Tall Bazi I

The site Tall Bazi on the left bank of the Syrian Euphrates has so far been known mainly for its Bronze Age occupation. But the Tall yielded also remains of later architecture, namely from the 2nd century AD. This volume will first present and analyse the respective finds and findings. The ensuing archaeological and historical evaluation will consider the function of Tall Bazi against the background of the political and cultural situation. In this context, the border location of the site - a part of the kingdom of Osrhoene situated between the superpowers Rome and Parthia - is of the utmost importance. Tall Bazi is a fortified sanctuary with an irregular ground plan. Framed by two gate towers the main access lay on the side fronting the Euphrates. Inside, several buildings could be ascertained one of which may be regarded as a central ritual building. Based on the dating of the partly stratified finds the monumental sanctuary was presumably erected in the late 1st / early 2nd century AD. It existed until the second half of the 2nd century AD. The careful and comprehensive analysis of finds and findings allows us to address various questions connected with the sanctuary of Tall Bazi. For example, a great number of pits in an open courtyard point to ritual activities inside the sacred area. The shape and construction of the temple stand fast within the Mesopotamian tradition; despite its location right on the Euphrates river and thus at the frontier of the Roman Empire the architecture does not show any Hellenistic / Roman influence. This fact as well as the analysed material enable us to draw conclusions with regard to the identity of the builder of the sanctuary and its visitors. Ritual places that might be comparable to the sanctuary of Tall Bazi are so far hardly known in the Middle East. It is therefore highly important that the information to be gained from this unique site on the borderline between the Roman Empire and the sphere of Parthian power is evaluated and published.