Extensive Sherd Scatters and Land Use Intensity: Some Recent Results

Abstract

AbstractAbstractOffsite artifact scatters are described in relation to sites in SE Turkey and northern Iraq. Examples of similar scatters are cited from Western Europe, the Middle East, and Asia, and are interpreted as being the result of the distribution of urban-derived refuse, manure, and compost to surrounding fields as fertilizer. Finally, the scatters are discussed in relation to trends in population, settlement, and environmental conditions.