INVESTIGATIONS ON 2400-1600 B.C. CHARCOAL REMNANTS FROM TELL MARDIK

Woody plant remnants found during excavations in 1980's at Tell Mardik, the ancient city of Ebla in Syria have been examined. Charcoal belonging to furnishings and structures of the ancient Palaces has been identified: Cedrus libani sp., Pinus pinea group, Quercus sp.deciduous gr., Quercus sp. ilex type, Acer sp. Olea europaea, Populus cf. euphratica, Cornus mas L. and fruits of Olive. Cedrus looks to have been extensively used in the kingly palaces of the ancient city of Ebla. In the examined samples mostly Olea and Cornus occur inside the Temple (MB II). They both produce edible fruits. Charcoal pieces have been found scattered along the burnt room floors heralding fire that had occurred in the area. Pine, Poplar and Oak and Ash have also been detected in the ceremonial area of the Q Palace. Some samples resulted to be almost charred, vitreous and twisted in consequence of a lively bonfire. Wood pieces not wholly burnt revealed to be wide enough to be part of the carrying structure of the built up area. Well preserved charred poles have been sorted for dendrochronological analysis.