For full bibliographical information see Front Matter.
The book for A12 was initiated in 1999 when a stone structure became apparent in the A10 excavations and a new area was opened.
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Aims
The major aim of A12 was to uncover the stone structure, ultimately known as the ābi, determine it’s function and it’s relationship to the palace.
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Results
The A12 excavations met the aim of identifying the structure. After thoughts that it might be a well because of it’s circular construction, a thorough analysis of the depositional layering, clean fill, animal bones and artifacts we knew it was not consistent with a well. The construction including a very narrow staircase also
led us to look for a different use. Co-Director Marilyn Kelly-Buccellati looked at Hittite ritual texts which were heavily influenced by Hurrian texts. Ultimately she determined
that the structure was what is called an ābi and is believed to be where rituals took place to contact the deities in the Netherworld. It’s importance is not in doubt as it the southern wall of
the palace is stepped back to accommodate the circular portion of the ābi. The earliest construction seems to date to the Proto-Literate period.
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The excavations
The excavations were dictated by the shape of the ābi. Because of the enclosed nature of the excavation, we created several small loci and were exceedingly slow and careful and were able
to discern the slow buildup and addition of the square portion of the structure in the early third millennium.
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A12 within its broader setting
The importance of the ābi cannot be overstated as the palace was built to accommodate it and it was in use until the UrIII period.
Some texts associated with similar pits mention the participation of the king and queen in the rituals. Thus close proximity to the palace
was important.
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The uses of the book
To be able to “read” the A12 digital book, like any other such book, requires a certain familiarity with its structure, although the intent has been to make access to the browser edition as transparent as possible. One will find a detailed explanation of the page layout in the UGR digital book.
For a summary of the main results of work in A12 please refer to the overview within the special “Introduction” to this digital book.
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