Aegean Bronze Age Weights, Chaînes Opératoires and the Detecting of Patterns through Statistical Analyses

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Abstract

The chapter employs quantum model statistics and chaîne opératoire concept to study metrology of Bronze Age Aegean balance weights. The analyses demonstrate that there were two main units in use, not only one: the probable mass of the Aegean unit is c. 60.5g and of the second c. 8.5g. Historical Athenian weights are used to demonstrate that even problematic lead weights can produce statistically significant patterns if the data set is sufficiently large. Among the weights from the Uluburun shipwreck a set of Aegean weights can be identified, thus supporting the hypothesis that there were Mycenaean merchants aboard.

Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationTracing Prehistoric Social Networks through Technology
Subtitle of host publicationA Diachronic Perspective on the Aegean
EditorsAnn Brysbaert
Place of PublicationNew York and London
PublisherRoutledge
Pages143–166
ISBN (Electronic)978-0-203-15617-9
ISBN (Print)978-0-415-89616-0
Publication statusPublished - 2011

Publication series

NameRoutledge Studies in Archaeology
PublisherRoutledge
Volume3

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