Degree Date
2022
Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Classical and Near Eastern Archaeology
Abstract
This dissertation develops a systematic approach to the archaeological study of deposition using legacy data. As proof of concept, I reassess the major votive deposits from the Heraion of Perachora—contained on the upper and lower terraces—excavated in the early 20thcentury. By investigating the stratigraphy in the areas associated with these deposits, I elucidate a more comprehensive understanding of Perachora’s depositional history. I show that the activities precipitating deposition—like the separation of votives and burnt remains—are indicative of on-going maintenance concerns, rather than responses to specific events.By correlating the evidence for deposition using underutilized archival material, I trace inconsistencies in interpretations of votive deposits resulting fromexcavation methods, documentation, manuscript/publication revisions, and other lossesof knowledge. My analysis progresses from low-to high-level inference.I start with reconstructing the evidence for deposition in association with named deposits (low-level). This enables me to present a new stratigraphy by reconstructingattributesof the deposits (e.g., extent, form/shape, sedimentary make-up) and depositional assemblages (e.g., state of preservation, spatial relation/patterning, manner/frequency of disposal).I synthesize this evidence, reconstructing the sequencing of layers and their relation in and across deposits, which I refer to as depositional episodes (medium-level).I demonstrate that interpretations of votive deposits—as classified by the excavators—have obscured our recognition of episodes of deposition, including distinct, recurringsequences of votives and burnt remainsin different locations and periods.
Iinvestigatemaintenance—the activities and strategies that serve to regulate and sustain a space’s use—for the Heraion (high-level), engaging with scholarly interest in using contextual analysis of materials to reconstruct religious practices. Considering thedeposition of votives as part of sanctuary maintenance strategies, I hypothesize about actions and circumstances contributing to recognizable deposition resulting from maintenance, such as concerns with keeping remains from distinct practices separate or the use of occupiable space for deposition in association with everyday occupation. I usethe overlooked documentation of deposition toreconsider the maintenance decisions governing the formation of deposits at Perachora and show that my methodology provides new insights into the role of deposition in physically shaping space.
Citation
Heglar, M. 2022. "The Votive Deposits from the Hera Sanctuary at Perachora: From Deposits to Maintenance." PhD Diss., Bryn Mawr College.