ABSTRACTS - The American School of Classical Studies at Athens

Kim Shelton, Assistant Professor of Classics and Director of the Nemea Center for Classical
Archaeology, University of California, Berkeley
Nemea before Zeus: Prehistory and Early History in the Sanctuary Area
Current study of the ceramics from the long-term excavations of the University of California at Berkeley in
the area of the Sanctuary of Zeus at Nemea shows interesting evidence for early historic and prehistoric
use of the later panhellenic sanctuary area. In comparison to the neighboring prehistoric settlement of
Tsoungiza, the style, location and condition of the sherds themselves, together with their depositional
history indicates the possible nature of habitation and use of the lower lying areas during these early
periods. Especially interesting, in light of the development of a sanctuary and one of such important
panhellenic status, is the identification of any material of ritual character and a discussion of cult
continuity. An introduction to the material, its chronology and context is presented along with lines of
enquiry for the current ceramic study and future excavations.
James C. Wright, Professor and Chair, Department of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology, Bryn Mawr
College, Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, USA
Mary K. Dabney, Research Associate, Department of Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology, Bryn Mawr
College, Pennsylvania, USA
The Mycenaean Settlement on Tsoungiza, Nemea: Results of Excavation 1926-1927,1981-1986
Research by Carl Blegen and James Harland in the 1920’s and by the Nemea Valley Archaeological Project
in the 1980’s disclosed evidence for an extensive Mycenaean settlement on the hill of Tsoungiza at Ancient
Nemea. This report covers the settlement history between its founding at the end of the Middle Helladic
period through the end of LH III. During this time remains of about ten structures from late MH through
LH IIB and seven from LH IIIA-B were excavated with survey indicating more extensive occupation. This
report details the stratigraphy and architecture of Mycenaean occupation with attention to assessment of
the nature and size of the settlement.