Trench Summary

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The most notable aspects of T-26 M-O/64-71 was the 3 concentrations of tile/pithos and the continued recovery of fine wares.

The significance of the three mentioned pithos/tile concentrations is indicated by four sets of facts: they all appear at roughly equal depths and likewise terminate at similar depths; they all were separated distinctly from each other horizontally; they all preserved linear N-S orientation; and finally, all apparently had continuations in T-26 P-R/64-71.

The probability that these do represent conciously created features seems high, and their potential function as drainage away from the southern edge of the Upper Building seems worth further investigation.  One may, through strickly controlled excavation, work at clarifying the soil relationship around the tile line in M-?/66-? as the tile line O-M/67-66 appears to continue into the baulk.

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The issue of fine "red/orange" wares continues to be very intriguing.  Notable quantities of interesting pieces, including fenestrated vessels, continued to be excavated particularly in M-O/64-66 at depths beyond 80 cm.  It is particularly curious to note that other fineware concentrations were associated with the tile/pithos lines - though not to similar abundance as in M-O/64-66.  Again, this will be worth further investigation.

It now seems less likely that this area, and the area further north towards the Upper Building, will provide many clues as to the architecture and function of the SE building.  Architecturally, the only significant finds were the plaster, which will require further study of catalogued pieces.  Decorative architectural elements were few, and most probably of Upper Building date.

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In terms of potential workshop identification, little can be said.  Though some bronze and ivory were found, most was of non-diagnostic type, both in form and provenance.  No dumps or other significant deposits were found, nor any implements of production.

Possible clues may be found deeper at this area, particularly within and below the burn layer that appears at 90-100 cm b.s.  Again, taking the excavations deeper in this area would resolve some of these issues.