{"title":"Prerequisites for a computational approach to Minoan chronology","authors":"Diamantis Panagiotopoulos, Martina Trognitz","doi":"10.1111/arcm.13066","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p>The paper examines the development, adoption, and limitations of the relative chronology system for Minoan pottery, initially established by Sir Arthur Evans and Duncan Mackenzie during the excavation of Knossos (1900–1906). Despite its weaknesses, this system remained largely unchanged due to its convenience rather than its accuracy. The study discusses adaptations of this framework, critiques its shortcomings—particularly in obscuring temporal variability—and explores alternative approaches, including computational methods and Linked Open Data (LOD). The proposed solution involves replacing rigid periodizations with a more precise system based on synchronisms, visualized through Gantt charts, and integrating regional sequences using mathematical modeling. The goal is to enhance chronological accuracy in Minoan archaeology, especially for critical transitional periods.</p>","PeriodicalId":8254,"journal":{"name":"Archaeometry","volume":"67 S1","pages":"110-130"},"PeriodicalIF":1.5000,"publicationDate":"2025-02-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1111/arcm.13066","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Archaeometry","FirstCategoryId":"89","ListUrlMain":"https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/arcm.13066","RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"地球科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"0","JCRName":"ARCHAEOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
The paper examines the development, adoption, and limitations of the relative chronology system for Minoan pottery, initially established by Sir Arthur Evans and Duncan Mackenzie during the excavation of Knossos (1900–1906). Despite its weaknesses, this system remained largely unchanged due to its convenience rather than its accuracy. The study discusses adaptations of this framework, critiques its shortcomings—particularly in obscuring temporal variability—and explores alternative approaches, including computational methods and Linked Open Data (LOD). The proposed solution involves replacing rigid periodizations with a more precise system based on synchronisms, visualized through Gantt charts, and integrating regional sequences using mathematical modeling. The goal is to enhance chronological accuracy in Minoan archaeology, especially for critical transitional periods.
期刊介绍:
Archaeometry is an international research journal covering the application of the physical and biological sciences to archaeology, anthropology and art history. Topics covered include dating methods, artifact studies, mathematical methods, remote sensing techniques, conservation science, environmental reconstruction, biological anthropology and archaeological theory. Papers are expected to have a clear archaeological, anthropological or art historical context, be of the highest scientific standards, and to present data of international relevance.
The journal is published on behalf of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology and the History of Art, Oxford University, in association with Gesellschaft für Naturwissenschaftliche Archäologie, ARCHAEOMETRIE, the Society for Archaeological Sciences (SAS), and Associazione Italian di Archeometria.