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Dwelling(s) in a north‐west Arabian oasis: decoding residential architecture at Taymāʾ
Author(s) -
Weigel Friedrich Wilhelm
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
arabian archaeology and epigraphy
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.384
H-Index - 18
eISSN - 1600-0471
pISSN - 0905-7196
DOI - 10.1111/aae.12124
Subject(s) - architecture , modular design , geography , key (lock) , north west , archaeology , history , computer science , physical geography , computer security , operating system
The definition of an ancient, autochthonous north‐west Arabian residential architecture is still a major void in the archaeology of the region. This preliminary case study is intended to shed some light on this “blind spot” by presenting and analysing the architectural complex E‐b9 from Taymāʾ ( c . fourth/third century BCE until the first/early second century CE ). A meticulous study of the architecture identified a modular concept as a key to understanding the complex. Furthermore, underlying patterns of household organisation can be deduced from the architectural remains resulting in the definition of potential household units. Those are indicated by a set of activity areas which are congruent with patterns of accessibility and the use of specific wall types. These findings provide insights into the organisation of households and daily life in the oasis of Taymāʾ, and may help to define local or regional traditions in the future.