Publications by Chris Hale
J. Driessen and T. Fantuzzi (eds.), Chronos. Stratigraphic Analysis, Pottery Seriation and Radiocarbon Dating in Mediterranean Chronology, 2024
Located on the North Euboean Gulf in Central Greece, Mitrou is a partially submerged tell site. T... more Located on the North Euboean Gulf in Central Greece, Mitrou is a partially submerged tell site. The settlement was occupied for about 1600 years without noticeable interruptions. Recent studies have documented deeply stratified sequences encompassing some 70 Stratigraphic Levels (SLs) ranging in date from the Early Helladic IIB to the Late Protogeometric phase.
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.
Journal of Island and Coastal Archaeology, 2023
A century of archaeology has identified hundreds of potential sites north of the Corinthian Isthm... more A century of archaeology has identified hundreds of potential sites north of the Corinthian Isthmus on the Greek mainland and in the northeast Aegean contemporary with the Middle Helladic–Late Helladic I Period (MH–LH I, ca. 2100–1550 BC). This paper presents an exploratory nearest neighbor network model to examine connectivity in a scenario where maritime movement included widespread access to the sail (known from the wider Aegean). Analysis of clustering and centrality in the modeled network shows that nodes along the Euboean Gulf were the most important for overall connectivity, and that seemingly geographically isolated sites in the Sporades archipelago and Chalkidiki were crucial for integrating the northern Aegean with central Greece. The later Late Bronze Age palatial centers of Thebes, Orchomenos, and Dimini/Volos on the other hand do not score highly on any centrality measure in this scenario, suggesting that their inherent position on the modeled network did not greatly contribute to their eventual success. This observation is in line with recent scholarship, increasingly pointing to an important endogenous aspect to emerging complexity in central Greece.
Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports, 2023
Combined macroscopic and petrographic analysis of the Middle Helladic (MH, ca. 2100–1700 BCE) pot... more Combined macroscopic and petrographic analysis of the Middle Helladic (MH, ca. 2100–1700 BCE) pottery assemblage from Mitrou on the northern Euboean Gulf confirms diachronic patterns of interaction with the southern Aegean. Three stages can be recognized, corresponding to MH I, early-mid MH II, and late MH II–MH III. The first stage comprised infrequent but perhaps targeted interaction with the southern Cyclades. The second stage of interaction sees the network expand with the first evidence of connections with Aegina along with the western and central Cyclades, but still at a relatively low intensity. The last stage of interaction sees an increase in intensity, especially related to material likely from Kea and Aegina. The presence of these southern Aegean imports at a site as far north as Mitrou suggests that the Euboean Gulf was a conduit for north–south movement during the Middle Bronze Age and that the region was connected to broader Aegean maritime networks well before the Mycenaean period.
Hesperia, 2023
This article is currently available via Project Muse at https://muse.jhu.edu/article/884937
The local painted ceramic traditions of the Middle Helladic period (ca. 2050-1675 BCE) in central... more The local painted ceramic traditions of the Middle Helladic period (ca. 2050-1675 BCE) in central Greece are very poorly understood due to the lack of archaeological material from secure contexts connected to well-defined stratigraphy. The newly excavated site of Mitrou in East Lokris provides the first opportunity to examine this pottery from a diachronic perspective spanning the entirety of the period. From this material it is clear that two separate local painted traditions with very different chronologies existed during the MH period at Mitrou. The distinction between locally produced “Dull” and “Matt” Painted pottery is an important observation that has the potential to impact our understanding of social and technological development in central Greece. This article therefore aims to fully describe both categories of pottery and to define their chronological distributions in order to assist identification of this material by other ceramicists working in central Greece and to encourage further discussion about its significance.
A preliminary, seven-phase ‘Gray Minyan’ ceramic sequence has been developed at Mitrou, East Lokr... more A preliminary, seven-phase ‘Gray Minyan’ ceramic sequence has been developed at Mitrou, East Lokris, spanning the whole of the Middle Helladic (MH) period. Grounded in detailed stratigraphy from two different excavation areas, it provides the first pottery chronology of its kind for MH central Greece. By using quantitative analysis, the frequency of individual feature types has been determined for significant deposits and distinct patterns of development over time can be observed. This sequence significantly increases our understanding of ‘Gray Minyan’ development within this important region for its production and greatly improves the accuracy of relative dating methods for the immediate area.
PhD Thesis Abstract by Chris Hale
This thesis aims to produce the first complete Middle Helladic (MH. ca. 2050 -1675 BCE) ceramic s... more This thesis aims to produce the first complete Middle Helladic (MH. ca. 2050 -1675 BCE) ceramic sequence for the central Greece region using the material
Conference and Seminar Papers by Chris Hale
The program, regisration link, and book of abstracts for the 21-22 March 2024 workshop held at th... more The program, regisration link, and book of abstracts for the 21-22 March 2024 workshop held at the Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology, Polish Academy of Sciences.
Recent quantitative and stylistic analysis of the Middle Helladic (MH) and Late Helladic (LH) I c... more Recent quantitative and stylistic analysis of the Middle Helladic (MH) and Late Helladic (LH) I ceramic assemblages from the site of Mitrou in East Lokris has revealed the first detailed ceramic sequence for the region consisting of seven MH sub-phases spanning the entirety of the period and four distinct LH I sub-phases. Such a refined relative chronological foundation and the excellent stratigraphic preservation at the site allows for detailed diachronic investigations into changing social practice in relation to major societal changes at Mitrou during the formative centuries prior to the Mycenaean period.
Through an analysis of changes within the ceramic assemblage coupled with an investigation into the impact of inter-regional interactions and influence, it will be argued that the long established MH social norms and practices emphasising egalitarianism had begun to be challenged by MH II Early. The establishment of a regular network of exchange with Kea and Aegina in particular led to the transfer of ideas concerning status and power along with increased opportunities for wealth generation. New more materially identifiable means of displaying status had begun to appear that catalysed a process that would eventually result in the appearance and acceptance of wealthy and powerful elites during LH I, who were keen to emphazise their elevated status through material culture.
This analysis will largely agree with recent work by J. Maran (2007; 2011) that emphasizes the importance of Kolonna on Aegina as a socio-economic and political center during the latter MH period. Specific individual members of society in central Greece strove to establish a symbolic connection with Kolonna in order to compete for local status and juxtapose themselves against an established local habitus. This eventuated in a process of “glocalization,” where outside material and immaterial traits were re-interpreted and merged with local ones resulting in the gradual “re-orientation” of central Greek customs and norms towards those of Aegina and southern Greece, while still maintaining distinctive local features. These processes established both a precedent and a mechanism for the sudden and complete Mycenaeanization of the ceramic assemblage by LH II B.
The Middle Helladic period (MH. ca. 2050 – 1675 BCE) in central Greece is a poorly understood per... more The Middle Helladic period (MH. ca. 2050 – 1675 BCE) in central Greece is a poorly understood period of prehistory and one which is frequently neglected. However, the MH saw the development of important social, cultural and economic processes which were essential to the formation of the powerful Mycenaean palatial civilisation. Through the analysis of the painted ceramic material from the newly excavated site of Mitrou in East Lokris, this paper aims to explore the role played by inter-regional interactions in the development of these processes and the formation of pre-Mycenaean identity in central Greece.
The Middle Helladic period (ca. 2050 – 1675 BCE) is a particularly misunderstood part of the Aege... more The Middle Helladic period (ca. 2050 – 1675 BCE) is a particularly misunderstood part of the Aegean Bronze Age in central Greece due to poor archaeological contexts and the lack of a defined relative chronology. Using newly excavated material from the site of Mitrou, my thesis looks to construct the first complete ceramic sequence for the region in order to lay the foundations for future research. With the aid of this sequence and the quantification of the ceramic assemblage at Mitrou, this thesis also investigates inter- and intra-regional interactions between Mitrou, central Greece and the wider Aegean. The analysis reveals diachronic insights into economic, social and cultural development, and indicates emerging zones of interaction which likely had varying influences on cultural identity and social complexity at Mitrou and in wider central Greece.
Regular scholarship particularly from D.M. Crego and J. Overbeck concerning the role played by Ay... more Regular scholarship particularly from D.M. Crego and J. Overbeck concerning the role played by Ayia Irini on the island of Kea within the wider Aegean trade networks during the Middle Bronze Age has led to a number of evolving theories regarding its relationship with Aegina to the west, the rest of the Cyclades to the east, and central Greece to the northwest. However, while the presence of central Greek pottery at Ayia Irini is well known, Kean pottery in central Greece has never been clearly presented and the evidence in this region for any connection with Kea during the Middle Helladic (MH) has been lacking. The MH pottery from Mitrou, East Lokris on the northern Euboean Gulf recently excavated by the Mitrou Archaeological Project (a synergasia between the University of Tennessee and the 14th Ephorate of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities at Lamia under the auspices of the ASCSA) has revealed the first detailed and complete MH ceramic sequence in the region, and pottery from Kea is by far the most common import from the beginning of MH II through to MH III. The material represents the first evidence of its kind in central Greece for a sustained and regular economic relationship with the island and allows this relationship to be examined diachronically revealing that interaction with Kea acted as a catalyst that significantly increased trade along the Euboean Gulf during the Middle Bronze Age. Further synchronisms between the sensitive ceramic sequence at Mitrou and the central Greek imports at Ayia Irini also allow a much more detailed dating for the founding of Ayia Irini IV which has important implications for theories surrounding the role of Kea in interregional interaction during the MBA and the nature of the MBA occupation of the island.
In stark comparison to Thessaly and the Argolid, the study of Middle Helladic ceramics in central... more In stark comparison to Thessaly and the Argolid, the study of Middle Helladic ceramics in central Greece has had to face a number of significant obstacles. One of these has been a lack of preserved stratigraphy from which to develop a stratified ceramic typology. Where stratigraphy has been recorded, as at Eutresis, the issue has been one of continuity in occupation. While the recent publication of the material from Orchomenos IV by K. Sarri has greatly contributed to an understanding of the development of Middle Helladic pottery, these problems continue to persist. This particularly affects the understanding of the so called Grey Minyan material which seems to have been produced at one or more production centres in central Greece. The recent excavations at Mitrou have revealed material which is well stratified, related to architecture and which spans the whole of the Middle Helladic. This enables the development of a stratified ceramic typology in central Greece which spans the whole of the period for the first time. This paper aims to present characteristics of the Grey Minyan typology from all seven Mitrou MH phases ranging from the end of Early Helladic III to the end of the Middle Helladic.
Papers by Chris Hale
J. Driessen and T. Fantuzzi (eds.), Chronos. Stratigraphic Analysis, Pottery Seriation and Radiocarbon Dating in Mediterranean Chronology, 2024
Located on the North Euboean Gulf in Central Greece, Mitrou is a partially submerged tell site. T... more Located on the North Euboean Gulf in Central Greece, Mitrou is a partially submerged tell site. The settlement was occupied for about 1600 years without noticeable interruptions. Recent studies have documented deeply stratified sequences encompassing some 70 Stratigraphic Levels (SLs) ranging in date from the Early Helladic IIB to the Late Protogeometric phase.
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.
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Publications by Chris Hale
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.
PhD Thesis Abstract by Chris Hale
Conference and Seminar Papers by Chris Hale
Through an analysis of changes within the ceramic assemblage coupled with an investigation into the impact of inter-regional interactions and influence, it will be argued that the long established MH social norms and practices emphasising egalitarianism had begun to be challenged by MH II Early. The establishment of a regular network of exchange with Kea and Aegina in particular led to the transfer of ideas concerning status and power along with increased opportunities for wealth generation. New more materially identifiable means of displaying status had begun to appear that catalysed a process that would eventually result in the appearance and acceptance of wealthy and powerful elites during LH I, who were keen to emphazise their elevated status through material culture.
This analysis will largely agree with recent work by J. Maran (2007; 2011) that emphasizes the importance of Kolonna on Aegina as a socio-economic and political center during the latter MH period. Specific individual members of society in central Greece strove to establish a symbolic connection with Kolonna in order to compete for local status and juxtapose themselves against an established local habitus. This eventuated in a process of “glocalization,” where outside material and immaterial traits were re-interpreted and merged with local ones resulting in the gradual “re-orientation” of central Greek customs and norms towards those of Aegina and southern Greece, while still maintaining distinctive local features. These processes established both a precedent and a mechanism for the sudden and complete Mycenaeanization of the ceramic assemblage by LH II B.
Papers by Chris Hale
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.
Through an analysis of changes within the ceramic assemblage coupled with an investigation into the impact of inter-regional interactions and influence, it will be argued that the long established MH social norms and practices emphasising egalitarianism had begun to be challenged by MH II Early. The establishment of a regular network of exchange with Kea and Aegina in particular led to the transfer of ideas concerning status and power along with increased opportunities for wealth generation. New more materially identifiable means of displaying status had begun to appear that catalysed a process that would eventually result in the appearance and acceptance of wealthy and powerful elites during LH I, who were keen to emphazise their elevated status through material culture.
This analysis will largely agree with recent work by J. Maran (2007; 2011) that emphasizes the importance of Kolonna on Aegina as a socio-economic and political center during the latter MH period. Specific individual members of society in central Greece strove to establish a symbolic connection with Kolonna in order to compete for local status and juxtapose themselves against an established local habitus. This eventuated in a process of “glocalization,” where outside material and immaterial traits were re-interpreted and merged with local ones resulting in the gradual “re-orientation” of central Greek customs and norms towards those of Aegina and southern Greece, while still maintaining distinctive local features. These processes established both a precedent and a mechanism for the sudden and complete Mycenaeanization of the ceramic assemblage by LH II B.
Combining Mitrou’s very detailed tell stratigraphy with pottery chronology and 14C dates, we hope to contribute to the ongoing debates on the relative and absolute chronologies of the Late Helladic (LH) I phase, in which the Theran eruption occurred. We begin by discussing Mitrou’s stratigraphy and pottery sequence, and then present a series of eight short-lived 14C samples ranging in date from the final Middle Helladic (MH) phase to the end of LH IIA. Within this final MH to LH IIA time span, Aleydis Van de Moortel’s recent detailed study has identified no fewer than 26 SLs, nearly all representing architectural phases, and including two burial phases. This sequence is presented here for the first time.
Despite the small size of our 14C dataset, Mitrou’s rich sequence allows us to propose some interpretations that are relevant to the subject of this volume. First, we argue that LH I was a long phase: including 16 SLs at Mitrou (15 architectural phases and one burial phase), it may have been even longer than the 100-110 years recently proposed by Malcolm Wiener. Second, Salvatore Vitale and Christopher M. Hale’s analysis provides the richest LH I ceramic sequence of any site in Central Greece and demonstrates the existence of two LH I and two LH IIA pottery sub-phases, which likewise are presented here for the first time. These pottery sub-phases can each be synchronized with other major sites on the Greek mainland and the wider Aegean. Our 14C dates, placed in the context of Mitrou’s stratigraphic and ceramic sequences, suggest an absolute date range within the first half of the 17th century BCE for the beginning of the LH I phase, and support a date towards the end of the 16th century BCE for the beginning of LH IIA. Our data also imply a 16th century BCE date for the Theran eruption without being able to be more precise.