Beehives, Beekeeping, and the Landscapes of Antiquity

Finds of ceramic beekeeping equipment are now becoming fairly common across Greece; beehives, extension rings, and lids have been found on the mainland in Megaris, Attica, and Corinthia, and in many of the islands, including Crete and Keos, which both preserve large assemblages. The importance of bees, honey, and wax in antiquity is further reinforced by a large number of ancient written references on this subject.

This paper explores the information to be gained from ancient beehives and apiculture for reconstructing landscapes, learning about local/regional economies, and understanding ancient resource management strategies. Issues regarding the use of ancient beehives as an artifact class in modern archaeology are explored. The relationship between ancient and modern practices is also evaluated, and the validity of ancient testimonia is considered.