Anthracological analysis of an Early PPNB roof from Tell Qarassa North (southern Syria)
This work presents the results of the analysis of wood charcoal remains from a roof found in Tell Qarassa North (Early PPNB), southern Syria. The analysis was carried out in 50 burnt beams found in situ, as well as in 3 flotation samples from the same structure and in a flotation sample retrieved from a post hole. The taxa selected to build up the roof were Pistacia terebinthus/palaestina, Salicaceae and to a lesser extent Amygdalus sp. The structure was composed at least of a post of Pistacia wood which supported a structure made of branches and medium size trunks orthogonally disposed. The wood structure was covered with non-woody plant parts and adobe layers. Abundant xylophagous galleries and fungi remains identified in the charcoal remains point to a deterioration of the wooden structure previous to its burning. ; Basque Government (Pre-doctoral grant Number: BFI.09.249), UPV/EHU: Research Group IT-288-07 and I+D Project: BHA2003-09685-CO2-01. ; Peer Reviewed