The Assyrianisation of Anatolia. The Process of Urbanisation in Southeastern Anatolia under Assyrian Rule

• Applicant: Professor Dr. Dirk Wicke
• Subject Area: Egyptology and Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Term: from 2010 to 2015
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 164260599

This application continues and expands the principal issue of the current project - to investigate the Assyrian influence on the Upper Tigris region during the late 2nd and early 1st millennium B.C. It elaborates on two major questions which could not be completely covered until now: the consideration of everyday domestic contexts of daily life and the diachronic perspective (cf. report). This application for continued funding focuses on investigations at the Assyrian provincial capital of Tushhan, modern day Ziyaret Tepe, which have the potential to provide answers to both questions mentioned above.The existence of Late Assyrian domestic contexts at Ziyaret Tepe has recently been established by geophysical investigations in the Lower Town. As the occupation in this area is almost exclusively Late Assyrian there is every expectation that relevant remains can be easily and readily accessed. Specifically, domestic contexts are of primary importance when considering ways of cultural transfer outside the ruling elite. During recent work in the 'Bronze Palace' of Ziyaret Tepe, Late Bronze Age levels were detected, albeit only on small scale below the Late Assyrian remains. After full documentation these later strata can now be removed and the Late Bronze age can be uncovered in a larger area. An examination and evaluation of the diachronic perspective, covering the Late Bronze and Early to Middle Iron Ages, can be expected to reflect and cast light upon the political situation and demographic changes with which Assyria was confronted in its imperial trajectory. Evidence for post-Assyrian occupation in the Lower Town will offer more material on this poorly understood phase, which has attracted renewed attention in recent years. One final study season in 2014 will complete the processing of material so as to allow for the integration of the new results within the framework of the questions posed by this research agenda. In this project, the extent and dissemination of Assyrian influence in Southeastern Anatolia are considered from a post-processual perspective, based on elite emulation as a prime mover. This is to be contrasted with models employing empire-theories, taking on a much broader systemic view. This project seeks to combine both angles. For this, an exploration of domestic-housing as well as of a possible Assyrian legacy in post-Assyrian times is of vital importance.

• DFG Programme: Research Grants
• International Connection: Turkey, United Kingdom, USA
• Participating Persons: Professor Dr. Kemalettin Köroglu; Dr. John MacGinnis; Professor Dr. Timothy Matney; Nevin Soyukaya