Bronze Age Cultural Dynamics, Sustainability, and Landscapes in the Marmara Lake Basin, Gediz Valley, Western Turkey

FAIN: RZ-51556-13

Boston University (Boston, MA 02215-1300)
Christina M. Luke (Project Director: December 2012 to May 2018)
Christopher H. Roosevelt (Co Project Director: December 2012 to May 2018)

Archaeological excavation and analysis of a second millennium BCE site at Kaymakçi in the Marmara Lake Basin, Western Anatolia, Turkey. (36 months)

Our research question focuses on the establishment and maintenance of regional authority in the Marmara Lake Basin, the likely core of the Seha River Land, in the context of social and cultural hybridization of Aegean, central Anatolian, and local traditions. We hypothesize the following: (1) that the 2nd-millennium BCE network of citadels in the Marmara Lake Basin reflects hybrid responses to Aegean and central Anatolian traditions of residential, administrative, and fortification design and organization indicative of increasingly centralized socio-political authority; (2) that shared Anatolian ritual traditions of libation were performed near citadels and sacred locales as a means of reifying authority; (3) and that long-standing and local subsistence practices and risk-management strategies enabled its sustainability.

Associated Products

The Story of a Forgotten Kingdom? Survey Archaeology and the Historical Geography of Central Western Anatolia in the Second Millennium bc (Article)
Title: The Story of a Forgotten Kingdom? Survey Archaeology and the Historical Geography of Central Western Anatolia in the Second Millennium bc
Author: Luke, Christina
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Abstract: This article presents previously unknown archaeological evidence of a mid-second-millennium bc kingdom located in central western Anatolia. Discovered during the work of the Central Lydia Archaeological Survey in the Marmara Lake basin of the Gediz Valley in western Turkey, the material evidence appears to correlate well with text-based reconstructions of Late Bronze Age historical geography drawn from Hittite archives. One site in particular—Kaymakçi—stands out as a regional capital and the results of the systematic archaeological survey allow for an understanding of local settlement patterns, moving beyond traditional correlations between historical geography and capital sites alone. Comparison with contemporary sites in central western Anatolia, furthermore, identifies material commonalities in site forms that may indicate a regional architectural tradition if not just influence from Hittite hegemony.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/european-journal-of-archaeology/article/story-of-a-forgotten-kingdom-survey-archaeology-and-the-historical-geography-of-central-western-anatolia-in-the-second-millennium-bc/84CC637871BE8EFE647CA8AEF6193F00
Access Model: Open Access
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: European Journal of Archaeology
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Yörük Legacies: Space, Scent, and Sediment Geochemistry (Article)
Title: Yörük Legacies: Space, Scent, and Sediment Geochemistry
Author: Luke, Christina
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Author: Scott, C.
Abstract: This paper explores ephemeral landscapes of smell using datasets from ethnographic fieldwork, archaeological survey, and sediment geochemistry in western Anatolia. Our analysis brings together regional datasets from the late Ottoman period to the present to understand the places that mark the transition from the agropastoral migratory lifeways of Yörük tribes to settled communities. We explore one Yörük-legacy (Tekeli tribe) compound to understand ‘settled’ lifeways over three generations, and how study of these legacy traditions may be a valuable contribution to experimental archaeology. Our entry into this discussion is a study of food – its preparation, storage, and consumption – and its associated olfactory landscapes. While ethnography helps determine how aromas define active and contemporary spaces and spheres of intimacy, sediment geochemistry offers a method for investigating archaeologies of aroma.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10761-016-0345-6
Access Model: subscription
Format: Journal
Publisher: Springer

Kaymakçi Archeoloji Projesi: 2015 Yili Kazi Sonçlari (Article)
Title: Kaymakçi Archeoloji Projesi: 2015 Yili Kazi Sonçlari
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Author: Ünlüsöy, S.
Author: Luke, C.
Abstract: none
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://www.kulturvarliklari.gov.tr/TR,44760/kazi-sonuclari-toplantilari.html
Access Model: Open Access
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Kazi Sonuçlari Toplantasi.
Publisher: Republic of Turkey

Kaymakçi Archeoloji Projesi: 2014 Yili Kazi Sonçlari (Article)
Title: Kaymakçi Archeoloji Projesi: 2014 Yili Kazi Sonçlari
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Author: Luke, C.
Author: Ünlüsöy, S.
Abstract: NONE
Year: 2014
Primary URL: http://www.kulturvarliklari.gov.tr/TR,44760/kazi-sonuclari-toplantilari.html
Access Model: OP
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Kazi Sonuçlari Toplantasi.
Publisher: Republic of Turkey

Excavation is destruction digitization: Advances in archaeological practice. (Article)
Title: Excavation is destruction digitization: Advances in archaeological practice.
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Author: Cobb, P.
Author: Moss, E.
Author: Olson, B.
Author: Ünlüsoy, S.
Abstract: This article modifies an old archaeological adage—“excavation is destruction”—to demonstrate how advances in archaeological practice suggest a new iteration: “excavation is digitization.” Digitization, in a fully digital paradigm, refers to practices that leverage advances in onsite, image-based modeling and volumetric recording, integrated databases, and data sharing. Such practices were implemented in 2014 during the inaugural season of the Kaymakçi Archaeological Project (KAP) in western Turkey. The KAP recording system, developed from inception before excavation as a digital workflow, increases accuracy and efficiency as well as simplicity and consistency. The system also encourages both practical and conceptual advances in archaeological practice. These involve benefits associated with thinking volumetrically, rather than in two dimensions, and a connectivity that allows for group decision-making regardless of group location. Additionally, it is hoped that the system's use of almost entirely “off-the-shelf” solutions will encourage its adoption or at least its imitation by other projects.
Year: 2015
Access Model: Open Access
Format: Journal
Periodical Title: Journal of Field Archaeology
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Composing communities: Chalcolithic through Iron Age survey ceramics in the Marmara Lake basin, western Turkey (Article)
Title: Composing communities: Chalcolithic through Iron Age survey ceramics in the Marmara Lake basin, western Turkey
Author: Luke, C.
Author: Roosevelt, C.H.
Author: Cobb, P.
Author: Çilingiroglu, C.
Abstract: Diachronic survey in the Marmara Lake basin of western Turkey confirms long-term settlement activity from the 5th millennium b.c. to the present. Here we present the results from a study of ceramics and settlement distribution pertaining to the Chalcolithic through the Iron Age periods (ca. 5th/4th–1st millennium b.c.). Our dataset confirms the value of a multi-pronged approach when establishing ceramic typologies from survey datasets, incorporating distribution in the landscape with macroscopic, microscopic (petrographic), and chemical (Instrumental Neutron Activation) analyses. Our results offer valuable insights into continuity as well as change of ceramic recipes in western Anatolia during the rise of urbanism in the Middle to Late Bronze Age followed by the establishment of an imperial realm in the Iron Age. From a methodological perspective, our results illustrate the value of macroscopic and chemical approaches, including principal component, distribution, density, and discriminant analyses that can be refined further by petrography, for the interpretation of surface survey ceramics.
Year: 2015
Primary URL: http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1179/2042458215Y.0000000009
Access Model: Open Access
Format: Journal
Publisher: Taylor and Francis

Gygaia Projects: Voices (Blog Post)
Title: Gygaia Projects: Voices
Author: Gygaia Projects
Abstract: Weekly updates were posted for the Kaymakçi Archaeological Project through the website for Gygaia Projects.
Date: 6/21/2017
Primary URL: http://gygaia.org/
Blog Title: Voices of the week.
Website: Gygaia Projects

Cup-Marks and Citadels: Evidence for Libation in 2nd-Millennium B.C.E. Western Anatolia (Article)
Title: Cup-Marks and Citadels: Evidence for Libation in 2nd-Millennium B.C.E. Western Anatolia
Author: Christina Luke
Author: Christohper H. Roosevelt
Abstract: Shallow conical depressions hewn into bedrock, known as cup-marks, have been documented at and around 2nd-millennium b.c.e. citadels in the Marmara Lake basin of the Gediz Valley, western Anatolia. These rupestral features are among the best indications of the presence of libation ceremonies in the region and provide evidence that local communities shared in cultural traditions spread over western and central Anatolia. Libation rituals in the basin were probably intended to summon the divine for protection, stewardship of the dead, and/or assurance of agricultural prosperity through maintenance of stable environmental conditions. Periodic catastrophes, resulting from massive inundations and/or droughts typical to the region, weigh in favor of an environmental interpretation. We frame our discussion of the topography and archaeology of the Gediz Valley and the evidence for Middle to Late Bronze Age cup-marks within the context of historical geography and the archaeology of Anatolia.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.asor.org/asor-publications/basor/
Access Model: Jstor and academic.edu
Format: Journal
Publisher: Bulletin of the American Schools of Oriental Research

Publishing near-complete survey and ongoing excavation data online: how to proceed? (Conference Paper/Presentation)
Title: Publishing near-complete survey and ongoing excavation data online: how to proceed?
Author: Christina Luke
Author: Chris Roosevelt
Abstract: Between 2005 and 2014, the Central Lydia Archaeological Survey (CLAS) worked to record accurately the locations of sites of cultural activity in the Marmara Lake Basin of the Gediz Valley, western Turkey, recovering diachronic remains spanning the Paleolithic to the recent past. Since 2014, the Kaymakçi Archaeological Project (KAP) has conducted excavations and related research at a second-millennium BCE citadel in the same area, with long-term plans to continue fieldwork and publication activities. Both projects have relied on digital data-management practices from their inception, involving relational databases, digital image collections, geodatabases, and – now for KAP – volumetric data collection, even if particular data formats and organizational schemes have evolved over the years. As analyses of CLAS materials wind down and KAP data collection and analysis continue, project directors aim to publish data online to make “near complete” data available to the public and “ongoing” data available to researchers for continuing analyses. Which data archives are most sustainable? Which allow for dynamic data interaction, including via geospatial portals? And which are the most user-friendly, to ensure fluid and easy data access? Finally, what specific data cleaning or other preparatory activities are advisable to ensure data compatibility with universal standards? The project directors recognize that these and other basic questions need answers before taking next steps and are looking for the best solutions.
Date: 12/01/2017
Conference Name: Publishing Archaeological Data Online. ANAMED and NIT, Istanbul, Turkey

Vali Güvençer Kaymakçi Arkeoloji projesi ekibini agirladi (Article)
Title: Vali Güvençer Kaymakçi Arkeoloji projesi ekibini agirladi
Author: Haber Turk
Abstract: MANISA (IHA) - Gölmarmara'nin Kaymakçi Tepesinde arkeoloji kazi çalismasi yapan ekip Manisa Valisi Mustafa Hakan Güvençer'i ziyaret ederek Kaymakçi Arkeoloji Projesi hakkinda bilgi verdi. Vali Güvençer'in ziyaretine kazi çalismalarini yapan Koç Üniversitesi Arkeoloji ve Sanat Tarihi Bölümü Ögretim Üyesi Doç. Dr. Chris Roosevelt, Yasar Üniversitesi Turizm Rehberligi Bölümü Ögretim Üyesi Yrd. Doç. Dr. Sinan Ünlüsoy ve Kaymakçi Arkeoloji Koordinatörü Dogan Sener katildi.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.haberturk.com/yerel-haberler/haber/54467368-vali-guvencer-kaymakci-arkeoloji-projesi-ekibini-agirladi
Primary URL Description: Haber Turk
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Haber Turk

MANISA’da Genç Tunç Çagi dönemine ait 8 hektarlik Gölmarmara Kaymakçi yerlesiminde 3 bin 500 yillik çok sayida tahil ambari bulundu. (Article)
Title: MANISA’da Genç Tunç Çagi dönemine ait 8 hektarlik Gölmarmara Kaymakçi yerlesiminde 3 bin 500 yillik çok sayida tahil ambari bulundu.
Author: Hurriyet
Abstract: Gediz Havzasi’nin en büyük Genç Tunç Çagi yerlesimi olan ve 2014 yilinda kazilarin basladigi Gölmarmara Kaymakçi yerlesimi, 3 bin 500 yillik tahil ambarlari ile büyük ilgi çekti. Kaymakçi Arkeoloji Projesi Kazi Baskani Koç Üniversitesi Arkeoloji ve Sanat Tarihi Bölümü Ögretim Üyesi Doç. Dr. Chris Roosevelt, Kazi Baskan Baskan Yardimcisi Yasar Üniversitesi Ögretim Üyesi Yrd. Doç. Dr. Sinan Ünlüsoy kazi çalismalari hakkinda bilgi verdi. 8 hektarlik bir alanda kale ve evlerden olusan Genç Tunç Çagi yapilari Manisa’nin tarimina da isik tuttu. Kazi Baskan Yardimcisi Yrd. Doç.Dr. Sinan Ünlüsoy, kazilarin 2014 yilindan bu yana 25-30 kisilik bir ekiple sürdürüldügünü söyledi.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.hurriyet.com.tr/manisada-bulundu-3-bin-500-yillik-40529888
Format: Newspaper

Archaeology world excited about Gölmarmara findings (Article)
Title: Archaeology world excited about Gölmarmara findings
Author: Dogan News Agnecy
Abstract: The latest findings discovered during excavations on Kaymakçi Hill in Manisa’s Gölmarmara Lake basin have aroused excitement in the archaeological world, including one that even overshadow the famous city of Troy. Archaeology world excited about Gölmarmara findings“This area is four times larger than the ancient site of Troy in Çanakkale and the largest late Bronze Age settlement that has been found in the Aegean region. When the work is done, we will take a very significant step toward promoting Manisa to the world,” said Yasar University academic Professor Sinan Ünlüsoy, the deputy head of the Kaymakçi Archaeology Project. Excavations conducted by an excavation team formed by 42 archaeologists from leading U.S., European and Turkish universities are continuing to shed light on the unknown about the late Bronze Age (1600-1200 B.C.). The project is being headed by Koç University Archaeology and History of Art Department members Christopher H. Roosevelt and Christina Luke.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/archaeology-world-excited-about-golmarmara-findings--86542
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Turkish Daily News

Ancient granaries in Turkey's Manisa reveal history of grape production (Article)
Title: Ancient granaries in Turkey's Manisa reveal history of grape production
Author: Dogan News Agnecy
Abstract: Many granaries from 3,500 years ago have been unearthed in the western province of Manisa. The granaries were found in the eight-hectare Gölmarmara Kaymakçi settlement dating back to the early Bronze Age. Excavations have been continuing in Gölmarmara Kaymakçi, which is the largest early Bronze Age settlement in the Gediz Delta, since 2014.
Year: 2017
Primary URL: http://www.hurriyetdailynews.com/ancient-granaries-in-turkeys-manisa-reveal-history-of-grape-production---115965
Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Turkish Daily News

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