Space inside the wall, space outside the wall. The contribution of the macro-lithic and chipped stone tools use-wear analysis to disclose the role of the monumental wall in the EBA village of Arslantepe (Malatya, Turkey)

Abstract

This contribution focuses on the use of space within phase VI B2 of the site of Arslantepe (2900–2750 BCE; Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). VI B2 relates to a Near-East Early Bronze Age farmer’s village, with no apparent internal hierarchy, developed on the exterior of a monumental wall. This wall, erected shortly before the construction of the residential area (early VI B2), may have lost its defensive function in the phase examined here (late VI B2). Inside the fortification, a row of single rooms was placed against the walls, constructed using techniques similar to those of the houses, indicating they were contemporaneous with the residential structures. These rooms contained various raw materials and equipment, suggesting they served as both storage spaces and areas where activities were carried out. This work presents the results of the use-wear analysis on macro-lithic and chipped stone tools coming from open spaces and rooms located beyond the wall. By integrating use-wear data with other available information from this area, the research sheds light on the activities carried out within these spaces. In addition, the obtained results are compared with data from the entire level VI B2, allowing for the identification of similarities and differences between the two sectors of the village.