The present paper focuses on the life cycle of Argos during the early Mycenaean period (MH III/LH I-LH II), also taking into consideration the back-history of the settlement from the beginning of the MH period. On the basis of new evidence from the Aspis MH settlement, and using the Adaptive Cycle model for Argos and for nearby settlements (Lerna, Mycenae), we propose the existence not only of varied life paths for the different sites, but also of important potentials in the MH period that led Argos to great prosperity during the MH II phase, completing a whole AC by the end of the MH period. During the transitional phase (MH III/LH I), and despite a rather illusory image of continuous growth, as reflected in new buildings in the fortified acropolis of the Aspis, Argos enters a critical phase that then becomes apparent through the abandonment of certain residential areas and the relocation of some population groups within and probably beyond its borders. According to one possible scenario, a group of people moved, at the very beginning of MH III, from the Aspis acropolis probably to Mycenae, thus participating in its spectacular rise from the late MH period and onwards. In LH I-ΙΙΑ Argos is still in a phase of reorganisation, marked by the definite abandonment of the acropolis and changes in the social and economic domains. Only in LH IIB does Argos enter a phase of substantial renewal, as reflected in both the burial/ideological and the residential spheres through the respective establishment of a new burial ground at the Deiras and the rapid expansion of the settlement in the Lower Town upon the vestiges of the old cemetery. However, the critical phase in the transition to the LH period and the restraint of Argos' dynamic course irreversibly transformed it from a leader and a prime agent of the plain (in MH) into a secondary political power throughout the Mycenaean period.

This paper describes a topographically 'natural' route across the central Argolid and investigates the surrounding archaeology using Pausanias as a guide. We argue that the 'direct' route from Argos to Epidaurus, which uses the easier topography between the massifs of Arachneo and Mavrovouni, was established by the Early Bronze Age if not long before and continued in use until the construction of motor roads. Over the last 100 years it has been replaced by the Nafplio to Ligourio road and so it has been underrated leading to sites beside the roadway being under-investigated and under-reported. We emphasise the value of investigating proposed routes and possible sites on the ground while not disparaging the value of satellite imagery. Using a combination of the two we discuss a range of sites from the Early Bronze Age to the Roman period and, particularly, several previously unpublished or underrated sites which include: Kastraki Foniskou, a multi-period, defended citadel of particular importance in the Late Bronze Age and again in the 4th century BC. Three large walled enclosures, previously unreported, on the northern edge of the Mavrovouni massif which overlook the passes through the mountain range towards the Argolic Gulf. A circular structure, possibly a tholos tomb, near the village of Ayios Andreas, Epidauria which has not been reported previously and which may suggest an unknown Mycenaean settlement nearby. A tower or “blockhouse” probably of the 4th century at Pirgouli near Ayios Dimitrios (Metochi). After following the main ancient road from Argos to the city of Epidaurus, we conclude with a discussion of the possible boundaries of the polities of the Argolid in the Late Bronze Age and the 4th century BC. Key Words: Archaeology of the Argolid, Bronze Age Greece, Hellenistic Greece, Ancient Roads, Territories in the Argolid.

The Mycenaean cemetery of Deiras, Argos, is mostly known through J. Deshayes’ 1966 publication. Deshayes’ study, however, does not include tombs I–IX, excavated by W. Vollgraff in the southern sector of the cemetery in the early 1900s. Although the chronology of these tombs has been discussed by Deshayes in two BCH articles, based on a detailed study of pottery, the numerous non-ceramic finds are known only through Vollgraff’s preliminary report. This poses problems in our effort to understand the history and significance of the cemetery, especially since the sector excavated by Vollgraff includes some of the earlier, larger and wealthier chamber tombs in Deiras. The present paper, part of wider project funded by the EFA and INSTAP, is aimed at providing a detailed summary of the non-ceramic finds from Vollgraff’s excavation and at exploring the significance of tombs I–IX for the Deiras cemetery and for the early LH society of Argos as a whole.

The urban morphology of Assos in pre-Hellenistic times In the last ten years numerous excavations in the intraurban area of Assos and an intensive topographical and archaeological survey (2010-2012) have provided valuable informations for a better understanding of the site in the Geometric, Archaic, and Classical phases (900– 330/320 B.C.). With the exception of the Athena Temple and graves from the Western Necropolis, and in contrast to the Hellenistic Assos, which is represented in numerous handbooks due to its fortifications and the famous Greek Agora, nearly nothing was known about the pre-Hellenistic settlement. Taking into account topographical, architectural, archaeological as well as historical factors, this presentation provides an overview of the key developments of the city’s pre‐Hellenistic morphology. Even if the archaeological evidence for an absolutly chronological framework remains still sketchy, three major early phases are discussed (1. Iron Age I/II and pre‐Tempel construction phases; 2. Late Archaic and Classical phases; 3. Late Classical period): First, is the evidence for an occupation of the site in the Late Geometric Phase and the establishment of a regional economic center on the acropolis and the adjacent northeast ridge. Second, is a period of prosperity, with a gradual growing of the settlement in the southern and western suburbs, possibly ending with destructions in the late 6th or early 5th century B.C and a decrease of archaeological data for the second and third quarter of the 5th century B.C. Third, is the comprehensive redevelopment and rehabilitation of the city in the course of the 4th century leading up to the Early Hellenistic construction program on the Greek Agora (see Nurettin Arslan’s presentation). The analysis tries to present the archaeological evidence under the focus of individual local characteristics as well as general transregional developments.