.


Accommodation
The Medieval Manor House, The Medieval Manor House, Kouklia, is located 15 km east of Paphos at the Temple of Aphrodite. It is a facility accessed by tourists for part of the day, with kitchen etc. put at the disposal of the SLSP by the government of Cyprus. We are arranging to provide a main meal at lunch; the other meals will be self-catered. There is some dormitory space and roof space. Mattresses are provided.

 

The Lemba Archaeological Research Centre, a section of the University of Edinburgh’s unit in the School of History, Classics and Archaeology, is also located near Paphos in west Cyprus. The Centre has a large, vine-shaded roof suitable for sleeping facilities, workroom, showers and kitchen. Mattresses are provided but team members are requested to bring their own sleeping bag, linen and pillow. There is room in the garden for the pitching of tents (byo), and those who require a little more personal space may choose this option. Accommodation at the Centre is entirely self-catering, and there is a fully equipped supermarket only 10 minutes walk from it. This will be the location for early arrivals and late departures.

 

Background Reading
Crewe, L. E. Peltenburg and S. Spanou 2002 Contexts for cruciforms: figurines from prehistoric Cyprus, Antiquity 76: 21-2;
Karageorghis, V. 1982 Cyprus from the Stone Age to the Romans. London;
Maier, F.G. and Karageorghis, V. 1984 Paphos: History and Archaeology;
Morris, D. 1985 The Art of Ancient Cyprus. Oxford;
Peltenburg E. (ed.) 1989 Early Society in Cyprus. Edinburgh;
Steel, L. 2004 Cyprus Before History. From the Earliest Settlers to the End of the Bronze Age. London.

 Other information
Participants must be reasonably fit and very enthusiastic. Cyprus has two airports: Larnaca and Paphos. Paphos airport is much closer to Kouklia and Lemba but those wishing to stay on and spend time on Cyprus may wish to fly into Larnaca. Please ensure you have a current Anti- tetanus vaccination. Further information will be supplied upon acceptance to SLSP. Expedition members should familiarize themselves with the Field Safety Guidelines, available at: http://www.arcl.ed.ac.uk/safety/field.html

 

To apply, fill in the form below, which will automatically submitted to the director, Edgar Peltenburg. 
For further information, you can also email direct:  e.peltenburg@ed.ac.uk

 

Mable

Application Form

We shall be making up the team promptly to give members good time to arrange their travel. Preference will be given to early applicants, and since this is a research initiative to those with previous experience and those studying Mediterranean and Near Eastern antiquity. Please note that, as Cyprus is a popular tourist destination, and the start of the 2009 season comes perilously close to Easter, flights become full very quickly and it is best to book early to get the best deals. . As we will be working through the start and finish dates of the Project, if at all posible book flights arriving one or two days earlier and leaving a day or two after close-down. We shall give preference to those applying for the full 4 weeks, but we will also consider applications from those who can only manage 3 weeks. If you want to see sites or other parts of the island you are strongly encouraged to take the opportunity before or after Project dates since weekends are insufficient for this purpose. You will be informed of the result of your application as soon as possible after receipt of application and references

 

SORRY - TEAM FULL. NO MORE REGISTRATIONS BEING TAKEN

If you have any problems with this form, please email details to karen.howie@ed.ac.uk .

last edited 06/01/2010