The ayiasmata (holy springs) of Lemnos, NE Greece: an archaeo-hydrogeological study

Photos-Jones, E. , Zagana, E. and Roumelioti, P. (2016) The ayiasmata (holy springs) of Lemnos, NE Greece: an archaeo-hydrogeological study. In: Photos-Jones, E., Basiakos, I., Filippaki, E., Hein, A., Karatasios, I., Kilikoglou, V. and Kouloumpi, E. (eds.) Proceedings of the 6th Symposium of the Hellenic Society for Archaeometry. Series: BAR international series (2780). British Archaeological Reports Ltd,: Oxford, pp. 221-229. ISBN 9781407314303

Full text not currently available from Enlighten.

Publisher's URL: http://www.barpublishing.com/proceedings-of-the-6th-symposium-of-the-hellenic-society-for-archaeometry.html

Abstract

In Greece, holy springs (ayiasmata) are normally discussed in the context of the chapels and the saints with whom they are almost always associated. This paper sets out to present and discuss six holy springs from the island of Lemnos, NE Aegean, based on the hydrogeological parameters that characterize them and the archaeological landscape that surrounds them; also to juxtapose data deriving from this group with similar data from ordinary springs which are used for irrigation and/or drinking. Preliminary results suggest that hydrogeological data do not demonstrate substantial differences between holy springs and ordinary springs. This observation implies that any single natural spring has had, in principle, the potential to become an ayiasma but selection may have rested on aspects of the physical environment conducive to healing and less so on the physicochemical parameters of the waters involved. However, other physical parameters (microbiological) which are not addressed here may have also had a role to play.

Item Type:Book Sections
Status:Published
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Photos-Jones, Dr Effie
Authors: Photos-Jones, E., Zagana, E., and Roumelioti, P.
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Archaeology
Publisher:British Archaeological Reports Ltd,
ISBN:9781407314303

University Staff: Request a correction | Enlighten Editors: Update this record