16 July 2024 AM The morning began with a pickpass in the eastern extent of the trench. While picking, frequent tiles were found. In the northeastern extent of the trench two medium sized rocks were found and removed after they were defined and proven to be resting on soil. In this same area of the trench hand picks, trowels, and brushes were used to lower the higher areas of the trench. The baulk walls along the northern and eastern extent of the trench were improved. Along the northern extent of Locus 1 rocks were found extending from the baulk wall. The rocks may be a result of the tree and roots causing a concentration of stones. It is possible that the stones form a linear rock feature that post-dates the orientalizing surface. The rock feature is 1.05m in length and 0.84m wide. While sorting, the pottery and tile visible on the surface of the layer was removed. A fragment of imported pottery with a red slip that is a deeper red and purple with a levigated light orange biscuit (special find #16).

Special Find #16 Locus 3 173.39 E 64.86 S 26.96mAE Imported Pottery

While sorting soil by hand along the eastern baulk wall, 6 possible carbonized seeds (special find #17) were found.

Special Find #17 Locus 3 173.51 E 65.09 S 26.09mAE 6 possible carbonized seeds PC20240051

The pickpass was cleaned and the soil was sorted by hand. The pickpass was continued, moving to the west. The fragments of plaster are getting larger as the work moves to the west.

PM Due to the amount of tile that was revealed in the previous pickpass, hand picks and trowels were used to lower the level of the soil. Frequent plaster, vitrified plaster, and vitrified terracotta continue to be found. The central meter of the trench was lowered and a large fragment of plaster with an adhered more finely levigated surface coat was found and recorded as special object #18.

Special Object #18 Locus 3 171.58 E 65.52 S 26.25mAE Plaster with Adhered surface PC20240031

The trench was cleaned of loose soil, troweled, and swept. Closing elevations were taken.

Closing Elevations Drawing

Closing Elevations: NW: 26.81mAE NE 1: 26.95mAE NE 2: 26.84mAE SE: 26.84mAE SW: 26.88mAE

Daily Totals: 32. Tile: 1 Bucket 33. Plaster: 3 Buckets 34. Pottery: 66 pcs. 35: Bone: 19 pcs: 36: Vitrified Tiles: 0 pcs 37. Vitrified Plaster: 92 pcs. 38. Plaster with Reed Impressions: 118 pcs.