Quantitative approach to the diffusion of obsidian in the ancient northern Near East

In: Posluschny, A. ; Lambers, K. ; Herzog, I. (Hrsgg.): Layers of Perception. Proceedings of the 35th International Conference on Computer Applications and Quantitative Methods in Archaeology (CAA), Berlin, 2.-6. April, 2007 (Koll. Vor- u. Frühgesch. 10). Bonn 2008 375 (Abstract)

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Abstract

Tracing the transport of obsidian in the ancient Near East has played an important role in identifying prehistoric trade networks. The quantitative aspect of these exchanges has until now been rarely studied, whether the weight of material transported, its correlation with the means of transport (carried by humans, by pack or draught animals, by boat), the number of hours or days necessary between the source and the archaeological sites. Obsidian sources located in the northern Near East (Eastern Anatolia, Transcaucasia) were extensively exploited between the 7th–3rd mill. BC. The GIS modelling and quantification of the provision of obsidian in this mountainous region have revealed the predominance of a direct mode of acquisition, based partly on transhumance. The ethnographic data and the accounts of travellers in past centuries contribute precious information, which clarifies and supports the results of the modelling achieved using the GIS.