Project description
Unearthing Greek prehistoric secrets in grinding technology
Grinding technology, from querns to handstones, is fundamental to prehistoric societies, with deep socioeconomic and cultural significance. However, the study of Greek prehistory has largely overlooked its study, leaving a gap in our understanding. This gap, spanning from the late 5th to the late 4th millennium BC, was initially perceived as an evolutionary hiatus, but is now recognised as a lack of research. Supported by the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA) programme, the GrindTrace project will analyse over 500 specimens from six Greek sites, using a multidisciplinary approach that integrates archaeology, geology, GIS, and tribology. Specifically, it aims to uncover human behaviour patterns and settlement organisation. Researchers will explore experimental parameters, petrographic characterisation, and contextual analysis.
Objective
Grinding technology (i.e. querns and handstones) is an integral part of the material culture of prehistoric societies, involved in numerous human productive activities, incorporating socioeconomic and cultural significance. For decades the study of grinding systems in the context of Greek prehistory remained limited with only a few exceptions. The GrindTrace project aspires to change the research landscape and enhance our knowledge regarding this understudied field, at the same time shedding light on the yet-little-known transitional period from the Neolithic to the Bronze Age. What first appeared to be a gap of about 500-700 years in the evolution of prehistoric societies in Greece, from the end of the 5th to the late 4th millennium BC, is now seen as the result of a combination of low visibility and insufficient research. The assemblage to be analyzed includes over 500 specimens originating from six sites in northern and central Greece. The following lines of investigation will be pursued: a) technological and functional study of the selected artifacts; b) experimental investigation of parameters influencing the grinding systems; c) petrographic characterization of the tools' raw materials; and d) combined analysis of contextual, spatial and temporal information. The proposed multidisciplinary approach integrates elements of archaeology, geology, GIS and tribology, and aspires to use the micro-scale to talk about the macro-scale (human behavior patterns, settlement organization, temporality of habitation). In this framework, I will have the chance to explore various analytical techniques, some of which are particularly underdeveloped. This will help me establish a novel methodological approach, which, besides boosting my potential to lead cutting-edge interdisciplinary research in the future, will contribute to the internationally growing functional studies, enhancing at the same time similar research prospects in the field of Greek prehistory.
Fields of science (EuroSciVoc)
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
CORDIS classifies projects with EuroSciVoc, a multilingual taxonomy of fields of science, through a semi-automatic process based on NLP techniques. See: The European Science Vocabulary.
- humanities history and archaeology history prehistory
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences physical geography cartography geographic information systems
- humanities history and archaeology archaeology
- natural sciences earth and related environmental sciences geology
- engineering and technology mechanical engineering tribology
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Keywords
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Project’s keywords as indicated by the project coordinator. Not to be confused with the EuroSciVoc taxonomy (Fields of science)
Programme(s)
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
Multi-annual funding programmes that define the EU’s priorities for research and innovation.
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HORIZON.1.2 - Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions (MSCA)
MAIN PROGRAMME
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Topic(s)
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Calls for proposals are divided into topics. A topic defines a specific subject or area for which applicants can submit proposals. The description of a topic comprises its specific scope and the expected impact of the funded project.
Funding Scheme
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
Funding scheme (or “Type of Action”) inside a programme with common features. It specifies: the scope of what is funded; the reimbursement rate; specific evaluation criteria to qualify for funding; and the use of simplified forms of costs like lump sums.
HORIZON-TMA-MSCA-PF-EF - HORIZON TMA MSCA Postdoctoral Fellowships - European Fellowships
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Call for proposal
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
Procedure for inviting applicants to submit project proposals, with the aim of receiving EU funding.
(opens in new window) HORIZON-MSCA-2023-PF-01
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Net EU financial contribution. The sum of money that the participant receives, deducted by the EU contribution to its linked third party. It considers the distribution of the EU financial contribution between direct beneficiaries of the project and other types of participants, like third-party participants.
75231 Paris
France
The total costs incurred by this organisation to participate in the project, including direct and indirect costs. This amount is a subset of the overall project budget.