Archeology At Isthmia

Review of “Archeology and Oligarchy at Isthmia” The Ohio State University has been working at the Isthmia archeological site for decades now, and has uncovered the remains of the one great Greek town. In 1989, Douglas Alan O’Roark composed a detailed description of the site, wat has been uncovered, and the possible meaning of the findings. His composition details all aspects of the site, from the burial sites to offerings left at the site. He also gives a brief conclusion of what he believes the site of Isthmia is meant to be. O’Roark dedicates many pages to the offerings and more impressively, a detailed index of all the graves that have been uncovered. In Chapter III, he directs his attention to what is known as the west cemetery. The west

According to O’Roark’s sources, these figures would be given to the children. While Alan doesn’t say this anywhere in his dissertation, I would like to suggest that the figures were placed with the parents of those who lost their children earlier in life, as their burials were separate from the others in the cemetery. It has been established that those from Isthmia believed in an afterlife. These miniatures could have been a connection to their kids once they had reached the afterlife. Many other types of non-ceramic articles where found as well, including jewelry, tools, and scarabs. One detail I found interesting was that there were no weapons found in any of the graves. This signifies a lack of combat and the potential that Isthmia was a peaceful society. Coins were also found, and one seashell was found as well. The fifth and largest section of his paper revolves around the grave index at Isthmia. O’Roark gives full details for every single grave found, including Type, Orientation, Dimensions, Skeleton, ect. While there is an incredible amount of information listed in the grave index, there isn’t much to discuss outside of the details. As mentioned earlier, many contain grave goods, some skeletal remains, assorted pottery and so on. In addition, O’Roark indicates which graves are children

He is especially thorough in his historical explanations of the time, in addition to the specific history of Isthmia himself. In general, I agree with what he is saying and even for what we disagree on, he makes a good and detailed case of why he feels the way he does. The only concept lacking from his interpretations is other aspects of the Isthmia site. From additional resources I have found, he leaves out details from the bathhouse, theatre, and the many specifics of the Poseidon temple. All of these considered, O’Roark’s work is well worth praise and acceptance from the classic archeology