TO WHAT EXTENT DID THE ADOPTION OF IRON IN GREECE AND THE AEGEAN FOLLOW THE SAME PATH AS IN CYPRUS AND THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN (2)

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TO WHAT EXTENT DID THE ADOPTION OF IRON IN GREECE AND THE AEGEAN FOLLOW THE SAME PATH AS IN CYPRUS AND THE EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN?

                                                                          AAP325 Iron Age Europe 1000BC-AD500

                                                                        Demetra Christodoulou – R.N: 110220327

Introduction

The theme of this essay is to consider in which degree the introduction of iron in Greece and the Aegean followed the same routes as in Cyprus and the area of East Mediterranean. The use of different materials is closely related to the origin of human civilization. From the beginning of man’s existence, he began to use a variety of materials in order to create tools, weapons and other personal items, which were necessary for his survival on earth. The early form of iron appeared during the fifth millennium B.C. It is believed that man discovered it before meteorite falls. Because of the high melting point of the iron (1538 oC), in contrast with the one of copper (1082 oC), the forge of iron presented great difficulties. This is the main reason why the use of forged iron developed very slowly. But, during its forge, steel is produced, which makes weapons and other useful instruments more resistant and strong. There are many textual evidences that refer to the great value and use of iron.

Cyprus and the East Mediterranean

From the ancient times, Cyprus were the bone of contention between the powers of Middle East - Phoenicians, Assyrians, Hittites, Egyptians, Persians and more – due to its geographical position and natural wealth. Important role to the history of the island played a rich discovery of copper deposits during the 3rd millennium BC. This was one factor the led to the emergence of Cyprus as a naval power and the establishment of trade relations with the Mediterranean.

The Age of Bronze (1600-1050 BC) in Cyprus is over and a new age, the Age of Iron is emerging. Archaeological findings show that Cyprus held a pioneering role in the technology development of the iron (Peter Haaren, 2001 and Myhly 1992,700). According to S. Sherratt, Cyprus has played a leading role in the development of the iron. This suggestion comes from the fact that the Cypriot technicians from the end of the 3rd millennium were familiar with the basic principles of metallurgical art (because of the bronze).

The Cypriots possessed the knowledge of various types of manufacturing techniques, and since the 12th century BC used the iron for the construction of instruments, weapons, jewelry etc. They well aware that the iron is byproduct of bronze production, so they did not focus on the exploitation of iron by the meteorite deposits. The most important and early centers of ironworking can be found in Palaepaphos, in Enkomi (most important in terms of completeness of chronological information) and in Hala Sultan Tekke, near the Salt lake in Larnaca (which was a main trading center from the Age of Bronze).

In Enkomi, a more careful investigation of Dikaiou, in the area of “Fortress”, one of the most famous industrial complexes, found iron manufacturing equipment, molds, and based on the stratigraphic sequence, dates back to the Bronze Age (it was a copper working) as well as to the Iron Age. Furthermore, rich graves (based on the archaeological records more iron goods are found in graves than in urban areas) were discovered, with iron knives, daggers and other cutting tools. Similar objects that can be found in Greece and the Aegean islands too and they were transported there after trade relationships with Cyprus. In Palaepaphos-Eliomylia, one of the earliest iron knives was found and it is likely dated in LC IIIA at the latest, and possibly even to lie on the higher side of the LC IIC/LC IIIA divide (Karageorghis 1990, 86–7, Sherratt,1993), in comparison with other knives that were found in other areas like Lapithos Tomb 1, Enkomi French Tomb 6 (it is very likely what some of the Kouklia-Evreti tombs could be as old).

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The use of those objects seems to be for everyday or personal use and their value was not much high. This is mainly due to the fact that the Cypriot society was not a central policy administration system, and this led to the creation of independent trade unions, to an organized exchange unit, civilian control of production and distribution of goods. This led to the iron being cheap and accessible to all (creation of a sub-elite society).

As mentioned before, Cyprus is well known for its trading activities with Mediterranean (mainly because of the bronze, luxury goods, wood and ceramic ...

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