Typology of the built environment in Unit J2
Structures

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Synopsis

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Discussion

The structures of J2 are all related to the monumental access to the top of the temple terrace. The majority of the structures form a portion of the monumental access, while the remaining small curtain walls are part of the attempts to reclaim and reuse the access area.

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Walls

In J2 were documented several walls constructed for different functions and reveal different construction techniques.

The revetment wall constitutes a major architectural element along the southern edge of the temple terrace. In the area exposed, the wall attains a preserved height of approximately 3 m and a minimum width of three stone courses. It is constructed of roughly shaped fieldstones laid in regular courses and bonded with a mud-based mortar. Within the J2 excavation area, a 5 m-long segment of the wall was revealed. Stratigraphic and architectural continuity indicates that this section extends westward beyond the unit, where its upper courses remain visible in Units J3, J1, and J5. To the east, however, the wall terminates abruptly at the apron.

The monumental access, composed by the apron and staircase, is flanked east and west by two walls. Although they are similar in shape they have different construction techniques. The eastern wall is bonded to the staircase and has better shaped stones. It also extends up higher above the staircase. The southern end of the wall is buttressed to the west, The western flanking wall is thicker and built with rougher stones. It does not rise above the level of the apron but instead slopes up alongside the apron.

Curtain walls were built during the Mittani period both in front of the revetment wall and in front of the apron. These walls are generally 1-2 rows of stones high. They are composed of large stones placed in a line with the space between stones apparently filled with dirt.

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Stairs

There are two staircases in J2. They are both stone constructions that lead up from the Plaza to the top of the temple terrace.

The first staircase is not well understood as it is underneath the second staircase and has not been fully exposed. It is built with three stepped rows of rectangular stones.

The second staircase is constructed of limestone blocks. Each step is constructed of 2-4 stones. The stones are roughly rectangular in shape.

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Apron

There are two structures that are referred to as aprons in J2. The first apron is associated with the monumental access. The second apron is north of the revetment wall and rests on the temple terrace.

The first apron is a stepped structure constructed of large stones that are relatively flat. There are 14 steps until it reaches the top of the revetment wall and then the apron extends another 7 steps above the wall. When viewed in kite photographs the steps of the apron appear not to be parallel to the axis of the apron itself.

The second apron is constructed in a similar way to the first apron but it extends up the terrace from the top of the revetment wall. It has 10 steps with the lowest step just touching the top of the revetment wall.

Back to top: Typology of the built environment in Unit J2 Structures

Escarpment

A compacted layer, designated during excavation as escarpment, abuts the lowest courses of the revetment wall and slopes outward from its base. This feature appears to have been intentionally constructed as part of the wall’s engineering. Its primary function was likely to divert water away from the wall, thereby preventing erosion. This measure would have been particularly important given that the revetment wall lacks formal foundations and that the stones are bonded with mud mortar, a material highly susceptible to deterioration when exposed to moisture. An equivalent escarpment was documented at the base of the revetment wall in Area J1, indicating a consistent construction strategy.