Methodology

T90 will be excavated stratigraphically.  Loci will be used to distinguish discrete events in the creation of the archaeological record, with new soil types, architectural features, and significant changes in the materials recovered warranting the creation of new loci. Any changes in soil type, artifact types or quantities, or the appearance of features will be noted in the trench book and a new locus will be defined, measured, photographed, and recorded.  As we are continuing with the work conducted in 2017, all loci excavated in 2018 will continue the 2017 stratigraphic sequence. Additionally, the baulk walls will be trimmed regularly in order to gain a better understanding of the stratigraphy.

Our primary method of excavation will be to use hand picks and trowels to break up soil.  Soil then will be sorted by hand and passed through a 1cm gauge sieve; for floor surfaces, we also will screen soil through a 2mm gauge sieve.  The first five buckets of soil from each locus will be screened through a 1cm gauge sieve then collected for flotation. Sorted soil will be discarded in a dirt dump located approximately 10 meters to the west of the trench, over T61.

Terracotta roofing tile will be counted by bowls.  Once counted and recorded, these shall be discarded in a tile dump located approximately 20 meters to the north of T90.  Any pottery or bone found will be counted on site and brought down to the magazzino in latte boxes for cleaning and further study.  All fragments of diagnostic bone will be made special finds.

For all special finds, which will include chronologically diagnostic artifacts, metals, weaving equipment, full profiles of ceramics, decorated pottery, cut or worked bone, diagnostic bone fragments, or any other artifact deemed noteworthy, master grid coordinates and elevations will be recorded, along with the locus from which an artifact was recovered.  A fixed elevation datum point will be established in a tree located to the north of the trench, with an elevation of 28.59m A.E.. Special finds then are sketched in the trench book on site and are sent to the magazzino for cleaning, analysis, and cataloging. Any artifacts selected from bulk materials for cataloging will be made supplementary finds.

Excavation methods may change throughout the course of the season, as the types and amounts of material found, as well as the geology and topography of the trench, ultimately determine the best excavation method.