Population flight: A forgotten aspect of Greek warfare in the sixth and fifth centuries B. C.

In this article, the author formulates a hypothesis about the fundamental importance of population flights during periods of war during the fifth and sixth centuries B. C., based on a critical evaluation of the reasons for the quick rebirth of Greek cities during the period whose populations had been sold into slavery, exiled, or killed. According to this hypothesis, population flights were one of the most essential elements of Greek warfare. When a threatened city was at a disadvantage, evacuations of property, women, children, and older men were carried out before the attack of enemy troops, leaving behind only those who were absolutely essential to an effective defence of the city. This was done to protect the most vulnerable part of the population, as well as to improve the chances for military success by reducing the supply difficulties posed by a long siege. When the city was large, wealthy, and well prepared for its defence, village dwellers also took refuge within its walls. On the other hand, when it was believed that the siege would end in defeat, the entire population was evacuated, and would remain outside its home city until the threat disappeared (e.g. the Persian repression after the Ionian revolt, Datis’ expedition); property, women, children, and old men would all be removed to a safe place, whilst men capable of bearing arms would attempt to defy the enemy in the most favourable circumstances possible (e.g. the Persian wars). The most extreme solution was to abandon the city and to establish new settlements far away from the territory under threat.     

Investigation of lime mortars and plasters from archaeological excavations in Hippos (Israel) using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance

This study presents the preliminary results of investigation of the lime mortars and plasters from archaeological excavations in Hippos (Israel), using Electron Paramagnetic Resonance (EPR) spectroscopy. The research was conducted in order to characterize the building material and its reaction to ionizing radiation. The ancient settlement Hippos, situated on the east shore of the Sea of Galilee, functioned from the 3^rd cent. BC until it was destroyed by the earthquake in 749 AD. Lime mortars and plasters show carbonate and locally gypsum character of binder and different kind of aggregate. Samples were γ-irradiated and measured using X-band EPR spectrometer. Computer Resolution Enhancement Method was applied to the complex spectra. Some of the γ-induced EPR signals were attributed to CO₂ ^? and CO₃ ^3? paramagnetic centres. Exponential growth of the dose response curve above 1 kGy and saturation for doses above 20 kGy was observed. For doses lower than 1 kGy the dose response curve has a linear character. The presence of γ-sensitive carbonate paramagnetic centres could indicate that, after further studies, well-chosen samples of mortars and plasters might be suitable for EPR dating, assuming the centres have been sufficiently bleached during the manufacturing process.     

Fiscal Reform,Policy, and Constraints during Transition in Poland

Two specialists on the Polish economy examine the process whereby the fiscal system of Poland's centrally planned economy was replaced during the 1990s by a system designed for a market economy. Changes in the structure of both revenues and expenditures are described. The authors demonstrate that fiscal authorities in Poland heretofore have maintained budget control despite radical changes in fiscal systems and institutions. However, they identify and assess emerging concerns regarding the ability of fiscal authorities to manage the economy in the face of external shocks, potential mismanagement of extra-budget expenditures such as social security, and increased debt-financing requirements. Journal of Economic Literature, Classification Numbers: E50, E60, H50, H60. 6 figures, 5 tables, 27 references.     

Holocene marine ingressions in the coastal zone of the pomeranian bay based on radiocarbon assays

In recent years, a team at the Geology and Paleogeography Unit, Marine Sciences Institute, University of Szczecin, has been performing geological, geochronological and paleogeographic surveys in (i) the Szczecin Lagoon and Świna Gate Sandbar and (ii) the estuary section of the Rega river valley near Mrzeżyno. These studies have helped to examine and identify not only the distribution of fossil marine sediments but also their lithological and sedimentological characteristics. The age of marine ingressions and regressions in the coastal zone of the Pomeranian Bay were determined using approximately 170 radiocarbon assays.