Methodology

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Methodology

In CB 38 the standard method of excavation will be as follows. Dirt will be picked with the small end of a pickaxe, broken into clumps, and the clumps will then be hand sorted with trowels. The excess, sorted dirt will be put into buckets which will then be wheel barrowed to the dump site approximately 25 meters to the south of the trench.

Any terracotta roofing tile found will be counted in bowls with an approximate diameter of cm and a max depth of cm. Once counted and recorded these finds shall be discarded into a dump located to the north of the trench about 5 meters away. Any pottery and bone found will be counted on site and brought down to the magazzino in latte boxes for cleaning and further study.

If any special finds are discovered their coordinates and elevation in relation to the absolute elevation of the site shall be taken and recorded. A plumb-bob will be held over the find and the distance from the trench boundaries will be measured at a right angle in order to determine the N-S and E-W coordinates. A plumb-bob will also be held over the find in order to obtain its elevation when a string, affixed to a datum with the known elevation of 31.42 m in relation to the origin, with a line level attached, will be extended over the find, intersecting

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with the plumb-bob line. The elevation will then be measured with a tape measure. Special finds are then sketched into the trench book on site and sent down to the magazzino at the end of the day in small boxes for cleaning, analysis, and possibly for cataloging.

Close attention will be paid to the soil being dug throughout the duration of the excavation in CB 38. Any changes in the soil or soil type will be noted in the trench book and a new locus will be defined, measured, photographed, and recorded. Additionally, the baulk-walls will be trimmed periodically in order to gain a better understanding of the stratigraphy. It is important to note that methods may change as excavation gets underway, as the types and amounts of material found as well as the geology and topography of the trench ultimately determine the best excavation approach and method.

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