based on two underlying assumptions. Most importantly, past human activities left
traces that can be identified via surface observation. If various natural and cultural
taphonomic processes can be ruled out, the surface distribution of artifacts and features
is assumed to be related closely to the spatial location of ancient activities, most notably
sedentary inhabitation. Furthermore, the extent of the surface distribution of artifacts
is related to the scale of the ancient settlement and, by extension, its ancient popu-
lation.
Field survey methodologies evolved, but most Mesopotamian surveys share similar
characteristics. The predominant approach is an extensive one designed to recover
quickly as many sites as possible over a large area. Known sites (identified from aerial
photographs, maps, or local informants) were visited by vehicle, and in places of
good visibility, systematic vehicular transects were made on 500 m to 1 km intervals.
Cultivated areas were generally avoided, but where they were surveyed, it was necessary
–– Patterns of Settlement in Sumer and Akkad ––Figure 7.1Southern Mesopotamia and adjacent regions. Land over 100 m is hillshaded.