U_Sapalli.jpg
HomeProjectExcavationSapalli CultureImages
OverviewChronologySitesBurial CustomsMetallurgy


At present, the relative chronology of the Sapalli Culture is discussed controversially.
While the majority of Uzbek scholars see a three-phase development, preliminary results from the research project carried out
between 
1994 and 2003 by the German Archaeological Institute in Dzarkutan suggest a two-phase periodisation with two sub-phases
each 
(LBA Ia / Ib, LBA IIa / IIb).
The most sensitive ceramic type is the pedestalled bowl. The typological development of this vessel forms the basis of the relative
chronology.



Sapalli_Standfussschalen_02.jpg

Pedestalled bowls


The absolute dating of the Sapalli Culture is based on a series of approx. 25 14C-dates from Dzarkutan. Accordingly, the Sapalli
Culture 
can be dated to the first half of the 2nd millennium B.C. (ca. 2000-1500 B.C.) (Görsdorf/Huff 2001).