Phases for Unit OH2

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Introduction

A general overview of the phases is given in the introduction to the OH2 book. Additionally, a more detailed look at the process of deposition is given under the depositional history. This section is intended to give a detailed explanation of each separate phase.

The earliest phase excavated so far in OH2 is Phase 3. It is unclear if there are earlier deposits in the area. Surveys and excavations in the outer city have turned up earlier materials in some areas but they are not common.

All of the preserved deposits in OH2 can be dated to Phase 3, and are distributed across different strata. This fits with the earlier interpretations (See the Mozan 1 publication) that the outer city was founded and occupied during this phase.

The upper accumulations were extremely disturbed by plowing and agricultural processes as well as animal burrowing. It is almost impossible to date these layers as they contain mixed ceramic material and retain no trace of the original depositional processes. Due to their recent disturbance they have been assigned to the most recent phase, Phase 9.