Micro-remains from the mud floor of a communal building of Early Bronze Age I, at Arlantepe, Malatya

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Distribution of cultural evidence contributes a great deal of information to archaeologist in different scales from large communities to small dwellings. Accumulation of large amounts of micro-remains put archaeologist in a big challenge of understanding a functionality of dwellings. Micro-debris pertains to short-term activities that occurred near the end of dwelling use or even after abandoning that. Micro-remain analyzing provides a great information in space distribution and activity patterns. While architectural approach in household studies is focusing on boundaries and plan, micro-remain analysis comprehend the interpretation of architecture and narratesthe real story of house and dwelling. Arslantepe, during the end of 4th millennium witnessed dramatic changes in occupation and structure. The mudbrick building (Building36) dating Early Bronze Age I was rested on top of the large courtyard of the monumental hall belonged to the palace complex dating to phase VIA. Burning in a huge fire provided large amounts of in situ material from this building. This tragedy benefited archaeologists with lots of unique information. Floor micro-remain analysis of Building 36, is required to find out the specific activity pattern and space distribution. Building 36, consists of two separated rooms with noticeable amounts of in situ materials which required more details in explaining functionality of each room. Two separated room (A1000, A1369) and one storage space(A1374) demonstrated different functions. While A1369 provided the evidence of cooking activity and storage use, A1000 the main hall demonstrated ritual and ceremonial functionality. Comparison of the first phase of construction with second phase shows that although structure of Building 36 had been changed but the functionality of rooms did not vary significantly