Disasters, whether natural or anthropogenic, can be drivers of landscape and cultural change. The Late Bronze Age Thera eruption was one of the largest natural disasters witnessed in human history. Its impact, consequences, and timing, have dominated the discourse of ancient Mediterranean studies for nearly a century. A well-preserved volcanic ash layer and chaotic destruction horizon were identified in stratified deposits at Çeşme-Bağlararası, a western Anatolian/Aegean coastal archaeological site. Archaeological and sedimentological analysies have revealed that the archaeological site was hit by a series of strong tsunamis that caused damage and erosion, leaving behind a thick layer of debris, distinguishable by its physical, biological, and chemical signature. An articulated human skeleton discovered within the tsunami debris is an in situ victim related to the Late Bronze Age Thera eruption event. This talk will present the archaeological evidence at Çeşme – Bağlararası, discuss the unique preservation seen at the site and what it adds to the understanding of coastal deposit preservation more broadly.
Graphic: DAI-IST, B. Akan
The hybrid event will be held in English.
THURSDAY, 21.03.2024, 18:00 (16:00 CET)
Tsunamis, Volcanic Ashes and a Victim of Late Bronze Age Thera Eruption discovered at Çeşme – Bağlararası (Türkiye)
Prof. Dr. Vasıf Şahoğlu (ANKARA)
REGISTRATION
Physical Participation (Please register by 15:00 on the day of the lecture):
https://terminplaner6.dfn.de/b/19f481208af96d7efe1431bf1d26c284-637828
Online Participation:
https://dainst-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwsceiurjIrH9AZQNdLO60iUZkaUdf7AZsk
