Conclusion

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The reopening and subsequent excavation of T-66 during the 2015 season can be seen as successful. In regards to the investigation into the area directly to the east of T-75 ( KRC I ) and T-76 ( KD III ), evidence of a new linear rock feature, smaller in width to the larger feature in T-66, located approximately 2 meters to the south, was found. The feature is in direct alignment with the feature in T-75 and T-76 and has preserved evidence of coursing, strongly indicating that this feature may be a wall within the larger structure. In regards to the further exploration of the area directly to the north of the monumental rock feature found in the southern extent of T-66 in the 2014 season, ancient floor surface was found throughout the northern extent of the trench, stretching over Locus 7 and Locus 10 . Large amounts of plaster and tile were found either directly on top of or embedded into the floor surface. In regards to the clarification of the chronological sequence of the Tesoro area, Locus 10 , the locus encompassing the

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majority of ancient floor surface, yielded material remains dating to the Orientalizing period, thus, strongly indicating that this new proposed monumental building dates back at least to this period.

In regards to the search for evidence of a monumental building located to the west of the Archaic building, the linear rock features found throughout T-66 and T-76 ( KD III ), directly to the west of T-66 and T-75 ( KRC I ), directly to the west of T-76 align with linear rock features found throughout the rest of the excavation area specifically through T-69 ( EMO VII ), T-59 ( KRK VII ), T-65 ( JWM/KRC I ) and T-76 (KD III ). It can be said with confidence that the monumental linear rock feature found in the southern extent of T-66 during the 2014 that has now been further revealed in the 2015 season is in fact a previously undiscovered monumental building. Evidence of ancient floor surface that directly abuts the interior of the monumental wall feature further adds to this conclusion. In addition, no

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eastern return wall has been found indicating that this new building was open to the east. Although evidence for a post hole was sought, none was found. It was also discovered later in the season that the last eastern extension (110-111E/43-47S) was the site of a previous excavation, CA 31.

In regards to the possible function of the monumental building, further investigation is needed. High amounts of metal related materials such as crucible fragments and slag were found throughout the middle extent of T-66 ( Locus 10 ), the locus containing the widest extent of floor surface, (in comparison with other areas of the trench) although this is not enough evidence to make any conclusive statements regarding the exact function of the building.

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