Cybernetica Mesopotamica – Urkesh Global Record

J6
The Eastern End of the Temple Terrace
and the Betili
Seasons 21 (2008) and 22 (2009)

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Patrizia Camatta

In the area directly east of the monumental access to the Third Millennium B.C. Temple Terrace, we recorded installations, pits and floors, indicating an area of use related to ongoing activities in the plaza and staircase. As one descends the steps to the south, the eastern flank wall becomes progressively higher than the staircase. Resting at a slight oblique angle against the southern edge of the wall that flanks the staircase are two betili, i.e. pointed orthostats, flanking the lowermost steps of the staircase. While they are rather nondescript in terms of their typology, they are significant because of their prominent location and the intriguing comparative parallels that can be drawn.