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Social Interactions in Neo-Assyrian Palaces from Homeland to Western Provinces: a View from Space Syntax Analysis and Integrative Approach

PEREGO, Gaia

The present research investigates the mutual relations between the built environment and social interactions in the architecture of Neo-Assyrian palaces (911 – 612 BCE). Studies on urban planning and architecture of the Neo-Assyrian period can be distinguished into two main approaches: on the one hand, scholars who have mainly focused on identifying the formal and recurring aspects of Neo-Assyrian space planning; on the other hand, scholars who have investigated the nonverbal socio-political and symbolic meanings communicated by architecture. This research aims to reanalyse the spatial patterns of some Neo-Assyrian buildings to shed light on the hidden social interactions (re)produced by the built environment. Three contexts are investigated: the North-West Palace of Nimrud (Kalkhu), the A/N Palace of Ziyaret Tepe (Tushhan) and the Palace G of Zincirli (Sam’al). These palatial contexts are analysed through the Space Syntax Analysis and the Integrative Approach, focusing on elements such as connectivity, accessibility, visibility and control of specific rooms (i.e., gate, court, throne room, etc.) within each palace. The results have suggested that the built environment of each palace shapes distinct types of social relationships, and, as a result, the nonverbal meanings communicated by these spaces are uniquely influenced by the social interactions that take place within them.

Session 1. Exploring Archaeology as a Global Science [info]