Pottery from the University of California, Berkeley Excavations in the Area of the Maski Gate (MG22), Nineveh, 1989-1990

The University of California, Berkeley excavations in the Area of the Maški Gate (MG22), Nineveh, 1989-1990, uncovered a district of large dwellings and wide streets, suggesting the area was occupied during the period when the city was embellished and enlarged by the Assyrian monarch, king Sennacherib. The work provides a stratigraphic history of Late Assyrian ceramics at the center of the empire through at least the 7th century BC.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 04 August 2022
Publisher: Archaeopress

Pottery from the University of California, Berkeley excavations in the Area of the Maški Gate (MG22), Nineveh, 1989-1990, presents a comprehensive examination of the pottery discovered during the UC Berkeley excavations in Nineveh in 1989 and 1990. Nineveh, one of the world's longest-occupied cities, boasts a remarkable history of habitation dating back to at least the middle of the 7th millennium BC, spanning an almost uninterrupted continuity until today. It holds immense political and religious significance, particularly during its apogee as the capital of the Assyrian Empire in the late 8th and 7th centuries BC, solidifying its status as a legendary metropolis in history and literature. In 1987, the University of California at Berkeley initiated a program of archaeological investigations at Nineveh, with the primary objective of shedding light on the character and layout of the city's urban neighborhoods. This aspect of Assyrian urbanism had received limited attention in previous excavations. Near the Maški Gate (MG22), the UC Berkeley team uncovered a district characterized by large dwellings and wide streets. The excavation revealed multiple layers of occupation and rebuilding, indicating that the area was inhabited during a period when the city underwent significant embellishment and expansion under the rule of the Assyrian monarch, King Sennacherib (705/704-681 BC). The work in MG22 provides a comprehensive stratigraphic history of Late Assyrian ceramics at the heart of the empire, spanning at least the 7th century BC.

The excavation at MG22 has yielded a rich collection of pottery, including various types of vessels, such as bowls, jars, and amphorae. These artifacts offer valuable insights into the artistic styles, technological advancements, and cultural practices of the Late Assyrian period. The pottery is adorned with intricate designs, including geometric patterns, animal motifs, and human figures, reflecting the artistic creativity and craftsmanship of the Assyrian people. The excavation also revealed evidence of trade and commerce, with imports from other regions and exports to neighboring territories. The presence of foreign pottery styles and motifs suggests the extent of Nineveh's cultural and economic influence during this period.

The excavation at MG22 has significantly contributed to our understanding of the history and culture of Nineveh. It has provided valuable information about the urban development, political structure, and religious beliefs of the Assyrian Empire. The pottery discovered at MG22 has shed light on the daily life and social interactions of the people living in Nineveh during the Late Assyrian period. The excavation has also raised important questions about the preservation and conservation of archaeological artifacts, particularly in conflict zones. The challenges faced by archaeologists in preserving and protecting these precious remnants of human history are significant, and ongoing efforts are necessary to ensure their preservation for future generations.

In conclusion, the pottery from the University of California, Berkeley excavations in the Area of the Maški Gate (MG22), Nineveh, 1989-1990, presents a comprehensive examination of the pottery discovered during the UC Berkeley excavations in Nineveh. Nineveh's long and rich history, coupled with its political and religious significance, has made it a legendary metropolis in history and literature. The excavation at MG22 has provided valuable insights into the artistic styles, technological advancements, and cultural practices of the Late Assyrian period. The pottery discovered at MG22 has shed light on the daily life and social interactions of the people living in Nineveh during this period. The excavation has also raised important questions about the preservation and conservation of archaeological artifacts, particularly in conflict zones. The ongoing efforts to preserve and protect these precious remnants of human history are essential for future generations to appreciate and learn from.

Weight: 622g
Dimension: 219 x 297 x 12 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781803272153