Reading rubbish : using object assemblages to reconstruct activities, modes of deposition and abandonment at the Late Bronze Age Dunnu of Tell Sabi Abyad, Syria

Abstract

To consolidate their power, the Assyrian military founded numerous agricultural settlements in newly conquered areas. One such a settlement, a so-called dunnu, was discovered at Tell Sabi Abyad, Syria. The settlement was relatively large and appears to have been heavily fortified. In this research the settlement was investigated to reveal what activities were played out inside and what its function was. This was achieved by analysing the objects which were left behind inside the various rooms and courtyards at the site. Also the way in which these objects were deposited was subject to rigorous investigation: were the objects for instance dumped as garbage or were they left behind during rapid abandonment following some catastrophe?