Tell Beydar, the 2000-2002 Seasons of Excavations, the 2003-2004 Seasons of Architectural Restoration: A Preliminary Report (Subartu)

The third volume about the Euro-Syrian excavations at Tell Beydar constitutes the progress report of the 2000 to 2002 seasons of excavations and the 2003 - 2004 (springtime) seasons of architectural restoration. The central acropolis is currently almost completely uncovered, revealing the Early Jezirah IIIb administrative centre of the ancient city of Nabada. Immediately S of the acropolis, three temples (B, C and D), workshops and storerooms are located in a specific quarter. Soundings have been initiated below the floors of the EJ IIIb Palace and Temple A, reaching official architecture from the EJ IIIa period. B Field has been extended, providing more private houses. Private houses were discovered as well in Field Q. A new area of excavations (P) is scheduled to survey the E part of the city. W of Temple C, a new area of excavations (M/O) reaches a quarter of the city seemingly devoted to handicraft and economical purposes. The hellenistic building of Area A provides clues about architecture, pottery and stratigraphy of a poorly documented period in Upper Mesopotamia. In 2003 a large programme of architectural restoration has been launched, having as main priority the preservation of the EJ IIIb official buildings of the central acropolis. The methods of consolidation/restoration/reconstruction are detailed in the volume. The hellenistic building of Area A has been restored as well. English and French text.