Descriptive Attribute	Value(s)
Bottom (m)	Closing elevation: lowest 891.671 m.
Architectural or Soil Locus?	Soil
Overlies	Loci 19, 20.
Location	Central sondage, between Loci 3 and 6.
Description	A thin layer of densely compressed fine soil consisting of clay, silt and sand, the top of which was compacted into a hard surface. The Munsell Color ranged between 10 YR 6/1 (Gray) and 6/2 (Light Brownish Gray). Both the level and thickness of the stratum varied throughout the area of the sounding, and it was not visible at all in the west balk. This soil adheres to that in Locus 19, which is in fact a related color (10 YR 6/4 – 6/6). This adhesion of the two soil layers, combined with the similar unevenness of both loci, suggests they they resulted from the same natural sedimentation process. It is probable that Loci 18 and 19 encompass a single sedimentation event, and that the compacted texture and color difference evident in the top surface of Locus 18 are the result of its having been exposed for a period to the sun and weather (cf. Locus 30). A small selection of pottery, bone, metal, as well as a possible stone artifact were recovered.
Size	maximum exposed 1.00 m north south-by-2.00 m east west.
Phase	I
Combined with	Loci 19, 20, 21.
Preserved Height	variable, see balk sketches.
Definition	Densely compacted soil with hard surface
Top (m)	Opening elevation: highest 891.791m.
Stage	Stage 7
Stage Description	Sedimentation.
Phase Description	Phase I: Preparation: 1st c. BCE early subterranean canalization installed. The bedrock beneath the Lower Temenos is leveled.
Underlies	Locus 17.