The beginnings of the Alwan capital of Soba in light of new archaeological evidence

Abstract

The beginnings of Soba, the capital of the medieval Kingdom of Alwa, are usually dated to the 5th–6th centuries AD. Despite the consensus on the date, the question of what the city looked like during the initial period of its existence is still under discussion. The data on the early settlement at Soba is fragmentary. The results of recent excavations in the 2019–2020 season, including new radiocarbon datings, have provided additional information. Remains of early medieval brick architecture in Area CW and an early dating of Mound OS have been cross-referenced with archival data, leading the authors to hypothesize about the beginnings of Soba as a polycentric city with several areas featuring permanent buildings (of stone and/or brick) and vast areas dominated by frequently changing wooden architecture.