Key research themes
1. How do archaeothanatological analyses refine our understanding of Early to Middle Minoan funerary practices and social organization?
This theme investigates the specific mortuary treatments, burial sequences, and body manipulations in Early and Middle Minoan cemeteries to elucidate social structures, religious behaviors, and community identities within Minoan society. Employing archaeothanatology—a detailed study of decompositional and post-depositional processes affecting human remains—offers nuanced insight into primary and secondary burial practices and challenges previous broad interpretations by providing spatially precise osteological data.
2. What evidence elucidates population mobility and cultural interactions on Bronze Age Crete, particularly during the Late Minoan period?
Focused on biomolecular and isotope analyses, this research investigates the extent and nature of human mobility, migration, and cultural diffusion on Crete during the Bronze Age. It scrutinizes isotopic signatures and ancient DNA to trace origins of individuals buried on the island and characterize cross-cultural contacts, thereby addressing questions of Minoan external relations, possible Mycenaean influx, and the transmission of cultural traits.
3. How does the analysis of Minoan material culture contribute to understanding social stratification, political organization, and cultural identity?
This theme explores the role of artefacts—such as jewellery, pottery, seals, and inscriptions—in revealing Minoan socio-political structures, administrative systems, and identity expressions. Studies combine typological, petrographic, and social network approaches to interpret the production, distribution, and symbolic meanings of material remains and writing, highlighting diversity within Minoan culture and its connections to broader Mediterranean contexts.