The primary objectives of this research were to (1) establish an overall orientation and framework for future analysis of this type at Terga and (2) to determine on a preliminary basis the relationship of ceramics and soils of two sites in the Near East: ancient Terga (modern Ashara in Syria) and Dilbat (modern Tell Deylem in Iraq). The long-term objective of this sourcing was to contribute data toward the reconstruction of social, political and economic trends. A truly interdisciplinary effort was required , as several universities and analytical techniques were utilized-atomic absorption, optical emission, thin section, botanical and computer analyses. A general attempt was made to suggest and formulate a continuum of research standards, from the original field collection of samples to the actual laboratory analysis; this standardization would establish an overall climate of reproducibility and credibility. The most important substantive results are found in the areas of ceramic composition, ceramic clay / (soil) relationships, atomic absorption and computer refinement for archaeological analysis.
