Methodology

CA86 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.  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 pick axes to break up soil.  Soil then will be sorted by hand.  Sorted soil will be discarded in a dirt dump located approximately 10 meters to the northeast of the trench, over an old spoil heap used in the 2012-2013 CA excavations.

Terracotta roofing tile will be counted individually.  Once counted and recorded, these shall be discarded in a tile dump used in 2013, located approximately 20 meters to the east of CA86.  Any pottery or bone found will be counted on site and brought down to the magazzino in latte boxes for cleaning and further study.

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 west of the trench, with an elevation of 27.07m.  Special finds then are sketched in the trench book on site and sent to the magazzino for cleaning, analysis, and cataloging.  Any artifacts selected from bulk materials for cataloging will be considered 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.