This session will consist of two papers – by Danai Chondrou and Francesco Michele Rega – followed by a shared discussion and questions round on the seminar specific theme ‘Macrolithic Technology in the Ancient Mediterranean’. The topics of the talks are:
‘Tracing Cultural Traditions and Identities in Prehistoric Greece through Grinding Stone Technologies’ (Dr. Danai Chondrou)
Ground stone (or macrolithic) tools, and in particular grinding stone tools (i.e. querns and handstones), form an integral part of the material culture of prehistoric societies, playing a key role in their subsistence. They were involved in a wide range of productive activities and carried considerable socio-economic and cultural significance. For decades, however, their study within Greek prehistory remained limited. It is only in recent years that a growing body of specialised, site-specific studies has led to a significant expansion in ground stone tool research, making it possible to explore emerging spatiotemporal patterns. Drawing on both published studies and the preliminary results of the ongoing MSCA GrindTrace project, this presentation aims to investigate the role of grinding tools as indicators of coexisting technological traditions and broader sociocultural dynamics, with a particular focus on the later phases of the Neolithic.
‘Exploring the Potential of Macro-Lithic Tool Studies for Understanding Socio-Economic Dynamics in the Maghreb’ (Dr. Francesco Michele Rega)
Over the past years, archaeological research has significantly advanced our understanding of late prehistory in North Africa, including Maghreb, refining chronological frameworks and contributing to more nuanced interpretations of socio-economic and cultural transformations. In particular, debates on Neolithization and subsequent economic structures have highlighted the complexity of the processes and emphasised regional variabilities. Despite these important advances, the contribution of stone artefacts to these transformations remains comparatively underexplored. Building on preliminary results from an ongoing research project (MSCA-SEPAMP) on macro-lithic tools from Oued Beht (Morocco), and with a focus on the Final Neolithic and later periods, this contribution examines the advantages of studying these tools for reconstructing technological choices, raw material exploitation, and other socio-economic strategies.
All are welcome, so please share the invite and join us in person or online!
Time: Thursday 30 April at 16:15-18:00 EEST (UTC+3h).
Live venue: The Faculty of Theology, Faculty Hall (Fabianinkatu 33, room 4038).
Virtual venue: Zoom (Meeting ID: 678 8979 2118 /
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