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4. ARCHAEOLOGICAL TESTS
The science of archaeology is assuming greater and greater importance since the beginning of the last century. Literary records do not go beyond 1000 B. C. Material relics in the forms of inscriptions, seals, tablets, paintings and architecture are the only guide in determining the picture of pre-historic cultures and civilizations. Archaeology is our best friend and guide in giving us that picture.
Material
Relics of Culture
Pottery provides the best evidence of the pattern of culture of a particular people. The change in the form and pattern of a particular pottery generally indicates a change of culture. As indicated earlier, Minyans were the first Aryan people to arrive in Greece. Fine greyware found of Greek archaeological sites has been termed by archaeologists as Minyan Ware. This Grey ware has been foud in the lowest layers of Troy VI which has been dated between 1500 and 1300 B. C. The Mycenaean period on the Greek mainland begins with the end of Middle Helladic and coincides with the Late Helladic culture. Late Helladic culture is dated Circa 1400 B. C. Greyware is found at the Mycenaean sites on the Greek Mainland.1
Greyware Pottery
Pattern
Tripolje culture is spread widely in the basins of the and Dnieper rivers. Sherds between period I & II' Circa
Sereth, Pruth, Dniester, Bug of Grey Ware have been found 1800 B. C.
Greyware like Minyan is also found contemporary to the Troy III finds at the Hittite Capital Boghaz-Keiu. Grey Wares technically allied to the Minyan are certainly
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