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Methodology

T90 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. As we are continuing with the work conducted in 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2022, all loci excavated in 2023 will continue the same stratigraphic sequence. Additionally, the balk walls will be trimmed regularly in order to gain a better understanding of the stratigraphy.

Our primary method of excavation will be to use hand picks and trowels to break up soil. Soil then will be sorted by hand and passed through a 1cm gauge sieve; for floor surfaces, we also will screen soil through a 2mm gauge sieve. Soil samples from floor surfaces also will be collected for flotation and paleobotanical analysis. Sorted soil will be discarded in a dirt dump located approximately 10 meters to the west of the trench, over T61.

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Terracotta roofing tile will be counted by bowls (diameter of 28 cm and a depth of 12 cm). Once counted and recorded, these shall be discarded in a tile dump located approximately 10 meters to the north of T90. Any pottery, bone, slag, and vitrified terracotta found will be counted on site and brought down to the magazzino in latte boxes for cleaning and further study; any notably large slag fragments or slag fragments preserving the curvature of the crucible in which it was refined will be made a special find.

For all special finds, which will include chronologically diagnostic artifacts, metals, weaving equipment, full profiles of ceramics, decorated pottery, cut or worked bone, 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 27.75m A.E. Special finds then are sketched in the trench book on site and are sent to the magazzino for cleaning, analysis, and cataloging. Any artifacts selected from bulk materials for cataloging will be made supplementary finds.

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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.

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