Introduction

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In 2014, a number of trenches were opened approximately 20 meters to the west of the western wall of the archaic building and the area of non elite habitation to the east, in Civitate A, discovered in 2012 and 2013. In trenches T-57 ( AJC VII ), T-59 ( KRK VII ), T-65 ( JWM/KRC I ), T-66 ( KD II ) and T-69 ( EMO VII ), monumental rock features oriented roughly east to west were found. These features ran parallel to each other and were hypothesized to be walls of a new building based on their orientation. Ceramic materials found in close proximity to the feature date this potential new structure to the second quarter of the 7 ^th century BCE. Additionally, a well was found to the south of the excavation area, directly to the north of the medieval road.

During 2015, the area between the 2014 trenches

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T-65 ( JWM/KRC I ) and T-66 ( KD II ) will be opened and explored to see whether the linear rock features found in both trenches continues in the same linear pattern. T-76 will be opened directly to the west of T-66 ( KD II ) and directly to the east of T-65 ( KRC I ), sharing a baulk wall with the latter.

Therefore, the aims of excavation in T-76 are:

1) To explore the area immediately to the west of T-66 and the Archaic building as well as the area directly to the east of T-65 and T-75 in order to potentially reveal new architectural features or those that align with the feature found in 2014 in addition to stratigraphy and topographic information

2) To clarify the chronological sequence of the Tesoro area by recovering dateable material from a secure context to better understand the features found in the 2014 season.

3) To search for evidence of a monumental

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building located to the west of the Archaic building and to document, through this investigation size, orientation, dimension and extent of the wall and any potential floor surface.

4) To ponder the possible function of the monumental building based on analysis of materials found in direct context of the structure's floor.

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