The enigmatic Funerary Palaces of the southern Levant have long been a subject of scholarly interest due to their unique architectural features and their role in burial practices during the Middle Bronze Age (approximately 2000–1500 BCE). A recent study published by Dr. Holly Winter in the journal Levant delves into the origins of these monumental structures, offering compelling evidence that suggests they may have been influenced by earlier northern Levantine models. Dr. Winter’s research explores the possibility that these distinctive palaces, which are most commonly associated with royal and elite burials in the southern Levant, may have originated in the northern Levant, gradually spreading south over time.
The Study’s Purpose and Significance
Dr. Winter’s primary objective was to investigate the origins of the Funerary Palaces in the southern Levant. These palaces, characterized by their grand size, specific orientation, and association with tombs or burial practices, have intrigued archaeologists for decades. However, despite their significance, the precise origins of these structures have remained unclear.
Dr. Winter explains her motivation: “I was interested in understanding where the phenomenon of the southern Levantine palaces originated. In general, palace studies of the Middle Bronze Age, palaces of the north and south Levant differ drastically in size and elaboration. However, at the start of the Middle Bronze Age, a lot was changing and developing, with influence from the northern Levant recognized in culture, society, and politics.”
Her interest in the northern Levant was spurred by her observations of specific architectural features and burial practices that seemed to echo the traditions of the north. This led her to explore the idea that the southern Levantine Funerary Palaces may not have developed in isolation but were influenced by models from further north.
Funerary Palaces in the Southern Levant
During the Middle Bronze Age, Funerary Palaces became a central feature of burial practices in the southern Levant. These monumental structures were often built on prominent hilltops or acropolises, offering an imposing presence in the landscape. They typically consisted of multiple rooms surrounding one or more central courtyards, and they were constructed using sandstone foundations and mudbrick superstructures, all enclosed by a bounding wall.
The most distinctive feature of the Funerary Palaces is their relatively empty rooms. While other palaces from the period were typically filled with luxurious artifacts and furnishings, the rooms of Funerary Palaces generally lacked valuable burial goods. The artifacts found within these buildings were often associated with funerary rituals, such as basalt grindstones, pestles, and cylinder seals, further solidifying the connection between these buildings and burial practices. Dr. Winter notes that the emptiness of the rooms is consistent with ritual cleanliness, which is also observed in contemporary temples from the same period.
Dr. Winter dismisses the idea that the lack of artifacts in these palaces can be attributed to later looting. She argues that the uniformity of the empty spaces across various Funerary Palaces strongly suggests that their lack of material possessions was an intentional aspect of the burial ritual. As she puts it, “While we cannot discount that looting in antiquity may account for the lack of valuable burial goods and items in these Funerary Palace structures, I think the fact that all these buildings experience the same emptiness is too coincidental to be attributed to later robbing events. I think the items we do find are telling of the burial practices of the time, hinting at how the Funerary Palaces functioned.”
The Case for Northern Influence
Dr. Winter’s research primarily focuses on the north-south connections that may have influenced the development of Funerary Palaces in the southern Levant. She points out that there are architectural similarities between the Funerary Palaces of the southern Levant and palaces in the northern Levant, particularly in Ebla (modern-day Tell Mardikh in Syria). Ebla, one of the most important cities of the ancient Near East, is home to one of the oldest known examples of a Funerary Palace, dating back to the early Middle Bronze Age (approximately 2000–1800 BCE).
In her study, Dr. Winter emphasizes that Ebla’s Funerary Palace shares striking architectural and artifact similarities with those found in the southern Levant. Ebla’s Western Palace and its associated Royal Necropolis provide critical evidence of this connection. The Western Palace, which consists of a series of satellite rooms surrounding a central courtyard, is similar in design to many southern Levantine Funerary Palaces. Furthermore, the Royal Necropolis beneath the Western Palace contained a rich array of funerary artifacts, such as jewelry, ceramic vessels, and weapons, suggesting a strong burial connection.
The Role of Byblos and Tell el-Burak
To explore further the potential diffusion of Funerary Palaces from the north to the south, Dr. Winter compared the Funerary Palaces at Byblos and Tell el-Burak, two major commercial centers in the southern Levant. These sites are located along the coast, south of Ebla, and were key players in facilitating cultural and commercial exchanges between the northern and southern Levant.
Dr. Winter’s comparison revealed that the Funerary Palaces at Byblos and Tell el-Burak shared not only architectural features but also many of the funerary artifacts found in the Ebla palace. For example, gold twisted wire bracelets and beads with thickened edges were found in both the Tomb II at Byblos and the Tomb of the Lord of the Goats at Ebla. The cylinder seals and ceramic horseshoe-shaped pieces found at both locations also reinforced the similarities between the palaces.
These findings suggest that the tradition of Funerary Palaces may have been transmitted from northern Levantine cities like Ebla to southern Levantine centers like Byblos and Tell el-Burak. Dr. Winter hypothesizes that these coastal cities, which served as crucial points of cultural and commercial contact, may have acted as cultural waypoints, allowing northern architectural and funerary traditions to flow southward.
Ebla as a Catalyst for the Spread of Funerary Palaces
As one of the oldest known examples of a Funerary Palace, the Eblaite Western Palace plays a pivotal role in understanding the spread of this architectural tradition. Dr. Winter’s hypothesis posits that the Ebla Funerary Palace likely served as a model for later Funerary Palaces in the southern Levant. The royal necropolis beneath the palace, the rich burial assemblages, and the close association between royal tombs and the palace itself are all indicative of the central role these buildings played in funerary rituals and elite identity.
As Ebla was a major player in the political and commercial landscape of the Middle Bronze Age, its influence likely extended to other cities in the Levant. Dr. Winter suggests that, as Ebla’s political influence waned due to its destruction in the late Middle Bronze Age (around 1600 BCE), the tradition of Funerary Palaces may have been adopted and adapted by other Levantine cultures, eventually developing into the more distinct southern Levantine Funerary Palaces known today.
Conclusion: The Spread of Funerary Palaces and Cultural Diffusion
Dr. Holly Winter’s research offers a compelling argument for the diffusion of Funerary Palaces from the northern Levant to the southern Levant. By comparing the architectural features and artifact assemblages of palaces at sites like Ebla, Byblos, and Tell el-Burak, Dr. Winter demonstrates that there was a cultural exchange between the two regions during the Middle Bronze Age.
This study not only enhances our understanding of the development of Funerary Palaces but also provides valuable insight into the ways in which cultural practices, architectural styles, and burial traditions spread across the ancient world. By tracing the origins and development of these monumental structures, Dr. Winter sheds new light on the complex networks of influence that shaped the ancient Levant.
Her work underscores the importance of cross-cultural connections and the role of commercial hubs like Byblos and Tell el-Burak in facilitating the transmission of ideas, technologies, and cultural practices. The study of Funerary Palaces, therefore, is not just about understanding a specific architectural style, but also about uncovering the broader historical and cultural forces that shaped the ancient Levant.
Reference: Holly A. Winter, Ancestral origins: northern Levantine Funerary Palaces in the Middle Bronze Age, Levant (2024). DOI: 10.1080/00758914.2024.2414580.