The Hirbemerdon Tepe Archaeological Project 2006-2007. A preliminary report on the Middle Bronze Age ‘architectural complex’ and the survey of the site catchment area

The fourth and fifth seasons of archaeological work at Hirbemerdon Tepe have been crucial for further developing the three major research objectives of the Hirbemerdon Tepe Archaeological Project, which can be summarized as follows: 1) the definition of a clear chronological sequence of occupation at the site; 2) a more complete understanding of the function of the Middle Bronze Age ‘architectural complex’ located in the High Mound; and 3) the initiation of an intensive survey that will interpret the site catchment and exploitation area (5 km radius on the Tigris’ right bank totaling 48 km2). Thus, this preliminary report represents a collection of the different studies performed during these two years of archaeological work and will elaborate on the abovementioned objectives. More specifically, attention will be given to new information gained about architectural features, the pottery assemblages, the stone implements, and the paleobotanical and archaeozoological data yielded from within the ‘architectural complex,’ followed by the placement of the site in its broader regional context.