Primary Evidence for Glassmaking in Late Bronze Age Alalakh/Tell Atchana (Amuq Valley, Turkey)

Abstract

This article presents evidence of primary glass production from the Late Bronze Age (LBA) levels of the site of Alalakh /Tell Atchana. Situated at the northern extremity of the Levant, the site is already known in the literature as one that has produced rich and diverse glass artifacts. Investigations using scanning electron microscopy, synchrotron contrast, and diffraction tomography of a crucible fragment found in a multi-craft workshop context have confirmed that glassmaking occurred. This new and unique analytical evidence contributes the first data from a Syro-Levantine area to the discussions of early glassmaking centers.