PRENET · Social Networking and Raw Material Selectivity in Early Prehistoric Mediterranean Seascapes

Social Networking and Raw Material Selectivity in Early Prehistoric Mediterranean Seascapes

The PRENET aimed at investigating the extent and directions of social communication in the early prehistory of the Eastern Mediterranean seascape and the cognitive/behavioural factors behind the observed patterns. The specific scientific objectives of the proposal were: 1) the investigation of social interactions in Eastern Mediterranean through the examination of raw material movement in early prehistoric Cyprus and, 2) the determination of cognitive/behavioural elements behind our ancestors’ choices of specific raw materials, through the study of raw material selectivity. Misconceptions abound with regards to the eastern part of the Mediterranean, and especially the island of Cyprus, with current notions seeing the sea as a barrier to early human presence. However, given its geographical location and its complex ecology and habitats, this lack of human presence in Cyprus seems to be research–related rather than factual. The new data that PRENET generated contribute significantly to this debate by establishing the presence of long-distance, continuous and multi-directional social interactions between Cyprus and the mainland during the Early Holocene contrary to what was previously believed. The research conducted within the framework of PRENET advanced archaeological science beyond the state-of-the-art by 1) the documenting human mobility (social networking) in eastern Mediterranean in the Early Holocene, 2) defining the nature, underlying factors and patterns of raw material selectivity in the chosen region and, 3) arguing that the conventional view, which sees the inhabitants of the Mediterranean islands living in comparative isolation with ‘impoverished’ adaptations and limited cognitive/social skills, is firmly challenged by new data. By addressing these issues PRENET has had a significant impact on European society as it is prepared and proposed in times of pan-European financial recollection and austerity, which greatly affect research and innovation in general, and particularly Social Sciences and Humanities. PRENET aimed to achieve a research-driven advancement in the field of Social Sciences & Humanities, which will promote gender balance, excellence and skills development within the ERA and particularly within one of the less prevalent areas of the EU. At the same time Europe will also benefit, as the project helped foster a sense of European identity among the younger generation of researchers. PRENET’s outreach activities aim at raising awareness about the importance of developing active citizenship that is open to the world, respects cultural diversity a cultural diversity and reflects the basic values of the EU. The programme took into account the richness of the tangible and intangible cultural heritage of the Mediterranean area and considers it a crucial element of human development strategies as well as an essential tool of cultural diversity as the main condition of intercultural dialogue. PRENET with its research focus on the Mediterranean region and work-base in a politically, geographically and historically significant part of the Mediterranean world, i.e. Cyprus, has significantly contributed to the development and promotion of the Euro-Mediterranean cultural heritage.

Data: CORDIS, © European Union