Descriptive Attribute	Value(s)
Definition	Stylobate.
Phase Description	Phase IV: Nabataean Grand Design: 1st c. BCE to CE 1st c. The full Lower Temenos is constructed, complete...
Stage Description	Building and leveling of the fill of the Lower Temenos and the installation of the Hexagonal Pavement.
Top (m)	Elevation (average): 898.606 m.
Stage	Stage 1
Description	Locus 7 is a stylobate of regularly-cut (but frequently broken), sandstone blocks which extend north-south along the western side of the trench. It is approximately 1 m wide. There are frequent breaks where pavers have been robbed. This is a continuation of the stylobate that was found in Trench 25. Only one of the original column drums is in place (see Locus 3, below); however, there is evidence for the placement of others in the form of raised, circular areas on some of the pavers. These would have been protected, while the surrounding areas of paving were eroded. The distance between columns, measured center to center, is approximately 2.4 m. This (the same as in the other colonnades) and the alignment of the remaining column drum with those in the neighboring colonnades make it virtually certain that this third colonnade was constructed with the other two, at the time of Temple construction. An unexpected feature of the stylobate is its placement on the wall, which differs from Trench 25. In Trench 28, the stylobate extends down the middle of the wall rather than being exclusively on the west side. The presence of the under bedding layer on the east side of the wall in Trench 25 suggests that the stylobate might originally have covered the entire wall, rather than just the western half (see Trench 25 Report). This hypothesis was to some extent supported by a stylobate paving stone that was found next to the stylobate, on the east side of the wall. The stone was not placed in line with the other stylobate pavers, but was essentially on the same level, placed flat. Without more pavers on the east side of the wall, it is impossible to determine whether or not the wall was originally entirely covered. Another very interesting feature associated with the stylobate was a deep sinkhole that was found between two of the pavers, towards the south of the stylobate (Daily Field Form 28047). This sinkhole, approximately 0.25 m deep, and the presence of a disturbed and possibly collapsed paver in the area, suggest that there may be a large hole underneath the stylobate. It is possible that this is part of the underground canalization system. Other sinkholes of this variety have been found over areas of canalization. The difference in the wall when compared to the northern section of the wall in Trench 25, might also be due to a sub-structure canal. Once work in the immediate vicinity is completed the pavers will be removed to explore underneath. Many of the stylobate blocks are incomplete or missing and were probably damaged at this time. If the stylobate pavers extended over the entire wall, then they also were robbed at this time from the wall on both sides of the stylobate proper.
Phase	IV
Architectural or Soil Locus?	Architectural