Middle bronze age settlement in Tarsus-Gözlükule: a re-evaluation of stratigraphy and analysis of use of space

Abstract

This thesis re-evaluates the Middle Bronze Age settlement remains at Tarsus-Gözlükule, a multi-period mound located in the western part of the Cilician plain. The stratigraphy of the period is investigated by comparing unpublished field diaries with all publications on this topic. Based on this re-reading of sources, stratigraphic, architectural and non-structural data (ceramics and small finds) are combined to re-create the original find context to determine the changes in the use of space in the excavated part of the Middle Bronze Age settlement. The results present a series of revisions modifying previous interpretations of the Middle Bronze Age stratigraphy of this site. It is proposed that in the course of this period the settlement was clearly re-organized once, following a major conflagration level, but after that only changed incrementally and continuously not warranting further stratigraphic subdivisions. The analysis of use of space indicates that the Middle Bronze Age settlement was organized as households with textile production and storage facilities at the domestic level in the beginning of the period. After the conflagration this part of the town seems to have been re-structured as part of a larger-complex that served multiple activities.