Integration and interpretation of architectural and faunal evidence from Assyrian Tušhan, Turkey

e integration of architectural and faunal remains increases our understand- ing of social and economic activities at archaeological sites in the Near East. is paper presents the results of recent analyses from the excavations of the Late Assyrian palace found in the provincial capital of Tushan (Ziyaret Tepe) along the upper Tigris River in Southeast Turkey. From the inception of the excavations, zooarchaeological data have been integrated into conventional methods of analysis. is has contributed to a better understanding of the use of rooms and specific activity areas within the palace. Areas for food processing, consumption, and the disposal of animal remains and their by-products not detected by previous architectural or other evidence can now be identified. e building's open court- yard in particular was used for butchering of domesticated animals, mainly bovids (sheep, goats, and cattle) and to a lesser extent pigs. In contrast, the reception room was devoid of any animal bones, thus kept clean. Surprising is the evidence for wild birds in Room 4/8, the main room of the northern apartment, and Room 1, suggesting a special use of those animals.