The Malatya-Elazığ region during the Middle Bronze Age: a re-evaluation of the archaeological evidence

Abstract

AbstractThe Malatya-Elaziğ area is one of the most intensively studied regions in eastern Turkey, but archaeologically the general picture is still not very clear. Most of the archaeological excavations and surveys in the area were conducted as part of the Keban and Turkish lower Euphrates salvage projects within a very short period of time. Although the project results were published, still most of the original data is not available and few intensive field projects have since undertaken to fill the gaps between the previously studied areas. As the survey areas are now under water, there is no opportunity to re-survey the areas covered. Under these circumstances, it seems useful to re-analyse the available material in conjunction with evidence provided by other disciplines like geography, geology and even biology up to an extent, aided by certain computer applications; predominantly GIS software but also certain computer programs used by other disciplines for specific analyses. This re-evaluation of the current evidence has made it possible to identify a settlement system that was formed of small clusters of sites, and it can also be suggested that the area was divided into three cultural zones during most of the Middle Bronze Age.