The formal wings in Syrian Palace and their development from the old Bronz age till the end of the modern Bronz age (3100-1200 BC)

Abstract

The palaces of ancient Syria were huge structures, which kings wanted to reflect the power of the kingdoms and show absolute power and wealth. Apart from that symbolic function, the palaces played a central role in the administration of these old kingdoms. Palaces were political, administrative and economic institutions. However, the present study is not concerned with their different parts and the interpretation of their multiple functions. But rather it is concerned with the central part of  them, mainly the official wings. These wings were the political and administrative heart of old Syrian palaces. They were also central wings around which the rest of the palace was organized. This paper aims to  determine the architectural characteristics of the official wings, and to shed light on their evolution since the Early Bronze Age until the end of Late Bronze Age in an attempt to show their importance and various functions entrusted to them.