Dr. Timothy Matney

Associate Professor of Archaeology
Associate Professor of Geology & Environmental Science
Department of Classical Studies, Anthropology & Archaeology
University of Akron
Akron, Ohio 44325-1910 USA
330.972.6892
matney@uakron.edu
Dr. Matney's primary theoretical interests are ancient urbanization and city planning. He has excavated extensively at two urban centers in southeastern Turkey: the Early Bronze Age city of Titriş Höyük on the Euphrates river (1994-1999) and the Iron Age city of Ziyaret Tepe on the Tigris river (1997-present). At these two ancient sites, Dr. Matney is pursuing a comprehensive study of daily life, the processes involved in ancient city planning, and the impact of urbanization on social and physical environments. Dr. Matney has been conducting fieldwork since 1983 and has participated in excavations and surveys in Syria, Iraq, Turkey, Azerbaijan, India, Britain, and the United States. His primary geographical focus is southwestern Asia, especially Mesopotamia and Anatolia.

Principal Current Research Projects

Ziyaret Tepe Archaeological Project
Excavation, analysis, and publication of the Late Assyrian city (900-600 BC)of Ziyaret Tepe (ancient Tushhan) in the Diyarbakir Province of Turkey. Dr. Matney serves as Project Director.

Titriş Höyük Archaeological Project
Analysis and publication of the Early Bronze Age city (2600-2100 BC) of Titriş Höyük in the Sanliurfa Province of Turkey. Dr. Matney served as co-director with Prof. Guillermo Algaze (UCSD) from 1994-1999.
Special Initiative: Titriş Höyük aDNA Analysis Project

Cheshmeh Ali Publication Project
Analysis and final publication of the Schmidt Expedition (1934-1936) to the Neolithic/Chalcolithic village of Cheshmeh Ali (c. 6000-4000 BC) near modern-day Tehran in Iran.

Instant Web Publishing Databases
Extensive internet-based databases are available for researchers for the Ziyaret Tepe Archaeological Project, Titris Hoyuk Archaeological Project, Cheshmeh Ali Publication Project, and the University of Akron's James E. and Marjorie A. Akins Collection of Ancient Near Eastern Artifacts.

UAkron Courses
Spring 2009 Courses

Introduction to Archaeology
This course covers the basic principles of archaeological fieldwork and interpretation.

Archaeological Theory
In-depth seminar-style course which examines how archaeologists interpret the past based on the material remains recovered through excavation.

Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
Lecture course covering the archaeology and historical texts of prehistoric and early historical southwestern Asia (cross-listed with History department).
Links to Course Materials:

Introduction to Archaeology

Archaeological Theory

Archaeogeophysical Survey

Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology

Dr. Matney also administers the Certificate in Field Archaeology through the Department of Classical Studies, Anthropology and Archaeology. This stand-alone Certificate program provides undergraduates with the necessary real-world skills to follow a career in contract archaeology (CRM). You do not need to be enrolled in a degree-granting program to earn this Certificate.

Other Useful Links:
Matney Curriculum Vitae
Archaeogeophysical Survey Projects
Research Downloads