A FEAST EVENT AT MISIS HÖYÜK: BUILDING ACTIVITY, COMMUNAL CONSUMPTION AND RITUAL PRACTICE IN THE 8TH CENTURY BC PLAIN CILICIA

Abstract

A remarkable collection of ceramics, animal bones, plant remains and symbolic objects was retrieved from huge pit -972 on
the höyük of Misis in 2018-2021. While we have chosen to present the multiple aspects of this rather complex archaeological
evidence elsewhere in detail, we offer here a summary of the stratigraphy of the pit and a general discussion on the different
collected material that allow us to propose a comprehensive interpretation of the archaeological record. Comparing the results
of analyses conducted on different data concerning material culture, and faunal and plant remains, we argue that a commensal
event took place on the Misis mound between 750 and 735 BC, whose remains, partially selected on purpose, were sealed
below the floor of room L1 to celebrate the construction of a new room of Building L.