LANDSCAPE AND SETTLEMENT IN THE EASTERN UPPER IRAQI TIGRIS AND NAVKUR PLAINS: THE LAND OF NINEVEH ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT, SEASONS 2012–2013

Abstract

This paper presents a preliminary report on the first two seasons of work by The Land of Nineveh Archaeological Project (LoNAP) of Udine University that aims to understand the formation and transformation of the cultural and natural landscape of northern Mesopotamia, (embracing large parts of the governorates of Ninawa and Dohuk) from the Palaeolithic to the Islamic period. Its purpose is to comprehend patterns of settlement, land use and management, based on a regional archaeological surface survey and excavation. These objectives are closely tied to the geoarcheological and bioarchaeological reconstruction of the ancient natural environment and its evolution as a result of global climatic fluctuations and human impact.