Introduction

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Introduction

In 2014, a number of trenches were opened approximately 20 meters to the west of the western wall of the archaic building, in between the archaic building and the new building discovered in Civitate A in 2012 and 2013. In trenches T 57 ( AJC VI ), 59 ( KRK VII ), 65 ( JWM/KRC I ), 66 ( KD II ), and 69 ( EMO VII ), two parallel linear rock features, running roughly east-west, were discovered. These lines of rocks were robust and integrated within these stones were examples of ceramics dating to the mid 7 ^th century BCE. Based on these findings, these lines of stones may mark the foundations of a previously undiscovered building. However, due to rain, we were not able to fully excavate these features and no return walls, running north-south, or floors were discovered in 2014. Additionally, the aperture of a well filled in with materials associated with the 6 ^th century destruction was found approximately 15 meters to the south of the southern linear rock feature, but this does not appear to be contemporary with the aforementioned lines of stones.

In 2015, seven trenches will be opened to the east and west of trenches T 57, 59, 65, 66, and 69, in order to trace the full

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extent of the linear rock features discovered in 2014 and to determine if return walls or floors are present. Two further goals of all trenches will be to determine whether the parallel linear rock features found in 2014 form part of the same structure and to securely determine the date of these linear rock features.

T 71 will be opened directly to the west of T 57 ( AJC VI ), in order to determine whether the northern linear rock feature found in T 57 continues westward. T 70 ( MVS I ) will be opened directly south of T 71 and will be adjacent to both T 58 and T 69, while T 72 ( PAM I ) will be opened directly north of T 71.

T 71 will be opened for the following reasons:

1. To determine whether the northern linear rock feature found in T 57 in 2014 continues westward.

2. To search for a north-south running return wall, connecting the northern linear rock feature in T 57 with the southern linear rock feature in T 59, 65, 66, and 69.

3. To determine whether these linear rock features form one structural unit.

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4. To search for a possible floor surface associated with the potential structural unit.

5. To securely date the potential new structure.

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