Tell Sukas

Location and Description

Tell Sukas is a settlement mound, also known as an Arabic "tell", located on the Levantine Mediterranean coast in what is now Syria. It is situated approximately 6 kilometers south of the old town of Jabla and 24 kilometers southwest of the city of Latakia in the Syrian governorate of Latakia.

History

The settlement remains excavated by Danish archaeologists from 1958 to 1963 are located on a promontory reaching west into the sea, surrounded by two harbour bays. The tell can be identified with the place Suksu or Shuksa mentioned in ancient Eastern sources.

### Neolithic Period (6550-4800 BC)

Neolithic finds show that Tell Sukas was first settled during the period from 6550 to 4800 BC. This settlement shared similarities with other sites such as Mureybet, Tell Ramad, Tell Aswad, and Tell Abu Hureyra in terms of dwelling types, funeral customs, and economic structure.

### Final Bronze Age (1600-1170 BC)

There is evidence of a later occupation during the Final Bronze Age, specifically from around 1600 to 1170 BC. This period saw the tell identified as the former Suksi, mentioned on the Ugarit tablets, and was likely the southernmost port of the Ugarit kingdom.

### Absence of Evidence in Other Periods

In contrast, there is no cultural evidence in Tell Sukas from the Copper Stone Age and the early Bronze Age. Additionally, only intermediate stratigraphic layers (around 2000 to 160 BC) show signs of occupation during this time period.

Significance

Tell Sukas holds importance as an archaeological site that provides insight into the history and culture of the region during various periods. Its location on a promontory with access to two natural ports suggests its significance as a port city in ancient times.