Novel survey methods shed light on prehistoric exploration in Cyprus

S.T. Stewart, P.M.N. Hitchings, P. Bikoulis & E.B. Banning

Abstract

Abstract image

Evidence for the earliest occupation of Cyprus (c. 11000–8500 cal BC) has been elusive as it often consists of small, diffuse and unobtrusive scatters of debris from stone tool manufacture. Yet tracing these sites is crucial if we are to understand how humans first explored the island, learned to exploit its resources and introduced useful flora and fauna from elsewhere. Our approach to this problem is to employ new methods of pedestrian survey and predictive modelling so as to investigate a route that could have linked the coast and the interior.


Authors

  • S.T. Stewart
    Trent University Archaeological Research Centre, 1600 West Bank Drive, Peterborough ON K9J 7B8, Canada
  • P.M.N. Hitchings
    The Archaeology Centre, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto ON M5S 2S2, Canada
  • P. Bikoulis
    The Archaeology Centre, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto ON M5S 2S2, Canada
  • E.B. Banning
    The Archaeology Centre, University of Toronto, 19 Russell Street, Toronto ON M5S 2S2, Canada