TIRYNS - 2013

Tiryns. A. Papadimitriou (Δ ΕΠΚΑ) and J. Maran (DAI/Heidelberg) report on the first season of excavation in the northeast part of the lower town (Fig 1: in the two southern blue hatched quadrants in LI-LII/25-26). The aim is to explore the new dynamic of settlement planning which developed in this area during the 12^th century BC. In contrast to other centres which contracted or were deserted after the destruction of the palaces, Tiryns expanded, and the new excavation is located in one of the areas newly developed during the 12^th century.

Excavation revealed dense and multi-phase building activity in Late Helladic IIIC. Due to erosion, 12^th-century remains lie directly below the present surface: their position and orientation accords with that of contemporary buildings elsewhere in the northern part of the lower town.

Traces of intensive exposure to fire observed on sediments and walls, as well as the discovery of whole vessels, suggest that a major fire destroyed the settlement at some point in Late Helladic IIIC (exactly when remains to be determined).

Four hearths were discovered, three of which featured the layer of sherds typical of late Myceanean hearths, on top of which a terracotta hearth plate was set. The hearth plate, the sherd setting, and the surrounding area were systematically sampled for analyses in order to address such questions as the temperatures to which they were exposed, and how food was prepared on these hearths.

Mycenaean finds include Cretan imports, and a dagger probably of the Pertosa type.

In the Early Iron Age, only pits are preserved and no floors (due to erosion). A Protogeometric stone cist grave of an infant (no older than 4-5 months) directly under the present surface contained a small skyphos with a conical foot.