This boundary dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This boundary dataset was generated to define the extent of the study area, which comprises the border between Syria and Turkey, Syria and Iraq, the River Tigris and the River Euphrates. All related data collected was confined within this boundary dataset with the exception of the archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates. Also, the town of Dayr az-Zawr, where the 1963 precipitation and temperature monthly values were collected for one of the datasets, falls outside the Jazira Region.

This population dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. Creation of this population dataset, derived from a 1961 census, was created to compare modern population density patterns with the distribution of ancient settlement patterns to ascertain if patterns are shared. There is a similarity between these patterns with higher concentrations of settlements and population along the banks of rivers until reaching the northern area of the Jazira where both extend across the wider landscape and away from rivers.

This soils dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This soil dataset was created to show distribution pattern of soils in the Jazira region. Dry farming has sustained populations in the region for millennia and soils were critical for sustaining this activity which included wheat and barley production. Soil dataset is attributed with soil type, secondary soil type and soil code variables. Additional attributes include land use type, other land uses and tertiary land use activities.

This land use dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This land use dataset was created to show land use patterns in the Jazira region. Dry farming and grazing activities have sustained human populations in the region for the past nine millennia to the present. The land use dataset is attributed with land use type, other land uses and tertiary land use activities. Additional attributes include soil type, secondary soil type and soil code variables. This dataset corresponds with the soil dataset, but this metadata record was created for discovery purposes.

This geology dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This geology dataset was created to map locations of igneous rock in the Jazira region; geological sediments and relative dates have been mapped and attributed. Russian geologists ascertained that volcanic activity continued into the Holocene and perhaps later, which would have been contemporaneous with the birth of early settlements in the region. It might be possible that this activity affected micro climates in the region or altered the physical landscape with lava flows changing river patterns and burying archaeological sites.

This archaeological dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This archaeological dataset was generated to show settlement distribution patterns in the Jazira region of Syria. The sites were mapped using publications of surveys conducted and the French 1:200,000 maps. The French maps include the identification of sites using toponyms called 'Tells'. The temporal extent of the archaeological sites in this dataset span from the Neolithic to Islamic periods of Syria. The extent of the archaeological site dataset comprises an area within the Syrian Jazira, which lies between the Syrian and Turkish border in the north; the Syrian and Iraqi border to the east, including the River Tigris; and to the River Euphrates to the south and west. All related data collected was confined within this area with the exception of this archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates. There are 1,694 archaeological associated with this dataset.

This boundary dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This boundary dataset was generated to define the extent of the study area, which comprises the border between Syria and Turkey, Syria and Iraq, the River Tigris and the River Euphrates. All related data collected was confined within this boundary dataset with the exception of the archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates. Also, the town of Dayr az-Zawr, where the 1963 precipitation and temperature monthly values were collected for one of the datasets, falls outside the Jazira Region.

This soils dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This soil dataset was created to show distribution pattern of soils in the Jazira region. Dry farming has sustained populations in the region for millennia and soils were critical for sustaining this activity which included wheat and barley production.

Soil dataset is attributed with soil type, secondary soil type and soil code variables. Additional attributes include land use type, other land uses and tertiary land use activities.

This contour dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This contour dataset was generated to determine if higher elevations affected rainfall patterns, which in turn, influenced water runoff. Higher precipitation and runoff could influence settlement patterns as water could be collected at lower elevations for the irrigation of short season cultigens.

The contour dataset was also used to generate digital elevation models (DEM) to demonstrate the effects of elevations and trade route patterns in the Jazira region. The contour intervals are 50 metres with the exception of those at the highest elevations where they are 25 metres.

This population dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. Creation of this population dataset, derived from a 1961 census, was created to compare modern population density patterns with the distribution of ancient settlement patterns to ascertain if patterns are shared. There is a similarity between these patterns with higher concentrations of settlements and population along the banks of rivers until reaching the northern area of the Jazira where both extend across the wider landscape and away from rivers. Derived from 1:1 million scale map produced for the following report: Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), United Nations. Etude des Ressources en Eaux Souterraines de la Jezireh Syrienne. Rome: FAO, 1966.Population map was copied to mylar and scanned to create a polygon coverage of the soil classes, which include land-use attribute information. Each polygon was labelled and attributed with population count. GIS vector data. This dataset was first accessioned in the EDINA ShareGeo Open repository on 2010-07-05 and migrated to Edinburgh DataShare on 2017-02-21.

This land use dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This land use dataset was created to show land use patterns in the Jazira region. Dry farming and grazing activities have sustained human populations in the region for the past nine millennia to the present.

The land use dataset is attributed with land use type, other land uses and tertiary land use activities. Additional attributes include soil type, secondary soil type and soil code variables.

This dataset corresponds with the soil dataset, but this metadata record was created for discovery purposes.

This contour dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This contour dataset was generated to determine if higher elevations affected rainfall patterns, which in turn, influenced water runoff. Higher precipitation and runoff could influence settlement patterns as water could be collected at lower elevations for the irrigation of short season cultigens. The contour dataset was also used to generate digital elevation models (DEM) to demonstrate the effects of elevations and trade route patterns in the. Derived from 1:200,000 French maps comprising the 1:200,000 French Levant Map Series sheets (Further Information element in this metadata record provides list of sheets).The contour dataset was captured from 11 map sheets, which were based on the French Levant surveys conducted in Syria during the 1930s and mapped at a scale of 1:200,000. The size of each map measures 69 x 59 cm. The contour lines on each sheet were traced to mylar. Subsequently, each mylar sheet was photocopied and reduced in size to an 11 x 17 inch sheet. These sheets were merged to form the contiguous area comprising the full extent of the boundary for the study area. This was then traced again to another mylar sheet and subsequently scanned and cleaned for further processing and use in a GIS. GIS vector data. This dataset was first accessioned in the EDINA ShareGeo Open repository on 2010-07-06 and migrated to Edinburgh DataShare on 2017-02-21.

This geology dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This geology dataset was created to map locations of igneous rock in the Jazira region; geological sediments and relative dates have been mapped and attributed. Russian geologists ascertained that volcanic activity continued into the Holocene and perhaps later, which would have been contemporaneous with the birth of early settlements in the region. It might be possible that this activity affected micro climates in the region or altered river routes (lava flows). Lava flow could have buried archaeological sites as well?. Derived from 1:500,000 scale maps included in Technoexport report. 'The Geology of Syria: Part I and Part II.' USSR: Ministry of Geology, 1967. GIS vector data. This dataset was first accessioned in the EDINA ShareGeo Open repository on 2010-09-20 and migrated to Edinburgh DataShare on 2017-02-21.

This archaeological dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This archaeological dataset was generated to show settlement distribution patterns in the Jazira region of Syria. The sites were mapped using publications of surveys conducted and the French 1:200,000 maps. The French maps include the identification of sites using toponyms called 'Tells'. The temporal extent of the archaeological sites in this dataset span from the Neolithic to Islamic periods of Syria. The extent of the archaeological site dataset comprises an area within the Syrian Jazira, which lies between the Syrian and Turkish border in the north; the Syrian and Iraqi border to the east, including the River Tigris; and to the River Euphrates to the south and west. All related data collected was confined within this area with the exception of this archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates. ArcGIS Shapefiles.

This archaeological dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This archaeological dataset was generated to show settlement distribution patterns in the Jazira region of Syria. The sites were mapped using publications of surveys conducted and the French 1:200,000 maps. The French maps include the identification of sites using toponyms called 'Tells'. The temporal extent of the archaeological sites in this dataset span from the Neolithic to Islamic periods of Syria.

The extent of the archaeological site dataset comprises an area within the Syrian Jazira, which lies between the Syrian and Turkish border in the north; the Syrian and Iraqi border to the east, including the River Tigris; and to the River Euphrates to the south and west. All related data collected was confined within this area with the exception of this archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates.

There are 1,694 archaeological associated with this dataset.

This archaeological dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This archaeological dataset was generated to show settlement distribution patterns in the Jazira region of Syria. The sites were mapped using publications of surveys conducted and the French 1:200,000 maps. The French maps include the identification of sites using toponyms called 'Tells'. The temporal extent of the archaeological sites in this dataset span from the Neolithic to Islamic periods of Syria. The extent of the archaeological site dataset comprises an area within the Syrian Jazira, which lies between the Syrian and Turkish border in the north; the Syrian and Iraqi border to the east, including the River Tigris; and to the River Euphrates to the south and west. All related data collected was confined within this area with the exception of this archaeological dataset. Archaeological sites were identified and mapped along both banks of the River Euphrates. Derived from 1:200,000 French maps comprising the 1:200,000 French Levant Map Series sheets (Further Information element in this metadata record provides list of sheets). Data also extracted from numerous archaeological survey reports and publications dating back to the 1930s. GIS vector data. This dataset was first accessioned in the EDINA ShareGeo Open repository on 2010-07-01 and migrated to Edinburgh DataShare on 2017-02-21.

This geology dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria.

This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing.

These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities.

This geology dataset was created to map locations of igneous rock in the Jazira region; geological sediments and relative dates have been mapped and attributed. Russian geologists ascertained that volcanic activity continued into the Holocene and perhaps later, which would have been contemporaneous with the birth of early settlements in the region. It might be possible that this activity affected micro climates in the region or altered the physical landscape with lava flows changing river patterns and burying archaeological sites.

This contour dataset complements 13 other datasets as part of a study that compared ancient settlement patterns with modern environmental conditions in the Jazira region of Syria. This study examined settlement distribution and density patterns over the past five millennia using archaeological survey reports and French 1930s 1:200,000 scale maps to locate and map archaeological sites. An archaeological site dataset was created and compared to and modelled with soil, geology, terrain (contour), surface and subsurface hydrology and normal and dry year precipitation pattern datasets; there are also three spreadsheet datasets providing 1963 precipitation and temperature readings collected at three locations in the region. The environmental datasets were created to account for ancient and modern population subsistence activities, which comprise barley and wheat farming and livestock grazing. These environmental datasets were subsequently modelled with the archaeological site dataset, as well as, land use and population density datasets for the Jazira region. Ancient trade routes were also mapped and factored into the model, and a comparison was made to ascertain if there was a correlation between ancient and modern settlement patterns and environmental conditions; the latter influencing subsistence activities. This contour dataset was generated to determine if higher elevations affected rainfall patterns, which in turn, influenced water runoff. Higher precipitation and runoff could influence settlement patterns as water could be collected at lower elevations for the irrigation of short season cultigens. The contour dataset was also used to generate digital elevation models (DEM) to demonstrate the effects of elevations and trade route patterns in the Jazira region. The contour intervals are 50 metres with the exception of those at the highest elevations where they are 25 metres.