Excavation for the 2018 season wishes to address the potential chronological relationship between the Early Phase Orientalizing Complex IV (EPOC IV) and Early Phase Orientalizing Complex V as well as the relationship between the flat stones discovered in the T-22, T-22 west extension, and the T-26 excavations and the OC2/Workshop. In 1991, the T-22 west extension was opened (NM V) to better understand the stratigraphic relationship between T-21 (FA I) and T-22 (SL I). T-92 will be established between 168-171 E and 46-49 S, along the northern face of the T-22 west extension, to better understand the chronologic and stratigraphic relationship between the monumental structure of EPOC IV and EPOC V. In the early 2000’s four large, flat stones were discovered in a linear fashion and were noted to be potential column pads (Tesoro 30). These stones were spaced approximately 2.7 meters apart from each other. While excavating the flat stones discovered during the T-22 excavation, it was observed that they were situated at a stratigraphic level lower than those associated with the OC2 workshop, suggesting a potential earlier phase of occupation, however, no early materials have been recovered to date in this area. Similar stones were discovered while excavating the OC2/workshop and were believed to be column pads. Unfortunately, excavation in surrounding areas has failed to recover more stones in line with the four East-West orientated stones as well as any indication of a stone to the north or south of these to aid in our understanding of the type and size and purpose of the structure associated with the four column pads. Confirmation of chronology of the flat stones originally found in T-22 could suggest an early phase of occupation analogous to EPOC IV.

T-91, T-92, and T-93 will be opened north of the workshop.

The goals for the 2018 season for T-92 include:

• Procuring datable material from contextually secure loci to aid in our understanding of the chronology of the flat stones in association to the OC2 / Workshop structure
• Obtain evidence of additional flat stones to help in our reconstruction of the building associated with the column pads
• Discover datable material that aids in our understanding of the chronological relationship between EPOC IV and the flat stones from T-22 and T-30
• To ponder the possible function of EPOC V and the hypothesis that it is an early phase workshop
• To better understand the stratigraphy of the loci dating from pre-Orientalizing onward in relation to the rest of the site.