Imperializing the province: a residence of a Neo-Assyrian City Governor at Tel Dan

Abstract

Creation of imperial space in antiquity was achieved by territorial expansion, followed by processes of consolidation. An administrative provincial system was set up with power in the hands of imperial officials, conquered towns were reorganized and strategically-located centres were built. Following the conquest and annexation of the Hula Valley by the Assyrian Empire in the 8th century BC, a new settlement system was put in place, with the Assyrians choosing Dan to fill the role of regional centre. Under Assyrian rule, the city experienced a rapid recovery, becoming even more populous. New residential quarters were constructed and an imperial edifice (Building T1-3/1) was built. Analysis of the architectural plan and material culture assemblage from Building T1-3/1 attests to the physical manifestations of Assyrian dominion in the provinces, especially a lifestyle reflecting ‘imperial enclaves’. This involved an awareness of the local environment, the selective use of cultural elements borrowed from the imperial core and other provincial centres, integrated with local materials, construction techniques and objects deriving from indigenous society.