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Strata
Excavation units are established at various points of interest on the tell. Generally, they start at the surface and consist of
a group of 5m x 5m squares although in A12 the units were dictated by the unique shape of the underground structure that was
apparent when A12 was established. As the excavation begins and proceeds, various distinct layers, or strata, are encountered
and documented. The precise identity of a stratum can vary but it always contains a group of features in contact.
The A12 stratigraphic sequence is based on the Mozan sitewide frame MZA. Strata
assignments made in the field were aligned with the phases and are not specific to A12.
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Phases
Phases are numbered from bottom to top to reflect buildup. These numbers are coordinated across units resulting in a standardized
system.
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Horizons
When phases are compared to those at other regional sites, many similarities can be noted. These can be organized by political
systems, and typology of both features and objects, particularly ceramics. These similarities seen regionally over time are called
horizons, which are often named for dominant political organization, Mittani for example.
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A12 Implementation
The A12 stratigraphic sequence is based on the Mozan sitewide frame MZA. Strata assignments
made in the field were aligned with the phases and are not specific to A12. The ābi is a unique structure with distinctive
characteristics and we are confident that the strata assignments with the phase chart are suitable. The strata in A12 are divided among
several phases and the majority of the materials excavated date to Phase 3 and Phase 4.
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The strata definition chart
Note that the feature number in parentheses is an exemplar of the stratum, not a definitive model. Entries in bold face refer to the more significant strata.
|
phase
|
sequence
|
A12 sr
|
definition
stratigraphy (typology/chronology; sample feature)
|
|
9m
|
1
|
19
|
Topsoil (f234)
|
|
9c
|
2
|
40
|
Gully wash (f360)
|
|
8
|
3
|
80
|
Scattered occupation (f105)
|
|
7m
|
4
|
140
|
Brickfall / Ancient Gully wash (f318)
|
|
7c
|
5
|
180
|
Non-stair / Non-doorway use (f334)
|
|
4t
|
6
|
400
|
Upper stairway use (f326))
|
|
4j
|
7
|
590
|
Middle Stairway use (f330)
|
|
3j
|
8
|
650
|
Lower stairway use (f350)
|
|
3b
|
9
|
700
|
Square construction (f388)
|
|
2r
|
10
|
750
|
Circle construction (f375)
|
|
2m
|
11
|
850
|
Earliest substructure (f340)
|
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