Greek Artifacts > Perserschutt

Perserschutt

Background

"Perserschutt" is a German term that translates to "Persian debris" or "Persian rubble" in English. It refers to the archaeological layer of debris found at various ancient Greek sites, particularly in Athens, dating to the period of the Persian Wars in the early 5th century BCE.

Historical Context

During the Persian Wars (499–449 BCE), the Greek city-states, led by Athens and Sparta, fought against the invading Persian Empire, primarily under the rule of King Darius I and later his successor, Xerxes I. The most famous battles of the Persian Wars include the Battle of Marathon (490 BCE), the Battle of Thermopylae (480 BCE), and the naval Battle of Salamis (480 BCE).

Significance of Perserschutt

1. Symbol of Victory: The term "Perserschutt" specifically refers to the layers of destruction and debris left behind by the Persians during their campaigns in Greece. These layers are seen as tangible evidence of the Greek victory over the Persian invaders, particularly following decisive battles like the Battle of Marathon and the Battle of Salamis.

2. Archaeological Evidence: Archaeological excavations at sites such as Athens, Eleusis, and other locations in Greece have uncovered layers of burnt buildings, destroyed monuments, and other debris dating to the time of the Persian Wars. These findings provide valuable insights into the impact of the Persian invasions on Greek cities and the subsequent rebuilding efforts.

3. Cultural and Political Impact: The Persian Wars had a profound cultural and political impact on ancient Greece, shaping the collective identity of the Greek city-states and fostering a sense of unity and pride in their shared heritage. The Perserschutt serves as a reminder of the resilience and determination of the Greeks in the face of adversity.

4. Historiographical Importance: The Persian Wars were extensively documented by ancient historians such as Herodotus, Thucydides, and Xenophon, whose accounts provide valuable historical context for understanding the events and consequences of this period. The Perserschutt serves as archaeological evidence that corroborates and supplements these historical narratives.

Examples of Perserschutt

1. Acropolis of Athens: The most famous example of Perserschutt is found on the Acropolis of Athens, where archaeological excavations have revealed layers of debris dating to the Persian sack of the city in 480 BCE. The destruction of the Acropolis by the Persians led to the subsequent rebuilding and construction of the famous monuments such as the Parthenon.

2. Eleusis: The sanctuary of Eleusis, located near Athens, also contains layers of Perserschutt dating to the Persian Wars. Excavations at Eleusis have uncovered evidence of destruction and rebuilding associated with the Persian invasions.

Conclusion

The term "Perserschutt" encapsulates the archaeological evidence of the Persian invasions of Greece and their aftermath. It serves as a tangible reminder of the resilience of the Greek city-states and the enduring legacy of the Persian Wars in shaping the history and culture of ancient Greece.

Sources

Panagiotis Kavvadias, Georg Kawerau: Die Ausgrabung der Akropolis vom Jahre 1885 bis zum Jahre 1890, Athens, 1906

Jens Andreas Bundgaard: The Excavation of the Athenian Acropolis 1882-1990. The Original Drawings edited from the papers of Georg Kawerau, Copenhagen, 1974

Astrid Lindenlauf: Der Perserschutt auf der Athener Akropolis (Wolfram Hoepfner: Kult und Kultbauten auf der Akropolis, International Symposium, 7-9 July 1995, Berlin) Berlin, 1997, pp. 45–115

Martin Steskal: Der Zerstörungsbefund 480/79 der Athener Akropolis. Eine Fallstudie zum etablierten Chronologiegerüst, Antiquitates – Archäologische Forschungsergebnisse, Bd. 30. Verlag Dr. Kovač, Hamburg, 2004, ISBN 978-3-8300-1385-3.

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