Research master thesis | Archaeology (research) (MA/MSc)
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This Research Master thesis deals with societal contacts during the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period in the southern Levant. More specifically, it focusses on Tell Deir ‘Alla, a site...Show moreThis Research Master thesis deals with societal contacts during the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period in the southern Levant. More specifically, it focusses on Tell Deir ‘Alla, a site in the middle Jordan Valley. The main question to be answered in thesis is: What is the position of Deir ‘Alla in the societal landscape of the Middle to Late Bronze Age transitional period? An answer was provided through the study of the ceramic material from the site. After a discussion of the stratigraphic context of the material, a typology was constructed. This was compared with typologies at other sites. Based on these typological comparisons and some observations about the general pottery development throughout the region, the majority of the studied pottery assemblage of Deir ‘Alla was tentatively dated to the MB III period. The wider societal structures can be observed through the study of pottery. It is assumed that through certain technological traits in the pottery, certain aspects of the chaine opératoire can be inferred. This is done by looking at production technology, production organization and distribution and exchange. These observations were combined with conclusions in the literature that were made based on settlement patterns. It was possible to get to a better understanding of the interactions between sites in within the Jordan Valley.Show less
