Avian Insights into Mamluk Tell Qarqur, Syria: Reconstructing Environmental Conditions through Archaeo-ornithology

Abstract

The Ghab Valley’s environmental conditions throughout much of its history have been the subject of investigations by previous researchers utilizing historical documents, palynology, geoarchaeology, and soil science. These studies indicate the presence of a wetland in the valley during the Mamluk period (1268-1516 CE). This project builds on that knowledge by analyzing avifaunal remains found at Tell Qarqur in northern Syria to determine the type of wetland present during this period. By using avifaunal remains as sensitive proxies for interpreting the landscape, this study identifies the primary wetland type as a Lacustrine-Palustrine system. This research contributes to our understanding of resource availability to Ghab Valley inhabitants and adds to the growing body of knowledge on the environmental conditions in the region during the Mamluk period.