Phases for area JP

Giorgio Buccellati – July 2008

Introduction
Main general traits of Phase 0
Main general traits of Phase 1
Main general traits of Phase 2: confrontation with the empire
Main general traits of Phase 3: post-imperial Akkadian
Main general traits of Phase 4: cutting ties with the south
Main general traits of Phase 5: local autonomy and reluctant vassaldom
The interface between Phase 5 and Phase 6: the “dark” century?
Main general traits of Phase 6a: Early Mittani
Main general traits of Phase 6b: Late Mittani

Introduction

Phases are the intermediate unit of periodization between strata and horizons, but they are the broadest unit from the opint of view of stratigraphy. Horizons, on the other hand, are closely related to integrative analysis and are, accordingly, treated separately.

The current phase and strata sequence is JPB.

Main general traits of Phase 0

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Main general traits of Phase 1

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Main general traits of Phase 2: confrontation with the empire

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Main general traits of Phase 3: post-imperial Akkadian

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Main general traits of Phase 4: cutting ties with the south

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Main general traits of Phase 5: local autonomy and reluctant vassaldom

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The interface between Phase 5 and Phase 6: the “dark” century?

Some of the evidence from our excavations seems to suggest that there was no substantial gap between the first and the second half of the second millennium. In particular: there is no trace of an abandonment, and a large wall in A17, that presumably was built in the first half of the millennium continued in use in the second half.

This would seem to arge in favor of the low chronology, whereby much of the time allotted to the sixteenth century in the middle chronology would in fact disappear.

For the sake of convenience, I continue to use the middle chronology, but do no find any statum that could be assigned to it.

Main general traits of Phase 6a: Early Mittani

At the beginniong of the Mittani period, the Plaza levels rise to where they meet the base of the revetment wall of the Temple Terrace. At this point, the escarpment is no longer visible, but the wall and the staircase still are. From then on, the accumulations continue to grow at a faster pace against the face of the wall. The staircase is still visible but slowly it becomes covered by the growing accumulations.

Rows of stone parallel to the revetment wall (J1 and J2) serve as an additional symbolic screen that sets the wall off from immediate direct access.

Main general traits of Phase 6b: Late Mittani

As the accumulations cover the revetment wall and the staircase, the perceptual boundary between barrier and ascent (wall and glacis) is reduced and eventually annulled.

The perceptual boundary of vertical vs. oblique is replaced by an ideal hinge that is symbolized by the “memory stones,” rows of stones that match the perimeter of the revetment wall, no longer visible, but remembered as the joint between the two dimensions.

The sacrality of the plaza continues as the accumulations remain wholly untouched by any intrusions of any sort. The depositional sequence is so level and uniform that it almost gives the impression of being the result of an indoor process. It seems plausible to assume that access to the Plaza was in some way controlled and limited.