15 July 2022

AM

This morning closing photos for Locus 1 and opening photos for Locus 2 were taken. Once closing/opening photos were taken, excavation of Locus 2 began.

Opening Elevations:

NW: 28.33 m. A.E.

NE: 28.21 m. A.E.

SW: 28.22 m. A.E.

SE: 28.32 m. A.E.

Excavation of Locus 2 will begin in the east pulling back west. Because of the density of the soil of Locus 2, pick axes will be used to break up the soil while trowels will be used to sort through the chunks of soil that are pulled up. While pick axing is done in the eastern extent of the trench, the large piece of terra cotta still in-situ between the drainage opening of the Archaic wall will be defined for in-situ photos. While clearing and sorting through the pick pass, a fragment of pietra fetida was found (Special Find #1). Shortly after, a couple more fragments were found. All subsequent fragments found will be gathered together in the same box.

Special Find #1: Pietra Fetida fragments

Coordinates: 170.68 E/40.91 S

Elevation: 28.16 m. A.E.

(see attached drawing)

Locus 2 is a very heavily compacted soil with a multitude of small to medium sized rocks. More material is present within this locus although the materials that are being found are heavily abraded and eroded. In particular, the area that is being defined between the drainage opening of the Archaic wall is producing more materials that the rest of Locus 2.

PM

After lunch definition of the large piece of terra cotta continued along with the excavation of the rest of Locus 2. In order to better understand the purpose/context of the large terra cotta between the drainage opening, old excavation photos were studied down in the magazzino and it has now been determined that what we have is actually the remnants of the terra cotta pipe originally excavated in 1969. Because of this, active excavation will end and the trench will be prepped for the declaration of three new loci. Roots will be clipped, baulk walls will be trimmed and light leveling will be done for the remainder of the day.

Closing Elevations Locus 2:

NW: 28.28 m. A.E.

NE: 28.15 m. A.E.

SW: 28.18 m. A.E.

SE: 28.28 m. A.E.

Daily Totals:

Terra cotta: 1/5 bowl

Pottery: 30 sherds

Bone: 4 fragments