tulul

Tulul refers to a type of ancient settlement or ruin found in certain arid and semi-arid regions, particularly in the Middle East. These sites are often characterized by mounds of accumulated debris, including stone, pottery shards, and other organic materials, which have built up over centuries of human occupation. The term "tulul" is Arabic and literally translates to "hills" or "mounds."

These mounds can vary significantly in size and complexity, some appearing as small elevations while others form substantial topographical features. Archaeological investigations of tulul sites have revealed evidence of past human activities such as farming, herding, and the construction of dwellings and possibly defensive structures. The layers within these mounds provide a chronological record of settlement, allowing archaeologists to study changes in population, technology, and social organization over time.

The formation of tulul is a natural consequence of repeated human habitation in areas where environmental conditions make it difficult to dispose of waste or rebuild structures entirely. Over generations, discarded materials and collapsed buildings accumulate, gradually raising the ground level. Studying tulul is crucial for understanding the history of human settlement in these challenging environments and the adaptive strategies employed by ancient populations.