CHRYSSI ISLAND - 2008

Chryssi Island. S. Apostolakou (ΚΔ' ΕΠΚΑ) reports on excavations at this small Minoan island settlement conducted in 2008 (Fig. 1). The site, marked by large deposits of murex shells, lies at the northwestern edge of the island and consisted of ca. 12-20 residences. Surface sherds suggest an EMI-II phase followed by a strong MMIIB presence, then reduction in MMIII to LMIA. The five houses investigated have two to three architectural phases within LMIB. They are single-storey structures of mud-brick on stone foundations, with well-made floors. Finds are typical for eastern Crete: decorated and domestic pottery (Fig. 2), stone vessels, fish-hooks, daggers and a bronze saw, bronze and silver pins, glass and faience beads, and a seal of red jasper (Fig. 3) (said to be obtainable on Chryssi). Over 300 ceramic samples were taken for analysis, as well as samples of the numerous shellfish found and soils from floors and hearths.
Initial results from houses B1, A2 and A3 demonstrate the island’s role in the Minoan economy, especially in the production of purple dye. In a small room in A2 (a kitchen and store) (Fig. 4), a tripod cooking pot was found by a hearth in the northeast corner, as well as quantities of olive pips which were likely used as fuel. One room in B1 (Fig. 5) had a small stone hearth against the north wall, whilst a tripod jug stood on a broken cooking dish amidst thick ash. Many stone tools and clay cups were scattered on the floor around the hearth, with a huge amount of crushed murex and triton shells, and almonds. Another jar stood in the centre of the room, with a whole triton. Covering the floor was a thick layer of black burnt earth, broken shells, and almonds and olives (again used as fuel). In room 1 of A3 (Fig. 6) is a bench alongside a possible water container of stone slabs; the slope of the floor to the northwest, where there is a receptacle set into the floor, indicates the use of liquids here.