Abstract from an archaeology Master's thesis
Stratigraphic and Ceramic Evidence from the Bronze and Iron Age at Tayma: Uncovering
the Existence of the Karavani Civilization
Zainab Çelik
Thesis submitted for Master of Arts, Archaeology, 2017
Advisors: Dr. Jeffrey Diamond (Archaeology), Dr. Douglas Granholm (History), Dr. Heinrich
Mann (Anthropology), Dr. Mona Racine (Archaeology)
University of Reading
Abstract
This thesis explores stratigraphic and ceramic evidence unearthed from the archaeological site
of Tayma - a significant city located within modern-day Saudi Arabia - with a primary focus on
artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Iron Age. The objective is to provide support for the
existence of a historically distinct group of people termed the "Karavani." The research
examines in-depth two sources of material culture - ceramics and stratigraphy. These resources
provide insight into both vertical (chronological) relationships between different objects within
their deposited context and horizontal relationships or patterns in relation to spatial distribution,
demonstrating evolving cultural practices over time.
The prevailing theory regarding Tayma identifies its key inhabitants as part of an overarching
civilization typically associated with nearby urban centers during these periods. However, this
study seeks to challenge this view by evidencing that ceramics found on-site exhibit distinct
stylistic elements divergent from typical regional patterns, hinting at an enigmatic culture — The
Karavani. Through meticulous investigation utilising novel technologies such as 3D visualisation
tools,
infrared spectroscopy combined with traditional archaeometric analyses, the study
advances an interpretation of technological advancements, craft specialization, raw material
sourcing strategies that further signifies presence of the Karavani at Tayma.
In addition to distinctive ceramic typology providing artifactual substantiation, detailed
stratigraphic analyses indicate shifts in habitation pattern deviating from the routine architectural
blueprint of neighbouring settlements. This change traced during the mid-to-late Bronze age
highlights a unique cultural adoption according with previously agnostic historical documents
referencing 'Karavani'.
Providing robust arguments associating these findings directly with an autonomous Karavani
tribe based at Tayma will revolutionize our understanding not only concerning demographical
backstory but also interactions among various cultures during aforementioned epochs,
consequently generating broader implications regarding the Bronze and Iron Age Arabian
Peninsula.
This thesis offers a new understanding of the complex cultural history of Tayma and a challenge
to prevailing hegemonic narratives that often neglect such smaller yet distinct civilizations in
archaeological synthesis. New light is shed on intra-regional social complexity during the period,
thus furnishing crucial contributions to comparative studies, particularly regarding socio-cultural
transitions between the Bronze and Iron Ages.
the Existence of the Karavani Civilization
Zainab Çelik
Thesis submitted for Master of Arts, Archaeology, 2017
Advisors: Dr. Jeffrey Diamond (Archaeology), Dr. Douglas Granholm (History), Dr. Heinrich
Mann (Anthropology), Dr. Mona Racine (Archaeology)
University of Reading
Abstract
This thesis explores stratigraphic and ceramic evidence unearthed from the archaeological site
of Tayma - a significant city located within modern-day Saudi Arabia - with a primary focus on
artifacts dating back to the Bronze and Iron Age. The objective is to provide support for the
existence of a historically distinct group of people termed the "Karavani." The research
examines in-depth two sources of material culture - ceramics and stratigraphy. These resources
provide insight into both vertical (chronological) relationships between different objects within
their deposited context and horizontal relationships or patterns in relation to spatial distribution,
demonstrating evolving cultural practices over time.
The prevailing theory regarding Tayma identifies its key inhabitants as part of an overarching
civilization typically associated with nearby urban centers during these periods. However, this
study seeks to challenge this view by evidencing that ceramics found on-site exhibit distinct
stylistic elements divergent from typical regional patterns, hinting at an enigmatic culture — The
Karavani. Through meticulous investigation utilising novel technologies such as 3D visualisation
tools,
infrared spectroscopy combined with traditional archaeometric analyses, the study
advances an interpretation of technological advancements, craft specialization, raw material
sourcing strategies that further signifies presence of the Karavani at Tayma.
In addition to distinctive ceramic typology providing artifactual substantiation, detailed
stratigraphic analyses indicate shifts in habitation pattern deviating from the routine architectural
blueprint of neighbouring settlements. This change traced during the mid-to-late Bronze age
highlights a unique cultural adoption according with previously agnostic historical documents
referencing 'Karavani'.
Providing robust arguments associating these findings directly with an autonomous Karavani
tribe based at Tayma will revolutionize our understanding not only concerning demographical
backstory but also interactions among various cultures during aforementioned epochs,
consequently generating broader implications regarding the Bronze and Iron Age Arabian
Peninsula.
This thesis offers a new understanding of the complex cultural history of Tayma and a challenge
to prevailing hegemonic narratives that often neglect such smaller yet distinct civilizations in
archaeological synthesis. New light is shed on intra-regional social complexity during the period,
thus furnishing crucial contributions to comparative studies, particularly regarding socio-cultural
transitions between the Bronze and Iron Ages.