6 July 2023

AM

The trench was sept in preparation for opening photos. Opening trench photos were taken. The opening trench photos include the reopening of Loci excavated in 2023 (Loci 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 9; 11; 12; 16; 17; 18). Opening Locus photos were taken for Loci 23, 24, 25, and 26. Opening elevations and coordinates were taken. A series of photos were taken to create a photogrammetric model of T26 and T103. 

Locus 23

Locus 23 is a brown clay and soil mixture of medium compaction that represents the top layer of excavations in 2023. The layer is level dye to earlier campaigns of excavation lowering the level o the soil to that of the OCA/Workshop floor surface. The layer is a narrow section running along the eastern baulk wall. Opening locus photos and opening elevations were taken. The layer is equal to Locus 1 (2022).

Opening coordinates Locus 23:

NW1: 176.78 E / 64 S

NE1: 177 E / 64 S

NE2: 177 E / 66 S

SE1: 179 E / 66 S

SE2: 179 E / 68 S

SW1: 177.66 E / 68 S

SW2: 176.24 E / 65.54 S

NW2: 176.86 S / 65.54 S

Opening elevations Locus 23:

NW1: 26.75 m AE

NE1: 26.72 m AE

NE2: 26.75 m AE

SE1: 26.82 m AE

SE2: 26.80 m AE

SW1: 26.75 m AE

SW2: 26.87 m AE

NW2: 26.86 m AE

Opening coordinates Locus 24:

NW: 174 E/ 64 S

NE: 177 E / 64 S

SE: 177 E / 66 S

SW: 174 E / 66.06 S

Opening elevations Locus 24:

NW: 27.78 m AE

NE: 26.67 m AE

SE: 26.75 m AE

SW: 26.72 m AE

Locus 24 is a collapse layer in the northern 2.06 m of the trench that is 3m wide. The layer appears to slope towards the south. The layer contains a brown soil that is mottled with white and pink patches due to the large amount of degraded plaster contained within the layer. A large amount of tiles were revealed in the 2022 season, some of which preserve full dimensions. One tile was removed in the 2019 season and was cataloged due to preserving an X siglum (PC20220111). Locus 24 is equal top Locus 14 in 2022  (NKDII).

Opening coordinates Locus 25: 

NW: 174 E / 66.06 S

NE: 176.86 E / 66.04 S

SE: 176.66 E / 66.49 S

SW: 174 E / 66.54 S

Opening elevations Locus 25:
NW: 26.79 m AE

NE: 26.80 m AE

SE: 26.85 m AE

SW: 26.82 m AE 

Locus 25 is a light brown soil and clay mixture which is rectangular in shape and slopes from the east to the west. There is a small rock feature composed of medium and small sized stones in the east. The stones may belong to the feature removed in 2022. 

Locus 26 Opening Coordinates: 

NW: 174E/66.30S

NE: 175.29E/66.40S

SE: 175.28E/67.70S

SW: 174E/67.67S

Locus 26 Opening Elevations: 

NW: 26.78 mAE

NE: 26.78 mAE

SE: 26.72 mAE 

SW: 26.74 mAE 

Locus 26 is a rectangle of heavily carbon included dark brown soil. The layer abuts the edge of the plaster floor (Locus 2) and is abutted by Locus 25 on its northern edge. The opening elevation of Locus 26 represents the level where excavation stopped in 2022. 

Munsell Designations: 

Locus 23- 10 YR 6/4 Light Yellowish Brown

Locus 24- 10YR 5/3 Brown 

Locus 25- 10YR 6/4 Light Yellowish Brown 

Locus 26- Brown soil- 7.5YR 4/4 Brown 

         Red/purple soil- 5YR 4/4 Reddish Brown 

Opening drawings were completed. 

Excavation began in Locus 23. The soil was troweled and small hand picks are being used to lower the level of the soil. The soil is highly compacted due to the backfill. Small amounts of plaster are being recovered. 

PM

The excavation of Locus 23 continues using hand picks and trowels. The eastern most extent was lowered to the level of the 2019 trench and baulk walls were established. In the north of the locus small rocks are being revealed. The locus was troweled and cloning elevations were taken. 

Locus 23 Closing Elevations: 

NW1: 26.74 mAE 

NE1: 26.73 mAE

NE2: 26.76 mAE 

SE1: 26.80 mAE 

SE2: 26.76 mAE 

SW1: 26.12 mAE 

NW2: 26.79 mAE 

Locus 23, 24, 25, 26 Opening Drawing 

Locus 23 Bulk finds:

1: Tile - ⅛ bowl

2: Plaster - ⅛ bowl

3: Pottery - 14 pcs

4: Plaster with reed impressions - 1 pc

5: Vitrified terracotta - 3 pcs