Dark Ages

This chronological problem takes us to the discussion of what is called the Dark Ages: the period between the thirteenth and the eighth centuries BCE. All Mycenaean remains show that an important destruction occurred in the thirteenth century, for which there are few plausible explanations: the traditional view of a series of invasions of other people, based upon some

Figure 3 Troy (Troia/Wilusa), Turkey: fortification wall of Troia II (c. 2550-2250 BCE), with the paved ramp leading to the southwest gate.

Literary evidence, was questioned by later archaeological discoveries that, instead of showing a sudden change in practices and material culture, are more likely to present a picture of continuity between Mycenaean and later periods. Even the designation of the Dark Ages is now put into question, as archaeologists are finding more and more evidence of intense activities during this period, but still not enough to give us a broader picture of the society of those times.

Zagora of Andros

One of the best-known examples of archaeological remains of the period called the Dark Ages is Zagora of Andros (Cyclades): due to their importance, recent excavations advocate a different appellation for this period. Zagora is one of the first organized settlements dating in the Proto-Geometric Period (the ‘dark’ transitory period) to be discovered. Greek excavators (in the second half of the twentieth century) brought to light schist wall houses covered by mud or flat stones which remind us that localized and perishable building materials are of common use for the construction of houses in the whole Mediterranean area, from prehistory up to the present (the schist is the local stone of Andros and is used in all settlements of the island). This settlement was protected on the one side by a strong wall, and by the cliff on the other; the houses are dated to the tenth and eighth century, whereas the sanctuary continued to be in activity until the classical period. The usual composition of the houses was of an oblong room with a central fireplace, a separate storage area, and a stable with a courtyard. The advantage of the orthogonal plan that was used in later settlements is illustrated by this example of the Geometric Period.