T26 Methodology

T26 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. Periodically photos will be taken of the trench to create a photogrammetric model as features are revealed or removed. It will be noted in the trench book when loci or photogrammetry photos are taken. Additionally, the baulk 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. Sorted soil will be discarded in a dirt dump located approximately 10 meters to the south of the trench. Samples of the floor surfaces will be saved and samples of soil from deposits beneath the floor surface will be saved for flotation.

Terra cotta roofing tile will be counted by bowls (diameter of 28 cm and a depth of 12 cm). Plaster fragments preserving no diagnostic elements of their placement within the construction of the building will be counted in bowls (diameter of 30 cm and a depth of 10 cm). Once counted and recorded, these will be discarded in a previously established tile dump located to the north of T67.

Any pottery or bone found will be counted on site and brought down to the magazzino in latte boxes for cleaning and further study. Fragments of diagnostic plaster, plaster, and vitrified terracotta will be documented in bulk, in keeping with practices from prior years of excavation in T26.

For all special finds, which will include chronologically diagnostic artifacts, metals, weaving equipment, full profiles of ceramics, decorated pottery, cut or worked bone, diagnostic bone fragments, 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 east of the trench, with an elevation of 27.92 m 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.

Hand-written tags will be made for small finds, bulk finds, and cataloged objects. Small finds and bulk finds will be labeled by trench ID, year, locus number, and find number (sf-t26-2023-2-2). Small and bulk finds will be numbered in a sequential series in the trench book. Cataloged objects will be labeled with ‘pc’ followed by the year and catalog number (pc20230001). These labels will be generated online and entered into a digital library using Kobo and Open Context.

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.