The pottery from the 1976 excavations at Tell Brak comprises a fairly homogeneous, probable Late ED—Late Agade group, much of which proves to be similar in character both to that of the ED—Agade periods obtained by Sir Max Mallowan in 1937–8 and to the more recently excavated ED material from Tell Chuera.
The four principal wares and the majority of rim profile types were present in all phases but despite the overall similarity of the pottery it is reasonable to suggest that it falls stratigraphically into three groups:
The earliest, Phase 3, consists of a small amount of material from pre-Temple levels and is probably of the Late ED period.
Phase 2 finds are of Agade date and were obtained from levels associated with the building phases of the Temple.
Phase 1 pottery, the largest group, from levels subsequent to the Temple, is probably of post-Naram-Sin to, at the latest, Ur III date. There may however, have been a break in occupation of the site during this period.
The volume of the 1976 ceramic sample is small and this discussion is mainly limited to that which was obtained from Trenches A, B and the lowest levels of D where the stratigraphy is best understood. The sample is unlikely to be comprehensive and it will therefore be pertinent at this stage to describe and illustrate as much of the material as possible and to comment upon its relation to material from other sites where relevant. Statistics quoted and conclusions reached should be considered as preliminary findings which may be enlarged or altered by the consequences of further excavation at Brak.