Archeological studies have demonstrated that many Prehistoric artefacts in obsidian found in the ... more Archeological studies have demonstrated that many Prehistoric artefacts in obsidian found in the Near East have a chemical affinity with obsidian out-cropping in the Nemrut volcano. In the archaeological literature, Mount Nemrut is considered as one of the most important obsidian sources used by prehistoric societies. During our two field works in 2013 and 2014, we prospected a wide area on and around Nemrut volcano. Our findings confirm the location of the obsidian outcrops described in the literature. According to our observation, obsidian on Mount Nemrut volcano is generally not exploitable for chopping tools. Most of the studied obsidians we defined on the field, present a facies with numerous phenocrysts and cracks, which is not compatible with a good knapping quality. However, we identified a new outcrop associated with obsidian artefacts such as nuclei and rough flakes. Geological samples of the obsidian from this outcrop present all a very different fades compare to those of...
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jun 1, 2016
International audienceIn the frame of GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr/), we started an ... more International audienceIn the frame of GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr/), we started an exhaustive field study of obsidian lavas outcrops in the Nemrut Volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). We propose here to present results from analyses of the macroscopic facies and chemical characteristics of all sub-sources, and its comparison to each other. A first conclusive remark is that most Nemrut sub-sources are distinguishable using geochemical data (LA–ICP–MS). In addition, on the western flank of the volcano we identify and characterize (in the field as well as in the laboratory) two yet unknown obsidian outcrops (Kayacık and Sıcaksu) which are close to each other, with regard both to its geography and geochemistry. No previous research on obsidian sourcing around this volcano was able to identify these sub-sources.Statistical treatments (classification and discriminant analyses) applied to a set of data composed of our results from both (i) all our sub-sources sampled in the Nemrut, together with (ii) the artifacts attributed by L. Khalidy et al. to the Nemrut Volcano, clearly connect the artifacts to the group formed by these newly found sub-sources. Results of the combination of field work data, geochemical analyses, and statistical treatments comparing geological and archaeological obsidians, evidence the importance of two obsidian outcrops sampled by us on the western flank on Nemrut Volcano, which is the most up-to-date collection of samples from the Nemrut.In further detail, only one of the two new sub-sources, the ―Sıcaksu‖ obsidian, is particularly homogenous and suitable for chopping. Accordingly, Sıcaksu obsidian is now the best candidate for being the source addressed by Neolithic populations who collected raw material in the Nemrut Volcano for tool-making
The Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) in Turkey preserves widespread deposits of Quatern... more The Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) in Turkey preserves widespread deposits of Quaternary tephra, presently associated with a small but growing number of Paleolithic archaeological sites. We use multivariate analyses of the abundances of a suite of nine major and minor element oxides determined by electron probe microanalysis. From these data, we construct a classificatory model for correlating distal tephra to one of five volcanic edifices or eruptive phases within the CAVP. Application of this model to distal deposits of primary tephra-fall and reworked tuffaceous sediments from the archaeological sites of Körkuyu and Kaletepe Deresi 3 indicates Late to possibly Early Pleistocene ages for the artifact assemblages there, and provides a fundamental tephrostratigraphic framework to examine spatial and temporal variation in hominin behavior comparable to that of other regions, such as eastern Africa. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Arslantepe is a hoyuk (i.e. tell), located within the fertile Malatya Plain, some 12 km from the ... more Arslantepe is a hoyuk (i.e. tell), located within the fertile Malatya Plain, some 12 km from the right bank of the Euphrates River. The long sequence of the site covers several millennia, from at least the 6thmillennium B.C. until the final destruction of the Neo-Hittite town. The archaeological site benefits of a more than fifty years of excavations by the Italian Archaeological Mission (La Sapienza University, Rome). Its long history reflects the changing relations and connections with various civilizations in the Near East (Frangipane 2011). During the earliest phases (Chalcolithic), Arslantepe is connected with the Syro-Mesopotamian world. However, during the Early Bronze Age Arslantepe‘s external relations are reoriented towards eastern Anatolia and Transcaucasia. During these periods, Arslantepe also had connections with Central Anatolia that grow during the 2ndmillennium B.C. with the rising Hittite civilization.This talk focuses on the sourcing of obsidian artifacts collecte...
The southern Cappadocia shows a large variety of Quaternary volcanic landscapes, offering the opp... more The southern Cappadocia shows a large variety of Quaternary volcanic landscapes, offering the opportunity to observe beautiful and generally fresh morphologies. These landscapes include two rhyolitic complexes (Golludag and Acigol), a huge composite volcano (Hasandag) and numerous monogenic vents, with scoria cones, domes and maars. Natural and anthropogenic sections show a large variety of lava flows and tephra layers. The precise study of this volcanic material allows reconstructing the volcanic and geomorphologic evolution of this area during the Quaternary, including modes of emplacements, chronology of the volcanic successions, morphological impacts on the landscapes. In addition, archaeological excavations in southern Cappadocia testify for the presence of ancient populations since the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic. During the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, the southern Cappadocia has been intensively occupied with permanent sites (Asikli Hoyuk, Musular, Tepecik Ciftlik, Kosk Hoyuk, etc.) as well as non-permanent sites devoted to mining and chopping of obsidian associated with some of the volcanoes.
Dans de nombreux sites du Proche-Orient, des artefacts archeologiques en obsidienne ont ete retro... more Dans de nombreux sites du Proche-Orient, des artefacts archeologiques en obsidienne ont ete retrouves et attribues aux sources geologiques du Nemrut. Les publications sur la geologie du Nemrut montrent que des affleurements d’obsidienne sont presents sur les flancs sud, est, ouest et nord du volcan. Lors de deux missions de terrain (2013, 2014), nous avons prospecte une large partie du volcan et repere les affleurements decrits dans la litterature ; notre prospection n’a cependant pas ete exhaustive. La grande majorite des obsidiennes etudiees presente en effet un facies a phenocristaux et craquelures marquant une pietre qualite pour la taille. De plus, une grande partie de ces obsidiennes affleure sous forme de lits de faible epaisseur, ne permettant pas leur exploitation. Nous avons localise un seul affleurement d’obsidienne taillable. Associe a un atelier de taille, son facies, tres different de celui rencontre ailleurs dans le volcan, est uni et homogene, sans phenocristaux ni craquelures. Ces caracteristiques sont compatibles avec la taille pour la confection d’objets. Cet affleurement n’a jamais ete decrit dans la litterature. Comparativement aux autres affleurements d’obsidienne connus aujourd’hui, nous pouvons affirmer que cet affleurement d’obsidienne homogene est le seul taillable connu sur le volcan Nemrut. A partir des donnees de terrain, de l’etude des facies, d’analyses chimiques en LA-ICP-MS et d’une etude petrologique, nous pouvons emettre deux hypotheses concernant les modalites de mise en place d’un affleurement exploitable repere. Ces modalites en effet ont un rapport etroit avec l’accessibilite de la ressource et de ces espaces pour l’homme de la Prehistoire (du Paleolithique au Chalcolithique).
(1) Paris 7-Denis Diderot University, UMR 8586 PRODIG, France, (2) Laboratoire de Géographie Phys... more (1) Paris 7-Denis Diderot University, UMR 8586 PRODIG, France, (2) Laboratoire de Géographie Physique, UMR 8591, Meudon, France (aurelien.christol@cnrs-bellevue.fr), (3) University of Van, Department of Geography, Turkey, (4) University of Istanbul, Department of Geography, Turkey, (5) University of Rouen, FRE 2795, France, (6) Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Environnement et du Climat, UMR 1572 CEA-CNRS, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France.
During the Quaternary, important and rapid environmental changes occurred in central Anatolian in... more During the Quaternary, important and rapid environmental changes occurred in central Anatolian in relation with calco-alcalme volcamsm. This volcanic activity generated two large rhyohtic complexes integrating calderas, several pyroclastic deposits and lavic extrusions interstratified with various detntic formations. Activity of the Gollu Dag and the Acigol complexes lasted respectively from the lower Pleistocene until the middle Pleistocene, and from the middle Pleistocene until the upper Pleistocene. Results presented here allow i) to evidence the Gollu Dag caldera for the first time, 11) to define the extension of the Acigol caldera according to new data, and ii) to reconstruct the successive phases in the evolution of both complexes. These complexes present three main types of activity : pre-, syn-, and post-caldera, each timing being responsible for various environmental changes related to different pyroclastite deposition characteristics (volume, types, dynamics, ...). Syn-cal...
The Holocene fluvial and archaeological records in the valleys draining the south-eastern piedmon... more The Holocene fluvial and archaeological records in the valleys draining the south-eastern piedmont of the Taurus range present several contrasted phases, interrupted by transition and/or rupture periods. The low terrace records identified in the Middle Euphrates valley between Halfeti and Karke- mish give the following results 1 ) a pre-Holocene incised topography is dated Upper or Late Pleistocene, 2) Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene alluviation deposited sands and silts forming a "high terrace" (+8-10 m) fossilising the previous incision, 3) at mid-Holocene the valley was forested and the landscape stable, 4) at the end of the 5th mill. BC, erosion and incision preceded the instalment of new settlements on the valley floor, 5) high floods followed this incision, 6) during the 2nd mill. BC or only in its second half, the river deposited a +4 m terrace, which was followed by incision during the first centuries of the 1st mill. BC. The comparison with previous works realised...
Soda Lake Van is a very important reference site for Late Glacial and Holocene palaeoenvironmenta... more Soda Lake Van is a very important reference site for Late Glacial and Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Caucasus, Near and Middle East. Influenced by past climatic regimes, changes in the hydrology of Lake Van being very sensitive to humidity ...
Archeological studies have demonstrated that many Prehistoric artefacts in obsidian found in the ... more Archeological studies have demonstrated that many Prehistoric artefacts in obsidian found in the Near East have a chemical affinity with obsidian out-cropping in the Nemrut volcano. In the archaeological literature, Mount Nemrut is considered as one of the most important obsidian sources used by prehistoric societies. During our two field works in 2013 and 2014, we prospected a wide area on and around Nemrut volcano. Our findings confirm the location of the obsidian outcrops described in the literature. According to our observation, obsidian on Mount Nemrut volcano is generally not exploitable for chopping tools. Most of the studied obsidians we defined on the field, present a facies with numerous phenocrysts and cracks, which is not compatible with a good knapping quality. However, we identified a new outcrop associated with obsidian artefacts such as nuclei and rough flakes. Geological samples of the obsidian from this outcrop present all a very different fades compare to those of...
HAL (Le Centre pour la Communication Scientifique Directe), Jun 1, 2016
International audienceIn the frame of GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr/), we started an ... more International audienceIn the frame of GeObs project (http://geobs.univ-rouen.fr/), we started an exhaustive field study of obsidian lavas outcrops in the Nemrut Volcano (Eastern Anatolia, Turkey). We propose here to present results from analyses of the macroscopic facies and chemical characteristics of all sub-sources, and its comparison to each other. A first conclusive remark is that most Nemrut sub-sources are distinguishable using geochemical data (LA–ICP–MS). In addition, on the western flank of the volcano we identify and characterize (in the field as well as in the laboratory) two yet unknown obsidian outcrops (Kayacık and Sıcaksu) which are close to each other, with regard both to its geography and geochemistry. No previous research on obsidian sourcing around this volcano was able to identify these sub-sources.Statistical treatments (classification and discriminant analyses) applied to a set of data composed of our results from both (i) all our sub-sources sampled in the Nemrut, together with (ii) the artifacts attributed by L. Khalidy et al. to the Nemrut Volcano, clearly connect the artifacts to the group formed by these newly found sub-sources. Results of the combination of field work data, geochemical analyses, and statistical treatments comparing geological and archaeological obsidians, evidence the importance of two obsidian outcrops sampled by us on the western flank on Nemrut Volcano, which is the most up-to-date collection of samples from the Nemrut.In further detail, only one of the two new sub-sources, the ―Sıcaksu‖ obsidian, is particularly homogenous and suitable for chopping. Accordingly, Sıcaksu obsidian is now the best candidate for being the source addressed by Neolithic populations who collected raw material in the Nemrut Volcano for tool-making
The Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) in Turkey preserves widespread deposits of Quatern... more The Central Anatolian Volcanic Province (CAVP) in Turkey preserves widespread deposits of Quaternary tephra, presently associated with a small but growing number of Paleolithic archaeological sites. We use multivariate analyses of the abundances of a suite of nine major and minor element oxides determined by electron probe microanalysis. From these data, we construct a classificatory model for correlating distal tephra to one of five volcanic edifices or eruptive phases within the CAVP. Application of this model to distal deposits of primary tephra-fall and reworked tuffaceous sediments from the archaeological sites of Körkuyu and Kaletepe Deresi 3 indicates Late to possibly Early Pleistocene ages for the artifact assemblages there, and provides a fundamental tephrostratigraphic framework to examine spatial and temporal variation in hominin behavior comparable to that of other regions, such as eastern Africa. 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
Arslantepe is a hoyuk (i.e. tell), located within the fertile Malatya Plain, some 12 km from the ... more Arslantepe is a hoyuk (i.e. tell), located within the fertile Malatya Plain, some 12 km from the right bank of the Euphrates River. The long sequence of the site covers several millennia, from at least the 6thmillennium B.C. until the final destruction of the Neo-Hittite town. The archaeological site benefits of a more than fifty years of excavations by the Italian Archaeological Mission (La Sapienza University, Rome). Its long history reflects the changing relations and connections with various civilizations in the Near East (Frangipane 2011). During the earliest phases (Chalcolithic), Arslantepe is connected with the Syro-Mesopotamian world. However, during the Early Bronze Age Arslantepe‘s external relations are reoriented towards eastern Anatolia and Transcaucasia. During these periods, Arslantepe also had connections with Central Anatolia that grow during the 2ndmillennium B.C. with the rising Hittite civilization.This talk focuses on the sourcing of obsidian artifacts collecte...
The southern Cappadocia shows a large variety of Quaternary volcanic landscapes, offering the opp... more The southern Cappadocia shows a large variety of Quaternary volcanic landscapes, offering the opportunity to observe beautiful and generally fresh morphologies. These landscapes include two rhyolitic complexes (Golludag and Acigol), a huge composite volcano (Hasandag) and numerous monogenic vents, with scoria cones, domes and maars. Natural and anthropogenic sections show a large variety of lava flows and tephra layers. The precise study of this volcanic material allows reconstructing the volcanic and geomorphologic evolution of this area during the Quaternary, including modes of emplacements, chronology of the volcanic successions, morphological impacts on the landscapes. In addition, archaeological excavations in southern Cappadocia testify for the presence of ancient populations since the Middle to Upper Palaeolithic. During the Neolithic and Chalcolithic periods, the southern Cappadocia has been intensively occupied with permanent sites (Asikli Hoyuk, Musular, Tepecik Ciftlik, Kosk Hoyuk, etc.) as well as non-permanent sites devoted to mining and chopping of obsidian associated with some of the volcanoes.
Dans de nombreux sites du Proche-Orient, des artefacts archeologiques en obsidienne ont ete retro... more Dans de nombreux sites du Proche-Orient, des artefacts archeologiques en obsidienne ont ete retrouves et attribues aux sources geologiques du Nemrut. Les publications sur la geologie du Nemrut montrent que des affleurements d’obsidienne sont presents sur les flancs sud, est, ouest et nord du volcan. Lors de deux missions de terrain (2013, 2014), nous avons prospecte une large partie du volcan et repere les affleurements decrits dans la litterature ; notre prospection n’a cependant pas ete exhaustive. La grande majorite des obsidiennes etudiees presente en effet un facies a phenocristaux et craquelures marquant une pietre qualite pour la taille. De plus, une grande partie de ces obsidiennes affleure sous forme de lits de faible epaisseur, ne permettant pas leur exploitation. Nous avons localise un seul affleurement d’obsidienne taillable. Associe a un atelier de taille, son facies, tres different de celui rencontre ailleurs dans le volcan, est uni et homogene, sans phenocristaux ni craquelures. Ces caracteristiques sont compatibles avec la taille pour la confection d’objets. Cet affleurement n’a jamais ete decrit dans la litterature. Comparativement aux autres affleurements d’obsidienne connus aujourd’hui, nous pouvons affirmer que cet affleurement d’obsidienne homogene est le seul taillable connu sur le volcan Nemrut. A partir des donnees de terrain, de l’etude des facies, d’analyses chimiques en LA-ICP-MS et d’une etude petrologique, nous pouvons emettre deux hypotheses concernant les modalites de mise en place d’un affleurement exploitable repere. Ces modalites en effet ont un rapport etroit avec l’accessibilite de la ressource et de ces espaces pour l’homme de la Prehistoire (du Paleolithique au Chalcolithique).
(1) Paris 7-Denis Diderot University, UMR 8586 PRODIG, France, (2) Laboratoire de Géographie Phys... more (1) Paris 7-Denis Diderot University, UMR 8586 PRODIG, France, (2) Laboratoire de Géographie Physique, UMR 8591, Meudon, France (aurelien.christol@cnrs-bellevue.fr), (3) University of Van, Department of Geography, Turkey, (4) University of Istanbul, Department of Geography, Turkey, (5) University of Rouen, FRE 2795, France, (6) Laboratoire des Sciences de l’Environnement et du Climat, UMR 1572 CEA-CNRS, Gif-Sur-Yvette, France.
During the Quaternary, important and rapid environmental changes occurred in central Anatolian in... more During the Quaternary, important and rapid environmental changes occurred in central Anatolian in relation with calco-alcalme volcamsm. This volcanic activity generated two large rhyohtic complexes integrating calderas, several pyroclastic deposits and lavic extrusions interstratified with various detntic formations. Activity of the Gollu Dag and the Acigol complexes lasted respectively from the lower Pleistocene until the middle Pleistocene, and from the middle Pleistocene until the upper Pleistocene. Results presented here allow i) to evidence the Gollu Dag caldera for the first time, 11) to define the extension of the Acigol caldera according to new data, and ii) to reconstruct the successive phases in the evolution of both complexes. These complexes present three main types of activity : pre-, syn-, and post-caldera, each timing being responsible for various environmental changes related to different pyroclastite deposition characteristics (volume, types, dynamics, ...). Syn-cal...
The Holocene fluvial and archaeological records in the valleys draining the south-eastern piedmon... more The Holocene fluvial and archaeological records in the valleys draining the south-eastern piedmont of the Taurus range present several contrasted phases, interrupted by transition and/or rupture periods. The low terrace records identified in the Middle Euphrates valley between Halfeti and Karke- mish give the following results 1 ) a pre-Holocene incised topography is dated Upper or Late Pleistocene, 2) Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene alluviation deposited sands and silts forming a "high terrace" (+8-10 m) fossilising the previous incision, 3) at mid-Holocene the valley was forested and the landscape stable, 4) at the end of the 5th mill. BC, erosion and incision preceded the instalment of new settlements on the valley floor, 5) high floods followed this incision, 6) during the 2nd mill. BC or only in its second half, the river deposited a +4 m terrace, which was followed by incision during the first centuries of the 1st mill. BC. The comparison with previous works realised...
Soda Lake Van is a very important reference site for Late Glacial and Holocene palaeoenvironmenta... more Soda Lake Van is a very important reference site for Late Glacial and Holocene palaeoenvironmental records in the Caucasus, Near and Middle East. Influenced by past climatic regimes, changes in the hydrology of Lake Van being very sensitive to humidity ...
Erturaç, K., L. Astruc, N. Balkan-Atlı, S. Kuhn, S. Balcı, B. Dinçer, M. Grenet, N. Kayacan, C. K... more Erturaç, K., L. Astruc, N. Balkan-Atlı, S. Kuhn, S. Balcı, B. Dinçer, M. Grenet, N. Kayacan, C. Kuzucuoğlu, D. Mouralis, 2011 "A GIS for the Göllü Dağ; Human exploitation and diffusion of Central Anatolian Obsidians", İstanbul Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi, 11. Arkeolojik Kazı ve Araştırmalar Toplantısı, İstanbul (2-4 Mayıs 2011).
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Papers by Damase Mouralis
"A GIS for the Göllü Dağ; Human exploitation and diffusion of Central Anatolian Obsidians", İstanbul Üniversitesi Edebiyat Fakültesi, 11. Arkeolojik Kazı ve Araştırmalar Toplantısı, İstanbul (2-4 Mayıs 2011).