SOAS Research Online

Abstract

This study sets out to analyse the metal finds and other related objects which came to light from excavations at Tell Abu Skhayr at Al-Daura in the western part of Baghdad, Iraq, and to discuss the relevance of this evidence for the history and archaelogy of the cAbbasid (3/9th - mid 7th/mid 13th C.) and the Ilkhanid (late 7th/13th - mid 8th/14th C.) periods. In its entirety, the study comprises six chapters. The first chapter deals with the history and geography of the location and is divided into two parts: (a) the identification of the site and (b) the floods; this also provides us with background historical material. The second chapter covers the three seasons of the excavations from 1976 to 1978. The third chapter sets out the coin finds which are a most important factor in dating the layers of the mound. In the fourth chapter, the pottery finds are discussed in detail and contribute further evidence to the dating of the site. The fifth chapter relates to the metal finds and their significance and goes on to compare these finds with other cAbbasid and Ilkhanid metal objects. Finally, in chapter six various conclusions are drawn from the data collected in the previous chapters. The identification of the site under the name of Sarsar is aided by reference of Muslim authors of the period. Appendices cover two charts: A. A brief account of medieval Muslim writers who mentioned Sarsar in their works. B. The floods in West Baghdad which occurred from 215-1374/830-1954.