From Neolithic to the Early Bronze Age Diffusion, Colonization and Marginality in Northern Aegean

Northwestern parts of Aegean, mainly the region around the Sea of Marmara is located at the meeting point of distinct cultural zones - the Aegean and the Balkans. Even though it bridges these regions, it is at the same time marginal to all of these regions. Nevertheless, the strategic location this region at the treshold of Europe, makes it indispensable in understanding the past relations between Anatolia and Southeastern Europe.

In spite of its significance, archaeologically the region around the Sea of Marmara had long been neglected; the lack of concrete data resulted in the formulation of hypothetical assumptions on the possible intersections that took place between these regions. Archaeological work taken up in this region during the last decade have revealed, for the first time, concrete evidence to infer on the cultural sequence of this region. At present it became at least clear that the cultural happenings that took place in this region was much more complex then as seen by all previous assumptions. The paper, following a brief presentation of the recent evidence of the excavations at Hoca Çesme, Toptepe, Asagi Pinar and Kanligeçit, will attempt making an overview on the changing trends in Thrace from Neolithic to the Bronze Age with a particular emphasis on the contradiction between diffusion and marginality.