Early Helladic II Pottery from Aegina-Kolonna

Research project P 14383 Early Helladic II Pottery from Aegina-Kolonna Stefan HILLER 06.03.2000 Alzheimer`s Disease (AD) is the most common dementia in our society. Given the gradual aging of our population and the fact that aging is a risk factor for AD, development of therapeutical strategies to prevent this disorder is of high priority. Epidemiological studies support the role of chronic inflammation and microglial activation in AD, showing that the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) might delay onset and slow the progression of the disease. However, our understanding of mechanism of NSAIDs is still sparse. This hampers their therapeutic use against AD. We recently found that inflammatory cytokines IL-1 , TNF and IFN induce amyloid beta (A ) production and also enhance cytotoxicity of A peptide, which offers a novel possibility regarding how inflammation may contribute to the neuropathology of AD. Based on our results showing the importance of cytokines in the stimulation of A production, we want to test which NSAIDs most effectively suppress cytokine stimulation. As inflammatory cytokines can contribute to A production and enhance its toxicity, we will also test if NSAIDs are able to overcome A production and toxicity. Results of our work will contribute to a better understanding of the hypothesised protective mechanisms of NSAIDs against AD and we hope to contribute to improved knowledge about anti-inflammatory based therapeutic approaches for the treatment of AD.

The excavations at Kap Kolonna on Aegina 1993-2001 brought numerous pottery deposits dating from Early and Middle Bronze Age. The Project aimed at a thorough analysis of the pottery contexts of the Early Helladic II period (2800-2300 BC), which is important for our knowledge of Early Bronze Age Greece. In all there exist about 340 relevant deposits from the excavations in the socalled prehistoric innercity of Aegina Kolonna with EH II pottery. They have been studied in a preliminary way to make certain the extend and special aspects of the contemplable pottery. An intensive scrutiny was undertaken from a part of the whole material (from 235 pottery lots). All sherds of these chosen deposits were sorted, classified, counted and weighted. The more diagnostic fragments and pots were photographed, drawn and filed for the catalogue and a new ceramic database. Descriptive statistics of all identified shapes, decoration systems and technical aspects were collected. All respective aspects were put in comprehensive lists. Thereby a first over all picture of the EH II pottery found in the new excavations became evident. A main result of the project is the systematic classification of all identified shapes, wares and technical features of the pottery. We attained a better understanding of the full formal spectrum and the ceramic development. At least 2 different phases can be distinguished according to stratigraphic observations and by formal analysis. Furthermore special aegenitan elements are in evidence, which distinguish the pottery production of Aegina from that of other regions of Greece. Since Aegina Kolonna is an outstanding center of Bronze Age Greece the results from our research project are of importance for the whole period in Greece.