The Rise of Fortification Systems in Anatolia at the Collapse of the Early Bronze Age

Summary

The end of the Early Bronze Age (ca. 2000 BCE) saw the collapse or the decline of a number of civilizations and settlements throughout the ancient Near East, and is an oft discussed topic in the study of the archaeology and history of the region. This paper takes a micro look at this phenomenon within Central and Southeastern Anatolia, using the creation, upkeep and collapse of complex fortification systems as a proxy for violence and the preparedness for violence in the region. Before the Early Bronze Age, few settlements were fortified in Anatolia, a marked difference between Anatolia and other ancient Near Eastern regions, including Mesopotamia and Northern Syria. By the end of the Early Bronze Age, virtually all archaeologically known urban centers were fortified, with a variety of different fortification technologies evident. The rise of fortification systems in Anatolia coincided with the rise of socially complex societies and the threat of outside violence, and began a new urban layout that would continue through the rest of the Bronze Age.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 81st Annual Meeting, Orlando, FL (2016)   •
• "Let's Talk about [Collapse], Baby": Explorations in the Archaeology of Societal Collapse

Keywords

Spatial Coverage