In his book Archaic Greece, Antony Snodgrass collected data to show that the population in Attica and Argos in the eighth century BC was growing rapidly. The tables reproduced below (see Figure 4.3) are taken from him. If the data are taken at face value, then the population grew seven-fold within a century or so. Granted, as the tables show, what Snodgrass was counting were burial sites on the assumption that where there are more people, there are also more deaths. This assumption need not hold true - one might argue that Snodgrass’ data mean that owing to disease, famine, or the like people in Attica and Argos were dying at a faster rate than previously.
Figure 4.3 Population growth in Greece. Source: Reproduced with permission from Snodgrass, A. M. 1980. Archaic Greece. J. M. Dent & Sons, Ltd. Figure 4.4, p. 23
Fortunately, other considerations confirm Snodgrass’ overall interpretation, notwithstanding occasional suggestions for refinement (e. g., Morris 1987: 57sqq.). First, it is during this period that Greek communities begin founding colonies throughout the Mediterranean (see chap. 5) - that is to say, there was, a priori, population to spare in mainland Greece. Concededly, this argument is to a degree circular since in the next chapter overpopulation will be alleged as the primary factor motivating colonization. Second, investigations on the Cycla-dic islands of Melos and Ceos have shown on the basis of other evidence (the increased number of settlements) that the population on those islands was indeed growing rapidly during the period in question (see Cherry 1982 in Further Reading). Third, continuing investigation of various regions in Greece such as Knosos on Crete or the southern Argolid has suggested rapid population growth in those regions (see Cavanagh 1996 and Langdon 1995 in Further Reading).
Along with this rapid growth in population - and probably allowing it to a degree - went an increase in material prosperity, especially as seen in the increasing number of metal objects. Below is the table from Snodgrass’ book on the number of metal objects found at various sites in Greece (see Figure 4.4). The numbers from the eighth century stand in no proportion anymore to the paltry ones from the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries. In the eighth century material prosperity was returning to Greece in a way not seen since the fall of the Mycenaean kingdoms.
Finally, one site from Euboea, Lefkandi (on the eastern edge of the Lelantine Plain between Chalcis and Eretria), requires mention (see Popham 1980-1996
In Further Reading). Here a large building, some 130 feet in length, has been excavated. It apparently dates from the tenth century BC and so far is unique in Greece for that period. The site produced a large number of spectacular finds (including one wealthy burial) out of proportion to anything else of similar date in Greece. Many finds also evinced evidence of contact with the Near East. If Lefkandi should prove truly unique, then the recovery of material prosperity began in Euboea and spread thence to the rest of Greece. However, continuing investigation may eventually discover fully comparable sites elsewhere in Greece.
World History
