Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

TELL ARBID

SYRIA

known from layer 3 at Tell al-Raqa'i (cf.
Schwartz 2000: 163-170). Its presence in
this spot (and an earlier structure of the
same kind below cannot be excluded at
this point) would explain the nature of all
subsequent building here through the later
part of the Early Dynastic III period. It
seems that sanctuaries bigger and smaller
were erected here for several hundred
years on what was apparently “hallowed”
ground. It should be noted that locus 75-
35/65 represents the same layer of Nine-
vite 5 culture as the above-mentioned
group of small units excavated below locus
41 of the “Southern House”. In both cases,
we are faced with a complete change of
urban layout in this part of Ninevite
Arbid, a change that concerned particular
buildings, but apparently not the street
grid which demonstrates a certain stability
of the communication network on the tell.


Fig. 10. Plan of locus 73-3-5/65
(Drawing M. Momot)


Fig. 11. Ninevite 5 period shrine (locus 75-35/65) seen from the west. Note the thick layers of gyp-
sum plaster on the central platform and wall backing it (Photo A. Reiche)

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