J6

The Eastern End of the Plaza and the Betili (Version 1a)

J6 Synthetic View / Stratigraphy /Chronometry

Introduction

Giorgio Buccellati, Patrizia Camatta – November 2006, May 2025


WORK IN PROGRESS

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Organization of the material

The UGR section on typology gives an overview of the elements sorted according to the typological categories. Here, instead, the same are analyzed from the point of view of their assignation to specific moments along the sequential scale. Given the specificity of the materials, we can in turn assign relatively precise time limits to these “moments,” which emerge therefore as proper chronological periods, and not only as stratigraphical segments.

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The sequence

There is first an overall presentation of the sequence as a whole, with an overview of the phases and strata. Reference is also made to the particular generation of the stratigraphic sequence used and to the to MZ frame.

Each phase is ere described in terms of its relationship to the other phases, i.e., as a successive moment in the overall scalar sequence.

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The individual phases

Then there is a detailed analysis of the major elements (structures, installations, objects, etc.) belonging to each phase.

Where warranted, larger bodies of data, such as ceramics and faunal remains, are discussed separately for each phase.

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Horizons

A horizon is a maximal unit of reference relating spatial elements in terms of temporal sequence. It includes all possible integrative considerations, especially regional comparative evidence, absolute date determinations, and textual references.
Historical and chronological frame for Unit J6:

Horizon B.C. Temple Terrace phase Phases J6B strata Strata definition
Late Chalcholithic 3 3600 Proto Temple Terrace 2m-JPD 850 Mudbrick wall
ED II/EJ II/ late Ninivite V 2600-2800 reorganization of Temple Terrace 3h-JPD - Ninivite V pottery
ED IIIa/EJ IIIa 2500 reorganization of Temple Terrace 3l-JPD 662-660 Terrace mound?
ED IIIa/EJ IIIa 2500 Main construction phase of Temple Terrace 3m-JPD 651-645 Revetment and flank staircase walls, dump
ED IIIb/EJ IIIb 2400 Main construction phase of Temple Terrace 3n-JPD 640 Glacis for Revetment Wall
ED IIIb/EJ IIIb 2400 Rapid rise to the east 3p-JPD 630 First Glacis for staircase flank wall
ED IIIb/EJ IIIb 2400 BA Temple 3s-JPD 620 Floors in the Plaza
ED IIIb/EJ IIIb 2400 BA Temple 3u-JPD 610 Floors in the Plaza
Akkadian/ EJ IVa? 2300 BA Temple 4m-JPD 500 red glacis adjacent flank staircase wall
Ur III/ EJ V 2000 BA Temple 5h-JPD 300 large pit
Early Mittani 1500 Second construction Phase of Temple Terrace 7c-JPD 192-180 Glacis and "Memory stones"


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Phases

A phase is an intermediate unit of reference relating spatial elements in terms of temporal sequence. It relies on broad structural and functional considerations. Phase distinction reflects substantial re-organization of space (e.g., abandonment of a building and rebuilding using a different footprint) and uses typological evidence (e.g., distinction in ceramic inventory).
A first overview of the J6 phases is given in the introduction to the J6 digital book. A more detailed overview is given under depositional history. Here one will find a summary of the data presented separately in full detail for each individual phase. The Phase sequence is JPD (by Giorgio und Federico Buccellati, June 2013).
The J6 phase sequence begins with Phase 2mJ6B. From other JP units we have a Late Chalcholithic phase. Phase 3mJ6B is the main construction phase of the Temple Terrace. This structure was in continuos use up to the Middle Mittani period, as evidenced by floors, pits and other structures. A fire during phase 7J6B is followed by a huge collapse of mudbrick buildings. The brickfall covers all Unit J6 and the lower part of the monumental staircase in J2. Afterwards we recorded scattered occupation with small pits followed by natural accumulations and collapse of stones from the walls.
Each phase is discussed in detail on the left bar.

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Strata

A stratum is a minimal unit of reference relating spatial elements in terms of a temporal sequence. Strata are defined exclusively on the basis of stratigraphic criteria, especially types of contacts, e.g., floor and accumulation sequences in contiguous rooms, or pits cut from the same floor.

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Strata sequence for Unit J6

After end of excavation in year 2010 was created the first strata sequence for Unit J6. This was strata sequence J6A (J6A). After reviewing the stratigraphy and ceramics we could create a new satrata sequence J6B, which is currently used in the J6 book an you can find it here.

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Chart of the full chronological system

The various levels may be summarized in a tabular format as follows, from the more general to the more detailed:

definition location link
1 non-technical introduction Urkesh website: Setting Urkesh website: setting
2 wider chronological frame MZ sitewide integrative analysis: periodization
3 Urkesh Ceramics Analysis ceramics ceramics
4 sequential organization
     of strata and phases
unit book,
     synthetic view (here)
chronometry
     strata
     phases
5 full contact associations unit book,
     tabulations section
stratigraphic summaries
     depositional index
     depositional synopsis
6 strata with complete list
     of included features
unit book,
     constituent section
sequential list of strata


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