Architectural and social organization of space in late Neolithic Cyprus : the north-south divide revisited
Part of : Mediterranean archaeology & archaeometry : international journal ; Vol.3, No.2, 2003, pages 35-52
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35-52
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Articles
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Abstract:
This paper examines the topography and architecture of Late Neolithic sites in Cyprus and theways in which building organization affects the social structure of local communities. The numberof excavated Late Neolithic sites on the island is indeed limited, although a few more have beenlocated by recent archaeological surveys. These sites are dispersed in the northern and south orsoutheastern part of Cyprus on different localities and landscapes. Based on the evidence derivingfrom ceramic studies, it has been traditionally assumed that the island presents clear signs ofregionalism during this period. This paper presents some further thoughts on this phenomenon,albeit from a different point of view, that of the architecture and spatial organization. The proposedschema for understanding how space was perceived and organised by local communities at thistime requires investigation of the following parameters:a. ratio of built and non-built areas b . circulation (with reference to settlement plan and widerenvironment) c. function of built and non-built area and d. land use.The investigation of those parameters in each settlement will form the basis of a comparativeanalysis and the construction of an integrated picture of the period in question.
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Keywords:
Cyprus, Kantou-Kouphovounos, neolithic
