Luke Guillam

• BA (Hons) Ancient History and Archaeology
• Social Organisation in the Mirabello Bay in the Late Minoan IB Period

During the Late Minoan period on Crete (1600-1400 BC), we see the emergence of a complex urban society. With this increasing degree of complexity come new and fascinating social structures, not just at the famous palatial sites on Crete, but also in the smaller towns/villages connected to the palatial cities, such as those surrounding the Mirabello Bay. Over the past 20 years or so, there have been a large number of excavations in this particular area of Crete. But the interpretation and study of the excavation results is still in a very preliminary stage. This research aims to look at the distribution of objects relating to particular social and economic activities through the houses of the region’s towns and villages. These patterns will allow us to investigate the social structure within these communities which will contribute to the bigger debate about the overall structure of Minoan society.

Funding source: Newcastle University

Supervisor: Dr Matthew Haysom