On the border between the Eurasian
steppes and the Anatolian highlands is Tell Mozan (ancient Urkesh) where excavations revealed
monumental stone architecture:
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Now located in Syria, near the borders
with Turkey and Iraq, Urkesh
was inhabited by Hurrians (ca.
2500 BCE), Akkadians (ca. 2300
BCE and Mittani (ca. 1500 BCE):
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Objective of visit:
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To assist with the
on-going excavations, mapping and ceramic analysis at Tell Mozan
(ancient Urkesh).
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Date of visit:
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August/September 2008
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Fellow visitors:
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Tell Mozan Project staff
and team members directed by Giorgio Buccellati, Marilyn
Kelly-Buccellati and Frederico Buccellati. |
| Results: |
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The long-term on-going
excavations at Tell Mozan have so far revealed a temple, part of the
royal palace, a structure likely used for necromancy and a monumental
stairway. My limited involvement in the project entailed the
construction of a GIS, mostly aimed at facilitating the establishment
of a protected area around the site, and the search for residues of
wine in selected potsherds. |
| Approximate
position and
date of the site: |
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Tell Mozan is located
near modern al-Qamishly, in Syria, and Mardin, in Turkey. The site was
inhabited from approximately 3500-1000 BCE.
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| Short description
of the
site: |
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Tell Mozan is one of the
many city mounds rising above the Eurasian steppes. These are the
result of many years of occupation and the large amount of debris and
refuse that has accumulated. Upon excavation the site revealed not only
mud-brick achitecture and many finds, but also rather rare stone
structures, including a monumental flight of stairs. The mound is
surrounded by scattered ancient remains and has a small modern village
near its base. The local climate is continental, with hot summers and
cold winters, but also relatively wet springs allowing the cultivation
of cereals and cotton. |
| Additional remarks: |
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My work in Syria would
not have been
possible without the Tell Mozan
Project and the Cotsen
Institute of Archaeology. |
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