Phase and strata sequence JPB (Mittani)

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Introduction

A full explanation of the criteria used for strata definition, and trata assignment, is reserved for the Grammar.

The sequence JPB follows closely JPA, the main difference being the addition of earlier phases. This is emphatically temporary, as suggested in particular by the use of label 0 to refer to all phases prior to phase 1. A fuller readjustment of the phases that takes into account the recent discoveries for the fourth millennium will require more thought.

The correlation to the kings of Mittani is speculative, because there is no historical evidence for it from the excavations. It is proposed here only as a suggestion based on the relative sequence of the stratigraphic finds on the one hand, the assumed sequence of the kings on the other, and the assumption that Urkesh was under their direct control.

An anlogous situation obtains for the early part of the second millennium, in the sense that we do not have direct evidence from the excavations for linking given strata with the rulers known to us from the texts of Mari: the attributon tothem of phase 5b is speculative, being based simply on the relative position on the chronological scale. While for the Mittani period we may at least assume direct political control by the kings residing in nearby Ta’idu and Wasshukanni, for the early second millennium we cannot draw any uch conclusion: tehre may have been a fluid situation Urkesh retained a certain autonomy and control over a territory limited to the immediate hinterland of the urban center.

The right hand column offers a correlation with the Palace area (AA). This, too, is tentative, because it is based on general sequences and on typological considerations, since we have no direct stratigraphic links as of yet betwen the two areas.

A fuller description of individual phases will be found separately for both the JP area and for the individual units.

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Strata definition chart: generation JPB