Chapter 14 Why Alashiya is Still a Problem1
In: Overturning Certainties in Near Eastern ArchaeologySearch for other papers by Allan S. Gilbert in
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The mystery surrounding the location of the important second millennium bc kingdom of Alashiya has occupied researchers of the ancient Eastern Mediterranean for well over a century. One can say with some confidence that it was a small polity and possessed a harbor from which significant quantities of copper were shipped to various major Near Eastern states. There is little certainty about anything beyond that, especially with regard to its location, which many have assumed to be somewhere on the island of Cyprus based on historical assumptions. A scientific paper and book chapter on the subject published in 2003 and 2004, respectively, determined that Alashiya must lie somewhere on Cyprus, which has always been a principal candidate since it contains extensive copper deposits that were mined in antiquity. The authors of this study marshaled much evidence to make their case, relying substantially on earth science approaches (petrography and geochemistry) to bolster their identification. The present contribution will point out the weaknesses in their use of these methodologies, ultimately explaining that the specific evidence collected and interpretations offered by the authors have not conclusively eliminated any of the competing hypotheses relating to Alashiya’s whereabouts.