Phases for Unit A12

Mary Stancavage – September 2025

Introduction
Phase 2
Phase 3
Phase 4
Phase 7
Phase 8
Phase 9

Introduction

This section is intended to give a summary explanation of each excavated phase. The phase assignment is from the Mozan sitewide frame MZA.

Phase 2

The earliest substructure and the first circle construction of the ābi belong to this phase. Three stone installations f353, f354, and f355 seem to be part of the substructure (sub-phase 2m) although the ābi has not been completely excavated. These date to the late 4th millennium. The first circle construction (sub-phase 2r) is made up mostly of the walls or stone installations although f348 a plastered floor and it’s sub-packing f349 cover the stone installation of the substructure or possible earlier construction.

Phase 3

The first use of the ābi (sub-phase 3b) is shown in the multitude of accumulations and layers in the circle. f371, f421, and f338 are examples. This also seems to be the time of the square construction. Sub-phase 3j seems to indicate the first use of the lower staircase which is necessary because of the buildup in the ābi. f366 is the first level of the mud ledge which is the semicircle delineating the circle from the square.

Phase 4

This phase is the period of the greatest use of the ābi during the palace period. This was when the ābi was covered. Sub-phases 4j and 4t are indicated by the middle and upper stairway use. 4j is primarily accumulations such as f330 and 4t is similar although there are some features, such as f342 contain enough material to be considered an aggregate (a35).

Phase 7

This phase includes the return to open-air use and non-stairway use of the ābi during the Mittani period. See f305 for sub-phase 7c) and f322 for sub-phase 7m.

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.