The Maritime Economy of Ancient Cyprus in Terms of the New Institutional Economics

ment, including architectural remains, as well as imported and local pottery and figurines. He concludes that the settlement was related to limited small-scale seafaring in comparison with other, larger settlements of the period, and highlights the role of such small-scale centres in wider exchange networks between the coasts and the islands of the contemporary Aegean. The article is adequately illustrated by several maps and photographs. The next paper is by Chiara Maria Mauro, who addresses the issue of the closed harbours (λιμήν κλειστός) of the Classical Period, a term often found in written sources, which has puzzled modern scholars. She thoroughly addresses the problem of the different interpretations that have been suggested (military harbours, fortified harbours or enclosed basins?) by comparing ancient written evidence with modern archaeological data (plans and tables are included), and convincingly argues that it is most likely that the term was used to denote naturally or artificially closed basins of various kinds. The editor follows with his paper on the transition of the coastal settlements of Crete between the Early and the Late Roman Periods. The paper is eloquent and inclusive, combining archaeological and historical data on the development and change of the Cretan maritime cultural landscape. It focuses on the transformation from an area of numerous, but of little size or potential, coastal settlements to actual cities, equipped with harbour facilities, where coastal populations would gather in the later period. He also addresses issues such as sea-depth and the role of offshore islands (Dhia to the north or Koufonisi to the east). The last contribution is by George Harisson, who gives a rather exciting account of Roman Crete, related mostly to the issue of the Romanization of the island, the role of commerce and agriculture in its development, and the complexity of the island’s reality under the Roman Empire. The author gives a critical account, based mostly on historical sources and inscriptions, of the existence of a Roman colony at Knossos (he presents evidence that there was no such thing) and emphasizes the dual and complicated nature of Crete as an isolated yet globalized entity within the Roman Empire. The two last papers offer an excellent overview of the maritime cultural landscape of Roman Crete by relating it not only to local finds and conditions but also to the reality of the contemporary Mediterranean world. Unfortunately, these last two articles include no illustrations of any kind. The volume achieves most of its aims: it brings together scholars of different backgrounds, specializing in different periods and areas, in order to present the results of their studies and to generate interest and discussion about the maritime cultural landscape of Greece and its economic, as well as cultural, political, religious, social and technical environment. The papers are well-researched and written and provide new insights into the realities of these landscapes, at the same time underlining the great potential for further studies in the field. The different approaches presented are an asset to the publication, highlighting the need to break the barrier between terrestrial and underwater archaeology, as well as to add the study of written evidence to the discussion. The presentation and organization of the small volume is thorough and quite coherent, although some further illustrations would have enhanced it. The book is, unfortunately, too short to address adequately the importance and potential of coastal archaeology through examples and case-studies, albeit this was not at all the intention of the editor and authors. It covers very few geographical areas (a single Cycladic settlement and Crete) and periods (Early Bronze Age, Classical and Roman) and has no contributions concerning the natural configuration and development of coastal areas (especially of harbours and anchorages). This short list of case-studies limits this volume’s potential to serve as a platform for further discussion and debate over the coastal archaeology of Greece. Nevertheless, this publication is important, because it highlights the possibilities for study of the Greek coastline in every historical period and using different methodologies, each contributing to the furthering of our knowledge of specific geographical and cultural areas. As is underlined in the book’s introduction, it aspires, and largely succeeds, to form a platform for further studies towards the establishment of a coastal archaeology of the Aegean.