Phases for Unit J5

James L. Walker – November 2024

Introduction
PHASE 2
PHASE 3
Phases 4, 5, and 6
Phase 7
Phase 8
Phase 9

Introduction

A general overview of the phases is given in the introduction to the J5 book. Additionally, a more detailed look at the process of deposition is given under the depositional history. This section is intended to give a summary explanation of each excavated phase, which unless separately noted will be from the J5B sequence.

PHASE 2

The earliest Phase 2 structure excavated to date in J5 is contained in sub-phase 2m . It is a portion of the top of a wall constructed with cut stones f284. It was assigned to this phase becaues it was below and therefore predated documented Phase 3 construction.

PHASE 3

The first evidence of major construction is found in sub-phase 3d . The extant northwest portion of the first revetment wall f41 and its accompanying stone escarpment ^esc1 were built in what we curretly believe to be the Ninevite V period.

The earliest living surface excavated was a sub-phase 3l pebble floor f288 and the first accumulation f282 which covered it. These abut, but do not cover, the outside row of stones that comprise the stone escarpment.

Construction resumed in sub-phase 3m when the EDIII revetment wall was extended to join the earlier Ninevite V wall, f41.

Floors covering the first escarpment comprised sub-phase 3n.

Construction ended in sub-phase 3pwith the completion of a baquaya escarpment, ^esc2, to wall, f189.

Accumulations around the standing EDIII walls mark sub-phase 3s and the end of Phase 3.

Phases 4, 5, and 6

Whatever evidence of activity in the vicinity of the walls and their protective structures during these phases was missing, perhaps eroded away, or perhaps not deposited at all. The tell was dominated by several cultural and political groups during this time and how indivuals regarded the sacred complex is not known.

Phase 7

The first non-EDIII features were contained in sub-phase 7c . For example, accumulation feature, f256, contains a mix of EDIII and Mittani ceramics and separates features with pure EDIII material below from features containing pure Mittani material above.

Mittani activities during sub-phase 7f were secular, not sacred. Various measures to control erosion along the still-visible revetment wall were instigated. Clusters of sling balls and grindstones were important light industry products.

There was no major construction during sub-phase 7j. The major characteristic was erosion of floors and accumulations.

Sub-phase 7m saw major construction as a new plaza and small scale staircase were built to access the temple. This “Westward Expansion” was made necessary because the original plaza, stone walls, and monumantal staircase to the temple had been completely covered by aeolian soil deposits.

Soil buildup continued and began to cover the new temple entrance features, including the staircase, f21, in sub-phase 7s.

By sub-phase 7v, all the previous construction was covered. A line of capstones was placed atop the last vestiges of Mittani revetment wall, f3.

Phase 8

Sub-phase 8m was marked by the discovery of a significant amount of Middle Assyrian (MA) ceramics. The lack of substantial architecture suggests that the occupation was temporary and short lived.

Sub-phase 8r collects several small installations, including a child burial that probably occurred at the end of the Middle Assyrian occupation.

Phase 9

Sub-phase 9h collects primarily soil features from the end of MA to the present day.

Sub-phase 9m contains topsoil and those features immediately under it.

Sub-phase 9p collects features above the tell surface or atop already excavated features.

Sub-phase 9s contains features that were excavated without regard to stratigraphy, for example an entire baulk between squares.