https://urkesh.org/MZ/A/J05/D/A/0035.htm

Unit Book J5

The Mittani Staircase - Version 1a

J5a35

Processed on 2024-11-03

1. OVERVIEW

Roster Date Author Record
Includes other label 2022-09-21 jW f6 (stone installation), f41 (stone installation), f185 (glacis), f189 (wall) [Input: ZG821jW2.j]
Typological specific label 2022-09-21 jW ^wall2 [Input: ZG821jW2.j]
Category !! !! installation
Best definition 2022-09-21 !! wall [Input: ZG821jW2.j]
Summary 2022-09-21 jW This specific label defines the EDIII revetment wall, which extends throughout J5. Other Mittani components were improperly associated with the main revetment wall, f189, in specific label a36. [Input: ZG821jW2.j]
Best image 2022-09-22 jW
v225 [Input: ZG822jW1.j]
2022-09-22 jW
v226 [Input: ZG822jW1.j]

2. IDENTIFICATION

Designation

Roster Date Author Record
Definition 2022-09-21 jW wall [Input: ZG821jW2.j]
Description (summary) 2022-09-21 jW This wall system is the Early Dynastic III period revetment wall, which is the prominent visible structure in J5. It is the western extension of J1^wall1. This wall system has two components, identified by their constituents. f189 is nearest to J1 and is constructed of large, uncut stones arranged in a pattern of triangles. f41 is the component that turns toward the north at the end of f189. It is constructed of dressed stones and could be considered to be the more decorative of the two, which are stratigraphically linked by the same stone escarpment, a25. In addition, the baqaya glacis associated with f189 can be seen in section near the wall top. [Input: ZG821jW2.j]

3. STRATIGRAPHY

Recovery/Assignment

Roster Date Author Record
Strategy (projected or implemented) 2009-09-29 jW More information can be obtained resolve this issue by removing the southern and eastern parts of the Mittani wall, f3, and its soil pillar. Here we expect to find the intersection of the earlier walls, f41 and f189. This should be done in the next excavation season. [Input: ZG822W3.j]
Argument 2009-09-29 jW The first escarpment, a25, doesn't precisely follow the line of component wall, f189, as it runs from J1 into J5 and begins a gradual turn to the northwest. In fact, there is a large gap (30cm maximum decreasing to zero) between the top stones of the escarpment and the wall's south face. This gap is partially filled by the top stones of the earlier ^wall1 (f284). Since escarpments are built to protect walls from being undermined, the gap is inconsistent with this function. One possible explanation is that the escarpment was built to protect an earlier wall segment which was removed or which collapsed. One candidate is the cut stone component wall, f41, whose southeastern end is obscured by the soil pillar supporting Mittani wall a36. f41 has the same gradual curve as the escarpment in this region and can be projected southeast to fill the gap. [Input: ZG822W3.j]
2009-09-29 jW The first escarpment, ^esc1, doesn't precisely follow the line of component wall, f189, as it runs from J1 into J5 and begins a gradual turn to the northwest. In fact, there is a large gap (30cm maximum decreasing to zero) between the top stones of the escarpment and the wall's south face. This gap is partially filled by the top stones of the earlier ^wall1 (f284). Since escarpments are built to protect walls from being undermined, the gap is inconsistent with this function. One possible explanation is that the escarpment was built to protect an earlier wall segment which was removed or which collapsed. One candidate is the cut stone component wall, f41, whose southeastern end is obscured by the soil pillar supporting Mittani ^wall3. f41 has the same gradual curve as the escarpment in this region and can be projected southeast to fill the gap. [Input: ZG823jW1.j]
Harmonization 2022-09-21 jW This grouping of features reflects our current understanding of the dates that they were built. Last season we grouped wall, f41; escarpment, f74; and limestone blocks, f99 into specific label a34, which we believed was constructed early, at an uncertain period. Further excavation has revealed that f74 and f99 are from the Mittani period and should not have been associated with the EDIII wall, f41. [Input: ZG821jW2.j]

Time Sequencing

Roster Date Author Record
Notes on time sequencing 2022-08-22 jW Tentatively assigned to Phase 3m in the J5A Phase sequence. All ceramics from abutting elements are from the Early Dynastic III period. In addition, the same wall in J1 was dated to EDIII on the basis of ceramics found there. [Input: ZG822W2.j]