Methodology

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METHODOLOGY

T-56 was laid out on the master grid system established for the site. It was laid out via triangulation from the two base lines established for the area, which were 138 E, and 38 S.

Elevations:

All elevations, both for the trench and for finds, will be measured with the use of a string, line level, plumb bob, and metal measuring tape. An absolute elevation of 29.99 m was established by Jon Lannon with the transit and marked with a nail on a tree to the northwest of T-56. Another nail was driven in .99 m beneath it (measured with a metal tape) for a more mathematically convenient datum of 29 m. For the benefit of future researchers, in case of my own math errors, the depth below datum (BD) will always be given in cm in addition to the absolute elevation in m.

Excavation:

Excavation will be done mostly by pick and trowel. Normally, the soil will be picked with the pointed end of a pickaxe and then sorted by hand. Terracotta roofing tiles, unless they present a full profile, will only be measured by volume and then discarded on site. All ceramic, bone, and special finds will be brought to the magazino for analysis and quantification. The volume of ceramic and bone will also be measured on site. If use of a pick will damage the archaeological context, or the area is too small to wield it properly, then excavation will be completed with a trowel. Leftover dirt will be removed via bucket to a dirt dump.

Units of Measure:

A \x93bowl\x94 (used to measure terracotta and plaster) is 30 cm in diameter and a maximum depth of 10cm.

A \x93latte box\x94 (used to measure volume of ceramic and bone) is 1 liter.

Special Finds:

The coordinates and absolute elevation of special finds (metal, decorative architectural terracotta fragments, imported or decorated pottery, etc) will taken and recorded. See above for measuring elevation. Coordinates on the master grid will be measured by use of triangulation (with a plumb bob and metal measuring tape) from the trench lines.

Loci:

Each locus will indicate a difference of some sort from both layers above, below, and perhaps next to it. Rock and soil features will be assigned their own loci.

Soil:

The soil will be described on sight with particular attention paid to color, texture, finds, and inclusions. At the opening of each soil-based locus, the Munsell designation of the color of the soil (both wet and dry, unless the soil is already wet from rain in which case only a moist reading is possible) will be recorded. Munsell readings will be taken in direct sunlight.

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