ABSTRACT
The sea level gradually increased from −120 m to −7 m in the Middle or Late Bronze Age. Tides and currents are relatively unimportant for journeying across the Aegean Sea. Wind, like strong northerly meltemia, can even reverse currents and had the greatest impact on seafaring. Navigating was comparatively easy with most islands in sight of each other and one would expect travel in any direction at any time of year. Following the last glacial maximum, the Aegean gradually developed its current hot, dry climate. Currently, there is no evidence of the 4.2k event known from Near Eastern climate indicators. Soils are poor in nutrients, but sufficient for Mediterranean agriculture. Rainfall is sufficient for cultivation. The islanders drew on the typical Mediterranean crops, such as cereals and pulses, supplement by fruits and nuts. Domesticated goat/sheep were by far the most commonly consumed animals; pig and cattle were rarer. Wild plants and animals as well as fish and molluscs were supplementary foods only. The health of the prehistoric islanders was impacted by access to food, living conditions and medical knowledge, but life expectancy was generally short and child mortality was high. Individuals would frequently suffer from malnutrition, dental disease and some form of arthritis in addition to more serious illnesses. Fractures and injuries were common occurrences. Medical knowledge was basic. Biogeographic paradigms were extremely influential and were soon applied also to human populations. Many scholars agree with Evans’ concept of ‘islands as laboratories’ and consider islands to be isolated units that aid analysis and interpretation. Others consider islands permeable entities and any isolation a cultural strategy rather than a facet of their geography.
