The Grammar of the Archaeological Record
22

Principles of typology
of the built environment

Giorgio Buccellati – November 2006

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22.0.1: Introduction: architecture and 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 relative dating, partial exposure during the excavations, and 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. No damage at all has occurred in the Temple complex.

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22.0.2: Stationary elements

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22.0.2.1: Degrees of specificity: features, aggregates and specific labels

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.).

The basic distinction between features and items is tied to a fundamental typological criterion. Features are elements whose typological identity is tied to a location, whereas the typological identity of items 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 specialists may not be present for identification.

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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22.0.2.2: Features and aggregates

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.


depositional definition typological definition type of origin (manufacture, etc.) as criterion type of function as criterion
deposit floors a and b compaction and texture walking
floors c and d compaction and texture unintended
installation wall ordered arrangement of bricks and/or stones, reaching a vertical height to form, with other walls, an enclosure that defines a space, and often to support a horizontal element (roof) that closes that space
disaggregation brickfall collapse of standing wall, with direction of fall either reconstruction or abandonment
brickmelt erosion of brickfall through rain or wind abandonment
discard fill intentional dump within contained space to limit dispersion of material no longer used

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22.0.3: Specific labels

[TEXT TO BE WRITTEN, ZGy28 mDP]

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22.0.4: 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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22.0.5: Constituents

[TEXT TO BE WRITTEN, ZGy28 mDP]

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22.0.6: Structures

Structures are architectural volumes that define circulation.

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22.0.7: Installations

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

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22.0.8: 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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22.0.9: Corollaries

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22.0.9.1: 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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22.0.9.2: Peceptual geography

[TEXT TO BE WRITTEN, ZGy28 mDP]

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