All’ombra delle fortezze: sviluppo e composizione dei complessi abitativi del regno di Bia/Urartu (IX-VII secolo a.C.)

This article examines the nature and evolution of residential complexes in the kingdom of Bia/Urartu (9th–7th centuries BCE). Drawing on archaeological and epigraphic evidence, it distinguishes two main architectural categories: “formal” state-planned buildings characterized by orthogonal layouts and buttresses, and “informal” dwellings erected more spontaneously by lower-status groups. Case studies from Erebuni/Arin-berd, Davti-blur/Argištiḫinili, Karmir-blur/Teišebai URU, Ayanis/Rusaḫinili Eidurukai, Van Kalesi Höyüğü and Bastam document increasing settlement complexity in the 7th century BCE. The study highlights evidence for deported populations integrated into local communities and for late Urartian innovations in planning, including a remarkable modular residential block at Karmir-blur. While Urartian settlement systems remained fundamentally non-urban, they display careful spatial organization and functional differentiation. The paper also underscores chronological gaps, especially for the formative phases (late 9th–early 8th centuries BCE), and cautions against “Mesopotamo-centric” assumptions about cities and the sumerogram URU. Overall, it proposes a refined model of Urartian residential architecture and its social implications.