S31
Principles of typology
of the built environment

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S31.1: Introduction

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S31.1.1 Stationary and movable elements

An archaeological excavation is a process whereby one disentagles from the matrix of the soil a series of discrete elements, which are the minimal constituents of the statigraphic system.

The primary distinction is the one between stationary elements and movable items, a distinction which is tied to a fundamental typological criterion:

1. for stationary elements, the typological identity is tied to a location, whereas
2. for movable items the typological identity is independent of place.

This distinction is simple enough that it can be applied without hesitation in practically every instance. It is especially useful during the first moment of excavation, when other distinguishing characteristics may not be as apparent, or when specialists may not be present for identification. This is discussed in detail in xxx

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S31.1.2 Elements and constituents

As argued, elements are the physical building blocks of the system, as they are uncovered in the ground.

Consituents, on the other hand, are the analytical building blocks of the system. They are described in detail in section S1. Nature and structure of the constituents.

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S31.1.3 The built environment

The term “built environment” refers to the complex of architectural elements and of use areas that are created by, and lived in, by a community. It is an organic cluster, that implies both contemporaneity of use and some unifying perceptual point of view.

In an archaeological context it may be difficult to define such an organic entity, because of uncertainties as to

1. relative dating,
2. partial exposure during the excavations, and
3. substantial ancient damages to the integrity of the system.

At Tell Mozan we have an uncommon opportunity in this respect, for we have a remarkable coherence in each of the three points just raised:

1. The stratigraphic sequence is well understood over the entire span of the monumental urban complex (at least 200m wide), and there is a high incidence of contemporaneity of the various sectors, even when the function of some changes.
2. The exposure is quite substantial.
3. The basic structures are in a relatively good state of preservation both has occurred in the Temple complex and in Palace AP.

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S31.1.4 Features and aggregates

1. Features are formal constituents that define single stationary elements, whereas
2. aggregates are cluster of features that are deemed to have an organic interaction among them.

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S31.1.5 Architecture

The term “architecture” refers specifically to more complex clusters of stationary elements (aggregates) that can be recognized to have been designed and constructed according to that design.

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S31.2: Degrees of specificity

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S31.2.1 Introduction

Identifiable structures can be divided into architectural types, depending on a number of criteria. Even if not complete (because not completely excavated or because partly destroyed) the Urkesh Global Record (UGR) describes these structures as “aggregates” (this is the technical term under which they are indexed). The term is intentionally generic as it does not … [sentence to be completed, ZGy28 mDP]. In the “architecture” entry under “TYPOLOGY” these structures are described according to the standard categories (e.g., room, house, grave. etc.).

As the analysis proceeds, finer typological distinctions will be introduced, which to some extent will find a place in the Urkesh Global Record (UGR). A full typological discussion, on the other hand, will have to be included in other publications [add links?, ZGy28 mDP].

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S31.2.2: Major types

I use two distinguishing criteria to define the various types of features: the manner through which they have come into existence (through human or natural agency) and the function. A full list of all types will be found in the main lexicon, where one will find precise definitions – though in many instances the definition correspond simply to common use and common sense. Here I will only highlight briefly the main criteria through which the major types may be established. They are grouped according to the four major depositional categories outlined under stratigraphy.

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S31.3: Specific labels

[TEXT TO BE WRITTEN, ZGy28 mDP]

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S31.3.1: Architectural elements

The most easily identifiable elements in the built environment are architectural – such as rooms, walls, pavements, doorways or staircases. The degree of detail of the typological description varies with the complexity of the structures. Simple walls or rooms can be adequately described by the archaeologist. More complex structures, such as, at Tell Mozan, the Royal Palace, the underground structure A12 (the ābi) or the Temple Terrace require the professional expertise of trained architects.

What can be done in any case, even by the archaeologists, is the identification of the basic elements to which they will affix labels for ease of reference. It is also for the archaeologist to deal more specifically with function and perception, on the basis not only of the understanding of architectural volumes, but especially in view of the contextual finds associated with the structures

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S31.3.2: Structures

Structures are architectural volumes that define circulation.

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S31.3.3: Installations

Installations are stationary features that are the target of circulation within a structure.

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S31.3.4: Use areas

Use areas are more difficult to identify, since they are not defined by architectural elements. This includes, for instance, open spaces adjacent to houses or even aspects of the urban texture, such as a square.

Functional areas … [sentence to be completed, ZGy28 mDP]

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S31.4: Corollaries

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S31.4.1: Typology ans stratigraphy

It should be stressed that a stated aim of the Urkesh Global Record (UGR) is to fix in published form, first and foremost, the stratigraphic context in which the data fit. Such immediacy is the only way, I feel, to bring us closer to the ideal of objectivity [missing link, ZGy28 mDP] – the goal being for the original observations about emplacement and deposition to be public before and instead of being filtered through a functionally and typologically oriented crystallization process. At the same time, the system allows for practically unlimited possibilities to include at any later date the results of in-depth typological analysis.

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S31.4.2 Perceptual topography

The quastion of the perception of space organization is an issue that has come to be of interest in archaeology. An example regarding Urkesh is found in F. Buccellati 2019

smells fAB 2019

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S31.4.3 Constructional analysis

see constructional analysis