Journal / Summary:I-2-2004-Summary

Final Trench Summary, Year 2004 Season

Area I

Trench 2

July 10, 2004

J. Henecke

We selected trench I2, on the southern slope of the mound, for excavation in order to answer very specific questions about the extent of the site through all periods. We were interested to discover the nature of any settlement on this side of the mound, the depth of erosional debris and if there was an Ubaid presence in this area.

A sounding from a previous season had revealed a sizeable quantity of fill, so we dug the 1 x 6 m as a controlled sounding in order to reach any undisturbed or earlier period materials below this fill. The trench was dug in two steps, a 3.2 x 1 m northern step and a 2 x 1 m southern section, roughly separated by L3, a stone feature. The loci were dug as arbitrary levels and as a result contain several stratigraphic layers. On the third day of excavation, we began to dig in 25 cm increments to exert greater control over the area.

Both steps have a similar stratigraphic sequence, although the presence of L3 clearly altered the deposition of topsoil, plowzone and erosional debris in the southern step. In fact, the topsoil, plowzone and first layers of fill are much smaller in this area, and it’s possible that the stones acted as a retaining wall. The fill in L1 contained a burnt ash layer and possible mudbrick debris, but was fairly consistent until a distinction, demarcated by a scattering of large stones, appeared in L10. At the bottom of this locus is a line of large stones, which may be a stone wall. In the southern step all material beneath the stone feature may be undisturbed occupational debris, and the scattering of potsherds, bone, charcoal and lithics attests to this. The stone feature is composed of layers of large potsherds and stones laid flat with no debris separating the layers. This suggests its continuous use for at least a short period. As we excavated the northern step, the stone layer spread out along the western baulk, although it was never absolutely affirmed to be a continuation of L3, it contained the same composition.

The artifacts recovered from this trench were typical of items found in fill, and we predominately encountered occupational debris. The pottery fragments uncovered were particularly useful for placing the layers in context, and although we didn’t save artifacts from L1 and 2, all pottery was examined before disposal. Most conspicuous were sherds from applied rim jars, a diagnostic piece for the 2nd millennium. These sherds were discovered in all layers, including from the baulk beneath L3, and this fairly firmly places all of I2 in a 2nd millennium context. Even at the very bottom of the pit, there was no significant indication of change. The soil change in L10 seemed to preclude a change in period, but it also contained 2nd millennium diagnostic pieces.

Regardless of hopes or expectations, the trench served its primary purpose by opening up area I for examination. It is most likely that area I is covered with erosional debris and wash from the mound, and it seems that a large portion of the 2nd millennium settlement may have indeed eroded down the hill. Even 2.5 m below the surface there were no EB, Chalcolithic or Ubaid remains, and it is unlikely that these periods extended to this side of the mound.