Submycenaean period
NEW ARCHAEOLOGICAL EVIDENCE FROM MEGANISI FOR THE END OF LH IIIC AND THE DARK AGES
Dr Olympia Vicatou Director General of Antiquities and Cultural Heritage at the Ministry of Culture
Recent archaeological investigations on Meganisi, have unveiled significant evidence from the end of the Late Helladic IIIC period and the subsequent Early Iron Age, often referred to as the "Dark Ages." These findings offer valuable insights into the cultural and societal transitions during this era.
Excavations and Discoveries
Between 2011 and 2014, the 36th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities, under the direction of Dr. Olympia Vicatou, conducted excavations on Meganisi following reports from local inhabitants. These efforts led to the discovery of 16 tumuli dated to the Submycenaean period, located on the Podi peninsula in the southeastern part of the island. Situated on rocky hill summits with expansive views of the Ionian Sea, these tumuli are believed to be warrior tombs.
Each tumulus comprises a circular mound of uncut stones, with a central box-shaped grave constructed from upright stone slabs. Despite evidence of looting, some graves contained artifacts such as low-quality ceramics, bronze and iron objects, jewelry, and weaponry, including a Naue II sword and spearheads, indicating the martial status of the interred individuals.
Contextual Significance
These findings are particularly significant given the limited archaeological record from Meganisi prior to these excavations. Earlier discoveries were primarily concentrated in the northern part of the island and included a partially destroyed Roman-era tomb near Spartochori and a deposit of clay tiles and figurines found on the beach at Limenari. The recent excavations on the Podi peninsula thus fill a crucial gap in understanding the island's occupation and cultural practices during the late Bronze Age and early Iron Age.
Broader Implications
The tumuli on Meganisi contribute to the broader understanding of funerary practices in the region during the transition from the Mycenaean civilization to the early Iron Age. Similar burial mounds have been documented in other parts of Greece, suggesting a widespread tradition of tumulus burials associated with warrior elites during this period. These practices reflect the social and political changes occurring in the aftermath of the Mycenaean palatial collapse, as local communities redefined their identities and social structures.
In summary, the recent archaeological evidence from Meganisi provides valuable insights into the funerary customs and societal organization at the end of the Late Helladic IIIC period and the onset of the early Iron Age. These discoveries enhance our understanding of the cultural dynamics in the Ionian Islands during a pivotal era in Greek prehistory.
