e-Library (Version 1)

PROJECT PUBLICATIONS / Articles

ARTICLES BY STAFF MEMBERS

January 2025

Alphabetical list of articles (or even book chapters; see section “Books”) published by staff members using primary data provided by the Expedition. Where available, click on the date to see the printed copy in PDF format. If an online version is independently available, click on the appropriate link below the title (all titles are lastly accessed on 19/12/2019).

Information about each author can be easily found on page Authors index, by clicking on the word ‘Info’ placed after the authors’ surnames.

A brief summary of the content is provided after each bibliographical entry and in some cases wider abstracts are offered. In these abstracts, sized in paragraphs, some peculiar keywords or relevant passages are bolded to strees the topic of each section.

When a review of a publication is available, it is indicated within curly brackets, with the link to the review itself.

All bibliographical entries are contained in this single file, which is sorted alphabetically by the name of the author(s). Please refer to the left side bar as a jump-off point for the retrieval of given items.

A separate file lists the entries chronologically.

Another separate file lists the entries in an alphabetical order, with only the name of the author and a short mention of the title.

NOTE:

the “chain-like”/hyperlink symbol () at the left of each bibliographical entry provides, by hovering the mouse cursor over it, the hyperlink to that very entry.

Total entries: 82.

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Bonetti, Sophie ; Giorgio Buccellati

2003

“Conservation at the Core of Archaeological Strategy: The Case of Ancient Urkesh at Tell Mozan”
Conservation, The Getty Conservation Institute Newsletter 18, pp. 18-21

A new concept of ‘conservation’ is presented in this paper, describing innovative conservation technique adopted at Tell Mozan. To fulfil this goal, a strict relationship and collaboration between archaeologists, restorers, and conservators is developed.

Alternative online version

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

Buccellati, Federico

1998

“3-D Rendering and Animation at Tell Mozan/Urkesh”
in Buccellati, Giorgio & Kelly-Buccellati, Marilyn (eds), Urkesh and the Hurrians
Urkesh/Mozan Studies 3 = Bibliotheca Mesopotamica 26
Malibu: Undena Publications, pp. 51-62

New technologies (such as CAD and XRF) can be applied on fiel dand laboratory to achieve a better analysis of both architectural remains and archaeological artefacts. As for structures, 3D renderings can provide archaeologists with a full volumetrical reconstruction of ancient buildings and 3D pictures support an in-depth study of objects and finds, also allowing a more ‘readable’ view on structures and artefacts.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2010

“The Monumental Temple Terrace at Urkesh and its Setting”
in Becker, J.; Hempelmann, R. and Rehm, E. (eds), Kulturlandschaft Syrien- Zentrum und Peripherie. Festschrift für Jan-Waalke Meyer
AOAT 371
Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, pp. 71-85

“The temple terrace at Tell Mozan is one of the most impressive structures discovered to date in third millennium Syria” (p. 71). The temple Terrace at Urkesh [see here an overview] overview consists of a high terrace with a sloped ramp, a central plaza [see JP] JP, a revetment three meter high stone wall and a stone staircase [see J2] J2.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2012

“Wie wird ein Palast gebaut und warum?”
Trümpler, Charlotte & Breunig, Peter (eds), Werte im Wiederstreit – Von Bräuten, Muscheln, Geld und Kupfer [Ausstellungskatalog Wiesbaden]
Frankfurt am Main: Goethe Universität, pp. 31-34

Urkesh’s history (presenting ensured remains from at least 3300 BC to 1400 BC, with an acme between 2400 and 1800 BC) can be investigated through the analysis of its buildings: one of the major structures (analysed in this contribution) is indeed the Royal Palace Royal Palace, built by Tupkish around 2250 BC.

This paper is based on a PhD research PhD research entitled Three-dimensional Volumetric Analysis in an Archaeological Context (Goethe University, Frankfurt; tutor: Prof. Dr. J.-W. Meyer; defended in 2014).

The history of the excavations within this area is briefly summarized and the major discoveries (mostly the glyptic evidence) are presented [see, briefly, Seals and seal impressions]Seals and seal impressions.

The structure of the Palace is described in detail (presenting 3D renderings) and an ethnographic interpretation of its function(s), basically as a storage place and a ceremonial space, is sketched out.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2012

“Wie wird ein Palast gebaut und warum?”
in Trümpler, Charlotte & Breunig, Peter (eds), Werte im Wiederstreit – Von Bräuten, Muscheln, Geld und Kupfer [Ausstellungskatalog Wiesbaden]
Frankfurt am Main: Goethe Universität, pp. 31-34

Urkesh’s history (presenting ensured remains from at least 3300 BC to 1400 BC, with an acme between 2400 and 1800 BC) can be investigated through the analysis of its buildings: one of the major structures (analysed in this contribution) is indeed the Royal Palace Royal Palace, built by Tupkish around 2250 BC.

This paper is based on a PhD research PhD research entitled Three-dimensional Volumetric Analysis in an Archaeological Context (Goethe University, Frankfurt; tutor: Prof. Dr. J.-W. Meyer; defended in 2014).

The history of the excavations within this area is briefly summarized and the major discoveries (mostly the glyptic evidence) are presented [see, briefly, Seals and seal impressions]Seals and seal impressions.

The structure of the Palace is described in detail (presenting 3D renderings) and an ethnographic interpretation of its function(s), basically as a storage place and a ceremonial space, is sketched out.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2014

“Diachronic Developments at the Central Monumental Complex of Ancient Urkesh (Tell Mozan)”
in Bieliński, Piotr; Gawlikowski, Michał; Koliński, Rafał; Ławecka, Dorota; Sołtysiak, Arkadiusz & Wygnańska, Zuzanna (eds), Proceedings of the 8^th International Congress on the Archaeology of the Ancient Near East. 30 April - 4 May 2012, University of Warsaw. Volume 1: Plenary Sessions, Township and Villages, High and Low. The Minor Arts for the Elite and for the Populace
Wiesbaden: Harrasowitz Verlag, pp. 313-319

The monumental complex at Urkesh, developed during the fourth and the third millennium BC and represented by the construction of the Temple Terrace (with Temple BA Temple BA, at the same time of Palace AP Palace AP ), which “became a landmark for the region” (p. 313).

After the introduction (paragraph I) and the presentation of the chronological timespan (paragraph II), the author describes the geography, the environs and the hinterland (paragraph III), while paragraph IV focuses on the city walls and the AP Palace; instead, paragraph V describes the Temple Terrace and paragraph VI is devoted to the examination of the sealings from the Royal Palace (those belonging to king Tupkish Tupkish, to queen Uqnitum Uqnitum and other courtiers courtiers, specifically the nurse Zamena and the cook Tuli).

The conclusions (paragraph VII) sketch the importance of analysing the urban and the rural environments together (as a whole entity), describing the function of the sealings and their relationship between urban and rural areas.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2014

“Understanding Households – A Few Thoughts”
in Buccellati, Federico; Helms, T. & Tamm, A. (eds), Houses and Households in Ancient Mesopotamia
Oxford: Archaeopress, pp. 35-42

“Clearly the multivariate role that a house plays in society is very difficult, if not impossible, to identify from the archaeological context, and yet many attempts have been made, with quite a bit of success” (p. 35).

The understanding of the ancient concept and reality of household is for sure a tricky point in the archaeological thought. Because archaeologists deal with a ‘broken tradition’ [for this topic, see G. Buccellati, CAR, Broken tradition]G.Buccellati,CAR,Broken tradition, the reconstruction of the ancient meaning of a fact or of an archaeological entity is a slippery floor.

Nevertheless, the author proposes in this contribution some useful multidisciplinary approaches, such as ‘ethnographic analogy’, ‘ethnoarchaeological comparison’ and ‘landscape archaeology’. In detail, the author presents the specimen of the ‘Fortress of Elephant Hunter’ (in Burkina Faso): of this structure, F. Buccellati discusses the construction practices, the building phases, the function and context and (more generically) the rooftops, the gardens and farmland, the graves and the altars connected the aforementioned building.

A topic introduced in the paper also deals with the relationship between urban and rural spaces [for which see Liverani, M. Reconstructing the Rural Landscape of the Ancient Near East, “JESHO” 39/1 (1996), pp. 1-41 (JSTOR)] Liverani, M. Reconstructing the Rural Landscape of the Ancient Near East, “JESHO” 39/1 (1996), pp. 1-41 (JSTOR) a thematic very important also in studying ancient Urkesh’s landscape and society.

In the conclusions, the author stresses how the Burkina Faso example “presents archaeologists with an interesting study of the relationships between people and material culture” and how “the analysis of the Fortress presents a series of detailed case studies into the relationship between people and objects which can aid archaeologists in forming their own hypotheses regarding material coming from the archaeological record” (p. 41).

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2019

“Perception in Palatial Architecture: The Case of the AP Palace at Urkesh”
in Bietak, Manfred; Matthiae, Paolo & Prell, Silvia (eds), Ancient Egyptian and Ancient Near Eastern Palaces. Volume II. Proceedings of a Workshop held at the 10^th ICAANE in Vienna, 25-26 April 2016
CAENL 8
Wiesbaden: Harrasowitz Verlag, pp. 31-40

This paper contributes in providing a description on how the perception of architecture can be retrieved and understood on the base of the archaeological and architectonical evidence. The author offers a ‘perceptional description’ of the Royal Palace AP at Urkesh, underlining how it was a focal point in the landscape of Urkesh, with specific functional issues, such as the storage of materials and the public displaying of the royal power.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

Buccellati, Federico ; Nicolò Dell’Unto ; Maurizio Forte

2005

“The Tell Mozan/Urkesh Archaeological Project: an Integrated Approach of Spatial Technologies”
in Forte, Maurizio (ed.), The Reconstruction of Archaeological Landscapes through Digital Technologies
Oxford: BAR International, pp. 171-183

This paper presents the application of new technologies in the study of archaeological remains (mostly structures).

After an introduction about Urkesh (paragraph 1) and its geography and history (paragraph 2), stressing the importance of the Royal Palace [see The Royal Palace Seals and seal impressions] for the recognition of the Hurrian identity of Urkesh’s inhabitants, the author describes the conservation strategy applied for the preservation of the Royal Palace (paragraph 3) [see Preservation Record and Buccellati 2006 Buccellati 2006], explaining the usefulness of such a publishing approach.

Paragraph 6 defines the benefits of using digital technologies (mostly 3D renderings and reconstructions), allowing to (re)create a ‘virtual heritage’, outlined as “the digital information derived by perception, interpretation, learning, knowledge, communication of a cultural item; […] the virtual heritage [considered as] an ontology of the cultural heritage” (p. 175); the paragraph further investigates the modern technologies usually applied in archaeology.

Paragraph 7 relates with ‘Remote Sensing Applications’, offering “the reconstruction of a spatial virtual reality system dedicated to the investigation of the ancient Urkesh” (p. 176) [Figs. 6-8 displays respectively a Corona imagery, a Landsat 7 ETM 8 bands imagery and a SPOT Panchromatic imagery of Urkesh].

Paragraph 8 describes the use of LandStar-DGPS, “a satellite delivered GPS correction service providing 24 hour accurate and reliable real time precise positioning on land” (p. 178).

Paragraph 9 discusses the virtual reconstruction of the archaeological landscape within a diachronic interpretation of the territory.

Paragraph 10 reports photo modelling techniques used at Urkesh, while paragraph 11 give an account of the digital processing system.

Paragraph 12 relies with two case studies (the Royal Palace and a Hurrian tablet), testing the potentiality of the aforementioned techniques on both a macro and micro scale context.

The conclusions (paragraph 13) summarize the possible development of this system and its remarkable features: 1) the portability of the system; 2) a desktop virtual reality; 3) the development of a timeline of the site; 4) 3D renderings of both structures and finds (and the creation of a 3D archaeological, spatial georeferenced, environment; 5) a cultural and methodological contextualization; 6) simulations of an artificial ancient environment; 7) the multimedia and upgradeability of the system; 8) a friendly interface for scientific communication and edutainment; 9) fast time in data dissemination; 10) the accessibility of heterogeneous data in the same environment.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

Buccellati, Giorgio

1990

“River Bank,’ ‘High Country’ and ‘Pasture Land’: The Growth of Nomadism on the Middle Euphrates and the Khabur”
in Eichler, S., Wäfler, M. and Warburton, D. (eds), Tell al-Hamidiyah 2
Göttingen: Vandenhoek & Ruprecht, pp. 87-117

The history of ancient Khabur region is displayed and discussed in this paper, focusing on some of the most relevant sites in the area (included Urkesh), taking into account both the archaeological and the textual evidence, hinting to a re-definition of the concept and the practical realization of ‘nomadism’ in ancient Northern Syria.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1997

“Syria in the Bronze Age”
in Dever, W.G., Meyers, C.L., Muhly, J.D., Pardee, D. and Sauer, J.A. (eds), The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archeology in the Near East, Vol. 5
New York-Oxford: Oxford University Press, pp. 126-131

A short introduction to the Syrian archaeology in the Bronze Age.

– Marco De Pietri, 2022

1998

“Urkesh as Tell Mozan: Profiles of the Ancient City”
in Buccellati, Giorgio and Kelly-Buccellati, Marilyn (eds), Urkesh and the Hurrians
Urkesh Mozan Studies 3
Bibliotheca Mesopotamica 26
Malibu: Undena Publications, pp. 11-34

The author sketches in this paper an overview on the basic topographical display of ancient Urkesh, defining the position of the major structures and discussing the expansion of the city from the core to its periphery, outlining some wider insediamental traits in the area of Tell Mozan.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1998

“Urkesh and the Question of Early Hurrian Urbanism”
in Hudson, M. and Levine, B.A. (eds), Urbanization and Land Ownership in the Ancient Near East
7
Cambridge: Peabody Museum of Archaeology and Ethnography/Harvard University, pp. 229-250

T.: Silver
T.: Ages

The basic urbanization mechanisms at Urkesh are presented in this contribution, focusing on the development during time of a more complex social situation, based on the Palace institution. Comparisons with other adjacent towns are offered, complemented with quotations from textual sources (mostly of the mythological genre), such as the Myth of Silver.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1999

“The Royal Storehouse of Urkesh”
in Fortin, Michael (ed.), Syria, Land of Civilizations
Quebec: Musée de la Civilization, p. 170

A brief but effective description of the system of the Royal Storehouse of Urkesh, specifically focusing on the function of sealing practices at the site.

– Marco De Pietri, 2021

2000

“La figlia di Naram-Sin”
Urkesh Folio 1, with 6 plates

The sealings from Urkesh belonging to the daugther of Naram-Sin, Tar’am-Agade are the topic of the present contribution. Their discovery places Urkesh a one of the most important city of the second-half of the third millennium BC, when the royal family of Urkesh strenghted his power by means of a dynastic and wedding alliance with the Akkadian Empire.

Italian Version

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2000

“Urkesh: archeologia, conservazione e restauro”
Kermes 13, pp. 41-48

Restoration techniques newly developed at Tell Mozan for the conservation of ancient buildings are here presented and discussed, underlining the usefulness of this system both for scholars studying the site and for visitors or tourists visiting its ancient remains.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2002

“Beyond Clay and Beyond Paper”
Backdirt, Fall 2002/Winter 2003, pp. 4-5

The paper briefly describes how the development at Tell Mozan of the ‘Urkesh Global Record’ digital system deeply contributed in the recording and diffusion of data through the web, including the site within a modern ‘digital thought’ of archaeology.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2003

“A LU E School Tablet from the Service Quarter of the Royal Palace AP at Urkesh”
Journal of Cuneiform Studies 55, pp. 45-48

The tablet labelled as A1j1, found in 1992 campaign at Urkesh and reporting a LU E school text, is presented in this contribution, comparing this item with other specimens found elsewhere.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2004

“Review of: ‘Anonymus (ed.) 2000, La civiltà dei Hurriti. La parola del passato. Rivista di studi antichi 55 Napoli: Gaetano Macchiaroli, pp. 424’“
Die Welt des Orients, pp. 209-214

This review provides the reader with a specific comment on a monography entirely devoted to the topic of the Hurrians’ ethnical definition, collecting information and suggestion from papers by many authors (mostly Giorgieri, Pecorella and Salvini).

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2005

“The Monumental Urban Complex at Urkesh”
Studies on the Civilization and Culture of the Nuzi and the Hurrians 15
General Studies and Excavations at Nuzi 11/1, pp. 3-28

The purpose of this paper is the publication of the outcomings of the 16^th excavation season at Tell Mozan (2003) focused on the exploration of the monumental urban complex of the ancient city of Urkesh, underlining the importance of some peculiar structures, such as the necromantic pit intended by archaeologists as a KASKAL.KUR.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2005

“The Perception of Function and the Prehistory of the State in Syro-Mesopotamia”
in Dillon, Brian D. and Bost, Matthew A. (eds), Archaeology Without Limits. Papers in Honor of Clement W. Meighan
Lancaster (California): Labyrinthos, pp. 481-492

Urban revolution and its role towards the development of hurban society in ancient Northern Syria are discussed in this paper, retracing the different steps of this phaenomenon and analyzing its social impact on inhabitants and the general regional framework.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2006

“An Archaeologist on Mars”
in Gitin, Seymour, Wright, J. Edward and Dessel, J.P. (eds), Confronting the Past. Archaeological and Historical Essays on Ancient Israel in Honor of William G. Dever
Winona Lake, Indiana: Eisenbrauns, pp. 17-21

The problem of interpretation of archaeological remains is the core topic of this contribution, discussing on the perspective that any archaeologist has to apply both on the field and in the later post-excavation process. Culture is here defined as an entity nneding for a proper understanding by both specialists and common visitors, being able to re-link the archaeological remains with their original ‘broken tradition’.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2006

“A Browser Edition of the Royal Palace of Urkesh: Principles and Presuppositions”
in Butterlin, P. et al. (eds), Les espaces syro-mésopotamiens: dimensions de l’experience humaine au proche-orient ancien : volume d’hommage offert à Jean-Claude Margueron
Turnhout: Brepols, pp. 49-55

The recording system for data from Tell Mozan’s excavation bases on a digital perspective structured within the frame of the so-called ‘Urkesh Global Record’, a ‘browser edition’ set up by means of a specific ‘grammar’ and of a ‘structured fluidity’ of the archaeological record.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2006

“Conservation qua Archaeology at Tell Mozan/Urkesh”
in Agnew, N. and Bridgland, J. (eds), Of the Past, for the Future: Integrating Archaeology and Conservation, Proceedings of the Conservation Theme at the 5^th World Archaeological Congress, Washington D.C. 22-26 June 2003
Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, pp. 73-81

The destructive nature of the archaeological work needs for the development of proper registration of data and the following conservation of the uncovered structures. The innovative conservation system firstly applied at Urkesh is here deeply described, stressing the benefits of this new setup of the archaeological site, perceived as an archaeological park as a whole.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2006

“Presentation and Interpretation of Archaeological Sites: the Case of Tell Mozan, Ancient Urkesh”
in Agnew, N. and Bridgland, J. (eds), Of the Past, for the Future: Integrating Archaeology and Conservation, Proceedings of the Conservation Theme at the 5^th World Archaeological Congress, Washington D.C. 22-26 June 2003
Los Angeles: The Getty Conservation Institute, pp. 152-156

After the proper excavation process, archaeologists are required to act towards two goals: the interpretation and preservation of the excavated structures and material and the presentation of the site to the wider public of scholars and tourists. The different strategies of preservation and presentation of Tell Mozan are here briefly outlined.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2008

“Mozan as Urkesh: Archaeology in the Making”
in Butterlin, P. et al. (eds), Les espaces syro-mésopotamiens: dimensions de l’experience humaine au proche-orient ancien : volume d’hommage offert à Jean-Claude Margueron
Turnhout: Brepols, pp. 49-55

A general introduction about Urkesh/Tell Mozan as a Hurrian archaeological site.

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

2009

“An Architectural ‘Logogram’ at Urkesh?”
in Negri Scafa, Paola and Viaggio, S. (eds), Dallo Stirone al Tigri. Dal Tevere all’Eufrate. Studi in onore di Claudio Saporetti
Roma: Aracne, pp. 23-29

The interpretation of ancient remains under a proper archaeological view does imply also the definition of some patterned structures connected to ancient culture’s language: in this case, a specific ‘logogram’ related to the Sumerian sign for ‘mountain’ (KUR) was detected on actual walls of the precint of Urkesh’s temple.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2010

“The Semiotics of Ethnicity: The Case of Hurrian Urkesh”
in Fincke, J.C. (ed.), Festschrift für Gernot Wilhelm
Dresden: ISLET, pp. 79-90

The definition of ethnicity is always a difficult task and even more in the case of the identification of a Hurrian ethnical pattern; this topic is deeply investigated in this paper, aiming to define ethnicity on the base of actual, verified archaeological and cultural elements.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2010

“The Urkesh Temple Terrace: Function and Perception”
in Becker, J., Hempelmann, R. and Rehm, E. (eds), Kulturlandschaft Syrien - Zentrum und Peripherie - Festschrift für Jan-Waalke Meyer
AOAT 371
Münster: Ugarit-Verlag, pp. 87-121

The structure and the function of Urkesh’s Temple Terrace is widely analysed in the present contribution, aiming to define the limits and features of ancient perception on this monumental structures.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2012

“Coerenza e storia. La Mesopotamia nell’ottica storiografica di ‘Ordine e Storia’: Istituzioni politiche, trasmissione del pensiero e percezione dell’assoluto”
in Buccellati, Giorgio et al. (eds), Prima della Filosofia
Milano: Vita e Pensiero, pp. 113-124

The self-consciousness of ancient human being is here re-actualized on the base of both the ‘urban revolution’ and of the development of a religious ‘perception of the absolute’, which occurred after (and thanks to) the invention/diffusion of writing, perceived as a reification of the reality.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2012

“The Floodwaters of Urkesh and the Structural Coherence of the Urkesh Temple Complex”
in Quenet, P. and al-Maqdissi, M. (eds), “L’Heure immobile”. Entre Ciel et Terre. Mélanges en l’honneur d’Antoine Souleiman
Subartu 31, pp. 21-33

A description of the central Temple Terrace of Urkesh, focusing on architectonical elements and on the structural features of the entire sacral complex. The history of occupation and use of the top-mound as a sacral place is then sketched in detail.

Alternative online version (Academia.edu)

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2013

“When were the Hurrians Hurrian? The persistence of ethnicity in Urkesh”
in Aruz, J., Graff, S. and Rakic, Y. (eds), Cultures in Contact
New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, pp. 84-95

The definition of Hurrian ethnicity is the topic of this paper, aimed to define the geographical and chronological framework of the beginning of the Hurrian identity and cultural perception as specific people. Both archaeological and textual elements help in sketching the borders and the paths of the process which led to the definition in antiquity of ‘Hurrians as Hurrian’, determining specific and objective clusters which also involved a peculiar role of Urkesh.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2014

“Courage among the Ruins: A Sustainable Conservation Program in Time of War”
Backdirt, December 2014, pp. 102-112

This paper aims at defining how archaeologists’ responsibility involves also (and probably mostly) the inclusion and valorization of the local community living nearby the ancient site of Urkesh; moreover, the current war-situation in Syria needs for new strategies of courage and braveness to maintaining the contacts with the local community of Tell Mozan, towards an increasing sense of involvement and mutual responsibility.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2014

“Konservierung der archäologischen Stätte Urkesh”
in Antike Welt. Zeitschrift für Archäologie und Kulturgeschichte [online journal].

The interpretation and presentation of the archaeological site of Urkesh are here discussed from the very beginning of the discovery to the current strategies of conservation and valorization, underlining the innovation of the browser edition of archaeological data and the innovative preservation system for architectural remains.

Alternative online version

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2015

“L’archeologia come presenza morale a Tell Mozan in Siria”
Bollettino dell’Associazione Archeologica Ticinese 27, pp. 20-25

In a period of war, archaeology can represent an effective link between local communities in Syria and the entire world: thanks to the promotion of local involvement and the valorization of local crafting manufacture, today, the community of Tell Mozan deeply contributes to the conservation and the presentation of the site, towards a new vitality and a constant hope for the future.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2015

“Tensional factors and compositional analysis: Crossovers between linguistics and art criticism”
in Ciafardoni, P. and Giannessi, D. (eds), From the Treasures of Syria
Leiden: Nederlands Instituut voor het Nabije Oosten, pp. 289-298

Linguistic analysis and archaeological data can be usefully linked and can communicate towards an effective shaping of ancient cultural features. ‘Tensionality’ represents here a key-point of this interpretative system, based on both linguistic and iconographic floors.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2016

“Urkesh: For a Semiotics of the Hurrian Sacred”
in Matthiae, P. and D’Andrea, M. (eds.), Ebla e la Siria dall’età del Bronzo all’età del Ferro
Accademia Nazionale dei Lincei: Atti dei convegni Lincei 304
Roma: Bardi Edizioni, pp. 117-135

The particularity of the morphological organization of the sacred urban space can be understood in the light of an understanding of the forms as signs of an equally coherent religious vision, one that contrasts deeply with that of the Mesopotamian south, in spite of the partial similarity of forms. The glyptics of the royal court displays a naturalistic style that, by setting itself off from the religious sphere, enhances the latter’s distinctiveness. The Temple Terrace is a mountain in ways that match the concept embodied in the southern ziggurat and yet differs sharply from it: it is the urban echo of a landscape that remains alive in the conscience of the people, in ways that contrast with the highly stylized southern realizations. The abi reflects a conception of the divine that is based on the close interaction of a one to one relationship: it is the sign of a conduit to the absolute that the southerners explicitly eschewed, in favor of a conception based on the recurrence of patterns. The coherence of the outward forms, and their longevity, are thus rooted in their association with values of which these forms are the outward signs. The sometimes nebulous concept of ethnic identity emerges here with clear and explicit formal traits (author’s abstract on p. 117).

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

2017

“Iconology in the Light of Archaeological Reason”
in Avestisyan, Pavel S. and Grekyan, Yervand H. (eds), Bridging Times and Spaces: Papers in Ancient Near Eastern, Mediterranean and Armenian Studies: Honouring Gregory E. Areshian On the Occasion of His Sixty-Fifth Birthday
Oxford: Archaeopress, pp. 49-60 [eISBN: 978-1-78491-700-5]

The thrust of the iconological approach was to identify a unifying point of reference behind the formal details of iconography. This can help us approach cultural traditions for which there are no longer any living carriers. ‘Archaeological reason’ defines the conditions of possibility for reaching behind the gap and suggests ways to re-appropriate the lost experience. In this way we develop a semiotics that can be controlled formally, particularly through distributional and perceptual analysis (Author’s abstract).

– Marco De Pietri, 2022

2018

“A Children’s Hermeneutics”
Backdirt, December, pp. 32-37

In time of war (any war and anytime), children need to be perceived as a focus for any human being: under this respect, also an archaeologist has to ask how to behave and to contribute to the benefits of children in local communities affected by political and military conflicts. A concrete example is here presented, i.e. the involving of children from Italy and Tell Mozan in a ‘dialogue program’, exchanging ideas on themes such as ‘heritage’ and ‘identity’. A simple (but brave) way of fighting war and sharing hope.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2019

“The First Gilgamesh. Conjectures About the Earliest Epic”
in Avetisyan, Pavel S.; Dan, Roberto and Grekyan, Yervand H. (eds), Over the Mountains and Far Away. Studies in Near Eastern history and archaeology presented to Mirjo Salvini on the occasion of his 80th birthday
Oxford: Archaeopress, pp. 114-119

Out of the elements of the Sumerian cycle about Gilgamesh, a complex new epic was fashioned at the high point of the Akkadian period. The paper argues in favor of such a high date for the first composition of the epic as a literary whole, and situates it in the context of the Akkadian imperial experiment” (author’s abstract). – As for Urkesh, the author displays a plaque (A7.36) depicting the friendly encounter between Gilgamesh and Enkidu.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2019

“Persistence of Tradition at Urkesh. The Temple Terrace from Protoliterate to Mittani”
in Aa. Vv. (eds), Caucasian Mountains and Mesopotamian Steppe. On the Dawn of the Bronze Age. Festschrift in Honour of Rauf M. Munchaev’s 90th Birthday
Moscow: ИАРАН, pp. 340-354

The Temple Terrace of Urkesh had an extremely long history, spanning over more than two millennia. This is surprising because the structure, while monumental in scope, presents several features that are relatively ephemeral in nature, and could have been preserved only through special care and maintenance. The article outlines the configuration of the Temple Terrace, highlighting its structural make-up and coherence, which allowed for incidental changes in its component parts – until the moment, in its final century, when the structure itself was affected by a more radical change. Possible reasons are suggested that may explain this cultural phenomenon” (author’s abstract).

– Marco De Pietri, 2021

2019

“From Urkesh to Mozan. The itinerary of a project in wartime”
in Pieńkowska, A.; Szeląg, D. and Zych, I. (eds), Stories told around the fountain. Papers offered to Piotr Bieliński on the occasion of his 70th birthday
Warsaw: University of Warsaw Press; PCMA UW., pp. 187-204

Building on a long experience with community engagement in prewar times, the Urkesh Extended Project has faced the problems caused by the current war in Syria by expanding the range of its activities and involving on many different levels the local communities. Here I touch first on a theoretical consideration: the notion of territorial legacy as linking the modern with the ancient inhabitants of the area of ancient Urkesh. I then illustrate two particular aspects of our work, namely, conservation and site presentation: both continued unabated during the war, and were even expanded. The response of the local people has been a major measure of success, with large numbers of visitors still coming to the site for a surprising form of war tourism” (author’s abstract).

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2020

“Degrees of Digitality. The Case of Excavation Reports”
in Cholidis, Nadja; Katzy, Elisabeth and Kulemann-Ossen, Sabina (eds), Zwischen Ausgrabung und Ausstellung. Beiträge zur Archäologie Vorderasiens. Festschrift für Lutz Martin, marru: Studien zur Vorderasiatischen Archäologie, Vol. 9
Münster: Zaphon, pp. 247-258 [ISBN 978-3-96327-108-3 (Book) / ISBN 978-3-96327-109-0 (E-Book)]

This paper presents many issues concerning the topic of digital publication of an excavation report. After a discussion about the very concept of “digital” and conceptual digitality, involving themes such as those of categorization and exo- and endogenous dimension of digitality (static vs. dynamic), the author moves to the presetation of the case of a browser edition offering as an example that of the Urkesh Global Record (UGR) [see here for a video on this topic]; this system allows to reach a better and dynamic data gathering, leading to this final conclusion: “Thus it is that the question of digitality becomes imperative for data gathering more than in perhaps any other case, given the necessity of having a system that maintains every single observation ever made during the excavation process. True digitality becomes then an issue that goes well beyond theory and abstraction, and becomes instead a most concrete imperative for keeping the archaeological process within the framework of an arguable analytical process” (p. 255).

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

Buccellati, Giorgio ; Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati

2023

“The Density of Types and the Dignity of the Fragment. A website approach to archaeological typology”
Zenodo, 7743834, version 4 [Peer-reviewed and Recommended by Peer Community in Archaeology]

«Typology hinges on categorization, and the two main axes of categorization are the roster and the lexicon: the first defines elements from an -emic, and the second from an (e)-tic point of view, i.e., as a closed or an open system, respectively. Archaeology poses a special problem with regard to the -emic dimension, since it deals essentially with broken traditions, i.e., with cultural wholes for which there are no living carriers. Dealing with this problem entails that one should engage in a very intensive type of distributional analysis, where density plays a major role. – Having so defined the universe of data, we deal with the question of how best to articulate and communicate the results. We propose in this regard the use of the website as a privileged epistemic system, one that allows to preserve the dignity of the fragment in its singularity while at the same time offering a full-fledged representation of the larger typological classes. The notion of digital discourse makes it possible to integrate the data within the flow of a coherent multi-planar argument. – The paper explains these principles using concrete evidence from Urkesh, one of the earliest known urban sites in Syro-Mesopotamia, with an excavated ceramic record of close to one million items» [Authors’ abstract].

– Marco De Pietri, 2025

forth.

“The Density of Types and the Dignity of the Fragment. A website approach to archaeological typology”
in Plutniak, S., S.T. Hussain & F. Riede (eds.), Between variability and singularity: crossing theoretical, qualitative and computer-based approaches to types and typologies in archaeology
Leiden: Sidestone

«Typology hinges on categorization, and the two main axes of categorization are the roster and the lexicon: the first defines elements from an -emic, and the second from an (e)-tic point of view, i.e., as a closed or an open system, respectively. Archaeology poses a special problem with regard to the -emic dimension, since it deals essentially with broken traditions, i.e., with cultural wholes for which there are no living carriers. Dealing with this problem entails that one should engage in a very intensive type of distributional analysis, where density plays a major role. – Having so defined the universe of data, we deal with the question of how best to articulate and communicate the results. We propose in this regard the use of the website as a privileged epistemic system, one that allows to preserve the dignity of the fragment in its singularity while at the same time offering a full-fledged representation of the larger typological classes. The notion of digital discourse makes it possible to integrate the data within the flow of a coherent multi-planar argument. – The paper explains these principles using concrete evidence from Urkesh, one of the earliest known urban sites in Syro-Mesopotamia, with an excavated ceramic record of close to one million items» [Authors’ abstract].

– Marco De Pietri, 2025

1988

“1. Introduction”
in Buccellati, Giorgio and Kelly-Buccellati, Marilyn (eds), The Soundings of the First Two Seasons
Mozan 1
Bibliotheca Mesopotamica 20
Malibu: Undena Publications, pp. 21-28

In this Introduction, G. Buccellati and M. Kelly-Buccellati retrace the paths towards the discovery of Tell Mozan and the later recognition in it of the ancient city of Urkesh: “Tell Mozan is a major site in the piedmont area of Northern Syria, just below the mountain passes which lead to the Tur-Abdin range and the Turkish plateau. In spite of its size and its accessibility (practically on the main road between Amuda and Qamishli), it has escaped the attention it deserves” (p. 21).

– Marco De Pietri, 2023

1988

5. Soundings on the High Mound - Introduction,(with a contribution by G.L. Bunnens and A. Roobaert)
in Buccellati, Giorgio and Kelly-Buccellati, Marilyn (eds), The Soundings of the First Two Seasons
Mozan 1
Bibliotheca Mesopotamica 20
Malibu: Undena Publications, pp. 57-64

This chapter presents the soundings on the High Mound of Urkesh. In the Introduction (section 5.1, starting p. 57), G. Buccellati gives an oveview on the major results of the surface survey on the High Mound; in section 5.2 (starting pp. 59-60), G. Buccellati describes the stone building in Area B, discussing its horizontal articulation (sub-section 5.2.1, pp. 59), its main stratigraphic sequence (sub-section 5.2.2, pp. 60-61), and its artifact distribution (sub-section 5.2.3, p. 61). In section 5.3 (pp. 61-64), G.L. Bunnens and A. Roobaert describes the excavation of the so-called “mur d’enceinte” in Area K.

– Marco De Pietri, 2023

1990

“Tell Mozan”
Mille et une capitales de Haute-Mésopotamie. Les dossiers d’Archéologie 155, pp. 18-23

The present contribution retraces the paths towards the discovery of Tell Mozan and its identification with ancient Urkesh as well.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1990

“Tell Mozan”
Syrian Archaeology Bulletin 2, pp. 4-7

This paper offers the results of UCLA’s 5th and 6th archaeological missions at Tell Mozan (years 1988 and 1990), focusing on the large public building A1; furthermore, a topographical-geophysical survey of the mound, an analysis of anthropological and zoological remains, and the ‘global record’ are presented herewith.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1991

“1. Introduction”
in Milano, Lucio; Buccellati, Giorgio and Kelly-Buccellati, Marilyn (eds), The Epigraphic Finds of the Sixth Season
Mozan2 = Syro-Mesopotamian Studies 5/1
Malibu: Undena Publications, pp. 3-9

A brief introduction to the sixth excavation season at Urkesh/Tell Mozan: 1.1: The sixth season of excavation at Tell Mozan (pp. 3-4) 1.2: Archeological objectives (pp. 4-5) 1.3: The epigraphic finds (pp. 6-7; cf. Milano 1991) 1.4: Notes on third millennium ceramic chronology at Mozan (pp. 7-9) 1.5: An inscribed sherd from the fifth season (p. 9)

– Marco De Pietri, 2023

1991

“Mozan”
American Journal of Archaeology 95/4 (October), pp. 712-714

The results of the 6th and the 7th excavation seasons (in 1988 and 1999, respectively) at Tell Mozan are here displayed, mostly focusing on third-millennium material from Temple BA and from the large public building A1.

Alternative online version (JSTOR)

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1994

“Mozan”
American Journal of Archaeology 98/1 (January), pp. 131-133

A report of UCLA’s 7th excavation season at Tell Mozan (year 1992) in area F1 and AS, a stepped trench opened on the western side of the High Mound.

Alternative online version (JSTOR)

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1994

“Mozan: Tales from a Hurrian (?) Storehouse”
Backdirt (Spring), pp. 1, 4-5, 98

Sealings from Urkesh are here presented, stressing their importance as the northernmost evidence of cuneiform writing for the third millennium BC; a large storehouse exposed in sector B is then widely described as a possible ‘house of the seal(s)’.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1995

“The Identification of Urkesh with Tell Mozan (Syria)”
Orient Express 1995/3, cover page & pp. 67-70

The authors explain in this contribution why they decided to concentrate their efforts on Tell Mozan; moreover, the ‘vault’ in sector B of the Palace is described, together with its sealings and written materials; the existence and peculiarity of a ‘Hurrian art’ is then discussed.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1995

“Mozan, Tall”
Reallexikon der Assyriologie 8 (5/6), pp. 386-393
[online version]

This paper offers an overview on the history of excavations at Tell Mozan, displaying the chronology of the site, focusing on Temple BA and storeroom AK; some major epigraphic finds are then presented.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1996

“Evidence for a Royal Palace at Tell Mozan/Urkesh”
Orient Express 1996/3, pp. 72-76

The results of the ninth excavation season at Tell Mozan (Summer 1996) are here presented, describing activities in Building AK (the Royal Storehouse of Tupkish), in Area A6 (Eastern Sector of the Storehouse), and in a Khabur residential area uncovered in Area A8, the first remains of a private house at Tell Mozan; terracotta figurines and glyptic assemblage are then discussed.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1996

“Una manciata di secoli”
Bollettino dell’Associazione Archeologica Ticinese 6, pp. 16-23

The paper describes archaeological activities and studies conducted in 1995 and 1996, mostly focusing on Urkesh’s Royal Palace.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1995-1996

“The Royal Storehouse of Urkesh: The Glyptic Evidence from the Southwestern Wing”
Archiv für Orientforschung 42-43, pp. 1-32

Glyptic material (more than 600 seal impressions dating to the mid to late Akkadian period) from the Royal Storehouse (building AK) of Urkesh is here presented, analysing its peculiar features towards the determination of a specific ‘Hurrian artistic tradition’, further investigating the function of the seals and the storing practices at Urkesh.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1996

“The Seals of the King of Urkesh: Evidence from the Western Wing of the Royal Storehouse AK”
Wiener Zeitschrift für die Kunde des Moregenlandes 86, pp. 65-100, pls 1-7

Sealings of kings of Urkesh (mostly Tish-atal and Tupkish), are here introduced, underling the peculiarity of the title endan; later on, seals and sealings of queens and queen’s household are also presented, offering for all of them a valuable palaeographical and iconographical analysis.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1997

“Urkesh. The First Hurrian Capital”
Biblical Archaeologist 60, pp. 77-96

Mythological textual sources are here investigated to define the ethnicity of Urkesh’s people, directly reconnecting the myth to a possible actual role played by the city in the trading of metals from the Taurus; moreover, sealings from Tell Mozan (over 1000 items) are presented, strengthening the development of a specific and coherent dynastic program. Two appendices describes some terracotta figurines and a small fragment of a school lexical tablet.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1997

“Mozan, Tell”
in The Oxford Encyclopedia of Archaeology in the Near East, vol. 4, pp. 60-64

An overview on different topics related to Tell Mozan: geographical location, physical description, previous investigations, chronology of the site, and the most important structures, together with the main finds.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1997

“The Seventh Season of Excavations at Tell Mozan, 1992”
Chronique Archéologique en Syrie 1, pp. 79-84

Report on the 7th excavation season at Tell Mozan (1992), presenting the topographical and geophysical surveys undertaken by the UCLA and by the University of California, Irvine; investigations in building AK are presented, sketching the structure of the complex and analyzing its rich glyptic material.

Alternative online version (Academia.edu)

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1998

“The Courtiers of the Queen of Urkesh: Glyptic Evidence from the Western Wing of the Royal Storehouse AK”
Subartu 4/2, pp. 195-216

Sealing belonging to Urkesh’s king (Tupkish), to queen (Uqnitum), and to theirs courtiers are here described, representing a total amount of 164 rollings of 17 singular seals; these sealings presents a specific typology and style, here analyzed in detail.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

1999

“Das archäologische Projekt Tall Mozan/Urkeš”
Mitteilungen der Deutschen Orient-Gesellschaft zu Berlin 131, pp. 7-16

An overview on the archaeological mission at Tell Mozan/Urkesh: mythological texts, glyptic material, and other various artefacts arise the question about the Hurrian ethnicity of the city; Urkesh was evidently regarded as a ‘mythological town’, since some myths recognize the city as the home of the god Kumarbi; in the second part of the paper the main structures brought to light at Urkesh (together with some major finds) are presented.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2000

“The Royal Palace and the Daughter of Naram-Sin. Report on the 12th Season of Excavations June October 1999”
Urkesh Bulletin 3 (April 2000), pp. 3-39.

“The results of the 1999 Summer’s excavations in the area of the royal palace of Urkesh were little short of extraordinary. We had started out with a view towards determining whether the structure was indeed the palace. Ther esult was gratifying because sufficient evidence was found to give a positive answer to our question. And in the process we were led to identify an even more complex architectural history than we had imagined. In addition, we found seal impressions [AFc1] of a new queen, Tar’am-Agade, who was the daughter of Naram-Sin, the king of Akkad” (p. 3).

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

2000

“The Royal Palace of Urkesh. Report on the 12th Season at Tell Mozan/Urkesh: Excavations in Area AA, June-October 1999”
Mitteilungen der Deutschen Orient-Gesellschaft zu Berlin 132, pp. 133-183

Area AA (the Royal Palace) at Urkesh has been further investigated in the 12th season, in 1999; the results of this archaeological campaign are reported herewith: the finding on sealings of the name of Tar’am-Agade (Naram-Sin’s daughter); the investigations in Area C2 with the discovery of a sealings cache; the interpretation of an iwan structure as a possible scribal installation; the description of some structures on the exterior of the palace; the excavation in the residential quarters of the time of the ‘Bitumen Use Ceramic Tradition’; a clay statuette of a female figure is introduced; a paragraph is devoted to the description of the main ceramic typologies; eventually, computer network and digital photography, together with conservation strategies are presented.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2001

“City of Myth: In Search of Hurrian Urkesh”
Archaeology Odyssey May/June, pp. 16-27

The mythological background (the Cycle of Kumarbi) of Hurrian myths related to Urkesh is firstly discussed in this contribution; the authors then report their own works on the site, started in 1984: the main structures and the major finds are presented; a discussion about the function and the actual use of sealings is then offered, underlining the local production of the seals and their typical and characteristic style; two side-boxes offer insights on Hurrian at Nuzi and on the methodological approach applied in the identification of Urkesh with Tell Mozan.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2001

“The Royal Palace at Urkesh and the Daughter of Naram-Sin”
Les annales archéologiques arabes syriennes: revue d’archéologie et d’histoire
[Damascus: Ministère de la Culture, Direction Générale des Antiqués et des Musées] 44, pp. 63-69

This paper presents sealings with the names of Tar’am-Agade (daughter of Naram-Sin), of Ewrim-Atal, and of Ishar-beli; moreover, the ceramic of the third millennium is briefly presented, the seriation of sherds suggesting a considerable degree of continuity within the third millennium BC; afterwards, the authors offer a description of some other main structures: a large royal building, the Storeroom AK, a large courtyard, the ‘formal’ wing of the Palace, a platform and an apsidal structure, and sector C (within the service wing of building AK) interpreted as a scribal place. Computer network and digital photography are also applied in this paper to the analysis of archaeological artefacts.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2003

“Tell Mozan (Ancient Urkesh)”
Aruz, J. (ed.), Art of the First Cities. The Third Millennium B.C. from the Mediterranean to the Indus
New York and New Haven: Metropolitan Museum of Art and Yale University Press, pp. 224-227

A discussion about the two copper alloy, lion-shaped foundation pegs kept at the MET and at the Louvre: their provenance from Tell Mozan is supported by the inscription directly quoting Urkesh, which has been definitely identified with Tell Mozan.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2004

“Der monumentale Palasthof von Tall Mozan/Urkeš und die stratigraphische Geschichte des ābi“
Mitteilungen der Deutschen Orient-Gesellschaft zu Berlin 136, pp. 13-39

Report of DOG’s excavation season in 2004 (connected to the previous UCLA’s 15th campaign in 2002): a wide description is provided about the Royal Palace of Tell Mozan and about the stratigraphy and finds of the ābi.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2005

“Urkesh as a Hurrian Religious Center”
Studi Micenei ed Egeo-Anatolici 47, pp. 27-59

Report of the 17th excavation season (2004) at Tell Mozan: the peculiar, historical role of Urkesh as a Hurrian religious center is stressed; the present excavation season aimed at better investigating and clarifing the ethnic valence of Urkesh’s sacral and political spaces: the Temple Terrace (together with the ābi) and the Royal Palace.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2007

“Between Heaven and Hell in Ancient Urkesh”
Backdirt 175, pp. 68-73

This paper focuses on sacral spaces at Urkesh, namely the Temple Terrace (with Temple BA) and the ābi, the necromantic pit leading to the Netherworld. Both the sacral area of the temple and the necromantic pit represent indeed a ‘trait d’union’ between the living and the ancestors.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2007

“Urkesh and the Question of the Hurrian Homeland”
Bulletin of the Georgian National Academy of Sciences 75/2, pp. 141-150

The Hurrian homeland is the topic of this contribution. Urkesh is perceived as one of the most important Hurrian centers and its structures are here described: the Palace of Tupkish, the ābi, and the Temple Terrace. The connections of the site with the North and mostly with the Northern Early Transcaucasian culture and Anatolia in general are presented, discussing the Hurrian identity of Urkesh, moving from a historical question to its following historiographical interpretation, defining methodological criteria and data connected to semiotics, linguistics, onomastics, cults and mythology.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2008

“The Ceramics of Urkesh: Statistics for a Browser Edition”
D. Bonatz et al. (eds.) Fundstellen Gesammelte Schriften zur Archäologie und Geschichte Altvorderasiens ad honorem Hartmut Kühne
Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, pp. 315-326.

The peculiar ‘digital thought’, implying a ‘digital edition’ of data, is applied at Urkesh also for ceramic recording. This coherent system led to the creation of a ‘digital database of pottery’ which consists of ‘minimal constituents’, ‘frequencies’, and ‘correlations’ allowing a whole understanting of the ceramic assemblage at Urkesh.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2009

“The Great Temple terrace at Urkesh and the Lions of Tish-atal”
Studies on the Civilization and Culture of Nuzi and the Hurrians 18, pp. 33-69.

Report of the 18th excavation season (2005) at Tell Mozan, entirely devoted to the description and interpretation of the Temple Terrace; a history of the research is sketched, describing previous excavations on the High Mound (from 1984 to 2004), investigating the development and the structural components of the Temple Terrace: the escarpment, the Plaza JP, the revetment wall J5, the monumental access J2, the glacis, and the Temple BA itself. The final paragraph discusses two hypotheses dealing with the two lion-shape statuettes of Tish-atal (revisiting their provenance and dating) and with the equation, at Urkesh, of NERGAL=Kumarbi.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2014

“… Nor North: The Urkesh Temple Terrace”
in Butterlin, P. et al. (eds.), Mari, ni Est, ni Ouest
Beirut: Institut français du Proche-Orient, pp. 441-461

The monumental Temple Terrace is the topic of this paper, focusing on EDIII and Mittani period and adding new results on structures pertaining the fourth millennium BC; two final paragraphs are devoted to the discussion of ‘echoes of the mountain hinterland’, underlining the connections between Urkesh and the surrounding mountainous area of the Tur-Abdin.

– Marco De Pietri, 2019

2016

“26. Tell Mozan/Urkesh (Hassake)”
in Kanjou, Y. and Tsuneki, A. (eds), A History of Syria in One Hundred Sites
Oxford: Archeopress, pp. 111-114

A brief introduction about Urkesh, as for its history, architectural remains, and its main archaeological finds (sealings, a stone plaque showing Gilgamesh and Enkidu [A7.36]), and conservation trategies applied at the site.

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

2017

“Community Archaeology 1984: At the Interface between Practice and Theory”
Backdirt 2017, pp. 34-38.

The paper offers a discussion about the efforts undertaken by the Urkesh/Tell Mozan team to enhance the practice of a “community archeology”, following four main goals: “1. Conservation: The exposed architecture continues to be in perfect condition, thanks to the simple but very effective conservation system we developed at the start of excavations in 1984, entirely based on local resources and know-how. 2. Site presentation: Our extensive signage system has been fully reactivated with around 200 signs explaining the site to visitors. In addition, in December 2016 we published an 80-page booklet in English, Arabic, and Kurdish. We get a considerable number of visitors at the site, all from the surrounding region. 3. Research: Three of our local assistants continue to work on the data in our archives and on the ceramics stored in the expedition house. Together with the local university, we host seminars where students can work on our material, both at the university and at our site, which is the only excavation site effectively available for such purposes. 4. Economic development: We support local women who produce traditional handicrafts (clothes, dolls, jewelry), which they can sell locally or ship to us” (from p. 34)

– Marco De Pietri, 2021

2017

“Conserviamo il futuro”
Tracce Febbraio 2017, pp. 36-39.

A discussion about preservation and conservation of archaeological sites in Syria during wartime, aiming at describing different efforts of local archaeologists (and common people, too) to defend the archaeological heritage of ancient Syria.

– Marco De Pietri, 2020

2017

“Archaeology for a Young Future: The New Syrian Life of the Ancient City of Urkesh”
Research Award 2017, pp. 227-243 (in English and Chinese).
Chinese Academy of Social Sciences. 2017 Shanghai Archaeology Forum.

The paper, presented on the occasion of the delivery of the 2017 Shangai Archaeology Forum Award and published in the ceremony catalogue, describes in brief the history of the archaeological research at Urkesh/Tell Mozan, from its discovery to the present time, offering an overview on the methodological approaches applied in studying artefacts and in dealing with the engagement of local community of Mozan in the conservation of the ancient city of Urkesh.

– Marco De Pietri, 2021

2020

“Distancing: One-on-One Heritage Archaeology across Three Continents”
Backdirt 2020 (December) Archaeology and Pandemics, pp. 92-97

In this contribution the authors describe how to keep a strong contact and commitment with an archaeological site (namely Urkesh/Tell Mozan) even during a period of war and many troubles and even at distance. Three keywords are underscored: 1) conservation; 2) publication; public presentation. A new program is then described, named Urkesh One-to-One Project, particularly focusing on the possibility of maintaining a strong and effective contact to the site and the local community and encouraging the role of young scholars, students, and people engaged with the ancient city, distant in time but close in crossing continents and boundaries defined by the present war and pandemic situation.

– Marco De Pietri, 2021

2020

“Archaeological Digital Narratives: The Case of Urkesh Ceramics”
Ahrens, Alexander; Rokitta-Krumnow, Dörte; Bloch, Franziska and Bührig, Claudia (eds), Drawing the Threads Together. Studies on Archaeology in Honour of Karin Bartl
Studien zur Vorderasiatischen Archäologie 10
Münster: Zaphon, pp. 380-397 [ISBN 978-3-96327-120-5 (Book) / ISBN 978-3-96327-121-2 (E-Book)]

The paper offers an overview on the project of digitalization of the cermic material found at Urkesh/Tell Mozan on the Urkesh Global Record (UGR) [see here for a video on this topic], a digital publication of the ceramics in a browser version (see Urkesh Ceramic Typology). After a discussion on the topic of the concept of digital narrative, the authors describe the many functions of the browser, providing the reader with a guide to the utilization of the corpus of ceramic material from Urkesh (based on the notions of uni- and multi-linearity, on hyperlinks connecting the various information, on a systemic digital narrative), leading to the presentation of a specific ware narrative and a peculiar horizon narrative. Furthermore, this systes allows to create specific coda associated to each ceramic type, gaining a uniform and coherent categorization and description of all pottery from the site as a Urkesh Ceramic Universe.

– Marco De Pietri, 2020