ABSTRACT

Modes of long-distance movement were themselves changing. The pressures, opportunities and structures in Aegean and other east Mediterranean states by LB III apparently combined to encourage use of large oared galleys. Texts – first translatable in the Aegean from this time, and plentiful and well preserved in other parts of the burgeoning Near Eastern state network – have been frequently cited in discussions of contemporary movement. Intra-Aegean movement evidently increased overall, and in many directions, from LM IB. Like many others from the early days of research on the prehistoric Aegean, the human bone assemblages from the Knossos burials discussed above are poorly-preserved. Aggressive takeover/undercutting of Cretan interests and benefits in the wider Aegean/east Mediterranean region by emerging mainland state poli-ties has been a frequent explanation for these events and for contemporary wider cultural change. Intra-Aegean movement by early LH III was politically embedded; multidirectional; operated at expanded social levels.