27. araştırma sonuçları toplantısı 3. cilt - Kültür ve Turizm Bakanlığı

AVKAT ARCHAEOLOGICAL PROJECT, 2007-2008
The Avkat Archaeological Project integrates historical and high-tech
archaeological investigations into a frontier region of north-central Anatolia
(Fig.1). The project is led by John Haldon (Princeton) with archaeological
fieldwork directed by Hugh Elton (Trent University). The majority of the
survey work has been directed by Jim Newhard (College of Charleston)
and Sean Lockwood (Trent University). The region selected for historical
research is the Turkish ilçe of Mecitözü in Çorum province, lying between
the modern cities of Amasya and Çorum. The major focus of archaeological
investigation is the central part of the Mecitözü ilçe around Avkat (Beyözü),
sometimes identified as ancient Euchaita. Beyözü offers a unique opportunity
to examine the changes that occurred when a late Roman town became a late
Roman city in the early sixth century, while the existence of several written
sources referring to the site allow a fuller investigation than might otherwise
be possible. The project focuses on understanding regional socio-economic
change over time by examining changes in settlement patterns, subsistence
strategies, and communication routes.
Historical Overview
Hugh ELTON*,
John HALDON,
Jim NEWHARD,
Sean LOCKWOOD
Before the start of the Avkat survey, some archaeological work in the ilçe
had been carried out by other researchers. Already known were three Early
Bronze Age hilltop sites at Kabak Tepesi close to Beyözü, at Hisarkavak, and
* Hugh ELTON, Dept. of Ancient History and Classics, Trent University, Peterborough,
Canada, hughelton@trentu.ca
John HALDON, Dept. of History, Princeton University, USA, jhaldon@princeton.edu
Jim NEWHARD, Dept. of Classics, College of Charleston, Charleston, USA, newhardj@cofc.edu
Sean LOCKWOOD, Dept. of Ancient History and Classics, Trent University, Peterborough,
Canada, seanlockwood@trentu.ca
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