Geochemistry and origin of bituminous samples of Kuriki Höyük (SE Turkey) from 4000 BCE to 200 CE: Comparison with Kavuşan Höyük, Hakemi Use and Salat Tepe

Abstract

Twelve samples of organic mixtures collected from floors and potsherds in different areas of Kuriki Höyük (SE Turkey) were analyzed by geochemical techniques to identify bitumens and try to locate their sources. Oil seeps from the region (Gercüş, Badzivan, Zengen, Kerbent, Kayatepe, Eruh) and some other samples characterized later as asphaltites (Kumçati, Anittepe, Silip), were compared to the archaeological mixtures. To trace the source of bitumen, stable carbon isotope values of chromatographic fractions and mass fragmentograms of steranes and terpanes were acquired on both archaeological mixtures and oil seeps used as references. Bitumen was recognized in all samples and the Kerbent oil seep is the most likely source of bitumen at Kuriki Höyük. This source was used from 4000 BCE to 200 CE. In contrast, Eruh appears to be the likely source for the other archaeological sites of the neighbourhood namely: Kavuşan Höyük, Salat Tepe and Hakemi Use. The mineral composition of archaeological samples shows that the mixtures used at Kuriki Höyük are similar to those observed elsewhere in many archaeological bitumens from other localities.