Case Study
Tell Ahmar (Til Barsib)
Neo-Assyrian Urban Center, Northern Syria
During the Summers of 2000 and 2001, Archaeo-Physics
conducted magnetic field gradient and electrical resistance surveys
at Tell Ahmar, in northern Syria. Although the site contains multiple
components, from Neolithic to Roman, the Neo-Assyrian occupation
was the most extensive. A modern village now stands on the site.
The objectives of the investigation were to locate
and identify subsurface architectural or archaeological features
associated with the Assyrian occupation of the site, and to reveal
as much of the city plan as possible, particularly in non-elite
areas, which had been largely unexplored.
Nearly 40 hectares of the site were surveyed with magnetic
gradiometers. Several hectares were also surveyed with an electrical
resistance meter. These two methods proved to be successful and
complementary to each other. Numerous archaeological features have
been identified based on geophysical anomalies, as well as large
areas containing high densities of features and probably complex
stratigraphy. Features composed of mud brick, basalt and limestone
appear to be identifiable in the geophysical data, as well as other
anomalies that may be caused by organically enriched soils, cobble
pavements and ditches.
Based on the results of this survey, certain conclusions
can be tentatively drawn regarding types of features and settlement
patterns. Three fairly distinct zones of occupation are posited
based on the geophysical data:
· An inner urban zone which surrounds
the tell, and perhaps extends along the river. This zone is characterized
by high population density, and many closely spaced buildings.
· An exterior urban zone, and the city
wall. This zone is characterized by the wall itself, and within
it, low population densities and monumental architecture.
· A sparsely settled, probably agricultural,
zone outside the city wall. This zone is characterized by widely
scattered one or two room buildings, often with associated walls
or other long, linear features. These are thought to represent isolated
farmsteads.
The Geophysical Investigation was under the direction
of John M. Russell (Massachusetts College of Art). The Archaeological
expedition at Tell Ahmar was under the direction Dr. Guy Bunnens
(University of Liege, Belgium).
The geophysical investigation was sponsored by:
- Selz Foundation
- Institute for Aegean Prehistory
- National Geographic Society
- Davis Educational Foundation
- Raymond and Beverly Sackler
- Curtiss T. and Mary G. Brennan Foundation
- Linda Noe Laine Foundation
- Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation
- Norman Solhkhah
- Massachusetts College of Art
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Tell Ahmar Survey Crew
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