Technological insights into the ancient ceramic beehive production of Agathonisi island, Greece

• Micaceous clay with schist fragments fired to the initial vitrification.
• Two main chemical clusters based on CaO content.
• Functional ceramics with enhanced mechanical performance
• Production of functional pots similar to other Aegean archaeological sites
• Correlation with archaeological groups of similar petrographic fabrics

This work reports on the technological study of a unique group of ceramic beehives, discovered at the archaeological site of Kastraki, Agathonisi island (Tragaia) in South-east Aegean. Kastraki is an important late Hellenistic site, situated just off the Ionian coast, near Miletus. The island has a rich history in craft production as witnessed from the variety of findings, which besides the ceramic beehives include a large number of storage and transport amphorae, cooking vessels and agricultural tools. The present study examines ceramic microstructure, chemical and mineralogical composition of ceramic fragments and two samples of local clays, providing a first insight into the ceramic technology of Aegean beekeeping and honey production. Moreover, it is expected to contribute towards the understanding of the role of Agathonisi in the production and trade of commodities in the Eastern Aegean.