Dr JENNY WEBB 65th PUBLIC LECTURE SERIES

Value of the Information & Strength of the Argument

The lecture provides valuable insights into the archaeology of Bronze Age Cyprus, particularly the site of Lapithos. The speaker presents a compelling argument for the importance of re-examining old excavation records, demonstrating how archival research can transform our understanding of the past. The argumentation is solid, based on primary sources and material analysis, and the speaker effectively challenges previous interpretations with new evidence. The lecture is well-structured, moving from context to methodology to results, and the speaker’s expertise is evident throughout.

Scientific Rigor, Source Quality, Title Accuracy

The lecture demonstrates high scientific rigor. The speaker relies on primary archival documents, including Buckton’s notes, inventories, and photographs, and cross-references them with material analysis. She acknowledges the limitations of the data and the potential biases of the original excavators. The sources are clearly identified, and the speaker’s own publications and those of colleagues are mentioned. The title accurately reflects the content, as it is a public lecture on the speaker’s research. The lecture is well-referenced, though formal citations are not provided in the talk itself.

The title accurately reflects the content, as the lecture is part of a public lecture series and focuses on the speaker's research on Bronze Age Lapithos.

8/10

The lecture is delivered by a highly qualified archaeologist with extensive experience and publications. The content is based on primary archival research and material analysis, with clear methodology and acknowledgment of sources. Minor limitations include the lack of formal citations in the talk and the inherent uncertainties of interpreting old excavation records.

Markers derived by PSI from the transcript: the creator did not define chapters.

• 02:00Introduction of Dr. Jenny Webb by the host, highlighting her achievements and contributions to archaeology.
• 10:00Webb begins her talk, thanking colleagues and funding bodies, and outlines the structure of her presentation.
• 20:00Discussion of the geographical and historical context of Lapithos, emphasizing its strategic location on the north coast of Cyprus.
• 30:00Explanation of the problems with previous research on the Middle Bronze Age, including the lack of publication of early excavations.
• 40:00Detailed account of the 1913 excavation by Leonard Buckton, including his methods and the quality of his records.
• 50:00Webb discusses the archival materials, including plans, inventories, and photographs, and how they have been used to reconstruct the tomb groups.
• 1:00:00Presentation of the results of the project, including new insights into the Middle Bronze Age society and trade networks.
• 1:10:00Conclusion and acknowledgments, emphasizing the importance of publishing old excavations.

• Studies in Mediterranean Archaeology (SIMA) — Mentioned as the series edited by the speaker, which publishes archaeological research.
• Swedish Cyprus Expedition publications — Referenced as earlier publications on Cypriot archaeology, including the Middle Bronze Age volume by Paul Åström.
• Gjerstad's 'Studies in Prehistoric Cyprus' — Mentioned as a source that described the Lapithos tombs but was based on incomplete information.

• Webb, J. M. (2020). 'Lapithos: The 1913 Excavations' — The speaker's own publication on the 1913 excavations, which this lecture is based on.

• Åström, P. (1972). 'The Middle Cypriot Bronze Age' — Åström's earlier view of the Middle Bronze Age as a period of decline is challenged by the new evidence presented in this lecture.