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The Geoarchaeology of Route Systems in Northern Syria

Wilkinson, T.J.; French, C.; Ur, J.A.; Semple, M.

Authors

T.J. Wilkinson

C. French

J.A. Ur

M. Semple



Abstract

Linear valleys, termed hollow ways, form a distinctive feature of the North Syrian Bronze Age landscape, but few have been described in detail or excavated. This paper examines the geoarchaeology of hollow way route systems in northern Syria at three scales of analysis: (1) from satellite imagery, at which scale it is possible to examine patterns of hollow ways over very large areas; (2) in the field, where cleaned sections supply ground control and dating evidence for specific features or hollow ways; and (3) using soil micromorphology to investigate the formation processes evident in the hollow way fills. We also use ethnographic analogy to extend the interpretation of the pattern of hollow ways. Finally, we examine the role of these features in the drainage network as well as their contribution to the development of alluvial fills of the Khabur tributaries. The three sections examined demonstrated that the Brak hollow ways were incised into the landscape, probably in the third millennium B.C. or slightly earlier. The fills show evidence of episodic flow and low-energy soil wash with weak soil development over the last 4000 years.

Citation

Wilkinson, T., French, C., Ur, J., & Semple, M. (2010). The Geoarchaeology of Route Systems in Northern Syria. Geoarchaeology, 25(6), 745-771. https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.20331

Journal Article Type Article
Publication Date Nov 1, 2010
Deposit Date Oct 27, 2010
Journal Geoarchaeology
Print ISSN 0883-6353
Electronic ISSN 1520-6548
Publisher Wiley
Peer Reviewed Peer Reviewed
Volume 25
Issue 6
Pages 745-771
DOI https://doi.org/10.1002/gea.20331