RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.

ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI
Examination and Supplementary Documentation
Report 2008
NORBERT SCHLAGER

ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI
Examination and Supplementary Documentation
Report 2008
by
NORBERT SCHLAGER
Vienna 2008

FRONTISPIECE
Livari.
Coastal range of Kastrokephalaki with SITE 38 in the lower midground, height of Katharades with
FN SITES 34 and 35 behind and to the left, rocky hill of Roussocharaki to the right, and height of
Skourokephalo in the center background.

ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008
Work in 2008 was accomplished in three weeks from July 7 to July 26 in accordance with the
24th Ephoreia of Prehistoric and Classical Antiquities at Agios Nikolaos in Crete. Vili
Apostolakou and Chrysa Sophianou very liberally made allowance for an earlier beginning in
July as the written permit from the Greek ministry was delayed by several weeks. Krzysztof
Nowicki described and classified pottery fragments on site during the two visits he made to
us. J. Alexander MacGillivray of the Palaikastro Excavation Team agreed to provisionally
store samples of local raw materials collected in the vicinity of the three sites under
investigation at their headquarters at Agios Antonios.
Aspro Nero (SITE 12)
Aspro Nero, [stou] Paletsi was revisited in order to check its overall extension and the
accuracy of the alignment of certain walls already documented in the 1996 field campaign. An
aberration of no more than ca. 20 cm all along the distance (ca. 75 m) from the ‘North
Bastion’ to ‘South Bastion’ seems tolerable. Surprisingly, more ‘Cyclopean’ walls were found
abutting on the ‘North Bastion’ to the north, when an hitherto fenced off olive grove was
made accessible for the first time. Documentation of the most significant stretches of walls
shows close similarities in construction technique and size of stone boulders with the
‘Cyclopean’ walls of the large MM/LM settlement at Chametoulo, Aletourgio/Vrysi (SITE 7),
only 1.7 km to the north as the crow flies (cf. Schlager et al. 1997, 33−36 figs. 12−14). SITE
12, therefore, may well be interpreted as an outlying fortified post or even a strong fortress
controlling the low lying valley leading from the coast up to the polje of Chametoulo with its
MM/LM town. The majority of datable ceramic stray finds in the area of the newly
discovered walls at Aspro Nero and elsewhere on the site was clearly MM, with some LM
sherds and a few pieces of Byzantine or Early Modern glazed wares. This fits well with the
chronology of SITE 12 in general as already suggested (Schlager 1999, 175).
At the southern border of SITE 12, further south of the ‘South Bastion’, a huge limestone
outcrop, though a natural formation, clearly resembles ‘Horns of Consecration’ (Schlager
1999, pl. XXVIc). Drawn and topographically determined, their long axis is nearly exactly
orientated due north−south. Some distance below to the east lies a small platform, artificially
brought into shape (this has been mistaken earlier for a much destroyed, possible third
‘Bastion’). On its east side, another rocky outcrop with narrow and deep crevices was found
which contained numerous fragments of MM pottery, mainly cooking pots, bowls, and cups.
Deposited deliberately in the rocky fissures, the whole assemblage appears to be the waste of
some feasting ceremonies held outdoors in the face of a monumental sacred landmark. Taking
this all as a whole it does not seem impossible that we are dealing with one of those open-air
shrines that are depicted on many a Minoan seal and gold ring of a slightly later period.
2008 achievements:
Topographical map of entire site;
Localization of raw material deposits in vicinity;
Examination and minor corrections of plan of ‘North Bastion’ and ‘South Bastion’;
4

ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.
Drawings and photographic documentation of ‘Cyclopean’ walls north of ‘North Bastion’;
Drawings and photographic documentation of natural ‘Horns of Consecration’;
Plotting, drawing and photography of stray finds (pottery and stone artifacts) of entire site.
Agia Irini (SITE 20 and SITE 21)
This year it has become evident that both sites actually belong to one large FN−EM II
settlement that spreads from the top of Kastri down its southern and eastern slopes.
Completing and fitting together three separate plans of Terrace I, Terrace II, and Terrace III
into one general state plan, no substantial differences are shown in building materials and
techniques of the much eroded, flimsy walls just below the top of the rocky hill, compared to
the sparse remains of similar walls farther downslope admittedly in a very bad state of
preservation. The earlier assumption of a later MM date of the terrace buildings (Schlager
2000) must now be abandoned, although MM pottery on Terrace III is still conspicuous.
Considering the vast amount of FN−EM II material strewn all across the site, the number of
MM sherds on Terrace III only seem to imply a partial reoccupation, perhaps only for
temporary use, of this specific area in the Middle Bronze Age, though no actual MM
architectural remains have been recognized.
Close scrutiny of the very top of the rocky hill, devoid of architectural features, has not
provided any, not even the most insignificant fragments of terracotta statuettes, which one
would expect at the site of an EM hilltop shrine or an MM peak sanctuary, given the
impressive appearance of Kastri as a conspicuous landmark (for seafarers rather than for
landlocked agriculturalists). On the contrary, numerous small fragments of Melian obsidian
blades and cores beside local flints, concentrated in Terraces I and II, seem to hint at knapping
places and other working areas of some specialised craftsmen, who may not only have
acquired or imported foreign raw materials, but have also produced a series of specific tools
on the spot.
Without proper excavation, or at least cleaning of the built-up area of Kastri, the whole extent
and detailed appearance of this large site can only be guessed at. But even the detailed surface
documentation of its visible remains, as achieved in summer 2008, plotting architectural
remains and stray finds alike, make it one of the largest and best known FN−EM II
settlements known in the wider area between Zakros, Xerokampos, and Goudouras in SE
Crete (cf. Vokotopoulos 2000; Nowicki 2003).
2008 achievements:
Topographical map of entire site;
Localization of raw material deposits in vicinity;
Supplementation and completion of detailed plans of Terraces I, II, and III;
Joining together of detailed plans into general state plan of top area of Kastri;
Plotting, drawing and photography of stray finds (pottery and stone artifacts) of entire site.
5

Livari
ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.
Due to its wide extent, until 2008 the coastal strip and plateau of Livari had not yet been
surveyed in its entirety. Parts of Livari were documented in 2000: an ?EM/MM settlement at
Cheromylia (SITE 36), an EM−MM I cemetery and tholos tomb at Skiadi (SITE 37), and an
FN settlement at Katharades (SITE 34 and SITE 35) on high ground above and behind the
coast (see Schlager et al. 2002, 192−212). This year a complete site map has been prepared,
including all artificial structures (modern houses and huts, stone shelters, sheep and goat pens,
threshing floors, wells, fences, field roads, heaps of accumulated field stones, grain fields and
deserted fields, olive groves, beehives etc.), together with the known ancient ruins as well as a
series of new ones, which have been documented in detail. Contrary to what had been
suggested in the 2008 application, dividing the whole area of Livari into two sites, SITE 38
comprising any ancient structures, and an overlying SITE 39 relating to all modern features, it
has now been found convenient to apply the name of SITE 38 to all structures, ancient and
modern, that lie west of the gorge of Ankastara, and north of SITE 36 and SITE 37, whereas
SITE 39 refers to any structures and features east of the same gorge. The confirmed ancient
sites are given in the list below:
SITE 38A:
FN−EM II settlement with a minimum north−south extension of 75 m along the east slope of
a small coastal rocky range called locally Kastrokephalaki (Καστροκεφαλ κι).
SITE 38B:
Roughly quadrangular rock cut feature at the peak of Kastrokephalaki with small cleft leading
into the rock; perhaps a sort of hilltop shrine above and dominating SITE 38A.
SITE 38C:
Walled-off and partly robbed cave in the west slope of the same range opposite SITE 38A
with many EM I/II pottery sherds including one fragment of fine Vasiliki ware of EM IIB.
Since no bones were detected, the function of the cave as a burial place remains doubtful,
compared for example to the confirmed burial cave at Kastri Goudourou SITE 41 (cf.
Schlager & Dollhofer 1998).
SITE 39A:
This is not ancient, but a 19th century AD walled look-out post (vigla) on top of the steep cliff
cape at the eastern confines of Livari. It was obviously built in a strategic position in order to
control the sea below. Local inquiries drew a complete blank as to its builders: Turkish troops
or Cretan andartes ?
SITE 36:
The published schematic plan of SITE 36 (Cheromylia) (Schlager et al. 2002, 203, fig. 16)
could be supplemented with additional walls, stretches of walls, and even whole buildings,
which had not been recognized as such nor documented in 2000. A new state plan of the
settlement, part of which is now submerged in the sea, has been drawn. Pottery and stray finds
6

ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.
analyses has confirmed a date no earlier than MM. With LM pottery also present the
settlement would have been in use well into the Late Bronze Age.
SITE 37:
More EM and later pottery was identified and recorded in and around Tholos Tomb I within
the necropolis of SITE 37 (Skiadi). On topographical grounds and because of its proximity to
SITE 38A, it must be seen now as the contemporary cemetery of the settlement SITE 38A −
and not initially belonging to SITE 36 (Cheromylia), as assumed previously (Schlager et al.
2002, 210).
The results of the 2008 campaign now show clearly the local development of settlement in the
area:
1) FN settlement: Katharades, ‘Akropolis’ (SITE 35) and Katharades, ‘Bastion’ (SITE 34);
2) FN−EM II settlement: Kastrokephalaki (SITE 38A) with cult place (SITE 38B) and cave
(burial?) deposit (SITE 38C); the necropolis at Skiadi (SITE 37) probably built and in use
contemporaneously;
3) MM/LM settlement at Cheromylia (SITE 36); part of cemetery at Skiadi probably still in
use;
4) Late Bronze Age: end of continuous settlement at Livari.
Chaniotis’ suggestion that the classical/hellenistic settlement of ancient STALAI may be
looked for at Livari (Chaniotis 1996, 386) could not be confirmed by artifactual evidence.
2008 achievements:
New state plan of SITE 36;
Additional plotting, drawing and photography of stray finds (pottery and stone artifacts) from
SITE 36;
Additional plotting, drawing and photography of stray finds (pottery and stone artifacts) from
SITE 37;
Topographical map of entire site 38;
Detailed documentation of SITE 38A, SITE 38B, SITE 38C, and SITE 39A, including
plotting, drawing and photography of stray finds (pottery and stone artifacts).
Topographical map of entire site 39;
Drawing and photography of pottery from SITE 39A;
Determination and localization of local toponyms;
Localization of raw material deposits in the hinterland of Livari.
7

References
ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.
Chaniotis, A. 1996. Die Verträge zwischen kretischen Poleis in der hellenistischen Zeit
(Heidelberger Althistorische Beiträge und Epigraphische Studien 24, Stuttgart).
Nowicki, K. 2003. “The End of the Neolithic in Crete,” Aegean Archaeology 6 (2002): 7—72.
Schlager, N. et al. 1997. “Minoische bis rezente Ruinen im fernen Osten Kretas:
Dokumentation 1996,” Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in
Wien 66, Beiblatt: 1—84.
Schlager, N. & Dollhofer, L. 1998. “Die minoische Grabhöhle Chosto im Kastri Goudourou
Sitias,” Jahreshefte des Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in Wien 67,
Beiblatt: 1—36.
Schlager, N. 1999. ““A Town of Castles:” An MM/LM Fortified Site at Aspro Nero in the
Far East of Crete,” in Laffineur, R. (ed.), Polemos. Le contexte guerrier en Egée à
l’âge du Bronze. Actes de la 7 e Rencontre égéenne internationale Université de Liège,
14–17 avril 1998 (Aegaeum 19, Liège & Austin, TX): 171—177.
Schlager, N. 2000. Archaeological Survey in SE Crete: Site Documentation 2000. Report
(Unpublished file, Vienna).
Schlager, N. et al. 2002. “Pleistozäne, neolithische, bronzezeitliche und rezente Befunde und
Ruinen im fernen Osten Kretas: Dokumentation 2000,” Jahreshefte des
Österreichischen Archäologischen Institutes in Wien 70 (2001): 157—220.
Vokotopoulos, L. 2000. “Οχυρές πρωτομινωικές θέσεις στην περιοχή Ζάκρου,” in
Πεπραγμένα Η΄ Διεθνούς Κρητολογικού Συνεδρίου Ηράκλειο, 9–14 Σεπτεμβρίου 1996
A1. Προϊστορική και αρχαία ελληνική περίοδος (Heraclion): 129—146.
8

Project Staff
ASPRO NERO, AGIA IRINI, LIVARI: EXAMINATION AND SUPPLEMENTARY DOCUMENTATION
RESEARCH REPORT FOR 2008, cont.
Name Profession Scientific Origin Labour Supply___
and Duty
Dr. Norbert Schlager Archaeologist, University of Vienna: 04/07 − 08/08/2008
University Project Director
Lecturer
Dr. Tomas Alusik Archaeologist University of Prague: 06/07 − 27/07/2008
Site Documentation
Mag. Michael Brandl Raw Material Austrian Academy of 05/07 − 26/07/2008
Analyst Sciences:
Ceramic & Stone Artifacts
Analyses
Ludwig Fuchs Student of University of Bamberg: 06/07 − 26/07/2008
Archaeology Documentation of
Pottery & Stone Artifacts
Mag. a Ute Günkel- Archaeologist University of Heidelberg: 06/07 − 26/07/2008
Maschek Site Documentation
Dipl. Ing. (FH) Geodesist Austrian Archaeological 05/07 − 26/07/2008
Christian Kurtze Institute:
Site Surveyor
Mag. a Elisabeth Mlinar Archaeologist University of Vienna: 06/07 − 28/07/2008
Site Documentation,
Photography
Marco Pietrovito, M.A. Archaeologist Université de Montréal: 07/07 − 27/07/2008
Documentation of
Pottery & Stone Artifacts
Mag. Wolfgang Reiter Archaeologist, University of Vienna: 06/07 − 26/07/2008
Teacher Site Surveyor & Site
Documentation,
Photography
Rhea Schlager Student Electronic Archives & 04/07 − 08/08/2008
Photography Management
9

Aspro Nero Raw Material Deposits and Location of Samples (AN = Aspro Nero)

Agia Irini Raw Material Deposits and Location of Samples (AI = Agia Irini)

Livari Raw Material Deposits and Location of Samples

Project Staff 2008 Back row from left: W. Reiter, M. Pietrovito, U. Günkel-Maschek, R. Schlager, T. Alusik;
front row from left: L. Fuchs, N. Schlager, E. Mlinar, M. Brandl, C. Kurtze.
SITE 39A Livari, Chlios. 19th century AD look-out post from NE.

SITE 12C Aspro Nero, Pezaridia. Natural limestone outcrop in the shape of ‘Horns of Consecration’, from SE.
SITE 12A Aspro Nero, [stou] Paletsi. “Cyclopean” wall AA−BB north of ‘North Bastion’ from NNE.

SITE 12C Aspro Nero, Pezaridia. Rock formation with flint inclusions and deep cleft.
SITE 12C Aspro Nero, Pezaridia. Rocky cliff with flint inclusions.

SITE 21 Agia Irini, Kastri. South-east slope with faint remains of FN − EM II remains, view from E.
SITE 21 Agia Irini, Kastri. South-east slope with faint remains of FN − EM II remains, view from above.

SITE 38 Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Rocky range with settlement remains and rock cut feature on top of hillock, view
from SE.
SITE 38A Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Steps between Rooms 6/7 and 13/19 in Structure I.

SITE 38B Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Rock-cut feature on top of hill, view from SW.
SITE 38B Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Rock-cut feature with cleft leading into rock, from S.

SITE 38C Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Conglomerate cave, entrance.
SITE 38C Livari, Kastrokephalaki. Conglomerate cave, interior with U. Günkel-Maschek.