SurveyForeign missions

Adelphi Forest: Macquarie University survey and furnace excavations

Name: Adelphi Forest: Macquarie University survey and furnace excavations
Start: 1997
End: 1997

1997 · Adelphi Forest

A 1997 Macquarie University project in Adelphi Forest that excavated furnaces at Kimitiri and Lithosouri, apparently used for bronze, charcoal and pitch, and pottery kilns.

Map of Cyprus

Where the work took place

Ground above 200, 500, 1,000 m

Site

1Adelphi Forest (approx.)

Modern coastline (OpenStreetMap) and relief (Copernicus DEM).

The project

In 1997 a team from Macquarie University excavated furnaces at Kimitiri and Lithosouri in Adelphi Forest, apparently used in the production of bronze, charcoal and pitch¹. The project was multidisciplinary, combining archaeological survey, geomorphology and botanical studies with an assessment of the impact of human activity on the forest¹. Louise Steel reports that the initial use of the excavated circular structure at Lithosouri appears to be associated with Hellenistic pitch production¹. The team also excavated pottery kilns¹.

Institutions

Macquarie UniversitySponsor

Seasons

1 season

1997
Multi-disciplinary project of survey, geomorphology and botany; in 1997 excavated furnaces at Kimitiri and Lithosouri (bronze, charcoal and pitch production) and pottery kilns; the Lithosouri circular structure linked to Hellenistic pitch. Excavation of a kiln area; samples taken for analysis of technological activities (bronze smelting, charcoal and pitch production, ceramic firing). Excavation confirmed a layer of ash and charcoal; the space may have been used for charcoal production.
[1], [2]