Shells in Aegean Prehistory (Bar International)

Molluscs are an important part of environmental archaeology, especially in Greece where little analytical work was done until fairly recently. Molluscs are critical environmental indicators on climate, ecology, morphology of the marine environment and are discussed in ancient sources such as Aristotle and Pliny the Elder. Material from the Aegean are is now being studied with greater regularity and this volume brings much important information together in one place. Karali discusses methods of collection of study samples, their analysis and potential information to be gleaned, and their use in archaeological dating. Their archaeological context also provides information on food procurement strategies, the use of shells for decorative purposes and their trade and distribution away from the coast. 138p, b/w figs (BAR Int S761, 1999)