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Mesolithic Assemblage

The Mesolithic assemblage is flake-based (knapped from multidirectional cores), with only a small proportion of bladelets and blade-like flakes.

Linear retouch is the most prevalent modification, accompanied by numerous notches, denticulates, and piercer/borers (“spines”), followed by end-scrapers. Backed pieces are relatively uncommon. The assemblage exhibits a microlithic character, though it largely lacks true geometric forms.

Map of excavated material in Ikaria, Kythnos and Youra.

Tracing Mesolithic Tool Traditions in the Aegean

Based on its techno-typological characteristics, the Stélida lithic assemblage aligns with the ‘Early Holocene Aegean island lithic tradition’ (Sampson et al., 2010: 68-69), resembling excavated materials from Ikaria, Kythnos, and Youra.

This suggests that much of the Stélida artifacts likely date to the Lower Mesolithic (9th millennium BC), with indications of Late Mesolithic activity (8th millennium BC).

Widespread Mesolithic activity around the hill of Stélida.

Beyond Quarrying: Signs of Mesolithic Life at Stélida

Our initial research indicates widespread Mesolithic activity across the hill of Stélida. Evidence suggests that in addition to quarrying and knapping near prime chert outcrops, activity extended to the hill’s flanks, its main ridge, and particularly the northern promontory.

This distribution implies a diverse range of practices beyond chert extraction, including short-term habitation, food processing, and other daily activities, reflecting a more complex use of the site during the Mesolithic period.

Expanding the Picture: A Broader Range of Tools at Stélida

Our findings revealed a surprisingly diverse array of modified tools, including notches, piercers, and retouched blades, challenging previous assumptions about Stélida’s primary function as a quarry site. Initially, we expected the assemblage to be dominated by waste debris, with preformed cores transported to off-island settlements for tool production and use – an interpretation drawn from studies of the obsidian quarries on Melos. However, the presence of such a wide variety of tool types suggests broader activity at the site.

One of the most notable Mesolithic loci was identified on the peninsula south of the hill, where a small, well-defined distribution of Mesolithic implements was recorded. Among these were a few tools crafted from Melian obsidian, a material rarely found at Stélida. This evidence may point to temporary camp-sites, established by groups who visited the chert quarries from other parts of Naxos or arrived by boat.

Locating these off-source activity areas has long been a research objective. However, many Mesolithic coastal sites may now lie submerged beneath rising sea levels following the early Holocene marine transgression (see Lambeck 1996). Future investigations will focus on identifying and reconstructing these lost landscapes to better understand the mobility and settlement strategies of Mesolithic populations in the region.

Tracing the Shifting Shores: Holocene Marine Transgression at Naxos

Understanding Holocene marine transgression and reconstructing Naxos’ ancient coastline during the periods of activity at Stélida is a crucial focus of our research.

This remains a key area of study that we aim to develop further as part of our ongoing investigations.