Unit Book J5

The Mittani Staircase (Version 1a)

J5 synthetic View / Stratigraphy / Horizon

Horizons for Unit J5

James L. Walker – October 2024

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Introduction

horizon B.C. Urkesh name phases strata
Proto-literate 3400- Temple Terrace 2m 850
Proto-urban 2800-2500 Urban Growth 3d,3l,3m,3n,3p,3s 720-620
Mittani 1500-1365 Royal Sanctuary 7c,7f,7j,7m,7s,7z 190-120
Middle Assyrian 1330-1275 foreign 8m,8r 70-60
Modern 1275-present 9m,9p,9s 40-00

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Proto-literate

There is minmal evidence for this horizon in J5. It consists of a wall top and a sherd. However, in adjacent unit J1 there are several Late Chalcolithic walls and floors.

Excavations in this region have revealed substantial settlements from this horizon at Tell Leilan to the east and Tell Brak to the south.

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Proto-urban

The Early Dynastic horizon was an active one for Tell Mozan and construction was focused on the temple area. Walls, floors, escarpments and other structures were erected in front of a large plaza and were used in several phases. Substantial development occurred in units J1, J2, J3, J5, and J6. Ceremonial uses prevailed and there was scant evidence of domestic activity.

Gradually the plaza filled with naural accumulation and eventually the wall system itself was covered. Notably this process was quite gradual, occurring not only in this horizon but also during the Akkadian, Isin Larsa/UrIII and Khabur horizons.

Excavations in this region have revealed substantial settlements from this horizon at Tell Chuera to the west, Tell Brak to the south and Tell Leilan to the east.

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Mittani

There were a number of attempts during the Mittani horizon to protect and preserve the wall system built during the EDIII horizon. Finally these efforts were abandoned and a new temple complex entrance was constructed to the west. Accumulations continued to build until the new entrance was also covered.

Excavations in this region have revealed substantial settlements from this horizon at Tell Brak and Tell Bderi to the south and Tell Fakhariyah to the northwest.

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Middle Assyrian

Most of the evidence for occupation during the Middle Assyrian horizon comes from a ceramics corpus. There seems to have been little construction and no structures remain intact. One child burial has been attributed to this horizon.

Excavations in this region have revealed settlements from this horizon at Tell Barri and Tell Hamidiya to the south and Tell Fakhariyah to the northwest.

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Modern

Accumulations and other soil deposits dominate this horizon. There is no evidence of permanent activity.

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