Microarchaeological Studies of Hearths in the Northwestern Lower Town of Tiryns

This report presents first results of microarchaeological studies of hearths from the northwestern lower town of post-palatial (LH IIIC) Tiryns. By combining Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, phytolith analysis and other methods, we gained new insights on construction techniques and the use of hearths with sherd pavements. These hearths consist of a roundish or rectangular layer of horizontally aligned sherds covered with a clay-rich sediment to create a flat surface on which fire was lighted and where food preparation took place. The distribution of heat within these structures suggests that at least some of these hearths are related to slow cooking techniques using flat-based jugs and amphoras which frequently occur in post-palatial domestic contexts.