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10/13/2020 Ararat Prehistoric Sites Exhibit Widespread Use of Pitch | Jan 20, 2013 - ReleaseWire
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Archaeologist reports prehistoric sites on Mount Ararat in Turkey exhibit use of a tar-like substance on the exterior and
interior of wood structures.
Miami, FL -- (ReleaseWire) -- 01/20/2013 --Harvard University educated archaeologist and president of the archaeological
contract rm PRC, Inc., Dr. Joel Klenck, reports that prehistoric sites on Mount Ararat in Turkey exhibit an extensive use of
pitch, a thick elastic polymer made from naturally occurring petroleum products or plants.
Klenck remarks, “Archaeological sites on Ararat, comprising a monumental wood structure and smaller wood edices
dating from the Late Epipaleolithic Period (13,100 to 9,600 B.C.) show many walls covered with a dark coats of pitch. In the
monumental wood structure, pitch is observed on walls or features, in seven of ten loci. In addition, both smaller structures
at lower elevations display coatings of pitch.”
The archaeologist notes, “The pitch coatings dier in thickness. In Locus 7, the corners of the installation exhibit pitch layers
several millimeters thick. On other features, however, the pitch comprises a very thin coat. The next step for archaeologists
will be to determine if the Ararat pitch is petroleum-based, also referred to as bitumen, or produced from plants commonly
called resin. Also, in loci 4 and 7, there are artifacts that appear to be made of naturally occurring petroleum products.”
Klenck states, “The use of pitch is a common practice in ancient maritime architecture but is rare in land-based
constructions from the Epipaleolithic to Iron Age periods. Bitumen is found on Neolithic masks and artifacts and from a
oor deposit from a Neolithic site, SF289, at Wadi Faynan in southern Jordan. This material was also identied on ring-like
artifacts from Demirköy Höyük dating to 8,100 B.C. Bitumen is sometimes mixed with other materials and acts as a sealant.
Bitumen is visible on numerous ancient maritime constructions including the remains of Neolithic boats, dating to the sixth
millennium B.C., at the archaeological site of As-Sabiyah in Kuwait. Natural bitumen is found in dierent locales throughout
the Near East such as near Batman in Turkey or in the Levant.”
The archaeologist concludes, “An excellent feature of petroleum-based artifacts is that petroleum often has specic
signatures where archaeologists can trace their geographical source. The Ararat assemblage exhibits very unique
architecture that reveals widespread use of pitch with the potential to locate the origin of these sealants.”
About PRC, Inc.
Founded in 2007, PRC, Inc. provides comprehensive worldwide archaeological services including surveys, excavations, and
research.
Joel Klenck
President
PRC, Inc.
786-277-4844
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10/13/2020 Ararat Prehistoric Sites Exhibit Widespread Use of Pitch | Jan 20, 2013 - ReleaseWire
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Source: Cindi
Posted Sunday, January 20, 2013 at 4:05 PM CST - Permalink
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