Descriptive Attribute	Value(s)
Bottom (m)	Closing elevation: lowest 891.201 m.
Phase Description	Phase Pre-Site Phase I:
Architectural or Soil Locus?	Soil
Top (m)	Opening elevation: highest 891.541 m.
Overlies	Loci 25, 26, 27, 28, 28A.
Location	Central sondage, between Loci 3 and 6.
Size	1.10 m north south-by-2.22 m east west.
Stage	Stage 4
Stage Description	Human activity stratum.
Underlies	Locus 23.
Preserved Height	variable, see balk sketches.
Description	This is a densely compacted stratum containing mixed soils with the consistency of fine clays and silt as well as sand. The Munsell Color ranged between 10 YR 4/2 (Dark Grayish Brown) and 4/3 (Brown). The layer contained a large amount of ash and tiny charcoal particles¾a soil sample was obtained for analysis, as the charcoal fragments were too small on their own (Seq. No. SP104170). The pottery finds were extensive, and all of the sherds were saved for analysis. Especially large quantities of bone were recovered from the stratum, given the limited dimensions of the sounding. Likewise, a significant quantity of metal was also obtained, which seems to include both iron and iron slag. The special finds included two definite coins and one possible coin fragment, as well as three terracotta figurine fragments. The combination of the ash/charcoal quantity with the extensive material culture remains in this layer may indicate that it is the result of either a midden deposit or destruction event. Another possibility is that this deposit represents the floor of a tent habitation space (see Discussion below). Regardless of its origin, it represents the first human activity stratum above the earlier wall construction (Locus 28).
Definition	Human activity stratum
Combined with	None.
Phase	Pre-Site Phase I