Deposition: introduction

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Introduction

The depositional history of Unit A6 presents a gradual and dynamic sequence reflecting architectural development and functional transformations over time. The earliest phases reveal evidence of pre-palace activities, manifested in leveling operations and accumulations beneath later palace constructions. With the emergence of the palace belonging to the Akkadian period, the unit became an integral part of the service quarter, where well-preserved installations, seal impressions, and architectural remains, including hearth and tannur, suggest its identification as a royal kitchen.

The subsequent phases depict the abandonment of the palace, with evidence dating to the Ur III and Isin-Larsa periods, followed by accumulations and non-residential uses, as no residential structures were revealed during this stage. The stratigraphic sequence concludes with disturbed upper layers that sealed the underlying remains, transforming the space into an open area with pits, fill, and some graves. By the Khabur period, A6 had become a fully exposed open space, primarily used as a dumping ground, with pits and graves penetrating the lower layers.

Thus, the depositional record of Unit A6 illustrates a long trajectory of use, adaptation, and transformation. The lower layers reflect a well-organized and integrated construction, forming an essential part of the Akkadian palace’s service quarter, whereas the upper layers reveal a more chaotic phase, including pits and burials, indicative of later, non-systematic use of the space.

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