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Alaca Höyük bronze standards Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

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Study Guide: The Alaca Höyük Bronze Standards: Archaeology and Interpretation

Cheat Sheet:
The Alaca Höyük Bronze Standards: Archaeology and Interpretation Study Guide

Archaeological Context and Excavation

The Alaca Höyük bronze standards were discovered in Mesopotamia.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük bronze standards were discovered in the princely tombs at Alaca Höyük, Turkey, not in Mesopotamia.

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Archaeologists Hamit Zübeyir Koşay and Remzi Oğuz Arık led the excavations at Alaca Höyük.

Answer: True

Explanation: The excavations at Alaca Höyük, which yielded the significant bronze standards, were indeed led by the Turkish archaeologists Hamit Zübeyir Koşay and Remzi Oğuz Arık.

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The excavations at Alaca Höyük that uncovered the bronze standards took place between 1935 and 1939.

Answer: True

Explanation: The principal excavations at Alaca Höyük, responsible for the discovery of the bronze standards, were conducted during the period of 1935 to 1939.

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Where were the Alaca Höyük bronze standards discovered?

Answer: In the princely tombs at Alaca Höyük, Turkey.

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük bronze standards were discovered within the context of the princely tombs at the archaeological site of Alaca Höyük in modern-day Turkey.

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Who were the archaeologists responsible for the excavations at Alaca Höyük that uncovered the bronze standards?

Answer: Hamit Zübeyir Koşay and Remzi Oğuz Arık

Explanation: The significant excavations at Alaca Höyük that led to the discovery of the bronze standards were conducted under the direction of Turkish archaeologists Hamit Zübeyir Koşay and Remzi Oğuz Arık.

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What time period did the main excavations at Alaca Höyük, yielding the bronze standards, take place?

Answer: 1935-1939

Explanation: The primary excavations at Alaca Höyük, which uncovered the renowned bronze standards, were conducted between the years 1935 and 1939.

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Typology and Iconography

The Alaca Höyük excavations yielded only a few bronze artifacts, primarily tools.

Answer: False

Explanation: The excavations at Alaca Höyük were remarkably productive, yielding numerous bronze artifacts, including over twenty standards, far exceeding 'a few' and encompassing more than just tools.

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Winfried Orthmann classified the Alaca Höyük bronze standards into three main categories.

Answer: False

Explanation: Winfried Orthmann's classification of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards primarily divided them into two main categories: those depicting individual animals and those shaped as discs or rings.

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The individual animal figures depicted on the Alaca Höyük standards exclusively include deer and bulls.

Answer: True

Explanation: The archaeological evidence from Alaca Höyük indicates that the individual animal figures depicted on the standards are exclusively representations of deer and bulls.

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The Alaca Höyük bronze standards were primarily decorated with gold inlay.

Answer: False

Explanation: While gold leaf was used for highlighting certain features, the primary decorative inlay on the stylized bodies of the Alaca Höyük standards was silver.

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Disc or ring-shaped Alaca Höyük standards are always circular.

Answer: False

Explanation: The disc or ring-shaped standards exhibit various forms, including round, half-circular, and lozenge shapes, not exclusively circular.

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The disc and ring-shaped standards often feature depictions of mythical creatures like griffins.

Answer: False

Explanation: Depictions on the disc and ring-shaped standards primarily feature animals such as deer, bulls, lions, or panthers; there is no evidence of mythical creatures like griffins being depicted.

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Animal depictions on disc/ring standards never show multiple animals together.

Answer: False

Explanation: While individual animal figures are common on some standards, the disc or ring-shaped standards sometimes depict animals in groups, such as a deer flanked by bulls or lions facing away from a central deer.

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The disc and ring-shaped standards were likely attached to poles using small rings.

Answer: False

Explanation: The disc and ring-shaped standards were likely attached to poles via a more complex mechanism involving projecting horns and a crossbar with pegs at the bottom, rather than simple small rings.

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Some Alaca Höyük standards are called 'Sun discs' because they are made of gold.

Answer: False

Explanation: The designation 'Sun discs' for some Alaca Höyük standards arises from the presence of sun ray decorations, not from their material composition, which is typically bronze.

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The Alaca Höyük standards are exclusively decorated with animal motifs.

Answer: False

Explanation: While animal motifs are prevalent, the Alaca Höyük standards also feature other decorative elements, such as sun ray patterns, floral motifs, and abstract designs on the disc and ring forms.

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How did Winfried Orthmann primarily categorize the Alaca Höyük bronze standards?

Answer: Into standards with individual animals and those shaped as discs or rings.

Explanation: Winfried Orthmann's primary classification divided the Alaca Höyük bronze standards into two main groups: those featuring individual animals and those constructed in disc or ring forms.

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Which animals are exclusively depicted as individual figures on some Alaca Höyük bronze standards?

Answer: Deer and bulls

Explanation: The individual animal figures represented on the Alaca Höyük bronze standards are exclusively identified as deer and bulls.

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What decorative technique was often used on the stylized bodies of the deer and bull standards?

Answer: Silver inlay

Explanation: The stylized bodies of the deer and bull figures on the Alaca Höyük standards were frequently decorated with silver inlay.

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What shapes can the disc or ring-shaped Alaca Höyük bronze standards take?

Answer: Round, half-circular, and lozenge shapes

Explanation: The disc or ring-shaped Alaca Höyük bronze standards are found in various forms, including round, half-circular, and lozenge configurations.

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Which of the following is a common decorative element on the disc or ring-shaped standards?

Answer: A central grill surrounded by bands with projections

Explanation: A common decorative feature on the disc or ring-shaped Alaca Höyük standards involves a central grill element surrounded by bands adorned with projections, sometimes resembling birds or floral forms.

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How did animal depictions on disc/ring standards differ from individual animal standards?

Answer: They sometimes depicted animals in groups.

Explanation: A key difference is that while individual animal standards typically feature single creatures, the disc or ring-shaped standards occasionally present multiple animals together, such as a deer flanked by bulls.

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What feature likely facilitated the attachment of disc/ring standards to poles?

Answer: Projecting horns and a crossbar with pegs at the bottom

Explanation: The disc and ring-shaped standards likely utilized a mechanism at their base, comprising projecting horns and a crossbar with pegs, to facilitate secure attachment to poles.

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Which of the following is NOT a shape mentioned for the disc or ring-shaped standards?

Answer: Square

Explanation: The shapes mentioned for the disc or ring-shaped standards include round, half-circular, and lozenge forms. Square is not among the described shapes.

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What detail about the individual deer standards is mentioned in their description?

Answer: They have expansive antlers.

Explanation: The individual deer figures on the standards are noted for possessing expansive antlers.

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Which publication by Winfried Orthmann is cited in the bibliography concerning the Alaca Höyük standards?

Answer: Istanbuler Mitteilungen (1967)

Explanation: Winfried Orthmann's publication concerning the Alaca Höyük standards cited in the bibliography is 'Istanbuler Mitteilungen (1967)'.

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What is a key characteristic of the individual deer figures on the Alaca Höyük standards?

Answer: They possess expansive antlers.

Explanation: A key characteristic of the individual deer figures on the Alaca Höyük standards is their depiction with expansive antlers.

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Interpretation and Scholarly Debate

The precise meaning and function of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards are fully understood and agreed upon by scholars.

Answer: False

Explanation: The precise meaning and function of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards remain subjects of ongoing scholarly debate, with only limited explanations currently possible.

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Excavators Koşay and Arık believed the standards had a secular, rather than ritual, purpose.

Answer: False

Explanation: The excavators Koşay and Arık assumed a clear ritual role for the Alaca Höyük bronze standards, forming the basis of their interpretations.

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Kurt Bittel rejected the 'Sun disc' interpretation for the Alaca Höyük standards.

Answer: False

Explanation: Contrary to the assertion, Kurt Bittel is noted as an archaeologist who supports the interpretation of certain Alaca Höyük standards as 'Sun discs' and their rings as celestial symbols.

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The most popular theory suggests the standards were decorative elements on chariots.

Answer: False

Explanation: The most widely discussed theory posits that the Alaca Höyük bronze standards were components of a wagon, rather than merely decorative elements on chariots.

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The wagon theory posits the standards were attached to the wagon's wheels.

Answer: False

Explanation: The wagon theory suggests the standards were attached to the drawbar of the wagon, near the yoke, not directly to the wheels.

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Similar wagon standards have been found in Egypt and Greece.

Answer: False

Explanation: Similar wagon standards supporting the Alaca Höyük interpretation have been found in Mesopotamia and Armenia, not in Egypt or Greece.

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Orthmann noted the discovery of rings for reins at Mesopotamian and Armenian sites related to the wagon theory.

Answer: True

Explanation: Winfried Orthmann observed the discovery of rings suitable for reins at Mesopotamian and Armenian sites, which he considered relevant evidence supporting the wagon theory for the Alaca Höyük standards.

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The excavator of Horoztepe interpreted similar finds as sistrums, musical instruments.

Answer: True

Explanation: The archaeologist Tahsin Özgüç, who excavated Horoztepe, interpreted similar objects found there as sistrums, a type of musical instrument.

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The Alaca Höyük standards are interpreted solely as decorative elements for carts.

Answer: False

Explanation: Interpretations of the Alaca Höyük standards extend beyond mere decorative elements, encompassing theories of cultic function and ritualistic significance, often linked to ceremonial carts.

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The interpretation of the standards as part of a wagon is supported by similar finds in Armenia and Mesopotamia.

Answer: True

Explanation: The theory that the Alaca Höyük standards were part of a wagon is corroborated by the discovery of similar artifacts in Mesopotamia and Armenia, as well as associated finds like rings for reins.

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Why is the exact purpose of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards difficult to determine?

Answer: Only limited explanations are possible, and scholarly debate continues.

Explanation: The precise meaning and function of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards remain subjects of considerable scholarly debate, with current interpretations offering only limited definitive explanations.

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What premise did excavators Koşay and Arık base their interpretations on?

Answer: Their assumed ritual role.

Explanation: The excavators Koşay and Arık assumed a clear ritualistic role for the Alaca Höyük bronze standards, which formed the foundation for their subsequent interpretations.

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What feature leads some Alaca Höyük standards to be called 'Sun discs'?

Answer: Decorations resembling sun rays.

Explanation: Certain Alaca Höyük standards are designated 'Sun discs' owing to the incorporation of sun ray motifs, suggesting a solar or celestial connection.

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Which archaeologist supports the 'Sun disc' interpretation?

Answer: Kurt Bittel

Explanation: Kurt Bittel is noted as an archaeologist who supports the interpretation of certain Alaca Höyük standards as 'Sun discs' and their rings as celestial symbols.

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According to the most popular theory, what was the primary function of the Alaca Höyük standards?

Answer: Part of a wagon buried with the deceased

Explanation: The predominant scholarly theory posits that the Alaca Höyük bronze standards were integral components of wagons interred with the deceased.

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Where have similar wagon standards been found that support the Alaca Höyük interpretation?

Answer: Mesopotamia and Armenia

Explanation: Comparable wagon standards, lending credence to the Alaca Höyük interpretation, have been documented in Mesopotamia and Armenia.

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What piece of evidence cited by Orthmann supports the wagon theory for the Alaca Höyük standards?

Answer: Pairs of bull skulls arranged like a yoke.

Explanation: Winfried Orthmann cited the discovery of pairs of bull skulls, arranged in a manner resembling a yoke, as supporting evidence for the wagon theory concerning the Alaca Höyük standards.

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How did the excavator of Horoztepe interpret similar objects found there?

Answer: As parts of musical instruments called sistrums

Explanation: Tahsin Özgüç, the excavator of Horoztepe, interpreted similar objects found there as sistrums, a type of musical instrument often employed in ancient religious ceremonies.

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What interpretation did Tahsin Özgüç propose for similar objects found at Horoztepe?

Answer: Sistrums (musical instruments)

Explanation: Tahsin Özgüç, the excavator of Horoztepe, interpreted similar objects found there as sistrums, a type of musical instrument often employed in ancient religious ceremonies.

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The Alaca Höyük standards are generally interpreted as what type of objects?

Answer: Cult instruments

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük bronze standards are generally interpreted as cult instruments, potentially designed for attachment to ceremonial carts.

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What interpretation did Koşay and Arık propose for the Alaca Höyük bronze standards?

Answer: They served a clear ritual role.

Explanation: The excavators Koşay and Arık proposed that the Alaca Höyük bronze standards served a clear ritual role.

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The presence of sun ray decorations on some standards leads to their interpretation as:

Answer: Sun discs

Explanation: The presence of sun ray decorations on some standards leads to their interpretation as 'Sun discs', suggesting a solar or celestial connection.

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Which of the following is NOT mentioned as a location where similar wagon standards were found?

Answer: Troy

Explanation: Similar wagon standards have been found in Mesopotamia (Kish) and Armenia (Lchashen), but Troy is not mentioned in this context.

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The interpretation of the rings on some standards as celestial symbols is supported by which archaeologist?

Answer: Kurt Bittel

Explanation: The interpretation of the rings on some Alaca Höyük standards as celestial symbols is supported by archaeologist Kurt Bittel.

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Chronology and Cultural Affiliation

Karl Bittel dated the Alaca Höyük princely graves to after the Assyrian trading colonies were established.

Answer: False

Explanation: Karl Bittel's analysis, based on pottery, suggests the Alaca Höyük princely graves predate the establishment of the Assyrian trading colonies in Anatolia, placing them before 1900 BC.

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Bittel drew parallels between Alaca Höyük metal objects and finds from Troy II, dated around 2100 BC.

Answer: True

Explanation: Karl Bittel drew parallels between the metal objects from the Alaca Höyük tombs and those discovered at Troy II, which are dated to approximately 2100 BC.

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The Alaca Höyük cemetery was primarily used for a short period in the late Bronze Age.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük cemetery appears to have been in use for an extended period, possibly over two centuries, roughly between the 22nd and 20th centuries BC, which spans the transition from the Early to Middle Bronze Age, not solely the late Bronze Age.

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The Hattians are the cultural group associated with the Alaca Höyük cemetery's main period of use.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük cemetery's primary period of use, between the 22nd and 20th centuries BC, is associated with the Hattians, a culture that predated the rise of the Hittite Empire.

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The Alaca Höyük cemetery is primarily associated with the Hittite culture.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük cemetery's primary period of use is associated with the Hattians, a culture that predated the Hittite Empire, rather than directly with the Hittite culture itself.

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Based on pottery analysis, what is Karl Bittel's estimated date for the Alaca Höyük princely graves?

Answer: Before 1900 BC

Explanation: Karl Bittel's analysis of the pottery suggests that the Alaca Höyük princely graves date to before 1900 BC, preceding the establishment of the Assyrian trading colonies in Anatolia.

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To which culture is the Alaca Höyük cemetery primarily associated during its main period of use (c. 22nd-20th centuries BC)?

Answer: Hattian

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük cemetery's primary period of use, spanning approximately the 22nd to 20th centuries BC, is culturally affiliated with the Hattians, a civilization that predated the Hittite Empire.

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What does Karl Bittel suggest about the dating of Alaca Höyük metal objects by comparing them to Troy II?

Answer: They are roughly contemporary with Troy II (c. 2100 BC).

Explanation: Karl Bittel suggests that the metal objects from the Alaca Höyük tombs are roughly contemporary with those found at Troy II, dating to approximately 2100 BC.

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The Alaca Höyük cemetery's extended use, possibly over two centuries, is estimated to be roughly between which centuries BC?

Answer: 22nd and 20th

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük cemetery's extended period of use, estimated at over two centuries, is placed roughly between the 22nd and 20th centuries BC.

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Contemporary Significance and Display

The Alaca Höyük standards are currently used as logos by the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Alaca Höyük standards are used as logos by institutions such as the University of Ankara and the city of Çorum, not by the cities of Istanbul and Izmir.

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A large reproduction of an Alaca Höyük bronze standard is displayed in Sıhhiye Square in Ankara.

Answer: True

Explanation: A substantial reproduction of an Alaca Höyük bronze standard is prominently situated in the center of Sıhhiye Square in Ankara.

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The majority of the original Alaca Höyük bronze standards are exhibited in the Çorum Archaeological Museum.

Answer: False

Explanation: The majority of the original Alaca Höyük bronze standards are primarily exhibited at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara, not the Çorum Archaeological Museum.

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Original Alaca Höyük bronze standards can be viewed in the local museum at Alaca Höyük itself.

Answer: True

Explanation: In addition to major museums, some of the original Alaca Höyük bronze standards are housed and can be viewed in the local museum situated at Alaca Höyük itself.

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Replicas of the Alaca Höyük graves and standards are displayed at the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations.

Answer: False

Explanation: Replicas of the Alaca Höyük graves and standards are displayed at the Çorum Archaeological Museum, while the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations houses the majority of the original artifacts.

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Further information on pre-Hittite religious standards can be found on the website hittitemonuments.com.

Answer: True

Explanation: The website hittitemonuments.com is cited as a resource for obtaining additional information regarding pre-Hittite religious standards.

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In what modern context can the Alaca Höyük standards be seen?

Answer: As logos for the University of Ankara and the city of Çorum.

Explanation: In contemporary contexts, stylized representations of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards are employed as logos by entities such as the University of Ankara and the municipality and province of Çorum.

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Where is a prominent public display of a reproduction of an Alaca Höyük bronze standard located?

Answer: In the middle of Sıhhiye Square in Ankara.

Explanation: A substantial reproduction of an Alaca Höyük bronze standard is prominently situated in the center of Sıhhiye Square in Ankara.

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Which museum primarily exhibits the majority of the original Alaca Höyük bronze standards?

Answer: The Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara

Explanation: The primary repository for the majority of the Alaca Höyük bronze standards is the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations in Ankara.

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Where can visitors view replicas of the Alaca Höyük graves and bronze standards?

Answer: Çorum Archaeological Museum

Explanation: Replicas pertaining to the Alaca Höyük graves and the bronze standards are accessible for public viewing at the Çorum Archaeological Museum.

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The bibliography mentions which other field of ancient Near Eastern art alongside Hittite Art in relation to Alaca Höyük?

Answer: Luristan bronze

Explanation: The bibliography suggests further exploration into Luristan bronze as a related field of ancient Near Eastern art alongside Hittite Art in the context of Alaca Höyük studies.

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