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At present, the relative chronology of the Sapalli Culture is discussed controversially.
While the majority of Uzbek scholars see a three-phase development, preliminary results from the research project carried out
between 1994 and 2003 by the German Archaeological Institute in Dzarkutan suggest a two-phase periodisation with two sub-phases
each (LBA Ia / Ib, LBA IIa / IIb).
The most sensitive ceramic type is the pedestalled bowl. The typological development of this vessel forms the basis of the relative
chronology.


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At present, the relative chronology of the Sapalli Culture is discussed controversially. While the majority of Uzbek scholars see a three-phase development, preliminary results from the research project carried out between 1994 and 2003 by the German Archaeological Institute in Dzarkutan suggest a two-phase periodisation with two sub-phases each (LBA Ia / Ib, LBA IIa / IIb). The most sensitive ceramic type is the pedestalled bowl. The typological development of this vessel forms the basis of the relative chronology.
Pedestalled bowls

The absolute dating of the Sapalli Culture is based on a series of approx. 25 14C-dates from Dzarkutan. Accordingly, the Sapalli Culture can be dated to the first half of the 2nd millennium B.C. (ca. 2000-1500 B.C.) (Görsdorf/Huff 2001).