The session will consist of two papers โ by Takehiro Miki and Marta Lorenzon โ followed by a shared question round and discussion on the seminar specific theme of โscience and the social lives of ancient materialsโ. The topics of the talks are:
โPottery and Mobility: Scientific Insights from Mugharat al-Kahf Cave, Omanโ (Takehiro Miki)
This presentation focuses on the protohistoric pottery recovered from Mugharat al-Kahf, a multi-period cave site situated high above Wadi Tanuf in north-central Oman. Through scientific analyses, including thin-section petrography and instrumental neutron activation analysis, this study investigates ceramics dating to the Wadi Suq period (2000โ1600 BCE) and the Early Iron Age (1300โ300 BCE) to explore both the provenance of the pottery and the lifeways of mobile groups who intermittently used the cave. The results indicate that while most pottery was produced and consumed locally, certain stylistic and technological choices, particularly in tempering, were shared across wider regions of southeastern Arabia. These findings provide new insights into the knowledge transmission and mobility in protohistoric southeastern Arabia.
โBricks, Climate, and Empire: Assur at the Core of Neo-Assyrian Powerโ (Marta Lorenzon)
Assur, the first capital of the Neo-Assyrian Empire (911โ879 BCE), reflects both the empireโs resilience and innovation. Although politically and culturally significant, its mudbrick foundations remain an underutilized source for understanding Assyrian strategies of resource use, labor organization, and environmental adaptation. This study employs geochemical analysis of mudbrick to trace material sourcing, craft transmission, and economic networks between Assur and surrounding centers. Changes in brick composition over time reveal how builders responded to shifting climates and resource availability. These findings offer new insights into the environmental resilience and economic systems that sustained Assur and, by extension, the broader Assyrian state.
All are welcome, so please share the news and join us in person or online!
Time: Thursday 25 September at 16:15-18:00 EEST (UTC+3h).
Live venue: The Faculty of Theology, Faculty Hall (Fabianinkatu 33, room 4038).
Virtual venue: Zoom (Meeting ID: 678 8979 2118 /
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