Trench: T26

Trench Book: NKDIII

Locus: 30

Date and Page Opened: 13 July 2023; 85

Date and Page Closed: 21 July 2023; 105

Munsell: 10 YR 3/2 - Very Dark Grayish Brown

Description:

Locus 30 is comprised of a large carbon deposit within a highly compacted, medium brown clay. The clay surrounding the carbon deposit contains a large amount of carbon. The layer is located 0.65 m to the north of the OC2/Workshop structure. Locus 30 lies in the northwestern part of the trench, directly to the south of the tile fall of Locus 24. It abuts Locus 25 to the east and Locus 26 to the south. Its western edge marks the 174 East line. The locus is roughly level and measures ca. 1.22 m long and 20 cm wide. The carbon deposit within Locus 30 measured 1.22 m in length and varied in width between 0.12 and 0.16 m. Other inclusions in the soil are composed of pottery, tile fragments, and animal bone fragments found beneath and around the carbon deposit. Small roots were also found in the soil and in the baulk wall.

The carbon deposit was divided into two sections at a point midway through the feature where the carbon was not preserved and only dark brown carbon included clay remained. The deposit was then removed by lifting the two sections in a soil packing during the 2023 season. The first section (PC20230072) measures 0.65m in length, 0.30m in width, and 0.10m in height. The second section (PC20230073) measures 0.72m in length, 0.35m in width, and 0.12m in height.

During excavation, the carbon samples were covered with acid-free paper and aluminum foil to prevent contamination of the sample. Further analysis of the carbon will be completed in future seasons, such as radiocarbon dating and the identification of the type of wood present in the carbon deposit.

The carbon deposit was possibly a wooden beam that burned during the destruction of the OC2/Workshop. Its close proximity to the roof tile fall, as well as the size and length of the beam, suggest that it may have been a component of the structure’s roof.

Cataloged Finds: Yes; PC20230072; PC20230073

Secure Context: Yes

Opening and Closing Coordinates and Elevations: