Norsun Tepe (Norsuntepe)
Norsuntepe · Norsun Tepe, Norsuntepe
Late Chalcolithic to MBA (Uruk, EBA, MBA)·Late Uruk → Transcaucasian (Kura-Araxes) → MBA Hurrian·🇹🇷 Elazığ Province, Keban—Altınova Plain, Turkey
About
About Norsun Tepe (Norsuntepe)
Salvage tell in Murat-Euphrates confluence, excavated 1968–74 by German Archaeological Institute (Harald Hauptmann) before Keban Dam flooding. Exposes Late Chalcolithic (c.4000 BCE) through Middle Bronze Age sequence with Uruk expansion levels, Early Dynastic palace, MBA Hittite-Proto Mitanni settlement and painted Karaz ware. Key for Euphrates-Uruk interaction: Uruk enclave architecture with bevelled-rim bowls overlain by Transcaucasian-related cultures. Lower town now partly under reservoir fringe; upper tell still excavated then backfilled.
Why it mattersType-site for Euphrates Late Uruk vs indigenous sequence; clarifies Altınova Chalcolithic–EBA transition in eastern Anatolia.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Degree of Uruk colonization vs local emulation at bevelled-rim horizon?
- 02Overlap of Karaz ware and Hurrian MBA identity
Theories
- 01Hauptmann colonization model vs Algaze World Systems enclave
- 02Kura-Araxes migration vs diffusion debate
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.4000 BCE Late Chalcolithic foundation; Uruk level c.3300 BCE; EBA palace c.2500 BCE
- Period
- Late Chalcolithic to MBA (Uruk, EBA, MBA)
- Culture
- Late Uruk → Transcaucasian (Kura-Araxes) → MBA Hurrian
- Builders
- Uruk colonists then local Altınova chieftains; Hurrian builders
- Purpose
- River-plain tell controlling Murat-Euphrates confluence and copper routes
- Abandoned
- c.1600 BCE MBA abandonment; 1974 dam salvage curtailed dig
- Rediscovered
- Excavated 1968–74 Hauptmann (Heidelberg/DAI) for Keban Dam project
- Excavation
- Excavated
1968
Keban Dam salvage project begins; Norsun Tepe selected as Type-C mound
1974
Keban reservoir begins filling; Altaovine rescue ends
On the ground
Structures & features
38.6180° N · 38.9790° E · 820 m · 3 mapped features
Uruk levels (VI-VII)
settlementTripartite mudbrick with bevelled-rim bowls
38.6182° N · 38.9791° EEBA palace
palaceEB III palace with central courtyard
38.6180° N · 38.9790° EKaraz ware MBA settlement
settlementStone-cist MBA houses with black burnished ware
38.6179° N · 38.9788° E