The Challenge of Interpreting Archaeological Remains in the Light of Written Sources: A Discussion Based on the Work of the Canadian Archaeological Mission in Zabid, Yemen

Archaeological interpretations of Zabid, Yemen, face significant challenges when integrating written sources with material remains. The Canadian Archaeological Mission's work highlights the complexities of aligning textual evidence—such as historical chronicles and inscriptions—with physical artifacts, structures, and stratigraphic data. This study demonstrates that discrepancies often arise due to varying preservation states, interpretive biases, or gaps in source reliability. By employing a multidisciplinary approach combining epigraphy, architecture, and stratigraphy, researchers aim to reconcile these inconsistencies, offering deeper insights into Zabid's urban evolution from the 9th century CE. The findings underscore the necessity of critical cross-referencing between written and archaeological records to reconstruct accurate historical narratives.

Hehmeyer, I. (2022). The Challenge of Interpreting Archaeological Remains in the Light of Written Sources: A Discussion Based on the Work of the Canadian Archaeological Mission in Zabid, Yemen. Made for the Eye of One Who Sees, 151–166. https://doi.org/10.1515/9780228013259-010