Unit Book J3

J03 Topic

Mittani Transition

James L. Walker – August 2007

Our understanding of the depositional sequence along the north baulk of k23 is evolutionary. First, while removing the final traces of natural accumulation, f151, which covered most of this corner we found some deteriorated brickwork, f215. We then discovered a layer of soil, f252, in the corner which yielded a concentration of sherds and Uruk period seal impressions, a14, which most likely came from the spoils associated with the digging of pit, a10, in the Mittani period.

When we overdug pit a10 to see if there were any more seal impressions, we discovered that there were four distinct, uniform layers in section of the pit. On top was the wahal coating, f152. Next, there was a layer of deteriorated brick, f270, which is present throughout the north quarter of k23. Under f270 was a layer of baqaya, f334. Last, under the baqaya was another relatively uniform layer, f263.

Based upon the evidence from this pit, it would appear as if the baqaya layer is equivalent to the glacis of similar material in k13. At the boundary between k13 and k23, the glacis, f109, slopes down from east to west as viewed looking north. We did not follow the baqaya into k23 because we wanted to expose only the later wahal glacis, f152, which is located there. Because of the limited exposure of f270, we cannot say what it was when it was originally built. However, it now seems clear that it was a substantial structure of red brick, probably built atop a continuation to the west of the baqaya glacis, f109. As it deteriorated it was eventually covered in whole or in part by the wahal glacis, f152, built in the Mittani period.

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