A Reassessment of the Round Buildings in the Hamrin Valley (Central Iraq) during the Early 3rd Millennium BC
Year: 2009
Type: article
Abstract: During salvage excavations in the Hamrin basin (Central Iraq), archaeologists unexpectedly found a number of monumental circular constructions dating to the early 3rd millennium BC. The most prevalent theory about the function of these sites is that they were defensive outposts where the famous Lower Diyala cities had implanted some garrisons either to control the trade routes or to protect themselves from eastern invasions. However, a closer inspection of all the available information shows that there is not much evidence to support the hypotheses that have been put forward so far. An analysis of the sites, the material culture and the wider archaeological and historical context, indicates fi rst of all that there was an indigenous development in the Trans-Tigridian Corridor instead of colonization by an external polity, and secondly that the impressive structures were storage facilities. It is then argued further that the settlements in the Hamrin region were part of a dispersed, mobile society that made full use of the available resources by exploiting the agricultural potential of the valleys in the otherwise hilly landscape. This study can therefore contribute to recent discussions and case studies dealing with the theoretical aspects of sedentary-nomadic relations, and the socio-cultural potential of dispersed societies.
Source: Paléorient
Author: Steve Renette
Language: English
Topic: Ancient Near East History
Subfield: Archeology
Field: Arts and Humanities
Domain: Social Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W2317514752