Wednesday, 13 July, 2022

AM 

Opening Elevations

NE: 28.35  m.A.E

SE: 28.39  m.A.E

SW: 28.35  m.A.E

NW: 28.42  m.A.E

Excavation resumes with the beginning of the second full pick pass moving east to west. For expediency, two picks are used, moving from the north and south corners to meet in the middle. Soil is hand-sorted into buckets. Soil is consistently dark brown and compact with small roots and rocks, and a small but notable amount of terracotta. 

To quickly determine the potential for significant, contextualized material, shovels replace hand-sorting. Soil is shoveled into buckets and quickly sorted into a wheelbarrow before dumping. In the southeast corner, a modern nail is found. Another full pick pass is begun in the east. Two rectangular, modern (?) metal fragments are recovered. The increase in ancient material such as vitrified terracotta and pottery is more noticeable in the eastern half of Locus 1. 

PM

The eastern half of the trench becomes the focus of excavation. The western half, as it produces little material, is not excavated further. Another pick pass is begun against the eastern baulk, during which a tooth is discovered.

Special Find 1

    19.65 E / 5.84 N

    Locus 1

    28.28 m A.E.

    Diagnostic tooth

Special Find 2

    19.38 E / 6.33 N

    Locus 1

    28.27 m A.E.

    Canine (?) tooth

The focus of excavation in Locus 1 extends 1.5 m from the east. Excavation uncovers tile, plaster, pottery, vitrified terracotta, and bone. Of note is a flange with a well-preserved right angle, suggesting little disturbance within the soil. As the trench is cleaned for the day, a piece of tile with adhered slag is recovered.

Special Find 3

    19.73 E / 6.64 N

    Locus 1

    28.29 m A.E.

    Tile with adhered slag

Closing elevations

NE: 28.25  m.A.E

SE: 28.24  m.A.E

SW: 28.40  m.A.E

NW: 28.32  m.A.E

Total Counts

    Terra cotta and plaster: ½ bowl

    Vitrified terra cotta: 5

    Bone: 5

    Pottery: 71