This study aims to test the hypothesis that large schale constructions of the Greek Late Bronze Age (1600 - 1050 BCE), such as fortifications, were so elaborate that they may have overstretched the... Show moreThis study aims to test the hypothesis that large schale constructions of the Greek Late Bronze Age (1600 - 1050 BCE), such as fortifications, were so elaborate that they may have overstretched the economic capabilities of communities, causing the collapse of these communities. In order to do this, the costs, in labour, of certain structures are calculated. These labour costs are calculated for various sub-processes of the construction process. However, since such a calculation will never be able to provide an absolute answer, there are simply to many uncertainties and unknowns, the relative costs of the studied fortifications can inform about the scale of the required investments. To be able to make comparisons, not only fortifications are studied, but a number of domestic structures as well.The research has shown that the impressive style in which the fortifications are constructed, using massive blocks of stone, is not, in itself, an overly expensive building style. The decorative styles at certain gates, however, is an expense style and is therefore only used sparingly. The fortifications themselves are expensive endeavours, but not beyond the capabilities of communities, as long as no other major issues were being a factor simultaneously. Show less
Pakkanen, J.; Brysbaert, A.; Turner, D.; Boswinkel, Y. 2020
The aim of this paper is to present alternatives for three-dimensional field documentation methods which can be used to record architectural features for econometric labour cost studies. Combining... Show moreThe aim of this paper is to present alternatives for three-dimensional field documentation methods which can be used to record architectural features for econometric labour cost studies. Combining reflectorless total station line-drawing with photogrammetry produces high-quality three-dimensional models of the targets which can subsequently be analysed to derive volumetric data of the employed building materials and the sizes of the individual elements. The case studies compare how different variations and combinations of three-dimensional architectural documentation can be used to create sufficiently accurate models for architectural energetics studies with varying degrees of time and expense in the field and in the post-processing phase of the research. The documentation method has been developed by the first author of this paper and disseminated through annual fieldschools conducted on archaeological sites. The standard documentation procedure is to establish ground control points and an alternative based on inbuilt instrument GPS systems is also discussed. Show less
The influence of monumental construction on its human and material surroundings can be explored excellently in the context of Late Middle and Late Bronze Age (LBA) Mycenaean Greece. The overall aim... Show moreThe influence of monumental construction on its human and material surroundings can be explored excellently in the context of Late Middle and Late Bronze Age (LBA) Mycenaean Greece. The overall aim of the ‘SETinSTONE’ project is precisely this: to assess if and how monumental building activities in LBA Greece impacted the political and socio-economic structures of the Mycenaean polities in the period between 1600 and 1100 BC, and how people responded to changes in these structures. We are especially concerned with the processes and practices that created such monumental and public works in the Aegean Late Middle to LBA Argolid and how these compare to contemporary structures from both Attica and Achaia. Show less
Welcome to the 2017 issue of INTER-SECTION: Innovative approaches by Junior Archaeological Researchers. In this issue, we present a total of five papers written by archaeology students in close... Show moreWelcome to the 2017 issue of INTER-SECTION: Innovative approaches by Junior Archaeological Researchers. In this issue, we present a total of five papers written by archaeology students in close collaboration with their academic referees, reflecting the wide range of both research and teaching at Leiden's Faculty of Archaeology from the the BA to the MA level. Show less
