Introduction

3

The 2008 season provided a greater understanding of the south flank of Piano del Tesoro (see, EC VII, AMA/DBB I, and CGM II). SF-2 (EC-VII) was void of an Orientalizing material and stratum, however the rich Archaic material furthered our understanding of the Archaic complex. Most notably a bedrock channel feature with archaic material resting directly on top of it (see Archaic feline waterspout EC-VII pages 153 and 157) was uncovered lower in elevation than the previous excavated Archaic floor surfaces. Part of this channel was further defined in the southwest corner of SF-4 (AMA/DBB I). It is possible this channel was created to resolve the issue of flowing water from the Archaic courtyard.

During the 2009 season it has been decided that excavation will resume on the south flank of Piano del Tesoro, especially in the area south of SF-3, SF-4, and SF-5. It is hoped that this excavation will help clarify both the function and extent of the channel feature excavated in SF-3 (see EC-VII) and SF-4 (see AMA/DBB I).

Trench T-55 will be established on the southern flank of rectangle 13, 14, and 15 (tripartite building/OC3), between meters 140E/39S. 140E/37S. 143E/37S, and 143E/39S. Work in this trench will focus on further defining and revealing the extent of the channel from SF-3 and SF-4. The goals for this season are:

1. To recover materials from a context securely inside T-55.

2. To gain a better understanding of the stratigraphy and topography associated with the south flank of Piano del Tesoro.

3. To further reveal the width/length and course of the channel feature excavated in SF-3 (EC-VII) and SF-4 (AMA/DBB I).

4.To uncover any remaining features situated immediately south of the tripartite building (OC3).