J2 Loci – Sequential

Processed on 06-09-2016


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J2k2

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0002.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0850 J02w0050 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k2 is a 5x5 meters regular locus. A german trench cuts three quarter of it. At the beginning of the excavation was left only a pseudo baulk in the eastern part, the upper part of the apron f131 takes all the locus. It is defined by the relay r25, r26 and markers m3589, m3597

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-14aP we employed the team which worked in k33 to remove the southern part and the southern baulk of k2. The soil is quite soft which grass and roots, quite easy to remove. The goal is to expose and clean all the stones came out during the German excavations understanding if the stones belong to a wall and its alignment.
2004-7-15aP we are continuing to remove the baulk. After two hours we moved the team from k2 to the machine in the trench so the work is going quite low ( f64, q161, q167).
2004-7-18aP we are going down with the trench cleaning the stones which are coming out ( f64: q174, q178, q182). Cleaning the "column" below an eroded stone we found some red bricky soil and maybe two bricks one red and one grey. However since we found them at the end of the day, we'll check better tomorrow if they are really bricks.
2004-7-19aP we start to remove the eastern baulk leaving about 20 cm in the eastern part. The feature ( f69) is composed by mixed soil with reddish colour, quite compact and with a granular consistency. It seems the reddish material which is typical of the terrace of the temple. We dug the following q-lots: q190, q199.
2004-7-20aP since Minna and I were busy cleaning stones, vVE and jE came to draw the eastern section of k2. In this square, cleaning the bottom of the trench, we reached a very reddish layer ( f74, q203). The material seems to be the same packing which characterized also the palace area with white organic inclusions which at a first sight seemed to be plaster and which have the same consistency of calcite. We scraped the surface and stopped with excavations. So we decided to start to remove the baulk with two teams of workmen. The eastern bulk is f78 but we made different q-lots for the northern part ( f78, q210) and the southern part ( f78, q211).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2004-7-3bP 25 (40393 51375 - / Relay location: top)
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Drawing of view

w12

w201

w50
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0017



J2k3

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0003.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0851 J02w0051 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-1mH North of k4, west of k100. A German trench cuts through its souther half in east-west direction. Defined by the markers m3589, m3597, m3646, m3647, m3599, m3648
2008-3-7pC k 3 is a regular locus south of k2. The upper part is cut by the german trench. It was opened to see the continuation of the apron f131

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-1mH Opened the square and had time to remove just the upper most surface layer in the northern half of the square.
2004-7-4mH In the morning we continued removing topsoil in the northern half of the unit. Near the eastern baulk of the unit we found a nearly complete skeleton of a small juvenile canine. I assigned that as i2.
2004-7-5mH Continued down on the northern half. 3cm before the end of f29 q53 we ran into a slightly harder batch of soil in the NE corner of the unit. It's aerial extent was m3647 50W, 50S. I did not make it into a separate feature since it did not substantially differ from what was around it. Here the softer parts were just slightly further apart than elsewhere.
2004-7-6mH We continued going down with f25, natural soil matrix. At the interchange of q62 and q66 we found several large stones. These stones are located 9 cm higher than the southern most stones in the German trench to the north of k3. While this difference is not much, the stones are clearly higher up than I expected to find stones associated with the apron. From the German trench it seems that the apron is sloping down and hence stones belonging to the apron should be deeper in k3 than in the German trench. It is possible that stones visible in the German trench are not the original top most stones and that the stones in k3 are. Another possibility is that the stones in k3 are eroded stones. I doubt that, however, since there are quite a few of them and they sit quite densely together.
2004-7-7aP we are going on with the digging of the northern part of the square where we found stones of medium-big sizes clearly collapsed from the north (maybe from the apron). The soil is soft and with fair pottery. Today we dug f32 q71, q79, q81 and q85.
2004-7-8aP we levelled the excavation surface ( f32, q90) cleaning between the stones and starting to relay the points of the collapsed material. To distinguish these stones from the other material we decide to make a new feature ( f45) which sits in f32.
2004-7-11aP after two very windy days (7/09-7/10) we spent some time cleaning the surface of k3 to take picture of the loose stones. After we took the relays for most of them but for four were not possible since the positions of the item didn't allow to take points. So we need to put some new markers after removing baulks.
2004-7-24aP we went on, continuing to remove the eastern baulk of k3 ( f92, q243), and removing the columns of soils on which the eroded stones were placed ( f90, q241).
2004-7-24mH We continued removing the eastern baulk of the unit. After it was removed, we continued to level and clean the unit.
2004-7-25aP at the moment this is the most interesting square for the stratigraphic connections. We started going down in the southern part of the square, south to the stones ( f32, q249) but about 20 cm down ( m3882 + 62 - 153) we noticed two different features: f97 ( q258, q260) is in the eastern part of the square. The soil is not particularly compact, brownish/reddish with large amount of sherds and pebbles of small and medium size. In the western part of the southern half of the square instead we noticed a different kind of soil ( f98, q259). Here the soil is rather hard with a large amount of very compact gravels and few sherds. The texture is quite similar to the soil which was found last year in J1 but here it's limited at one lens. In the northern part of the square we also removed the columns of soil under the eroded stones collecting some sherds ( f90, q262).
2004-7-26aP scraping the surface we notice two different features which are at the same level. In the north-western corner we found a layer ( f99, q267) with soft ashy soil and few sherds. I defined it a lens since it seems concentrated just in the north-western corner. In the eastern part of the area, instead, we found reddish soil ( f101, q268) quite compact and with a large amount of sherds. This layer is below the layer that we dug yesterday ( f97) with large amount of sherds and small pebbles and above the melting bricks which are visible in the east section (western side of the German trench). At a first sight it seems to me that the are many Khabur sherds, maybe we can ask mkB to analyze the pottery bag. Below this layer we found in all the area (now approximately 4m wide and 1m length) a layer which contains melting bricks. This new feature ( f106, q273, q282 and q285) is composed by melting bricks mixed with pottery. The colour of the soil is reddish, the same colour of the core of the bricks which, instead, are grey.
2004-7-27aP we started going down with the excavation of the layer with melted bricks ( f106, q289 and q298), cleaning some other stones which became visible. Below this layer we reached the brickfall, already recognized in section. f112 is composed by bricks (some complete and some broken) which are gray on the external surface and have a red core ( f112, q279 and q304).
2005-8-2mH We have very little of the original loci left to excavate because stones of apron f131 now occupy most of the unit in its northern and middle areas. There is no baulk between k3 and k4, which makes it difficult to tell where the one ends and the other begins. This situation will improve once bP re-establishes the baulks of these loci. Today we defined our features and q lots so that when we removed the first 10 cm of the surface (contamined soil), we defined it as f136. Underneath we established f139 but defined it as beloging to k4 although in actuality it extends little bit over to k3.
2005-8-3mH There is only very little left of this square as most of is occupied by the stones of the first apron f131. As yesterday we did not assign separate feature numbers for this loci but used the ones of k4 as it is difficult to tell where the one ends and the other beginings. The q lot that partly refers to this loci is f139 q372 when we removed approximately 10 cm soil in the western half of the joint k3 and k4. The next is f139 q375 which partly refers to the eastern half of k3 and k4. The latest q-lot, f141 q380. This latter pick run exposed more steps of the apron.
2005-8-4mH We had discovered laminations ( f141) approximately in the middle of the loci the day before and excavated some of those laminations. Some of them, however, still remained today. We had also differentiated the material north of the laminations as f145. This feature did not contain laminations, but is similar to the material above them and what we have generally been finding in this loci. We decided to remove 10cm of this feature with a big pick ( q381) in order to examine the border of the two features and see whether the laminations would still continue. The border of the two features indicated that the laminations only continued for a layer or two. Since we did not see it necessary to keep following the laminations and because our goal in this loci is to reach the steps of the 1st apron ( f131) below, we decided to remove the remaining of the laminations ( q383). Once the laminations had been examined the SE corner of the unit that we had defined as f143 because it contained charcoal and more pottery than the laminations ( f141) abutting in the north. f143 was also much softer than the lamination ( f141) layer. We had originally thought that that this feature could be pit, but after excavating it ( q385), we determined that it was not a pit, but just another type of accumulation. After removing the laminations and determining that the feature in the corner was not a pit, we removed a circa 50 cm stretch of soil ( q386) in order to expose another step of the apron ( f131).
Strategy 2004-7-4mH We will continue going down with big picks.
2004-7-6mH Tomorrow we will continue down around the stones. I will changed the feature number for the soil around them.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-1mH m3646
Size of sides 2004-7-1mH 400 cms East, 400 cms South
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Drawing of view

w108

w201

w205

w51
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0017
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026



J2k4

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0004.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0852 J02w0052 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-6-27mH west of k100, north of k5
2008-3-7pC k4 is a regular 5x5 meters regular locus. The northern baulk is cut by a german trench running East-West. It was opened to see the continuation of the apron f131. Is defined by the markers m3599, m3607, m3569, m3595, m3608, m3587
2009-8-22cJC In MZ22 this locus was only partially excavated. The northern part of this locus contains the apron f131 while only about 1 meter extending south from the apron was excavated. It is defined in the south by m6150 and m6152. In the north the excavated area is bounded by the lowest visible step of the apron ( f131) and markers m6154 and m6156. It's east baulk is defined by m6155 and m6151.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-6-28mH We continued using the topsoil feature f3 for the first q-lot of the day q9 since we were still leveling the surface of the unit. After that I changed the feature into f5, layer below topsoil. I made this into a separate feature since it is located underneath a dark organic band, which represents a previous tell surface. f5 is hard and compacted with patches of softer soil where roots are or have been. It also contains small stones or pebbles. Thus far we have uncovered some pottery sherds and a few objects, which have mostly been figurine parts.
2004-6-28mH z- Judging from the German trenches around k4 and k5 f5 will continue for quite some time and I expect to use this feature all through this week and possibly even longer. In the morning we did not have time to go very deep since I wanted to make sure first that we are level in the whole unit. Once that had been accomplished we continued going down in the whole locus with big picks.
2004-6-29mH We continued with big picks in this unit. So far we have not located any stones. At the end of the day we got the elevator working and I moved men of this unit to operate the elevator.
2004-6-30mH The workmen assigned to this unit also work in k100 and thus they went between the two units all day and not a lot of progress was made here. Despite the fact that the soil matrix here did not change from yesterday I changed the feature here into f11 in order to keep better track of the q-lots. The soil matrix, however, is the same as in f5.
2004-7-4mH On Thursday we left the eastern half of the unit unexcavated. This half is east of the stones we discovered in the western half of unit towards the end of the day on Thursday. I continued that half with f11, which I have been using above in the whole unit. After this half was brought to the same level with the eastern half I changed the feature into f22 and defined it as lens type d. This feature is closely associated with the stones in this unit. The stones form a southeast-northwest running line in the southwest corner of the unit. I assigned these stones as f26 and defined it as lens type c. The stones are clearly the result of human activity but at the moment do not form a clear structure. In order to bring out the stones we worked first on the eastern half of the unit. This q-lot, q49, is included in f22 although no stones were found while excavating this q-lot. As in k5, the stones seem to be confined to the western half of the unit. We then excavated the western side of the unit under a different q-lot, q50. By the end of the day we had cleared soil around the stones and stopped the work on that level.
2004-7-5mH We took two photos of the unit with the stone feature f27 as the target. I also sketches them in on the plots I ran yesterday. We did not excavated here today.
2004-7-6mH Sylvana drew the northern baulk of the unit.
2004-7-8aP we finished to remove the northern baulk between k4 and k5 ( f39, q89 and q96) and we use the western baulk as a ramp for the wheelbarrow.
2004-7-12aP bM and eA, which joined us on the excavations yesterday, draw the long eastern section in k4 and k5.
2004-7-25aP we are going down in all the square, always removing the layer which was below the "Mittanic floor" . We started with the eastern half ( f81, q248) and we went on with all the square ( f81, q252 and q261). In the meantime we are removing also the eastern trench ( f79, q251) which, more properly is the western side of the German trench, trying to reach the stones of the gateway.
2004-7-26aP we started going down in the feature previous excavated ( f81, q263) until when we noticed the presence of a floor. This floor ( f102, q269) is made by compact soil mixed with pebbles and with a few amount of sherds. It's, more or less, in the northern half of the square and it's possible to see it in the northern baulk. This pavement could belong to the Mittani period. We could flag the pottery and ask mkB to analyze it. Going down we reached a new layer ( f105, q271 and q277) which is characterized by a very hard and compacted soil and extends itself in all the unit. In the meantime we are going down removing the eastern baulk of k4 (or, more correctly the western side of the German trench) ( f79, q276) and we noticed the presence of a different layer. This feature ( f110, q286) it's characterized by the presence of ash.
2004-7-27aP we are going down with the hard and compact layer ( f105: q292 and q302) in all the unit. We also going on with the eastern baulk of k4 and k5 (properly the western side of the German trench) in f110 removing q293, q303, q311 and q313. After the drawing we also removed the northern baulk of the unit( f114, q308).
2004-7-28aP we started removing three meters from the northern baulk ( f105, q322) but after we decided to reduce the excavating area at one meter ( f105, q336) from the baulk. In the meantime we are going on removing the part outside the eastern baulk in k4/ k5 ( f110, q316) and removing the northern baulk of the unit ( f114, q318 and q340). In the north-eastern corner, between the two baulks northern and eastern we noticed the same reddish kind of soil which was found in f101, k3: it's f119, q328.
2005-8-2mH We are excavating only in the northern half of the unit. Last year, due to time and efficiency concerns, we did not excavate the southern half as deep as the northern half, which was level with k3 and k13. We continued our excavations in just those areas that were left lowest last year. As with k3 and k13 we fist removed the first 10 cm of the surface, which was contaminated. In the corner formed by the western baulk of k4 and the southern face of our excavated area, just about where r445 is located, someone had lit a fire during the winter. This fire had left marks on the sections. Below the contaiminated soil we stated with f139 and excavated one q lot q367.
2005-8-3mH In order to verify wheather we are indeed dealing with a slope we tried to follow them with a small pick ( f141). The laminations did not seem to continue lower down except in patches. Whether these patches are natural, i.e. relating to a smaller water puddle, or the result of our removing the laminations only in parts and not others. The in the southwest corner of the unit the soil is granier, contains melted brick pieces, charcoal pieces, and pottery. Some of the workmen suggested that it might be a pit. We defined it as such for now with the provision that we will change the feature definition once we determine what it is ( f143). As the last task of the day we started removing another 10 cm layer of soil ( f141 q380) heading from the edge of k100 towards k13, i.e. east to west. The plan is to stop at the border of f143.
2005-8-3mH The first pick run of the day concentrated on the southern half. This was f139 q370. Next was f139 q372 when we removed approximately 10 cm soil in the western half of the joint k3 and k4, and the next is f139 q375 which refers to the eastern half of k3 and k4. These pick runs exposed an east-west oriented line of large stone blocks ( f144). The western end of this stone alignment is close to but not quite at the edge of k4 and k100. At an approximately correponding place on the other side of k100 we have the "doorjam" belonging to f129. These could perhaps be related but we will have to see. vVE made an observation that the line of stones seems to be continued by bricks or at least bricky material. gB inspected the area and agreed that the material was indeed bricky but he hesitated calling them bricks due to lack of clear faces. He suggested scraping the area in order to see whether they indeed were bricks. After this was done, they disappeared, although the area approximately between r445 and m3956 does contain lumps of melted bricks. Instead of being a brick wall, the stone alingment seems to continue towards east. Underneath q-lots q372 and q375 we found laminations clearly visible in the shade that we put up after breakfast. These laminations were located in an area center and south of our k4. It is possible that we went through earlier lamination layers with the big pick and just did not notice them. These laminations seem to continue to k13 and they seem to slightly slope towards south.
2005-8-6mH Thursday we had removed soil from an area 50 cm wide ( q386) along the apron ( f131) in order to expose another step for the review on Saturday P805. Today we started by bringing the whole unit level ( q386 and q389). We then cleaned the unit very well and took three pictures. v78 was of the floating stones ( f147.1, f147.2, and f147.3), which we removed later together with their pedestals ( f148 q390) and placed with stones removed last year. v79 shows the Western baulk k4 and v80 shows the southern baulk. We will cut these baulks further back tomorrow. We continued going down with the big pick ( q391 and q392), but changed the feature into f149. This changes of feature did not result from a change in the characteristics of the soil, but from a concern of not letting features grow too thick. After the last big run of the day we found plenty of ash, charcoal and the small patches of the same reddish material that characterizes some areas of the palace and the packing of the upper parts of the temple terrace. Tomorrow we will give this a new feature number.
2005-8-7mH Our intention today was to cut back the southern-most 1 m of k4 that had been left in place last year to due time constraints. However, because our back dirt pile located in k5 was very close to the edge of the southern border of k4, I dedided to go down in k4 while this back dirt was being removed. At the end of the day yesterday we had run into soil that contained ash, charcoal, reddish soil, and perhaps melted pieces of brick. We labeled that feature as f150. Today we started by excavating the first 10 cm of that feature ( q393). We then continued with a second 10 cm pick run ( q394). The last pile of dirt removed with the latter pick-run was included in q395, which might be contaminated by soil from steps ( f131) closed to its edge. Beucase this feature was so clearly different from anything else we had discovered and because it is contained by f131 and capped by f144 and f151, we decided to flag q-lots q393 and q394 for mKB. She came to the field briefly after breakfast and took a look at one of the qlots. She found at least one Mittani sherd in the bag. She also suggested that we should ask vS whether she thinks it would be a good idea to take floating samples from this feature. Based on recommendations and instructions by vS we took three floating samples ( q397, q398, and q399) from places where the ash and charcoal concentration was most pronounced. After taking the samples we started removing the last 1 m of soil from the southern portion of k4. We labeled this pseudobaulk as f152 and excavated q-lot q400. We relayed the large, flat stone ( f154) overlaying f131 with the idea that it might be removed at some point.
2005-8-8mH We continued removing the pseudobaulk with feature f152 ( q402 and q405). In section we could see that the soil matrix changed from a fine, sandy soil to a crumbly consistency. From the section it seems that the soil has packed into little balls of about 1-2 cm in diameter, which crumble very easily. This change was very difficult to see when excavating, but based on the section we changed the feature to f155 to reflect this change.
2005-8-8sC Today we dug only in the southern area of k4: this area is approximately 1m Sx6m WE and we treated it as a baulk. Here we finished digging f152, feature assigned yesterday to this limited area in k4, and we assigned a new feature number to the accumulation below, characterized by a compact surface and a soft and friable texture ( f155). Two qlots have been collected during the excavation of f152 ( q402 and q405). We dug also f155 for about 20 cm (one qlot has been collected during the exavation of the first 20 cm of f155, q406). Although we did not reach the bottom of this feature we decided to stop digging f155 in order to move the workmen into k5. After a meeting in the area with gB and fAB we decided to start digging in k5 in order to reach the same level there as feature f155 in k4, and at that point start to dig the southern area of k4 and either all, or only the northern area k5: we agree that throught the exposition of a larger area we will have a better understanding of the stratigraphy.
2005-8-16mH We first started by bring the northern baulk of k5 down to level with the southern part of k4 ( f181 q497, q501). We started labeling the northern baulk of k5 below the 90 m level as k4 since it is excavated together with the southern part of k4. We then continued down in this whole southern area of k4 ( q507). Just in the area of the corner of northern and eastern baulk of k5 we found small pieces of broken bricks.
2005-8-17mH At the corner formed by the former east baulk and north baulk of k5 we found brown soil and pieces of brick. We defined this area as f188, whereas the gray and crumbly soil to its east was labeled as f189. We first excavated within f188 ( q512) in order to examine whether the feature continues and perhaps reveals a structure in situ. After the first pick run it became evident that so such structure exits. We then excavated f189 ( q513), which partly covers f144.
2005-8-18mH We continued with two features f189 in the west and f188 in the east. In feature f189 we excavated q521 and q531. In feature f188 we excavated q527.
2005-8-20mH We continued first in f189 (the western part, q534) and then went down in the eastern part ( f188 q537).
2005-8-20vVE k4 is still excavated on its southern half only: south of stones f144. It still consists of the two different deposits f188 and f189.
2005-8-23sC Today we continued to dig in the southern area of k4 and to the north baulk of k5. The whole area was characterized by the presence of bricky material and by a brown-reddish coloration. We differenciated three feature numbers on the basis of the structure and consistence of the bricky material. In the north corner a layer characterized by a very fine consistence (due to the presence of melted bricks) has been differenciate ( f216, it has been defined by r674, r675, r676) from the rest of the area, characherized by fragments of bricky materials of bigger dimension. f216 presents also some ashes area, element that suggest that this feature could be the same of f150 (in k3 and f171 in k13 and f174 in k101). We assigned two feature numbers to the southern area of k4, defining them through r677 (that has been located in the area where the transition between the bricky rubble and the bricky debris was more evident): f217 has been assigned to the south-weastern area of k4 from r677 (200m W and 200m S from r677) and f218 has been assigned to the south-eastern area of k4 (200m E and 200m S from r677). It has been very difficult to define the boundary between these two features ( f217 and f218) because they present the same texture (very fine), consistence (medium soft) and color (brown-reddish coloration). We assigned f217 to the bricky rubble (on the eastern area of k4) and f128 to the bricky debris (on the weastern area of k4). We finished to dig f217, but we did not finished to remove f218 and f216.
2005-8-24sC Today we continued to dig in the southern area of k4 and to the north baulk of k5 where feature f218 and f216 were still present. We first finished to remove f218 (that we started excavating yesterday), then we remove f216, while bP took the relay of the wall f144. From the excavation of f216 we recovered only one pottery sherd (qlo t579).
2005-8-25sC Today we did not exacavate in this area of J2; we took a picture of wall f232 (g v103, g v103a) and aL and AA relayed it ( r718- r742).
2005-8-29mH This is the same as the elevation of f150 as we currently have it. After removing f232 and its pedestal f260, we started remving the pseudobaulk ( f261), which I had left between k4 and k100 in order to prevent contamination between the two loci. At first we removed a large stone ( f265), which was parallel to walls f144 and f232, and thus possibly part of the upper wall ( f144). This stone is defined by relays r928 and r929. We did not finish removing f261 today.
2005-8-29mH We removed f232, the stone wall that was found below f144, another stone wall. This feature consisted of six stones, which we labeled as components of the feature. We then excavated the pedestal on which the wall stood. This is feature f260. The stones were highest in the east and sloped gradually to the west. The highest point in the east was m4082 +165-155 = 89.07 m, in the middle the elevation was m4082 +149-155 = 88.91 m, and in the west, at the lowest point, it was m4082 +121-155 = 88.63 m.
2005-8-31mH We continued down north of f224 with qlot q677, which is associated with q680 coming from the sifter.
2005-8-31mH We finished removing the last of f261 ( q675), the pseudobaulk between k4 and k100. After that we started excavating in f150 starting along the steps of f131. We started from m4081 and moved first along approximately 2 m wide stretch along the steps ( f150 q684). Then we excavated south of that q-lot all the way to the northern edge of k5. We ended the day by excavating along the western edge of k4 next to f127 ( f150 q698). We removed f151, a stone floating on top of apron ( f131) steps next to f127.
2005-9-4sC Today we continued to dig f286 in k4. Firstly we start by removing soil only in the south-eastern area of k4, which was left higer since yesterday ( q729); then we continuing down in the whole unit (half an hour before breakfast). The work proceeded very slowly after breakfast since the elevator located in k5 was not working, and because the workmen had to remove the dirty using the little baskets. Therefore, in the second half of the morning the work in k4 has been basically of removing the dirty from the pickrun done in all the unit before breakfast. We also removed the little baulk left on the eastern area of k4, in order to avoid contamination in k 100 (to this baulk we have assigned a new feature number, f296, and the pottery has been collected in the q748). At the end of the morning we clean and scraped very well the whole area and expose a very nice and uniform surface, basically constituited by melted bricks (red and gray in colour). In the afternoon we called DAdin, we took a picture of the whole area, and then we start digging again. In the eastern area of k4 two pits have been noticed ( r982, r983) quadrangolar in shape. Therefore, while another team of workmen was excavating in the western area of k4, we moved in the pit f298 Shallal, who dug f299 (the fill of the pit) and in f300 Shallal, who dug f301 (the fill of the pit). The fill of the pit is medium soft, a bit crumble, with ash areas and poor in pottery sherds.
2005-9-5sC Today we continued to dig in k4 f150 in all the area. All the qlots collected in the first pickrun in the whole area area contaminated ( q684, q692 and q698). We first dug in the NE area of k4 ( q684), where f150 abuts the Apron ( f131), then in the SE area of k4 (qlo t6892, aproximately 2m N and 4mW to r942) and then in the W area of the unit ( q698, aproximately 2m E and 4mS from r944). f150 presents almost the same characteristics in all the unit: it was characterized by a crumble texture, by a medium-soft consistence and by the presence of ash areas. After breakfast we dug in the weastern area of k4 ( q684, q692). There is still an area to be excavated (1.5m N in corrispondence of the E baulk of k15): we will remove it tomorrow. Today f151 (a floating limestone) have been removed: it consist of just one big stone and not of two, as first thought (its irregular shape make us think that f151 consisted of two stones). In the pedestal ( f271) of the stone f151 we did not collect any pottery sherd or bone.
2005-9-5sC We start by removing the ledge of soil that was left higer since yesterday (aproximately 2m N and 2m E, from r945 q701); this qlot is contaminated (the first 10 cm of the feature have been contaminated by the excavation held in k5 and k14 in the previous days). Then we change feature number: the whole area has been labeled as f286. f286 is the same of f150 but as a difference, f286 is not characterized by ashy areas, altough in all the surface can be noticed little fragments of charcoals. We dug f286 for an area wide aproximately 2m N and 2m E, from m4082 ( q709) and a line of stones belonging to the Apron ( f131) have been exposed. The first pickrun in this area produced a lot of dirt and the elevator -located in k5- broke early in the morning, therefore, the workmen took almost all the second half of the morning to remove the dirt from this little area (they removed the dirt by using little baskets). At the same time Shallal, Hussein and Akmet have been busy in exposing the step of the Apron "found" with the last pickrun of the morning. On three of these steps, 4 holes have been notices: we assigned a feature number to all of them ( f278, f280, f282, f284; f279= q720, f281= q721, f283= q726, f285= q727): two of which seems to be natural, but two of them could be hand-made. The two hole that seems to be hand-made are aproximately 7cm in diameter; in their fill ( f279= q720, f281= q721) have been found a stone that has same diameter of the cut of the hole, and for this reason we keep the stone as a q-item ( q720.1 and q721.1); we collect also the soil contained in the fill of these holes as a q-item ( q720.2, q721.2, q726.1 and q727.1) in order to be analized by vS.
2005-9-5mH on P904 the pit f300 was dug too deep. A metal artifact i25 was found, very similar and located close to i24; another pit to the West of the northern pit was found: the pitcut shape is round, and at the bottom was found gravel and seeds. Then was excavated f286. The pseudobaulk f261, very close to the North edge of k5,was removed
2005-9-6mH Today we found several floor layers above the white floor ( f326), all one on top of the other: expecially f328, f329 and f330 are very similar; we took a picture of the floors v132. We had difficulties exposing them, hence the pickman had to dig from various directions. at least there are 4 floors visible: f328, f327, f329, f330
2009-8-9cJC Yesterday at the very end of the day we exposed several features which I described in yesterday's daily. Today we decided to continue removing f367 until we have only f369 and f359 showing. The small isolated plaster patches were assigned f370 and were relayed and photographed and then left in place. Once we removed f367 it became more apparent that f368 and f369 are likely the same as f369 seems to slope up and meet f358 under f367. I decided with fAB and pC that once we finished exposing f369 by removing f367 we should stop excavating temporarily in k4 and k5 and focus our efforts on reaching f359 in k15. Mohammed Kher removed all of f367 with only the small pick and the brush and so it took all day but we achieved a nice result.
Strategy 2004-6-29mH We are still roughly 5 cm above the level where the stone was located in k5 today, but since the stone in k5 is probably isolated, I do not expect to find any large stones here any time soon. If the machine is working tomorrow, the men of this unit will operate the elevator in the morning and return to this unit after breakfast. We will continue with big picks the whole unit at a time.
2004-6-30mH Depending on the condition of the elevator, we will continue here with a big pick. At the end of the day today we were roughly 50 cm above today's ending level of k5, where there is clearly something going on. Tomorrow we will try to reach this level.
2004-7-1mH Since the crew in k4 has been moving between k100 and k4, the excavation have not yet reached as deep a level as in k4 and k5. Judging from the presence of stones in k4 and k5, I expected to find similar stones in this square as well. Right at the end of the day we did indeed find similar sized stones in this unit as well. They are, however higher up than in k14 and k5.
2004-7-1mH We will continue uncovering the stones with care paying special attention to the possibly of a floor being present. I continued using f11 all day today. While the nature of the soil was not different above the stones ( q38) I am contemplating whether to make a new feature "accumulation over stones" starting from this q-lot. I will determine it on Sunday when the whole unit has been excavated.
2004-7-4mH Work stopped here for a while.
2004-7-6mH We will take the northern baulk down tomorrow to connect k5, k4, and k14.
2005-8-7mH At the moment the ashy layers of f150 seem to be capped by the line or wall of stones ( f144) and a group of smaller stones ( f151) near the NW corner of k4. One of the purposes for removing the pseudobaulk ( f152) is to see how f144 relates to the apron f131, to the stone feature f154, and to the soil feature f150. We hope to accomplish this tomorrow.
2005-8-8mH We stopped excavating approximately 30 cm above the highest stone belonging to f144 in order to wait for k5 to be brought to the same level before continuing further down. The goal with this is to understand the nature of f144, its possible relationship with door jamb in f129 and with f150. We can achieve this goal better if we approach the feature from above with a larger horizontal exposure than would have been possible if we just continued excavating the 1 m wide pseudobaulk.
2005-8-16mH We are getting close to stone feature f144. From the section it seems that there is a layer of bricks just above them during their whole length. This layer of bricks then seems to slope down towards west after the stones end. Tomorrow we have to pay close attention to the surface in order to detect these possible brick.
2005-8-17mH Tomorrow we will continue excavating these two features ( f188 and f189) in search for a possible structure to which the bricks belong.
2005-8-24sC yesterday mH, fAB, jO and I talked in the field about the nature of f144. We were thinking that f144 was a wall on the top of an accumulation. We were not expecting that this accumulation would have hidden another wall. The plan for today was to remove f144 (looking for a possinle different phase in the accumulation under f144) and then start digging in f150, close to the Apron ( f131) in order to expose more steps. Therefore, after a discussion in the field with fAB and jO, we decided to change strategy: we will leave for today f232 in place, and tomorrow we will take a picture of all the area; then we will remove the wall f232. At the end of the morning, FAB, gB and jO came in J2: we discuss, togheter with aL, about the strategy for tomorrow, especially about how to make the section in k14. We agree that we need more workmen, that should arrive tomorrow, in order to oper k24 while go down in k15 and k14.
Argument 2005-8-7mH The ashy, red accumulation f150 in front of the steps of the apron f131 could perhaps be associated with and related to the same activities that the large, flat stone f154 was used. gB and mKB suggested that the f154 could perhaps be an offering stone and perhaps f150 shows the use this area was put to while the stone ( f154) was used.
2005-8-8mH f155 slopes towards the east and I suspect it is due to stone features f151 and f144, which delineate the SW corner in front of the pseudobaulk. It is possible that these stones contained material between them and the apron f131, and hence the process of accumulation was different to the north and south of these stones. It seems that to the north the accumulation was faster and hence a slope formed to the south and south-west of stone features f144 and f151. I suspect that f143, which we at first thought might have been a pit, also formed as a result of these stones. f143 was located higher up in this corner than the stones, but their presence affected the accumulation process also higher up.
2005-8-17mH From the section we could see that just above f144 there were a few bricks which, after the stone feature ends, slope towards the east and then continues horizontally. They were very difficult to notice when approaching from above and they do not seem to form an easily detectable structure. Perhaps it was destroyed in antiquity.
2005-8-18mH fAB visited our unit in the morning and explained the terminology applicable to various stages of brick collapse. This they had come up with in A16 a few years back. According to this terminology brick melt is a deposit where one cannot recognize individual bricks, but it is clear that the soil matrix does consist of bricky material. This is the last stage of brick decomposition. Brick crumble is material in which melting is not yet complete and brick crumples are visible. The first stage in the sequence is brick fall where individual pieces of bricks can be disserned. According to this terminology, our feature f188 located in the easter part of k4 is brick melt, whereas f189 in the west is brick crumble. Right on top of the stone feature f144 we have one line of brick extending from east to west, sloping down and east after the stones end and continuing east. This, I suspect, is then brick fall. The direction of the brick deposits seems to indicate a collapse from east to west. Perhaps this brick fall is related to the bricks seen next to f129 (door jamb) in the eastern section of k100.
2005-8-24sC I decided to characterize and assigne a different feature number for the accumulation between the stones ( f226) and for the accumulation under the stones ( f230) of wall f144 because of their different consistence. I tought it could have been useful in the case the analisys of the pottery would have given a intresting datation. A layer of ash was in fact noticed in the pedestal of f144, and mH and I thought that it could have been a marker/indicator of a possible different phases in the accumulation under f144.
2005-8-24sC f216 seems to be the same accomulation under the wall f232 (the wall under wall f144): it is very compact and it is bricky melted in texture and consistence. We took a picture of the section of wall f144 (g v99, g v99a, g v99b) and we remove wall f144. I assigned f226 to the soil contained between the stones of f144 (the soil between the top and the bottom elevation of the stones of the wall): f226 present a loose texture, very easy to remove. Under f144 another wall have been exposed, separated to f144 by an accumulation thick aproximately 15-30cm. I assigned a new feature number to this accumulation ( f230). f230 it is similar to f226 in texture (very fine, and clayish) but very different in consistence ( f226 is very easy to remove while f230 is more compact). Once excavated f230, another lines of 7 big stones ( f232) have been exposed.
Formal inconsistencies 2009-8-26cJC After plotting the J2 loci from MZ22 it became apparent that they do not exactly match the squares of the previous years. This is not totally unexpected as we had many problems at the beginning of the season trying to reestablish the squares due to the small number remaining markers in J2 as well as the depth of J2 compared to the remaining markers. The differences are not substantial but should be noted.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2005-9-4aL 991 (39080 50361 - 4027 / Relay location: p)
Space definition 2004-6-27mH m3595
Size of sides 2004-6-27mH 400 cms East, 400 cms North
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Drawing of view

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Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0005
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026
2009-3-30pC p0027



J2k5

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0005.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0853 J02w0053 T327 pC.jpg
A98.NLabeling 2005-8-15mH Whereas most of k5 will remain at the 90 m level, the northern baulk will be excavated until the 88 m level thus it will first be brought level with the southern part of k4 and then we will continued together in these two areas. The joint area will be labeled under k4.
2005-8-16mH We started labeling the northern baulk of k5 below the 90 m level as k4 since it is excavated together with the southern part of k4.

Description/Count
Description 2004-6-27mH west of k100, south of k4
2008-3-7pC k5 is a regular 5x5 meters locus. It was opened to have a better view of the apron f131 from the south; is defined by the markers m3587, m3586, m3614, m3605, m3594, m3604, m3595
2009-8-22cJC In MZ22 this locus was only partially excavated. The southern part consists of a raised baulk while the northern half was excavated. The northern points are m6152 in the NW and m6150 in the NE. The southern corners of the locus are m6157 in the SW and r1077 in the SE. The east baulk is defined by only one point, m6151.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-6-28mH Yesterday we reached a level below topsoil the bottom boundary of which I considered to be a dark organic band also visible in k4. We spend a fair amount of time making sure we were level after which we continued down with big picks. f4 in k5 is similar to f5 in k4. It is mostly hard and compact with patches of softer soil where there is or was organic matter. We unearthed some pottery but very few other kinds of objects.
2004-6-29mH We continued with f4 in this unit for most of the day. Compared with yesterday, however, the pebbles seem to have become larger. Half way through the day we located a large stone close to the middle of the northern baulk. We did not reach the bottom of it today. This stone seems to be there alone and probably has eroded down from the temple terrace to the north. It is definitely located much higher than we wound expect if it were an in situ part of the apron. Towards the end of the day I changed the feature in the whole locus into f8 although there was no change in the soil matrix. fAB suggested I do this in order to keep track of the pottery that comes from this unit better. Close to the southwestern corner of the unit we located a bird's nest with three dead birds in it. The nest seems to be quite big and thus has created significant disturbance to this area of the unit. The nest influences q15 and q19 excavated today and will continue to affect the first q-lot excavated in this unit tomorrow.
2004-6-30mH In k5 we continued clearing the whole unit one big pick full at a time. The feature continued as f8, which means that the soil was a mixture of harder and softer patches. It is clearly natural accumulation. Towards the end of the day we run into a line of stones running south from the large stone close to the middle of the northern baulk ( f14). These stones are quite small but since they are clearly in a line they must be the result of human activity. To the east of this line two such stones are slightly visible on the surface. More of these stones are located to the west of the line. In case these stones delineate a working area or the like, I made the area 300 cm east and 400 cm south of m3604 into f16, which I termed a (accumulation). This area includes also the two stones visible to the east of the stone line. I had the workmen pick with a small pick to the west of the stone line ( q31). As of now there does not seem to be any associated floor surface, but this will be determined tomorrow. Interestingly, it now seems that the large stone ( f14) in the north is resting on another large stone. If this is indeed the case, it would seem that this stone is not an isolated stone but perhaps a part of a feature.
2004-7-1mH We excavated more around the stoneline in f16. To the east of f16 I kept the feature as f8 with the provision that if stones would be revealed under q36, I would include this area into f16. We did not, however, find more stones in that area and thus I kept q36 within f8. After we had excavated q36 the unit floor was level. The stoneline discovered extends now from the big stone in the north to the middle of the unit. To the west and to the south of it there are scattered stones. I expect that the line extends further south although it does not do so now. The stone placements are clearly man made but since we have thus far been unable to locate any floor surfaces associated with the stones, it seems that this construction was only used temporarily.
2004-7-4mH We did not excavate in this unit today, but relayed the stones found here. I assigned them as f27 and defined that as lens type c.
2004-7-5mH We took two photos of the unit with the stone feature f24 as the target. I also sketches them in on the plots I ran yesterday. We did not excavated here today.
2004-7-6mH I drew the northern baulk.
2004-7-8aP we started to remove the eastern part of the baulk between k4 and k5 ( f44, q95) to be able to draw the section already on Sunday morning also if the baulk will not completely removed.
2004-7-11aP re finished to remove the eastern part of the northern baulk of k5 ( f44, q104).
2004-7-12aP bM and eA, which joined us on the excavations yesterday, draw the long eastern section in k4 and k5.
2004-7-20aP during the afternoon we started to remove the western part of the big German trench in k4 and k5. The feature is f79. We didn't collect pottery but the workmen just collapsed the wall in the trench.
2004-7-27aP we are not digging in this unit (as well as in k15) but since we use the square as passage for the wheelbarrows we missed the top of the northern section in the central part of the baulk.
2005-8-8mH We left a 40 cm wide ledge on the southern edge of the unit abutting the baulk in preparation for the stepped sectioning we will do later when we reach lower depths.
2005-8-8sC Today we start digging k5. We delineated the area where to dig with a relay ( r483) and we started to dig 350mEWx390NS. We assigned two feature numbers: f157 to the top 10 cm of k5 and f158 to the accumulation below this: the square has been contaminated by the dirt moved here during the past days (due to the presence of the elevator). f157 is characterized by a very soft and dusty texture and gray colour. One qlot was collected during the excavation of f157 ( q408) and one during the excavation of f158 ( q409) .
2005-8-9mH We started by removing soil only on the eastern half of the unit, which was left higher at the end of the day yesterday. We then continued down (both included in q410). The soil here was a combination of extremely hard patches alternating with significantly softer areas. This resembles the situatiuon at the same elevation in all units. After breakfast bP came to define the baulks and edges of the unit and thus the work here was stopped for a while. Since we started work here without the baulk lines, I had defined an area for excavation that was located securely within the unit. After bP had redefined the unit, we had about 30 cm wide area unexcavated in the east, 15 cm in the north and 30 in the west. We started removing them from the west ( q416), continued in the north ( q417), in the east ( q418). In the east we were able to remove only an area 1 m long north-south before it was time to call it a day. sC and I returned to the field in the afternoon and draw the northern section.
2005-8-10mH sC and I drew the norther baulk of k5 yesterday afternoon. This morning we removed it ( q421). The baulk was not particularly high, but its edges were very soft and thus they were a safety hazard. Before bP had put the baulk markers in we had excavated well with the limits of the unit in order to make sure that we would not accidentally excavate into our baulks. Yesterday bP but the markers in and we started to excavate the areas in between the real baulk and our excavated area. Yesterday we were able to do most of it and today we finished this work on the east ( q422). After that we continued going down the whole unit ( q424, q426).
2005-8-11mH We started the morning by excavating the southern half of the unit ( q429), which was left higher up at the end of the day yesterday. When we removed the northern baulk on Thursday, we had removed the northwest baulk corner stake ( m4037) and the northeast baulk corner stake ( m4038). Today bP gave us new markers for these corners (NE baulk corner is m4050 and the NW corner is m4051). When that was done, we could straighten the section ( q430). At the start of excavations here in k5 we had left a 40 cm legde along the southern edge of the unit in preparation for the stepped section. Because we decided yesterday that we would place the steps on fixed elevations, we did not need this ledge here anymore and thus we removed it ( f163 q431). We gave it a new feature number ( f163) but in actuality it consists of both f157 at the top and f158 below it. Afterwards we continued excavations in the whole unit ( q434).
2005-8-13mH We started excavating in the eastern half of the unit ( q436), which had been left higher on Thursday. We continued by going down in the whole unit ( q437, and q444) until we reached the 90 m elevation the ledge of which this unit is. While excavating q444, we found a metal item ( i8). At the end of the day we moved the elevator from k15 into this unit since we stop the excavation in this unit at this 90 m level.
2005-8-14mH We started the day by removing the remaining part of northern baulk, which was still above the 90 m elevation level ( f160 q451 and q465). We changed the feature into f177 once we started excavating the baulk below the 90 m level. We excavated q-lot q469 with this feature number today.
2005-8-15mH We removed the norther baulk of the unit ( q479) and brought it level with the southern part of k4 left higher during last year's excavations. We also worked just east of the NE corner of the whole locus ( f178 q488) in order to make our excavation area visually nicer. We also removed the corner formed by the northern and eastern baulks of k5 ( f180 q493).
2005-8-23sC Today we started to remove the E baulk of k5. On in the top of the baulk a floating limestone ( f222, r678, r679) has been removed.
2005-8-24sC Today one team of workmen (Omar, Abdrhim, Adel, Abdrhman and Ahmed) continued to remove the E baulk of k5 ( f220). The elevator was not working propely almost all the day, therefore some of the workmen took some time from the work in order to help to move the elevator outside of the excavation area before breakfast. f220 is characterized by a medium loose soil on the top surface mixed with layers with more compact texture. It is grayish and light brown in colour. It is poor in pottery sherd and bones. Today we dig aproximately 400N and 80cm E, and a large area still need to be removed: part of the E baulk, in fact, is bound with a ledge of soil that extends toward E for about 1,30m. Due to the breake of the elevator the workmen needed to move the sirty from the the square by passing the baskets, and this made the work slower.
2005-8-25sC Today Omar, Abdrhim, Adel, Abdrhman and Ahmed continued to remove the 1,3m ledge of soil extending toward E in the E baulk of k5 ( f220); this feature is rich in pottery sherds and in q-items (qlo t597, qlo t603 and qlo t605). It is still characterized by a medium loose soil mixed with layers with different texture, more compact. It is grayish and light brown in colour.
2005-8-27mH We finished removing the remainder of the east baulk ( f220 q612). Since the plan in k4 and k5 was to go as deep as the apron ( f131) steps take us, it was no longer possible to leave the whole of k5 onto the 90 m elevation. We need to excavate this locus so that it will eventually contain the 86 m ledge, slope between the 86 m and 88 m ledge, the 88 m legde, the slope between 88 m and 90 m, and the 90 m ledge. The 90 m ledge will be located along the southern edge of the locus. I measure 2 meters in from the northern edge of the ledge-to-be and instructed the men to dig within this 2 m stretch. We could not excavated all the way to the northern edge of the locus today, since the northern face still needs to be drawn. We continued with the feature we finished with a while back and excavated three q-lots ( q619, q622, and q628). These were all located to the east of the elevator, which occupies roughly the center of the locus.
2005-8-28mH We continued going down in f164 on the eastern side of the elevator for one q-lot ( q164) after which we moved to the western side of elevator. There we excavated one q-lot ( q645) in which we found a glazed pottery piece ( i20).
2005-8-29mH We went down in three different locations defined by the presence of the elevator approximately in the middle of the unit and the fact that we had had to save the edge for drawing, which we finished yesterday. We excavated to the west of the elevator ( f164 q662 and q665), next to the edge both west ( f164 q664) and east of the elevator ( f164 q656, q670, and q672). These q-lots procuded several lithic artifacts and q670 even contained a piece of a tannur.
2005-8-31mH We continued removing f164 in various areas of k5. We started in the northeast corner of the excavation area. This is not the real northeast corner of the locus, but approximately 2 m to the east. The northeast corner of this qlot ( q678) is r942. We then excavated due north of the elevator located approximately in the middle of the unit ( q685) and in the northwest corner of the locus ( q686).
2005-9-4sC Today we continued to dig f277 in k5. Firstly we start by removing soil only in the western area of k5, which was left higer since yesterday ( q730, q735), then we continuing down in the whole unit. After breakfast Omar was picking in the eastern area of k5 ( q738, and E to the elevator) while Mamu and Shallal in the western part of the unit ( q743, W to the elevator). In the afernoon we continued excavating here. First we define the limits in k5 of (for the sections) in the S and in the E the area of k5, leaving 40cm along the southern and westsern section of k5, then we start by removing the soil only in the southern part of the unit, which was left higer from the morning excavation ( q749), and we dig W to the elevator ( q753) for just one pickrun; we stop digging in k5 because we move Shallal in k
2005-9-5sC After breakfast we continued to dig f164 in k5 in the northern area of the unit, where we dug a ledge that was higer ( q697) and that abut the E baulk of k15. We removed also a "pseudo baulk" in the E baulk of k5 (aproximately 3m S and 1mW from r942) to which we assigned another feature number, f261 ( q675, q678).
2005-9-5sC Today we continued to dig f164 in k5 by removing it firstly in the NW corner the unit ( q705, q708 and q711). Then we change feature number, and we labeled all the area as f277. We then start to dig f277 (that is the same of f164: we change because we were digging f164 since a lot of days) by removing it firstly in the area of k5, W to the elevator (the pottery recovered has been collected in the following qlots: q719, q724; q724 contains the pottery recovered in the excavation of a little area E to the elevator -0,10cm E and 0,10cm S from r961- that was left has been better defined).
2009-8-5cJC Today we only worked in k5. We went down only about 20 centimeters because we are working with the small pick. We have 2 pickmen working in the square. We had only 2 features and 2 q-lots.
2009-8-13cJC We are finished excavating in this locus. It will be backfilled at the end of the season.
Strategy 2004-6-29mH Tomorrow we will continue with the big pick since there does not seem to be anything going on in this unit. We will leave the stone pedestalled once we reach its bottom.
2004-6-30mH We will carefully clean the area excavated last today ( q31) and excavate the rest of the unit with small pick looking for a floor or the like. Outside f16 I will still use f8 until it becomes necessary to change it. The stones are quite small and after we have excavated the rest of the unit, they are on the surface of the unit. At this point we will take a picture of the situation and if no clear floor level has emerged we will remove the stones and continue down with a different feature number in the whole unit.
2004-7-1mH We stopped the excavations here temporarily so that other units can reach this level. Once we have done so, we will resume excavations here.
2004-7-6mH We will take down the northern baulk tomorrow.
2005-8-9mH On further consideration I came to the conclusion that we should not have left the 40 cm legde at the southern edge of k5. Instead we should continued 2 m down from the southern edge of the J2 (which is simultaneously the southern egde of k5), move south 90 cm, continue down 2 m, and then cut a slope so that only 50 cm remains of the 90 cm ledge we left. Repeating this procedure we should be able to make the stepped section we are planning.
2005-8-14mH Our goal here was to reach the 90 m elevation level and stop everywhere else except the baulk, which we will include into the 88 m level ledge, and 40 cm area just south of the baulk. This 40 cm area will be used for the 2m slope.
2005-8-15mH Whereas most of k5 will remain at the 90 m level, the northern baulk will be excavated until the 88 m level thus it will first be brought level with the southern part of k4 and then we will continued together in these two areas. The joint area will be labeled under k4.
Argument 2005-8-23sC in order to define the localization of f222 we took only two relays because of the lack of markers point in this moment in and close to this area.
Formal inconsistencies 2009-8-26cJC After plotting the J2 loci from MZ22 it became apparent that they do not exactly match the squares of the previous years. This is not totally unexpected as we had many problems at the beginning of the season trying to reestablish the squares due to the small number remaining markers in J2 as well as the depth of J2 compared to the remaining markers. The differences are not substantial but should be noted.

Volumetric localization
Relays 2005-9-1sC 957 (39044 50254 - 9022 / Relay location: top)
2009-8-1cJC 1083 (38794 50674 - 8775 / Relay location: SW corner eastbaulk )
Elevation 2005-9-12mH 8893
2005-9-12mH 8908
Space definition 2004-6-27mH m3594
Size of sides 2004-6-27mH 400 cms East, 400 cms North

Descriptive
Analogical record
Notes on typology 2009-9-18mKB none of the wares in J2 Phase 4c are as fine as many of the contemporary ceramics found inside Temple BA; this may be due to the differential functional uses of both areas. In assessing the shape typology of both areas there are more small bowl and cup types in the temple and its immediate surroundings than in the access way.
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w206

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w53
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026



J2k12

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0012.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0854 J02w0054 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k12 is a regular 5x5 meters locus. Two german trenches are cutting the square on the nortern and western part. The second apron f132 takes all the square. Defined by relays r26, r27 and markers m3597, m3613

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-14aP we employed the team which worked in k14 to remove the southern part and the southern baulk of k12 The soil is quite soft which grass and roots, quite easy to remove. The goal is to expose and clean all the stones came out during the German excavations understanding if the stones belong to a wall and its alignment.
2004-7-15aP we are continuing to remove the baulk and we reached some of the stones of the possible "apron" ( f63, q160, q166, q170).
2004-7-18aP we are going down with the trench cleaning the stones which are coming out ( f63: q173, q177, q179, q187). Cleaning the "column" below an eroded stone we found some red bricky soil and maybe two bricks one red and one grey. However since we found them at the end of the day, we'll check better tomorrow if they are really bricks.
2004-7-19aP we draw the north-western section and we start to remove the western baulk of the square. The feature ( f70) is composed by mixed soil with graysh colour, quite compact. The eroded stones and the steps are continuing towards east under the baulk. We dug the following q-lots: q194, q197. By the way we also finished to remove the eastern baulk of k12 ( f63, q189).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2004-7-3bP 26 (40567 50902 - / Relay location: top)
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w54
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0017



J2k13

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0013.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0855 J02w0055 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-1mH German trench cut through the middle of the locus in north-south direction and also in east-west direction in the eastern half of the locus. Defined by m3613, m3617, m3630, m3600 and r29
2008-3-7pC k13 was opened to see the continuation ok the second apron f132. which was already showing in the german trench

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-1mH Opened the square and had time to remove just the upper most surface layer in the eastern half of the square.
2004-7-4mH We continued removing topsoil in the western side of the unit. After a while I changed the feature into f23, which consists of the same variation of soft and hard soil as in all the other units. At the end of the day we broke the soil also in the eastern side of the unit. That did not produce any pottery during the short time we worked on it today.
2004-7-5mH We reached roughly the level of k4, k5 and k14 in the western half of the unit so I stopped the excavation there and started going down in the eastern half. In the eastern half, however, we found two large stones: one was in the NW corner of the unit and one near the southern baulk. These stone are not only higher than the apron stones in the German trench that runs through k13, they are also higher than the stone features f24, f26, and f27 in k5, k14 and k4 respectively. It appears that they have eroded down from the temple terrace to the north. In the eastern half of the unit we started from topsoil feature f29 and after awhile continued with f30. This is latter material is similar to what we have found in other units: natural accumulation with patches of harder and softer soil.
2004-7-6mH We started the day with f30, which consists of the same natural soil matrix as everywhere else, i.e. patches of hard and soft soil. Towards the end of the day I changed the feature into f31. Originally I defined it as ly since it does not differ from the soil above it. I did the division arbitrarily in order to make it easier to separate q-lots. After one pickful we found a large stone near the northern baulk of the unit. Since this stone is probably a part of the stone apron flanking the temple steps, I decided to define the feature as ld, accumulation associated with the stones.
2004-7-7aP here we cleaned a small portion of the square in the north-western corner ( q71). The soil is very soft.
2004-7-11aP we decided to go down in the eastern part of the square which is cut from north to south by the German trench ( f31, q103). The goal for today was to reach the level of the western part of the square. We draw the eastern section of k13 which below the top soil presents two very homogeneous features.
2004-7-12aP we removed the eastern baulk of k13 ( f56, q119 and q122).
2004-7-24aP we went on removing the columns of soils on which the eroded stones were placed ( f91, q242) and removing soil in the western of the square ( f41, q245).
2004-7-24mH Continued in two locations: 1) close to the western edge ( q245) and 2) at/around the northwest corner. At the northern edge of k13 the stones end abruptly. About 50 cm south there is, however, an east-west line of stones. We do yet know if these stones continue towards south since we have not excavated there yet.
2004-7-25aP we are going on in the southern part of the square where there are not stones. In a first time we finished to remove the columns of soil which were below the stones remove by the crane ( f91, q246) and after we reached a new feature ( f95, q255). This feature is different for texture and colour. The colour is brownish and the consistency quite soft. In the south-eastern corner we found remains of the plastic so it appears clear that this part of the square was already dug by the Germans.
2004-7-26aP we continued to go down ( f95, q266) until we reached a new layer. This feature ( f103) is characterized by a very compact soil with dark brown colour. It's clearly different from the layer above which was moved by the German during the excavations. It's probable that the top of f103 was used as walking plan. We collected the following q-lots ( q266, q270 and q278).
2004-7-27aP we continued going down in the southern part of the square, cleaning the wall which is starting to be visible. The feature is always the same ( f103), with a soil very hard and compact. We removed q288 and q305. In the same unit we started to remove the eastern baulk ( f116, q310).
2004-7-28aP in this unit today we started going down for about 20 cm in all the surface which is possible digging ( f103, q320 and q335). After we numbered and removed all the collapsed stones in the square. Unfortunately we did not take the picture of the stones before the removal. We decided to remove the columns of soil according a stratigraphic methodology, not giving a new number of feature for the column. In fact we want to flag the pottery found below the stones to date the collapsing of the stones. For this reason just below the stones we dug f103, q329 and after f 103 ( q332, q335) removing hard and very compact soil, with graysh colour. At the meantime we are digging the eastern baulk with the small pick (Kamiran and Samir) to see better the consistence of the layer which was removed with big pick. The layer is really very compact and seems that the upper surface was used as walking surface. The eastern baulk of k13 is f116 ( q321, q333, q334).
2005-8-3mH We started by removing a small area of soil that was left from yesterday's pit run ( q369). After this fAB brough aL and pC to practice small picking in the southeast corner of k13 just above stones that are emerging from the soil. aL discovered patches where there was plenty of pottery sherds all aligned horizontally. We determined that this area was a walking floor and defined it as f142. On the floor we found a decorated Khabur sherd q373.3 in situ. We took photos of this floor and the sherd. These are represented in v76. After the photos we tried to see whether the floor continued towards west by removing a few centimeters at a time with a small pick. The floor did not continue and thus we continued with the big pick. This area was removed as f140 q379.
2005-8-4mH We continued going down in k13, but just with one q lot ( q382).
2005-8-6mH We placed the third elevator into this unit and it now prevents us from going down in it. We opted for this placement at least for now, since we have plenty of work to do both in k100 and k4 and we only have men for two operations at a time. Before placing the elevator into the unit, however, we placed a plasting on our excavation surface and collapsed some dirt from the top of the western section of this unit where there had been a large and dangerous-looking crack.
2005-8-7mH We did not excavated here today since the elevator is located in this unit.
2005-8-8sC Today we dug the north-east area of k13 where we finished removing f142. f142 was assigned last week and was not completely excavated because the elevator was located in the middle of the square; the area in which f142 was still in place was aproximately 2m NE and 2m S. One qlot was collected during the exavation of f142 ( q404). Once reached the bottom of f142 we moved the workmen in k14.
2005-8-9mH We did not excavate here today, but the baulk markers bP put in today made it clear that some part of the unit we have been calling k13 is actually the north baulk of k14 and some of that area even falls into the last 1 m of the 4x4 of k14. With the new baulk markers this will no longer be a problem.
2005-8-13mH Once we had removed the elevator into k14, we cleaned the area well and started excavating in the 2x2 m area that is left from k13 in front of the oval wall ( f128) when k101 is excluded. We continued with the feature we had assigned this locus earlier ( f140), but noted that the first q-lot excavated ( q439) has been contaminated by the soil that ended up here when the elevator was located in this unit. While cleaning up after this q-lot we collected a seed sample ( q439.1) close to the border between k101 and k13, right next to the oval wall. The next q-lot was q443. Both q-lots contained pieces of gypsum in the soil along the oval wall and f127. We finished the day by excavating the southern half of the unit ( q447).
2005-8-14mH We started by removing the northern half of the unit ( q450). After excavating this and cleaning the surface we noticed that the soil changed color. It became clearly browner, it had small pebbles, gypsum, ash and charcoal as inclusions. We labelled this feature as f171. After excavating the first qlot ( q455) within this feature, we noticed that the ash and charcoal concentrations became more pronounced and there was more of it. We also found a stone close to the SE corner of the excavation area. And, in the spaced formed by the stone and the corner of walls f128 and f127, we found a deposit of pot sherds positioned vertically rather than lying flat horizontally. They also seemed to form a circle. These aspects of the deposit made us suspect that this might be one complete pot. We thus gave these sherds its own q-lot number ( q461). We marked this qlot for mKB to take a look at. At her suggestion we also marked the q-lot above this ( q455) for her because it might contain pieces belonging to the possible pot. q-lot q455 also produced a sealing q455.1. This sealing was uncovered very soon after seal impression q458.1 was discovered in k101. Until this point we had had a large floating stone right in the middle of the unit. We relayed it and gave it a feature number ( f175), and after breakfast we took a picture of it in situ ( v85), the ash deposit south of the stone in the NE corner ( v85a) and the possible pot in the corner ( v85b). After removing the stone ( f175) and the pedestal on which it rested ( f176), we took another picture of the whole unit ( v85c). The pedestal contained a layer of ash and charcoal. Its elevation was m3965 +112 -147 = 89.26m. During the removal of qlot q455 and especially qlot q462, the latter of which followed the removal of the floating stone ( f175), we found several tannur pieces although we did not recover a tannur in situ. At the end of the day, after removing q462 a heavy concentration of ash, charcoal and organic matter was exposed to south of the stone and abutting f127. We also found a door socket stone.
2005-8-15mH We continued excavating in f171, which contains heavy and discreet concentrations of ash. At the start of the day, the ash was concentrated mainly south of the stone and next to f127 ( v86c). At the end of the day we found a heavy ash concentration more towards the middle of the unit ( v87d and v87e). In the morning we also took a picture of the doorsocket ( i9, v86b) before removing it and starting to excavate q480 with a small pick. Near the wall the deposit was harder but it consisted of the same material as the rest of the unit. The ash concentrations were very strong and quite large, and it and the deposition around it have very distinct colors ranging from very pale grey/ash white to strong brown (7.5YR5/6), very dark grayish brown (10YR3/2), light brownish gray (10YR6/2), and yellowish brown (10YR5/4). We continued excavating with a small pick still in search of a possible floor surface ( q487), but did not find one. After q487 we switched into a big pick and continued down ( q491). Below the this last qlot we found yet another large ash concentration this time located more in the center of the unit ( v87d and v87e). This ash concentration forms a semicircal around an area where there is not ash, but there is a animal hole in the middle of this. This animal hole influences q-lots q487 and q491.
2005-8-16mH At the start of the morning gB came to take a look at the area formed by k101 and k13 and shown in v87. The elevation this plane in k13 is m3965+42-138 = 88.65 m, i.e. the same elevation where f150 in k4 is currently and where samples q397, q398, and q399 were taken. He was of the opinion that we are definitely excavating in a use area. He told us to continue excavating with a big pick but paying attention to possible surfaces. At this point we had been excavating in f171 for 30 cm and thus we decided to change the feature ( f183) although the brown soil with ash concentrations seemed to continue. Right at the start of the excavation of the next pick run ( f183 q496) we ran into what seems to be a pebble and sherd pavement or floor just south of the stone and next to f127. At the sight of this we decided just to remove the dirt that Kamiran had loosened and not excavate further. At this point we do not know whether the pavement/floor continues beyond the exposed area of approximately 40x30cm. At this point we were at 88.47m, i.e. 20cm lower than the current surface of f150 in k4.
2005-8-24sC After having string and took the relay for define k101 (the pottery column) and therefore k13, Kamiran start to dig in k13. I checked the area and assigned two features numbers: f227 to the layer of pottery sherds lying in a horizontal way in the north-east corner of k13 (aproximately 40cm W from r713 and 35cm S from r713, at the absolute elevation of 88.45) and f229, that interests the remaining portion of the area. The q580, that contains pottery collected from the first 10 cm from the excavation of this feature ( f229), could have been contaminated by the excavation in k14 from the previous days. f229 present the same characteristics of f228 (in k101): the soil has a very fine and soft texture; one little area with ashes interests the central area of k13. After a pickrun of aproximately 5-10cm of f229 a very compact and well defined surface have been exposed, which have been labeled f231. f231 is probably a floor surface characterized by a very compact surface with a fine texture and slopes a bit toward the southern part of k13; once excavated, is very soft and friable in consistence. In same part of the area we noticed also some ash lenses. Two animal holes ( f250 and f251) intrude f231, on the south and central area of k13. Both have a diameter of 9-11cm and one of the them was fill with a very soft soil texture. fAB helped me to explain to the workmen that they must keep trace of these two animal holes while excavating (boths continue under feature f231) and therefore remove firstly the soil contained in these holes in order to avoid any contamination in the lower features. With the excavation of f229, f227 (the pottery layer) is cleary localized only in the the north-eastern corner of k13; f227 abuts f231, and f231 is the same of f234 in k101. From the excavation of this feature ( f227) it has been collected a large amount of pottery (qlo t588, qlo t591). After having took a picture (g v102, g v102a) we started to remove f231.
Strategy 2004-7-4mH We will continue with both sides of the unit tomorrow.
2004-7-6mH Tomorrow we will continue down to the level of k4, k5, and k14 and of course leave any stones we find pedestalled.
2005-8-16mH Once gB heard that we had exposed a pavement/floor surface he suggested that we should aim for a large horizontal exposure of the use area formed by f150 in k4, f171 and f183 in k13, and f174 and f182 in k101. This necessitates going down in k14, in the southern part of k4, and north baulk of k5. Thus stopped excavating in k13 and k101, and moved the team to k14.
Argument 2005-8-14mH Tannur pieces, ash, charcoal, and bone found in f171 suggest that this feature has something to do with kitchen/cooking activities. At first we thought that this feature would relate to f150 located in k4, but f150 is still 30cm lower than the elvation we are at currently in k13.
2005-8-15mH Excavation here progressed very slowly because we were excavating mostly with small pick. I chose this approach because I suspected that we might be near some sort of a floor as this feature must be a use area. The tannur fragments, ash, charcoal, bone, and also the doorsocket suggest such an interpretation.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2004-7-3bP 29 (39668 50463 - / Relay location: top)
Space definition 2004-7-1mH m3600
Size of sides 2004-7-1mH 400 cms East, 400 cms North
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Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0013
2009-3-30pC p0017
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026



J2k14

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0014.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0856 J02w0056 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-6-29mH west of k4, western half of the unit falls into the German trench 20. Defined by markers m3600, m3616, m3599, r31, r30
2008-3-7pC k14 was opened to have a better view from the south of the second apron f132 and revetment wall f128

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-6-29mH We opened this locus today. The western half of k14 is the German trench 20. The current bottom of that trench (including collapse) is approximately 1.5 m below the tell surface. Near the northern baulk of k14 we ran into a large stone near the surface. It seems to be there alone and has probably rolled to its current location from the temple terrace to the north. It is located much higher than we would expect for the apron we think extends into this unit from the north. We also found a tannur, f9, close to the middle of the southern baulk.
2004-6-30mH Since we discovered a tannur feature f9 yesterday in the southern half of the unit, I divided the unit into two q-lots, q25 and q26, at the start of the day. In the southern half we dug with a small pick looking for a possible floor associated with the tannur f9. In the northern half we went once with a big pick and the same material f7 continued there. During these two q-lots I kept the feature f7 the same since the soil matrix had not changed from what we had earlier. It was still a combination of harder and softer patches and is clearly natural. After ca. 7 cm we found a hard, compacted layer west of the tannur and extending about 150 cm north. This layer did not contain any sherds embedded in it, nor did it include any other kinds of larger inclusions. In compactness it definitely differed from what was above it ( f7) and next to it in the north ( f7). I made this layer into f12. At this time we excavated the inside of the tannur to get an impression of where a floor level should be. Since the top of f12 was clearly much higher than the bottom of the tannur and since it did not seem to be a deliberate floor, I decided to go through it in search for a better floor. At the bottom of f12 we ran into sherds that had been embedded into it. Since these sherds were not horizontal but tilted, it became more obvious that f12 was not a real floor (intentional and constructed) but perhaps a "working floor", which had formed due to higher foot traffic around the tannur when it was used. We took pictures of this part of f12 and the tannur f9. This are v2 and v2a. After taking the pictures we cleared the remains of the working floor in order to see whether another floor would be under it. Under it, however, was the same kind of soil as had been above and around it in the whole unit. Starting from below f12 I made this layer in to f15. It covers the whole unit and is essentially the same type of material as f7. The working floor f12 was thus quite ephemeral; it does not even show up in the section.
2004-7-1mH We removed features f13 (large stone) and f9 (tannur) after i had drawn them. Under the large stone we discovered several smaller stones. In the northwest corner, underneath the large stone was also an area of very hard, brick-like material. In the south it was delineated by stones. This is f17. The stones in k14 are mostly aligned in east-west direction. Along the northern baulk, at the border with the German trench the stones form a half circle. The stones here are about 10 cm higher than in k5. This difference in elevation can be explained by the tell slope. As in k5, they do not seem to form a permanent, clear structure but appear more like the remains of a temporary structure.
2004-7-4mH We did not excavate in this unit today. GB looked at f17 in northwest corner of the unit and suggested that the hard deposit was formed there because the surrounding stones had prevented the soil from eroding and disintegrating as it did beyond the stones. We relayed the stones today. I assigned them as f26 and defined that as lens type c.
2004-7-5mH We took two photos of the unit with the stone feature f26 as the target. I also sketches them in on the plots I ran yesterday. We did not excavated here today.
2004-7-6mH Sylvana drew the N baulk. We did not draw the east baulk; GB did not think it was necessary.
2004-7-7aP we started to remove the western baulk of k14 ( f35, q78) to have a more useful passage for the wheelbarrow.
2004-7-12aP we finished to remove the northern baulk of k14 ( f52, q117) and we continued to remove the eastern baulk of k14 ( f35, q126).
2004-7-13aP we removed part of the eastern section ( f35 , q133 and q137) making a ramp to facilitate the passage of the wheelbarrow. Tomorrow we'll level all the surface to reach a uniform height in all the squares of the area to take a picture of a presumably horizontal plan with the eroded stones.
2004-7-14aP we finished to clean the southern part of k14 ( f15, q146), levelling the surfaces of the square and living all the stone of small size. On the other hand we cleaned the southern part of the German trench.
2004-7-20aP after cleaning the surface for the picture we took away the pebbles and stones of small-medium size and we went going with a new feature ( f76, q14). The consistency of the soil of this feature is quite the same of the feature above ( f15) but since there are no more stones we decided to change the feature.
2004-7-25aP we are going down in all the square continuing to remove the layer below the "Mittanic floor" ( f76, q247 and q257).
2004-7-26aP we continued to go down with the previous feature ( f76, q265) until we noticed two different situations. In the eastern part of the unit part of one of the German trenches ( f104, q287) was clearly recognizable, while in the western part we noticed a mixture of softer (powder-like) soil and laminations ( f109, q281 and q284).
2004-7-27aP after removing the German trench and the mixed soil in the eastern part of the unit we reached a new layer, harder and softer according to different lenses, in all the surface of the unit with few pottery. It's f111: we dug q291 and q301. We also removed the north baulk of the square ( f115, q309).
2004-7-28aP we are going down with the excavation of the first meter from the northern baulk ( f111, q319) and removing the eastern baulk ( f115, q338).
2005-8-8mH Based on a strategy meeting with gB, fAB, and members of J02, we decided to start digging here and bring it to the same level k13 is currently. The hard surface we ran into within f156 is the same as feature f103 in k13. This hard layer consists of laminations, brown sand, and very fine, dust-like material that has hardened into a cement-like consistency.
2005-8-8sC Today we started digging in k14. We assigned a new feature number ( f156) to the top 10 cm and tomorrow we will change it when starting digging. We think that the square has been contaminated by the dirt moved here during the past days (due to the presence of the elevator in k13). f156, a natural accumulation characterized by a compact surface in all the area, was particulary hard to remove in the SW area where it present a very very compact surface. mH explained us that this accumlation was found very often in this area during last season. One qlot was collected during the exavation of f156 ( q407).
2005-8-9mH We continued excavating f159, the extremely hard and compact layer, which also contains a fair amount of pottery sherds. The workmen had hard time penetrating the layer even with big picks and therefore the work progressed slowly. We were, however, able to collect three qlots: q414, q415, and q419. At fAB's request we took three soil samples ( q411.1, q412.1 and q413.1) from various places at the elevation of approximately 90.08 m. Of these vVE and aL sieved q413.1. The location from which this sample is taken is shown in v82b. We also collected two painted pottery sherds as q-items q415.1.1 and q415.1.2. These sherds were located at the elevation of 90.12 m. The baulk markers bP put in today made it clear that some part of the unit we have been calling k13 is actually the north baulk of k14 and some of that area even falls into the last 1 m of the 4x4 of k14.
2005-8-10mH We continued excavating in the hard feature f159 for one q-lot ( q420). Since we had been using the same feature for quite some time and since the same material seemed to continue, we decided to change the feature into f161 and excavated two q-lots with this feature ( q423 and q425). We found one decorative painted sherd, which we made into q-items ( q423.1). The hard layer ended after this pick run and thus we changed the feature into f162. The work in this unit did not proceed as fast as normally today since the workmen had to wait for us to decide on the strategy of the ledges and their placement.
2005-8-11mH We started by removing soil from the western half of the unit ( f162 q428), which was left higher up at the end of the day yesterday. After that we continued going down in the whole unit ( q433) and brought it level with k13 ( q435). In the last unit we found decoratively painted pottery sherds, which we made into q-items (435.4 and q435.5).
2005-8-13mH The unit had been brought approximately level with k13 on Thursday ( q435). At the start of the morning we cleaned the unit well and took a picture of it ( v83). We then placed plastic on the surface and moved the elevator from k13 into k14. We will not pause the excavations here for a while.
2005-8-16mH After stopping the excavations in k101 and k13 we moved the team here in order to reach the level of features f150 in k4, f171 ( f183) in k13, and f174 ( f182) in k101. We continued with the feature we had stopped in earlier, feature f162, which is a sandy water deposit. We are only excavating in an area 400 cm east and 250 cm south of m4031 since the elevator is in the south part of the unit. The first and second q-lots were contaminated. These two q-lots also had labelling problems. Back at the house Diadin noticed that two bags had the same label q502 when one of them should have been q504. We now do not know, which one is which thus pottery data from these two q-lots are unreliable.The last q-lot of the day ( q506) was located in the eastern part of the unit 100 cm east and 250 south of m4034. This q-lot already started approximately from the starting elevation of f150 in k4 ( f150 started from 89.18 m whereas q506 started from 89.14 m), it remained as the sandy water deposit of f162. From the southern section of k13 and k101 we can see that we have still a couple of pickruns to go before we reach the use-area deposit if it is to be found here.
2005-8-17mH We started by excavating one q-lot ( q511) in the western half of the unit. This was left higher at the end of the day yesterday. Yesterday afternoon vVE and aL drew the eastern section of k14, thus we were able to take it down today ( f190 q515 and q516). At the end of the day we excavated the eastern half of the area ( q520).
2005-8-18mH We started by going down in the western part ( q524). In the northeastern corner of the unit I noticed an ash lense right next to the east baulk. The aerial extent of this ash lense was quite small and the sandy pockets continued everywhere else in the excavated area. Thus I did not make the ash lense into a separate feature. This ash layer is 13 cm higher than the ash deposit visible between the apron f131 and stone feature f151 in the western section of k4. We then continued down in the whole area we are currently excavating ( q526). The soil was still very sandy, but in the east the sandy parts were more localized whereas in the west sandy areas were larger. The northeast corner, underneath the ash deposit, did not contain any sand, but it had pinkish parts. We thus made it into a separate feature ( f198), and made the rest of the unit into feature f197. The ash and the pink material did not show in the northern baulk. I was concerned that we had missed the connection between f150 in k4 and f171 in k13, but after examining the sections and the top of feature f198, jO ensure me that we had not and that our strategy seemed correct. We then removed one pickrun of f197 ( q528). This pick run reavealed that sand and pebbles seemed to continue under f197. This finding encouraged us to excavate f197 ( q529). After removing that corner, we continued with one more pick run in the whole excavated area ( q530).
2005-8-19mH sC and I drew the northern half of the east section of k14. While we were drawing it, we decided to label the ash deposit so clearly visible in the NE corner, as f199.
2005-8-20mH At the start of the morning I checked the surface and noted that the ash lenses are now spead wider west. We thus changed the feature number to f200, which now corresponds to f150 ( k4), f171 ( k13), and f174 ( k101). After one pickrun of this feature, we reached the current level of k13 and k101. We then decided to take down the northern half of the eastern baulk of k14 ( m4031 120 cm east and 200 cm south).
2005-8-20vVE Excavation was continued in the northern half of k14. Also the northern part of the east baulk of k14 was removed which showed the continuation of wall f127. At the end the elevator, which was standing in the southern half of k14, was moved to k15 and the top part of the southern half of k14 was removed. The finds from this area might be contaminated with material that was excavated from the other loci. However, it is not very likely to be actually contaminated because we had put a plastic sheet on the surface before we started to remove dirt with this elevator.
2005-8-23sC Today we finished to remove the dirty produced from yesterday excavation of f210. Lots of dirty in fact was still in the area, since yesterday the elevator was not working properly. The consistence of the soil is plastic and this is the reason why it sticks on the walls of the elevator, making difficult for it to remove the dirty. Then we started to remove f219 (the N baulk of k14). f219 presents the same structure and the same consistence of f174 in k101 and f171 in k13 (and of f210 and f211, both in k14): a medium compact soil with a very fine texture, clay and sandy, and ash areas. Once reached the bottom of the baulk (=88.37) the workmen moved on th E area of k14 and finished to remove f202 (the E baulk of k14); in fact a a little area was left (200m N and 100m E from m4097) since we started to dig this feature two days ago. In this area, f202 presents the same characteristics of f208 (above it) and f217 (on the eastern area of k4), and of f189 above f217): it is a bricky debris. We assigned also a feature number ( f224) to the wall running E-W in k14, that seems to be connected on the north to the wall f127 (running N-S on the E baulk of k14). The elevation at the top is m4097 +82 -120 (=89.15) and at the bottom is m4097 +30 -120 (=88.63).
2005-8-28mH After reaching third millennium levels in k104 we moved Kamiran and Massum back to k14. We were only able to do a small q-lot today ( f200 q652) with an additional q-lot ( q653) recovered at the sifter. We continued with the use-area feature f200 we finished with here a while back.
2005-8-29mH We continued excavating in an area delimited by the northern baulk in the north, f224 in the south, and f127 in the east. We only excavated two qlots ( q668 and q673). At the start of lot q673 we noted two ash lenses, one located in the northwest corner and one in the southwest corner of the excavation area. Otherwise the soil was characterized by different phases of brick decay.
2005-8-29mH We took two pictures of the west section wall. These are v114 and v114a.
2005-9-4sC Before start excavating in k14 I assigned a feature number to the wall running E-W ( f288) exposed yesterday (after we removed the wall f224) and Kamiran define better the section of this wall ( f289, q289). At the same time Masum dug f290 ( q737), a little area characterized by the presence of ash in the corner between the wall f288 (N of it) and f127 (the wall running N-S). Then we scraped all the area and we noticed different accomulations: all of them slope toward the south area of the unit (therefore there is a difference in high between the south and the north area of the unit, between 5 to 20cm); Kamiran and Masums started by removing the first of these ones, f293 ( q744). f293 is a layer located aproximately 1m N of wall f288, characterized by a very fine and compact accomulation, plastic in consistence (when wet but also when dry) and brown in colour. Then they removed f295 ( q747), a layer located in the SW corner of k14 (160m W from r980, and 120m N to r980), that does not present a big difference in elevation even if it slopes a bit toward the south area of k14. In this layer have been found a seal impression that mKB dates to the late Akkadian period. We stop dig here for today: in the afternoon we take some photos of k14 (with feature f297, v124, v124a, v124b) and some paticular views of the N baluk of k14 and of the section of the wall f127 ( v125, v125a, v125b, v125c).
2005-9-5sC Today we remove the wall f232 (it was composed by 9 stones) in k4. We assigned a feature number for the accomulation between and under the stones, f269, that was characterized by a crumble texture and by a soft-loose consistence (the same we had for the accomulation under the wall f144, f226, in k4). At the same time we removed three collapsed stones belonging to the wall f127. A feature number has been assigned to the pedestal under the three stones ( f127.1, f127.2, f127.3) f270 ( q690), and the pottery recovered in this accomulation have been collected in the qlot q689. Then we dig f200 in the N area of k14 (the area delimited by the N baulk of k14 and the wall f288): several qlots of pottery have been collected whit the digging and with the swifting of f200: q677 (of which q680 is the swift), q964 (swift q695) q696 and q699. In the SW area of k14 a ledge have been left higer because two big stone (belonging to the wall f224) have been located here. We are waiting for a craine in order to remove them.
2005-9-5sC Today we dig in the southern area of k14, S to the wall f224. We assigned a feature number to the briky melted and crumble accomulation N to the wall f288, f293. f293 is a accomulation located N of wall f288, and that is aproximately 1m N and 140 W. Then we dug f210 (aproximately 2m N and 3m W from r945) in the southern area of k14 (S to wall f288): the area is characterized by the presence of melted brick spread uniformly in all the exacavated area, and the surface individuated are completely flat, in the sense that they are not characterized by any kind of slope, as insted we had just on the other side of the wall f288. Lots of pottery sherds have been collected: q703, q710, q713, q717, q718 ( q718 is the swift of q713, q717), q722 and q725.
2005-9-5mH in k14 ash layers are alternating with brown layers, sloping very sharply untill the second millennium wall f288. In k14 South to the wall ther is a different type of accumulation ( f210). We found an akkadian seal impression in f295, but we found it together with 4 Khabur sherds. North of wall f288 we found a small area were there is a glacis f319
2009-7-25cJC Today we began to remove the remaining baulk stub in the western part of k14. We are calling this f341. It is composed primarily of brickfall. We will excavate it from the top down in 50cm increments until it is level with the current bottom of k14.
2009-7-26cJC Today we continued removing f341. In the northern portion of f341 we uncovered a grouping of stones. It appears that they are a continuation of f334, the curtain wall of k14 (also assigned to k54 at the beginning of the excavations during cleaning). Tomorrow we will photograph the stones and assign a new feature and component numbers for the stones. We also found several medium-sized stones floating in the brickfall of f341. We didn't finish removing f341 today because the shaffat had to be shut down while Adeeb established the points.
2009-7-27cJC Today we continued removing f341, the brickfall. We are almost to the bottom. The wall in the south part of f341, called f346, is almost completely exposed. Tomorrow we will relay the stones and remove it. We also began removing the accumulation under the wall, f334, that we removed last week.
Strategy 2004-6-29mH My initial idea was to go with the big pick until we reach the level of the German excavation and then continue down in the whole unit. I did not expect to run into any major features until reaching the possible apron. Now that we located the tannur f9 at the southern end of the locus, we will continue excavating around it with small picks looking for a floor possibly associated with this installation. We will also excavate inside the tannur trying to find its bottom. The tannur will be cleaned and photographed. This will significantly slow down the excavation in this unit. For now we will leave the stone pedestalled.
2004-6-30mH Tomorrow, after I have drawn the large stone in the northern half of the unit ( f13) and the tannur ( f9) in the southern half of the unit, we will remove them and continue down with a big pick. We should reach the level of the German trench tomorrow.
2004-7-1mH As in k5 we stopped the excavations here for now. When we start we need to proceed carefully since there still could be a floor associated with these stones. They are not yet completely exposed and thus there is still a faint possibly for such a floor.
2004-7-6mH Tomorrow we should be able to take down the north and the east baulks of the unit.
2005-8-9mH We should go down another 70 cm, move 90 cm south (i.e. leave a ledge), and cut back on the southern edge (N baulk of k15) to form the first slope for this unit. We can then continue another 2 m down, move north 90 cm and cut the previous ledge into a slope so that a 50 cm legde remains.
2005-8-16mH This unit will be a transition area between the target elevation 85 m, a required 60 cm ledge at 86 m, a 2 m slope betweeen 86 m and 88 m, and the 88 m ledge. I have planned to position these so that the vertical section between 85 m and 86 m will be at the north baulk line and the 60 cm wide ledge at 86 m will be the just south of the baulk line. We will use the next 40 cm of horizontal extent south of the ledge for the slope, and the southern 3 m will be at the 88 m elevation. Thus, in search for the possible use-area deposit relating to f150 in k4, f171 ( f183) in k13, and f174 ( f182) in k101, we can go down without compromising the stepped sections planned for this locus.
2005-8-18mH Our strategy here is to look for a similar feature to f150 in k4 and f171 in k13. Currently we are a bit higher than the current level of either one of these units. Thus we need to go down at least one more pickrun. We also need to draw the east section of k14 so that we can connect k14 and k4.
2005-9-5sC In order to remove the dirt fast from k14 and k15 we decided to swift togheter the soil belonging to these two areas: therefore after q718 (that is the swift of q713, q717) the qlots q723 and q728 contained the swift from both k14 and k15.
2009-7-26cJC In the southern part of f341 we have exposed a line of stones. These probably belong to f334. We will expose them, photograph them to show thier relationship to the brickfall of f341 and then remove them. Also under these stones is a very hard compacted mud layer. It is visible if you stand north of f341 and look south. It may not be an ancient feature but rather created in the past few years by water accumulating in the corner, which is the low point of the area. We will investigate this question after we remove the stones.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2004-7-3bP 30 (39201 50286 - / Relay location: top)
2004-7-3bP 31 (39576 50429 - / Relay location: top)
2009-7-25cJC 1026 (39568 50419 - 8806 / Relay location: SE corner)
2009-7-25cJC 1027 (39654 50464 - 8819 / Relay location: NE corner)
Elevation 2005-9-12mH 8853
2005-9-12mH 8868
Space definition 2004-6-29mH m3616
Size of sides 2004-6-29mH 400 cms East, 400 cms South
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Drawing of view

w1

w2

w7

w11
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w16

w19

w26

w31
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w103

w200

w203

w205
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w21a

w28

w34

w56
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0006
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0019
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026



J2k15

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0015.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0857 J02w0057 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-8mH south of k14, west of k5
2008-3-7pC k15 is a regular 5x5 meters locus. A german trench running North-South cuts it. k15 was opened tto heve a better view from the south of second apron f132 and revetment wall f128. k15 is defined by markers m3964, m3885, m3871, m3887, m4035, m4067, m3967
2009-8-22cJC In the MZ22 season this locus was only partially excavated. It's northern half lies in the area of excavation. It is defined in the north by normal corner points m6180 and m6152. In the south it is defined by two points, m6157 and r1139. The southwest corner is not a corner but rather has a diagonal cut across it as the corresponding section in the upper part of southern J2 is cut at an angle for stablization purposes. The east baulk is defined by only one point, m6153 and we did not leave a northern baulk.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-12aP we started to remove the topsoil in the new square ( f58, q124) by a new team of which the pick-man is Faraj. The square does not measure 400X400 since the eastern part was cut by the German trench.
2004-7-13aP we are going down with the excavation of all the surface of the square, also in the south-eastern corner, where the German trench has its end.
2004-7-14aP we are going on finishing to remove the top-soil ( f58, q147) and excavating the layer above the top soil ( f65, q152). This feature starts at m 3788 + 85 - 144 and presents, in the northern part, a quite compact soil with few stones of small size.
2004-7-15aP we are going down in all the square except for the north-eastern part eroded by the German trench ( f65, q163).
2004-7-18aP we are going down in all the surface of the square removing soil ( f65, q175 and q186). Tomorrow we expect to reach the same level of the other squares. Since we needed to draw the eastern and the northern section but the workmen were still going down we decide to draw the south section of k14 and sC and jE from A18 draw it.
2004-7-19aP we draw the small section on the eastern side of the square and then we reach the level of the area ( f65, q188) and we started to remove the northern section ( f71, q195). Since we needed to go fast yesterday we draw the southern section of k14 (instead of the northern of k15) and today we took the picture. For the moment we can remove the eastern section since we need the ramp which lies on the section.
2004-7-20aP we started removing the north section ( f71, q101). To avoid waste of time we decided to draw the southern section of k14 and so the workmen could go down with excavations and cleaning. mH draw the small eastern section and after it has been removed ( f75, q205). Then the workmen went down in all the square reaching the same level of the other squares ( f65, q207).
2005-8-14mH We started excavating here today with f168 q452. This q-lot was contaminated only by being exposed during the winter but also the elevator that we had placed here this year and the foot traffic.
2005-8-15mH We continued going down in the whole unit ( q478). The northwest corner of the unit was especially contaminated. This was due to an earlier German trench in this location.
2005-8-16mH We continued going down in the whole unit ( q500 and q505). Progress was rather slow since we had problems with the elevator located in k5 and jointly used by k15 and k4 (+northern baulk of k5). The north-east corner of the unit is still contaminated by a German trench.
2005-8-17mH We started by taking a picture of stone feature f185 ( v88 and v88a) after which we removed it and its pedestal ( f186 q509) and continued down. Starting from q-lot q514 changed the feature into f190, which is garay layer with sandy water deposits. It is very similar to f162 in k14. We excavated two q-lots today ( q514 and q518). q518 contains several pieces of a large found located next to a large stone.
2005-8-18mH We worked mostly on the northern baulk of the unit ( f195 q523), but we also continued going down in the whole unit.
2005-8-20mH We leveled the unit after reaching the 90 m elevation. We then moved the team to help with k102 for the time we need to draw the eastern section of the unit. We then started to take down that baulk in order to connect k5 and k15.
2005-8-20vVE One final pick run was done in k15 f193 to make its excavation surface more level. We will stop excavating here because we are now at the level of the next ledge of the stepped section at an elevation of 90.
2005-8-23sC Today we finished to remove f206 (the E baulk of k15); two ledges (one in the South and another in the North area of the baulk) were left from yesterday excavation. Once finished we moved the workmen in k5 (where they started to remove the E baulk of k5).
2005-8-27mH We continued removing the northern baulk ( f233). With the help of Shallal the work was progressing faster, although it was still rather slow. This was due to the hardness of the deposit, which was the by now very familiar cement-like deposit. Four q-lots were excavated here today ( q614, q623, q627, and q632).
2005-8-28mH We still had some of the northern baulk left thus we spent most of the day removing it. Its removal has taken us quite a few days due to the hardness of the soil in this location. q633 was collected by the pickmen, while q639 and q654 were recoved during sifting. After we finished removing the baulk, the northern edges of k5 and k15 were parallel. sC drew these sections. We then moved back on top of the loci and started preparing the ledges, which in this unit are diagonal sloping from northwest to southeast with the southwest corner remaining at the 90 m elevation. We continued with the same q-lot we had finished here a few weeks earlier ( f193) and excavated one q-lot ( q649) with one additional q-lot coming from the sifter ( q649).
2005-8-29mH Yesterday when I strang the limits of the ledges in this unit, I had left a triangluar area in the northeast corner of the unit as well as a stretch along the northern egde of the unit outside the limits of excavation temporarily. I did this so that we could draw the southern edge of k14 and k4. Thus yesterday we had excavated approximately in the middle of the unit. Since we drew the section yesterday, we could now extend the area of excavation to reflect the total area, where we want to go down. Here we filled three qlots. One ( f193 q659) came from the excavators and the other two ( q660, q674) from the sifter. We also removed one floating stone ( f259), which is defined by relays r912, r913, r914, and r915.
2005-9-4sC Today we continued to dig in k15 f273 until breakfast. We first excavated 2m W from m4213 ( q731, q742) and 1m from the W section of k15 ( q743). After breakfast I moved Mamu (who was digging here) in k5 to help Shallal in digging f277 W to the elevator.
2005-9-5sC Today we continued to dig f193 in k5 ( q676 and q700). The pottery have been swifted and the swift have been collected in a different qlot ( q682). The feature is characterized by a very soft, fine and loose texture, but it presents also some hard layers, difficult to remove; therefore the work is not proceeding very fast in this area.
2005-9-5sC We did not dig the whole area; the elevator is in fact located in the SW corner of k15, where there will be the step of the section). We dig f273, that is a briky melted and crumble accomulation in the NW corner of k15. Lots of pottery sherds have been collected ( q704, q716, and q714, that contains the pottery swifted from both qlots) from today excavation.
2009-8-9cJC Today we began excavating in k15. Before today we had mostly only cleaned the area and removed the south and west sections to give more room to work. At the beginning of excavation we had what appeared to be several features already showing. We decided the clearest way to excavate would be to follow the west section of k5 across. We were hoping to expose the salmon-colored floor ( f359) all the way across the loci in front of the apron f131 and try and follow it around the north turn next to the wall f127 if it turned that way. By following f364 across through the section we found several different features. There is the plate-like accumulation which we is the same as f365 (immediately under f364) which is what we expected based on k5. f365, however, does not continue all the way west. Instead we found a reddish layer which we have not yet really exposed or excavated and some plaster, possibly similar to that found in k5 ( f370) or that seen in the west section of k5. I decided we should try and excavate the latest moment in time first and so we removed a small accumulation of f364 in the middle of the northern edge of the square that seemed to possibly be overlaying f372 but when we removed it we found bricky material underneath which is actually overlaid by the gray layer f371. So we decided to stop in that small area and instead to photograph and remove both f339 and f371. We will first remove the flaky structure of f371 and see if it overlays the very hard gray later that is f339 or if it is actually a damaged section of f339.
2009-8-10cJC Yesterday we decided that the best strategy was to excavate down from the latest features ( f371, f339) and try and follow them in k15 instead of going across from the west baulk of k5. We started by removing f371, the flaky gray layer on top of f339. We wanted to remove the hard gray layer f339. It was relayed and then we began removing it. When we picked the hard layer however it came apart very differently in the two areas where the pickmen were working. Coming down from the north Kamiron found that the hard gray layer was very hard and thick (about 3cm or more) and when picked it removed a 10cm layer underneath as well. Underneath he found the dramatic reddish layer ( f348) and a gray layer which we assigned as f374. In contrast, in the SW corner where Mohammed Kher was working we found that f339 was extremely thin and came off easily revealing a dramatic pink layer ( f373). This layer is soft and easily damaged with the pick. Because we have now exposed several layers ( f373, f348, f374)due to the nature of the removal of f339 we decided to follow the layers across through the section of k5 to see how they relate to the newly exposed layers. In the west section we can see f365 and a thin yellow line which we have assigned f375. We wanted to remove f365 above f375 and see how it comes up against the pink layer f373. It seems that f365 would have covered the pink layer f373 but it was cut by the erosion. By following f365 across from the east to the west we should be able to answer this question. Before we could remove all of f365 we needed to expose the plaster layer ( f375) and see its extent. We used the small pick and the brush to expose as much of this delicate layer as possible. Tomorrow we hope to finish exposing the plaster ( f375) relay and photograph it before removing it. After we finish with f375 we will continue removing f365 across to see its relationship to the pink ( f373). (This daily is revised version of today's strategy entry).
2009-8-11cJC We exposed the floor with plaster inclusions ( f375), photographed and relayed it and removed it. We then went down following the layers seen in the west section of k5. Once we had cleaned everything we did our best to expose f375, the floor with plaster inclusions. We photographed it when we thought it had reached its full extent but then as we were removing f365 we found it continued and so we photographed it again. After that we removed f375 and started removing the accumulations of f365 by moving from the west section of k5 in a westward direction. In the south portion of k15 f365 came down on top of the salmon-colored floor f359 just as we expected. We did not finish exposing f359 and will work on exposing its extent tomorrow. In the north part of k15 we found the situation was more disturbed possibly due to erosion as we saw in k5 with the erosion of f359 and the brown accumulation of f367. It seems that f367 continues into k15 with some disturbed accumulations (not in nice thin layers of accumulations like f365) and some sherds that are not lying flat as well as some pebbles. We will explore this area tomorrow.
2009-8-13cJC We are finished excavating in this locus. It will be backfilled at the end of the season.
Formal inconsistencies 2009-8-26cJC After plotting the J2 loci from MZ22 it became apparent that they do not exactly match the squares of the previous years. This is not totally unexpected as we had many problems at the beginning of the season trying to reestablish the squares due to the small number remaining markers in J2 as well as the depth of J2 compared to the remaining markers. The differences are not substantial but should be noted.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2009-8-22cJC 1139 (39106 49934 - 8632 / Relay location: SW corner)
Elevation 2005-9-12mH 8893
2005-9-12mH 9003
Space definition 2004-7-8mH m3797
Size of sides 2004-7-8mH 400 cms North, 400 cms East
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Drawing of view

w10

w27

w44

w200
Drawing of view

w203

w57
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0021
2009-3-30pC p0025
2009-3-30pC p0026



J2k22

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0022.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0858 J02w0058 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k22 was only relayed but not excavatd. It is then part of J3

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2004-7-3bP 27 (40742 50442 - / Relay location: top)
2004-7-3bP 28 (40921 49975 - / Relay location: top)
Drawing of view

w58
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008



J2k23

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0023.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0859 J02w0059 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k23 in season 2005 was excavated only a 2,5x4 meters area. It was created in order to create east facing stepped section, to allow a better visibility for the wall f128 and for safety reasons. markers are m3613, m3600

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-17mH We continued going down in the unit ( q508). q508 contained one modern artifact, thus it is contaminated.
2005-8-18mH We continued going down in the 2.6 m x 4 m area ( q522).
2005-8-20mH We had reached the 92 m elevation in the area we were excavating. Thus we moved our string 1 w to the east and continued there ( f199 q533).
2005-8-20vVE Yesterday (P819) we had reached the elevation of 92 m for the first ledge of the stepped section. Now we continued excavating in a smaller area to reach the next ledge at an elevation of 90 m.
2005-8-23sC We continued to dig in k23 f203. With today excavation a line of three limestones (belonging to f128) have been exposed. The soil is characterized by compact and hard surfaces alternated to soft ones: this is the same type of accumulation we have excavated in in k14 and k15 at this elevation.
2005-8-24aL we excavated in order to arrive at absolute elevation of 90, at the end of the day we are at an absolute elevation of 90.70 ( f203 q577).
2005-8-24sC We continued to dig f203 in k23. I have the sensation that the work does not proceed very fast in this square. One reason is that the workmen are a bit uncertain and even if I told them to dig with the big pick they prefer to dig with the little pick. Another reason is that the soil is characterized by a compact and hard surfaces (the same we had in k14, f162) and therefore is very difficult to remove. Another lines of limestones (belonging to f128) have been exposed. They seems to be more regular in their allignment and in better condition of preservation respect to the ones that are exposed in k3- k2.
2005-8-25sC We continued to dig f203 in k23; as usual the work is a bit slow in this square. The soil is still characterized by a compact and hard surfaces (the same we had at this elevation in all the square), difficult to remove; f203 is not rich in pottery; only one qlot have been collected (qlo t593; starting elevation m4167 +12 -162).
2005-8-27mH Approximately 1 m west and 1 m north of r744 we had an extremely hard surface ( f242), which differed from the rest of the excavation area by being very homogenous in nature and lacking pebbles and pottery sherds clearly visible the in the rest of unit ( f241). These are shown in v106. Ahmed Muhammed, who returned to the locus after having helped with the geophysical survey, suggested that these were the remains of bricks. He also saw two courses of bricks on the western wall of the excavated area. I could see what he suggested were lines marking the possible upper and lower faces of bricks, but I am still not convinced that we indeed had bricks. If we did, they were very ephemeral. I decided to remove f242 ( q618). After only a couple of centimeters, the layer dissappeared and the whole excavation area was now f241, which we then excavated further ( q621). Under f241 we located another hard surface with plenty of pottery sherds and pebbles. We labeled this f249.
2005-8-28mH We started excavating it ( q636) during the excavation which we found a pit approximately 50 cm in diameter close to the southern end of the excavation area ( v111 and v111a). The pit is feature f254 and its fill is f255. We then excavated the pit fill ( f255 q644) and found a what seemed to be a Nuzi cup at the bottom ( v113 and v113a). At the end of the day the bottom elevation of the area varies between 90.15 m closest to the north and 90.08 in the south.
2005-8-29mH The day before we had nearly reached the target elevation of 90 m in this unit. The deepest part of the excavation area was the bottom of pit f254, which was 89.97 m. We told the pickman to level everything with the bottom of the pit and then finish. We thus dug only one q-lot ( q657) in this unit after which me moved the men to work in k4.
Strategy 2005-8-17mH The goal here is to go down first to the 92 m elevation, then move 1 m to the east and start going down to the 90 m level. At the end of the day we ended approximately at the elevation of 92.38, thus we have approximately 38 cm to go, which we should be able to accoplish tomorrow.
2005-8-20mH The goal is to reach the 90 m elevation, make a ledge between 92 m and 90 m, move 1 m to the east and go down to the 88 m level.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2005-8-16mH m3968
Size of sides 2005-8-16mH 400 cms West, 400 cms South
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w35

w39

w40

w104
Drawing of view

w205

w59
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008



J2k24

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0024.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0860 J02w0060 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2005-8-17aL West of k14, south of k23. Opened in order to make east-facing stepped sections west of k14.
2008-3-7pC k24 is not a regular locus and it is only 260x400cm. Is defined by markers m3609, m3600, m3599, m4068, m4069, m4070, m4071

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-27mH We continued with the top soil feature ( f243) and excavated one q-lot ( q615). We found one metal item ( i14), possibly a coin, from this q-lot.
2005-8-28mH We finished removing the top soil ( f243 q637) and continued with the layer below topsoil ( f252 q640). Abutting the southern edge of the unit was a semi-globular ashy lense. I relayed the southern edge of it ( r756). It was approximately 63 cm east-west at the widest and approximately 27 cm high north-south. Within that area we found what seem to be a modern pottery handle.
2005-8-29mH The elevation was m4071 +21-155 = 91.43 m when made the excavation area smaller. At this level there was also a single, rather small, floating stone, which we relayed and removed. This stone ( f262) is defined by relays r924, r925, r926, and r927. After removing the stone and decreasing the excavation area we changed the feature number, although the soil texture did not change, and continued excavating down ( q669).
2005-8-29mH We continued with the removal of f252, layer below topsoil ( q658). The target here was to reach the 92 m elevation and then reduce the excavation area by 1 m and only excavate there. The work, however, had progressed here so swiftly that we actually went quite a bit below 92 m before we reduced the excavation area.
2005-9-5sC We continued to dig f263 ( q679).
2005-9-5sC Today we continued to dig f263 in all the area ( q707). Here, we remove a floating limestone ( f274, r947) and few pottery sherds has been recovered in the pedestal of this stone ( f275, q706).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Elevation 2005-9-12mH 9043
2005-9-12mH 9170
Space definition 2005-8-17aL m4070
Size of sides 2005-8-17aL 400 cms South, 260 cms West
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w37

w38

w100

w105
Drawing of view

w60
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0001
2009-3-30pC p0002
2009-3-30pC p0003



J2k25

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0025.HTM


Description/Count
Description 2010-12-14cJC This loci was never assigned. The relays were measured but the area was never excavated.

Volumetric localization
Relays 2005-8-29mH 930 (39423 49422 - 4043 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-29mH 931 (39438 49413 - 4043 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-29mH 932 (39287 49789 - 4061 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-29mH 934 (39661 49248 - 4032 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-29mH 935 (39048 49270 - 4032 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-29mH 936 (39425 49325 - 4028 / Relay location: top)



J2k33

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0033.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0861 J02w0061 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-8mH west of k13 by one unit. delimited by markers m3615, m3609, m3619, m3620, m3694, m3695
2008-3-7pC k33 was opened to follow the second apron to the west, but it was decided to stop excavating here. this locus was then excavated as a J3 locus

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-8aP we opened this new square removing the top soil ( f42, q87). About 15 cm under the top soil we noticed a difference between the south-western corner and the rest of the square. The soil in the corner ( f46) is quite compact with stones of small-medium size and irregular shape and a single pottery shard. For the moment we took just the elevation ( m3619 +132-142). Since at a first sight it seems a floor is more probable that it's a natural accumulation (sedimentation) on the surface of the tell. We decided to define it a lens of type d (ld) since there are not walls which abut the feature. For today we decide to go on just in the eastern part of the northern part of the square ( f42, q99).
2004-7-11aP we started excavating the north-western ( f42, q102) and after we continued with the whole surface of the square ( f49, q108) except f46. After we decided to remove f46 ( f46, q106) which was interpreted as part of the tell of the surface, quite hard and with stones of small-medium size. Scraping, cleaning and removing the material ( f46, q112) we noticed the stones go down but the surface occupied by them is smaller going deeper. So for the moment we can suppose that it could be a kind of pit filled by stones and fragments of basalt grinding stones ( q112.1; q112.2; q112.3; q112.4; q112.5). At the end of the morning we asked to gB about the possible nature of the stone accumulation and he made the hypothesis of a tomb.
2004-7-12aP Yesterday we removed f46 defined as a lb since it appeared as an accumulation clearly different from the rest of the soil. However scraping the surface we noticed that the stones are going down also in they are concentrated all in the middle on the southern baulk of the square. We supposed it could be a pit ( f54) filled by f55. We interpreted it as a pit, choosing to change feature, since the matrix seems quite different (stones and not basalt) and the materials are more concentrated. On the other hand we went down with the excavation of the other part of the square ( f49, q118 and q125).
2004-7-13aP we are going down living a space of about 1X1 for f54 in all the square ( f61, q130). In the northern part of the square, very close to the northern baulk we found a concentration (aggregate) of stones of big sizes collapsed form the north. Between the stones we noticed the presence of pottery sherds. We collected them as a q-item ( q136.1) since we would like to try to fit them. We are going on with excavations dividing the square in two parts: western half ( f61, q136) and eastern half ( f61, q141).
2004-7-14aP we are going down removing soil between the stones ( f61, q145) around and north of f54. We did not remove much dirt since the team was moved in k2.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-8mH m3619
Size of sides 2004-7-8mH 400 cms North, 400 cms East
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w61



J2k43

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0043.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0862 J02w0062 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-8mH west of k33, delimited by markers m3625, m3620, m3619, m3624
2008-3-7pC k33 was opened to follow the second apron to the west, but it was decided to stop excavating here. this locus was then excavated as a J3 locus

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-11aP we started excavating this new square removing for the moment the top soil from all the surface ( f53, q113). The soil is hard and with a dark brown colour. Presence of grass and roots.
2004-7-12aP After going on removing top soil ( f53, q115) we found a new feature which is characterized by a quite harder soil with ashy traces, concentrated above all in the centre of the square. For the moment we started to dig the northern half ( f59, q127).
2004-7-13aP we are going down digging a new feature ( f60, q129 and q140). We changed feature since in this layer we do not notice the presence of ash which characterized f59.
2004-7-14aP we are going down removing the layer below top-soil ( f60, q144) from all the surface.
2004-7-15aP we went on removing just a surface of 1X4, near the northern baulk, trying to reach as soon as possible the stone wall exposed last year in JO1 ( f60, q159).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-8mH m3624
Size of sides 2004-7-8mH 400 cms North, 400 cms East
Drawing of view

w62



J2k53

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0053.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0863 J02w0063 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-8mH west of k43, delimited by markers m3627, m3625, m3624, m3626
2008-3-7pC k33 was opened to follow the second apron to the west, but it was decided to stop excavating here. this locus was then excavated as a J3 locus

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-12aP We started to remove the top soil from all the surface ( f57, q123).
2004-7-13aP we are going down in all the square removing the layer below top soil ( f57, q128).
2004-7-14aP we went on removing top soil ( f57, q143) from all the surface. Above it we noticed a different feature ( f66) brownish and with a medium compact soil, not so different from the top soil ( m3704 +68 - 144). We decided to remove just a surface of 1X4, near the northern baulk, trying to reach as soon as possible the stone wall exposed last year in JO1 ( q154).
2004-7-15aP we went on removing just a surface of 1X4, near the northern baulk, trying to reach as soon as possible the stone wall exposed last year in JO1 ( f66, q158, q172).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-8mH m3626
Size of sides 2004-7-8mH 400 cms North, 400 cms East
Drawing of view

w63



J2k54

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0054.HTM


Description/Count
Analogical record
Description 2009-7-22cJC This locus was assigned to the area west of wall f127 at the beginning of MZ22 (2009) when we began cleaning the J2 area. The original idea was that the 50-series of loci would correspond to the same as previous squares (for example, k54 would be the new k4) however, we were unable to determine the exact location of the squares before beginning work so k54 does not correspond to a previous area. Eventually the normal squares were reestablished and the rest of the excavations continued using the old assignments such as k4, k5 etc.
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J2k82

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0082.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0864 J02w0064 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-7aP East of k92, first 1 meter of the northern half of unit is taken by a German trench. m3672, m3680, m3671, m3682, m3681, m3665, m3666

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-7aP we started to clean a small portion of the square in the south-eastern corner of the square ( f38, q83).
2004-7-8aP we are going on with the excavation of the southern portion of the square ( f38, q92 and q97).
2004-7-11aP we continued to go down in this square ( f38, q100) with the goal of reaching the same level of k92. We stopped after 15 cm. In this square we cleaned also the north-eastern corner where there were some rests of the German section which cuts the square from east to west. From this part we had just soil without pottery and so I decided not to give a new q-number.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-7aP m3682
Size of sides 2004-7-7aP 400 cms North, 400 cms West
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Drawing of view

w64
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008



J2k83

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0083.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0865 J02w0065 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k83 ia a regular 5x5 meters square, definde by markers m3671, m3665, m3677, m3678, m3664, m3679, m3670. This locus was opened to expose the eastern part of the staircase f130 and wall f129

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Analogical record
Daily 2004-7-11aP we started to excavate this new squares removing for the moment the top soil ( f50, q109).
2004-7-12aP We are going on removing top soil ( f50, q116 and q121). Tomorrow we are thinking to concentrate two pick-man to reach, as soon as possible, the steps of the monumental also in k83.
2004-7-13aP we are going down trying to reach, as soon as possible, the steps. We are excavating the feature below top soil f62, q131 in all the square and f62, q142 in the northern half.
2004-7-14aP we started to remove the southern half of the square ( f62, q148) and we went on in all the surface ( f62, q149). We decided to go on above all in the northern part ( f62, q153) with the goal of reaching, as soon as possible, the steps of the stair.
2004-7-15aP we started removing the southern half ( f62, q162), going down in all the square ( f62, q165) and in the northern half ( f62, q168, q171). We found some eroded stones of big size.
2004-7-18aP we are going down with the excavation of f62 ( q176, q183) in all the squares. Many eroded stones of big size are coming out but for the moment no trace of steps.
2004-7-19aP we are going down in all the square digging between the eroded stones, looking to reach the western steps of the stair ( f62, q191, q198).
2004-7-20aP we went down in all the square ( f62, q202) but we stopped since it was difficult excavating between the eroded stones which now occupy all the surface of the square.
2004-7-27aP we continued to remove the columns of soil under the collapsed stones, levelling at the same time all the surface of the unit ( f107, q294 and q307).
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Drawing of view

w65
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2009-3-30pC p0018



J2k84

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0084.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0866 J02w0066 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k84 is a regular 5x5 meters square, defined by markers m3822, m3823, m3824, m3821, m3670, m3664, m3815. This locus was opened to expose the eastern side of the staircase f130 and wall f129. It was then excavated as a J4 and J6 locus

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Analogical record
Daily 2004-7-18aP we are removing the top soil from the southern part of the square (the German trench cuts the square from west to east). The feature ( f67, q184) is composed by very hard and compact soil with dark brownish colour, roots and pebbles of small medium size. About in the centre of the square we found many ashes but tomorrow (after a better cleaning) we'll give a new feature number.
2004-7-19aP cleaning the southern part of the square ( f67, q192) we found, near the eastern baulk, a tannur. The installation is f72, the filling is f73. Since we prefer to concentrate our efforts in k100 and k2 and k12 we moved the team and closed the square. We asked Ahmed to clean both the two small German trenches to the north from plants and roots for the kite picture.
2004-7-20aP we started to remove the northern baulk ( f77, q209) removing also the northern part of the square which is cut from east to west by the german trench which runs from east to west.
2004-7-25aP we are going down excavating a new feature ( f96, q250) which is underneath the northern baulk of k84, south to the stones in k83.
2004-7-26aP we are going down in the northern part of the square, the baulk area and the southern part of k83 ( f96, q264, q275, q275) and we remove the columns of soil below the stones in the northern part of k83 ( f107, q279).
2004-7-27aP before going down in the square we took a picture of the tannur near the eastern section ( f72) and we dug the filling of it ( f73, q306). We started to excavate this unit as the northern part of k101 considering k84 and k85 as parts of just one locus ( k101, f113, q300) but after we changed idea to preserve the section between k 84 and k85 and so we went down with f113, q312 in k84.
2004-7-28aP we are going down in the southern half of the unit ( f117, q314).
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Drawing of view

w66



J2k85

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0085.HTM


Description/Count
Description 2008-3-7pC k85 is cut in the western part by the german trench, therefore is not a regular locus. Is defined by markers m3921, m3815, m3828, m3829, m3820, m3830, m3814. It was opened to have a better exposure of the eastern side of wall f129. It was then excavated as a J6 locus

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Analogical record
Daily 2004-7-18aP we are removing the top soil from all the surface of the square. The feature ( f68, q185) is composed by very hard and compact soil with dark brownish colour, roots and pebbles of small medium size.
2004-7-19aP we are going down in all the square ( f68, q193) but after one hour we moved the team in k100.
2004-7-28aP we are going down in the northern half of the unit ( f118, q315). It's not possible to excavate the southern half since the surface is occupied by the machine of Sabbah.
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Drawing of view

w22



J2k92

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0092.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0867 J02w0067 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-7aP East of k100, north of k93, much of the top first meter of the square is taken by two German trenches. defined by markers m3674, m3672, m3683, m3684, m3671, m3685, m3675
2008-3-7pC k92 was opened to expose the terrace surface, but just under the topsoil was found bricky material and therefore stopped to excavate to wait for another season

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-7aP we started to clean and dig k92 ( f36, q80) at the sides of the old German trench. The soil is medium loose and the colour is brown-reddish. Not much pottery and no bones. We stopped 25 cm. under the surface when we reached the bricky reddish material. In the northern part of the trench we dug f36, q80; in the southern part f33, q72.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-7aP m3684
Size of sides 2004-7-7aP 400 cms West, 400 cms South
Drawing of view

w67
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008



J2k93

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0093.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0868 J02w0068 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-7-7aP South of k92, east of k100. Half of the top 1 meter of the square is taken by a German trench. defined by markers m3675, m3685, m3687, m3686, m3676, m3688
2008-3-7pC k93 was opened to expose the upper part of the staircase f130

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-7-7aP we started to clean and dig k93 at the sides of the old German trench. Here the goal is reaching and exposing the stones of the western part of the monumental stair. The soil is composed by loose earth with few pottery and no bones. Today we dug f34, q73 and q82 and we reached the top of the stones of the highest part of the stair.
2004-7-8aP we levelled the plan exposing the stones ( f37, q91 and q93) and removing granular and bricky material with reddish colour. We removed also the pseudo-baulk left on the first days towards the big German trench ( f43, q94 and q98).
2004-7-11aP the goal for this square is following the lines of the stairs. Since now the soil is between the stone we decide to create a new feature ( f47, q101 and q105). The material between the stones has the same colour and the same consistency of that of f37 but since now we found it between the stones we decided to separate the features. On the northern part of k93, below the first step, we noticed a different kind of soil ( f48, q107). It's composed by crushed bricks and it's very granular and more reddish. Scraping the surface we found probable traces of whitish plaster and we took a sample for this material ( q107.1). Contemporary we decided to distinguish the southern part of k93 which soil seems softer ( f51, q110).
2004-7-12aP we are going on with the excavation of the southern part of the square exposing the steps of stair ( f51, q114 and q120).
2004-7-13aP yesterday we plotted the two eroded stones and today, after the picture, we removed them and the soil pedestal where they stayed ( f51, q135). On the other had we are going down with excavations in the southern part of the square ( f51, q132) reaching the lower steps.
2004-7-24aP we are removing the eastern baulk of k93 ( f88, q244).
2004-7-24mH Continued to remove the east baulk ( q244).
2004-7-25aP we are still removing the eastern baulk of k93 ( f88, q250) and the soil underneath the baulk ( f94, q253).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2004-7-7aP m3687
Size of sides 2004-7-7aP 400 cms West, 400 cms South
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Photo of view



Drawing of view

w14

w106

w68
Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0003
2009-3-30pC p0008
2010-12-15cJC p0009



J2k95

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0095.HTM


Analogical record
Drawing of view

w13



J2k100

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0100.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0869 J02w0069 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2004-6-27mH 15m stretch of south of m3583 in the long German trench
2008-3-7pC k100 from the beginning of the excavation in J2 was associated to the long german trench above the staircase f130. This trench was circa 1,5 m wide and several meters long, beginning from area C2 south of the temple terrace, until the temple BA. here k100 is only the lower part of the staircase
2009-8-15cJC This year k100 is defined in the east by J6 k106 and J2 k110 in the west. In the north this locus is bounded by the lower staircase f380. The south section is defined by markers along the site-wide grid.
2009-9-2cJC This season k100 is defined by r1129 (SW), r1130 (SE), r673 (NW), and r670 (NE).

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2004-6-29mH Towards the end of the day we got the elevator working. We started removing the weather induced collapse roughly in the middle of the unit.
2004-6-30mH In the morning we tried to use the elevator and continue to clear soil from roughly in the middle of the unit. The machine, however, worked roughly two minutes at a time. While it would always restart again, we were not able to make a lot of progress. After a while we abandoned the elevator only to return to it after breakfast. By that time the switch protecting the motor had been removed and we tried to use it again. After a short amount of time the machine got stuck and we were not able to use it.
2004-7-5mH The machine worked fine all day. We removed mostly the dry, top most layers of dirt.
2004-7-6mH The machine worked without problems most of the day. Towards the end of the day, however, one of the hinges on the shifter broke.
2004-7-7aP we are going on with the shifter finding just some pottery sherds and no objects. About "elevator" we can't use it all the morning long since the soil in the trench is very wet and so it's necessary shifting the soil and waiting that it dry.
2004-7-13aP after faidos we tried to use the elevator. It worked just for half an hour but we lost more than an hour since the workmen moved from k33 to the elevator and again from the elevator to k33. For the moment I prefer to go down with the squares instead of employing two teams for the elevator since we are loosing much time without results.
2004-7-14aP we started to clean the section in the upper part of the stair, removing with the big pick quite a lot of soil from the almost collapsed walls of the section. After we went down with the lower steps removing all the soil mixed with pottery and small stones accumulated after the German excavations. We found quite a lot pottery above all where the big trench crosses the trench going from east to west. We made much dirt that we hope to be able to clean tomorrow with the new machine of Sabbah.
2004-7-15aP with the new machine it's not possible to use the sifter. We just collect the pottery in the lower part of the trench ( f100, q164, q165).
2004-7-19aP since today the machine works very well we were able to remove a large amount of dirt. We also start to dig the last four steps of the stair ( f1, q196, q200).
2004-7-20aP we are going on removing the material from the bottom of the trench and cleaning the last four steps ( f1, q204; f1, q206).
2004-7-24mH We continued moving soil that was pushed into it in previous days.
2004-7-27aP we removed two eroded stones which were collapsed on the steps of the staircase. These two stones were not numbered.
2004-7-28aP we decided to excavate and clean the surface above the stones in the eastern "wing" of the monumental staircase. We collected two different pottery bags: one with material coming from 70 cm above the stones ( f122, q339) and one with the pottery coming from the last 20 cm above the stones ( f122, q341).
2005-8-4mH We collapsed a part of the upper part of the western section of the loci just south of the SE corner of k5.
2005-8-6mH We continued alternatively by collapsing both western and eastern baulks of the unit and by removing older fallen dirt from the bottom of the unit. The operation was not very efficient; it took relatively long to first collapse the dirt and then get it into the elevator. This inefficiency was due partly to the nature of the work and partly to the lack of enthusiasm by the workmen involved.
2005-8-7mH We alternatively worked below in the trench digging collapse with big picks and collapsing more from the top
2005-8-9mH Elevator in k100 broke early in the morning and it did not work for the rest of the day. The workmen continued loosening the collapsed soil at the bottom of the trench with a big pick.
2005-8-10mH We continued removing the collapse.
2005-8-11mH Continued to remove collapse ( q432).
2005-8-13mH We cleaned the bottom very well, took a picture of the first 3m in front of the steps ( v84) including laminations or shiny parts that may we the result of having been under plastic ( v84a).
2005-8-14aL We started to remove the top surface of k100 ( f173) in order to reach the step below the latest one found during German excavations. We started to remove the first 10 cms in the whole area( q457) in order to find the step from the bottom of the first artificial layer with a stake (hight ca 30 cms) but we did not find it. We decided to dig another 10 cm and after removing from the beginning part of k100 (ca 300 cm south of the step, q466) we tried another time to reach the step with the same stake without any result. During this operation we realized that the real bottom of German trench is perhaps 10 cms below the level of our current excavation. At the end of the day we cleaned the excavated area and finished our daily job in the field.
2005-8-14aL We finished excavating the remaining 60 cms (starting from m4055) of k100, f173 ( q481) and we started from an aboslute elevation of 87.39m. This feature is totally contaminated by modern objects (nylon, plastic bag, and so on). After this operation we tried to find the possible new step under the latest one found by the German team with a long metal rod (lg 64 cms) (bottom surface of q481) in three different parts of the surface. The rod was blocked by something in two points at the depth of about 30 cms. Then we started the excavation of other 10 cms of f173 ( q484) in order to try reaching the bottom of the German excavation. We started from an absolute elevation of 87.33( m4054) and reached the absolute elevation of 87.27 which is the bottom of f173 and the top surface of f179; at this elevation we have inserted the rod into the soil another three times and all of these attempts discovered an obstacle at the depth of about 25 cms from the surface, about 50 cms from the top of the lowest step. At the bottom of f173 we assigned a new feature number ( f179) for the new feature that, even if it is quite similar to the upper one, was separated from this by some tatters of nylon left there by the German expedition. We started removing 10 cms in the whole area ( q492). We observed in the area near marker m4054, just in front of the lowest step, at an absolute elevation of 87.21, a change in colour, texture and soil composition. It became reddish with calcareous inclusion (bricks???). We observed that also this new feature is contaminated by modern objects.
2005-8-15mH At the start of the morning aL looked for additional steps with a long metal rod in front of the last steps exposed. After trying in three places we came to the conclusion that the steps do indeed continue, but but unexpectedly deep down (approximately 25 cm below the bottom of the last step exposed). Thus we decided to continue excavations here and not wait for excavations in k4 to expose apron steps ( f131) at this same level.
2005-8-16aL We continued to remove f179 ( q498) in the southern part of k100 trying to evidence the red layer below. we started from an absolute elevation of 87.20 ( m4054, 81 -138). and we tried to follow the layer characterized by red ground and inclusion of different dimension of gypsum and some piece of charcoal. Also f179 is contaminated by modern objects (nylon and plastic bag). We took elevation in two different partas of f179 between m4054 and m4055 and we have a slope of about 10% between the two points.
2005-8-17aL we started to clean k100 ( q510) in order to evidence the botton of f179; we started from an elevation of 86,94m taken in correspondence of m4056 ( m4054, 61 -144). we have taken three pictures of k100 ( v89, v89a, v89b), in order to show the colour and the inclusion of it. We gave a feature number to the stone which is in correspondence of m4055 (220W cms); the number is the same given to the six others which collapsed into german trench ( f170.1-7). A new feature number ( f192) is given to the pedestal of f170.7, it comprends f173 and f179 ( q517). After cleaning the whole area we have observed that there is a difference between the northern part (from 0 to 230 cms South from m4054)and the southern one (from 230 to 400 cms South from m4054). The first part ( f194) has a reddish colour and a lot of pebbles and gypsum of different dimension, the second has a brownish colour and inclusion of sherds, pebbles and some bones. we can observe the presence of natural patina above some parts of reddish ground. We have taken two pictures ( v90 and v90a) to mark the boundaries (very confused) between the two features. Before starting excavation of f194 we have taken the elevation of two different points of it to calculate the slope of the feature. First point is taken next to the step ( m4054, 86 -142: 87.21), the second one is taken at the border between the two features (230 cms South from m4054), ( m4054, 63 -142: 86.98). The slope of f194 is almost 10%. We started with the excavation of f194 ( q519) and the cleaning of the West and East section. We have taken a sample of gypsum ( q519.1).
2005-8-18aL we try to define the relation between f194 and f196 which seems partially overlay the first one. In order to make clear this relation we have decided to dig about 5 cms of f196 ( q525) trying to understad if the brownish layer below this is the same presents below f194. At about 300 cms by m4054 20 cms West by the wall of german trench seems begins a walking floor constitued by sherds, pebbles and gypsum; their position on the floor is almost flat; the ground in this zone doesn't seem different from the surrounding area ( f196), just more dark for the dampness.The floor of pebbles and sherds continues under f196. We have cleaned the section (both East and West one). In each section we noted the disappearing of f194 in the m4055 zone; in East section the disappearing is unexpected and in this area we have some flattened sherds; in west section f194 continues sometimes like little lenses in f196.
2005-8-20aL we have taken relay ( r515 to r519) and take picture of pebble floor ( v95 - v95a)
2005-8-22aL we started the excavation of a trench in k100 ( r521-524)which has east baulk of German trench as East border and the line of the lowest steps of f130 as North border. We began to remove f209 ( q549), and at 7 cms of depht by its surface we found two very large stones: their medium width is about 65 cms, their top surface is about 60 cms below the top surface of the lower step of f130 (absolute elevation 87.04). We decided to dig totally the area until the m4055, the feature is the same but we opened another qlog ( q554) and we discovered another big stone put in line with other two. Once removed f209 (bottom of f209 has an absolute elevation of 86.89) we observed two different walking floor ( f213 and f214); in NW corner of trench we have put in evidence a walking floor formed by big pebble. We stopped because this floor is lower than f214 and f213. We also removed soil from the hole on the third step from the bottom of f130; we gave it a feature ( f212) and a qlog ( q555) we have taken the ground inside f212 as sample ( q555.1) in order to see if in it are kept some organic traces. We tested with a long rod if below top surface of f 213 and f 214 in front of the newest stones founded there are other stones; something has blocked our rod at the depht of 20 cms in five different points.
2005-8-23aL we assigned a new feature number to the big pebble floor below f214 ( f215), it is classified as "pc" even though the pebbles are quite large, then we took away f209 ( q560) trying to expose whole area of f213 and f214. We took absolute elevation for f215: 86.84; we finished excavating f209 and we put in evidence another stone close to f215. We started the excavation of f221 ( q567) trying to put in evidence f205 (first walking floor with pebbles and sherds). The new area excavated is towards southern part of k100, 150 cms towards N and 220 towards W from m4057; it is the collapsed ground of german trench and is strongly contaminated by modern object. We finished take away f221 ( q567) and we took absolute elevation for new feature f223 (86,79). We started asportation of f223 ( q572) which is probably similar to f196. About 10 cms below its surface we found f205. We also took away the stone inserted in E baulk close to the lower steps of f130 ( f225).
2005-8-24aL We started to remove the last 10 cms of f223, and we put in evidence f205 in whole area (where present); the bottom of f223 is (4054 +35 -140) 86.72. Then we took pictures of f205 ( v101, v101a, v101b). We started removing f205 in order to arrive at f209; the pottery present in this feature must be taken very well ( q584). After the removal of f205 we put in evidence f209 and started removing it in the whole area ( q587). f209 starts from m4055 (400 cms South and 220 cms West) and its surface in this zone has an elevation of ( m4054 52 -140) 86.89. Once excavated it revealed below it f213.
2005-8-27aL we finished cleaning section of West baulk of german trench ( f237, q613) and we recognize that a very thin white layer of gypsum, connected to the latest step, excavated by the german excavation, could be the walking surface connected to it. Then we have taken pictures of the section ( v108, v108a, v108b). After this we started removing f213 from the whole area to expose the pebble floor ( q625). The excavation has put in evidence that the pebble floor ( f215) continue at least to m4055. f215 seems to overlay the second steps exposed.
2005-8-28aL We started removing f213 in the whole area (just to m4056), and we exposed f215 which seems to continue South v112; under the floor f215, we found another layer f256. We removed f256 ( q650) and found 10 cms below it another pebble floor (pebbles of various dimension). This new floor seems to be above another line of big stones. We stopped because we must clean the area. We took pictures of f215 ( v112a, v112b, v112c, v112d, v112e, v112f, v112g).
2005-8-28aL We took pictures to f292 ( v126) and to the SE corner of k100 ( f304) that has no floors. Then we made a new locus in the NW corner of k100 in order to reach the lower steps. The new locus is k105 and we started to remove feature f302, q759. We took final pictures of k100 and of k105 ( v127) and finished excavation.
2005-8-29aL we continued removal of f256 ( q655) from the whole area in order to put in evidence the f258. After the complete removal of f256 from the top of f258 we took pictures ( v116- v116L) and relay ( r917- r920). Than we have removed the remaing part of f256 ( q667) from the southern-est corner of k100. In this area we found charcoal and clay lump. Then we stopped in order to remove West Baulk of k100 (east Baulk of k4).
2005-8-31aL We removed f258 ( q683) in order to reach the lower step and see if there are more. Just under this layer, the soil is very wet and orange in colour, with charcoal and gypsum. This new layer covers another possible pebble floor. We started removing from South ( r920- r921). We found not much pottery between these two floors. After removing f258, we found a walking floor constitued of gypsum, very red soil and pebbles. Close to the steps the soil is more red. In the Esat side of k100 ( m4055 100N and 50W) is evident a very hard and compact surface which we have called f266. It has a lot of gypsum, the greater part of area have gypsum too but have pebbles and is reddish in colour, which is f267. Below f267 is appeared a new little step in NW corner. We took relay for f267 ( r937-940) and for f266 ( r941) and took pictures. Then we removed f268 to expose f267. After removing f268 we removed f266 ( q691). Below it a new brown layer appeared, then we removed f267 ( q693) and below it appeared the same layer that we named f272.
2005-9-1aL We started removing f272 ( q702) from the whole area. Below f272 another walking floor f276 appared: it is the forth floor found in this locus; it consists of big pebbles and little and coloured pebbles. In the corner we have f268 which is above f276. This column in the SE corner of k100 is characterized by the absence of pebbles floor, it is present by the second floor but here it is larger ( r955 180 East 80 North). We removed about 10 cm of f268 ( q712) and we observed that continues to go down; then we removed f276 ( q715). Below f276 another layer with small pebbles and pottery appeared. we took picture ( v120). Below f276 we have a new floor (the fifth) that we named f287, wich is characterized by medium and little pebbles and sherds. We take pictures of f287 ( v121)
2005-9-3aL we started removing the remaining part of f268 ( q732). It continues with ash and charcoal as usual. Then we removed f287 ( q733). We didn't take relay of f287 because is the same of f276. Below f287 we found in the North part another floor ( f292) which is overlayed by f291. We removed f291 ( q741) to expose the sixth floor ( f292). Below f291 we found another transition layer that we named f294 which is reddish and very hard to dig and with the presence of big and small gypsum. We took picture of f292 ( v122) and we removed f294 ( q746), in the SE corner as usual we have a different feature ( f304) in the same area of f268.
2009-8-15cJC Today we decided to remove the backfill in this area and go down and see if we can find enough material to date the construction of the lower staircase ( f380). We started removing the backfill which was pretty deep. We found lots of garbage and plastic in the backfill.
2009-8-16cJC In the morning we finished removing the backfill in k100. We were aided by v127. We were able to find f292 and f304 with no difficulties. We also cleaned out the sounding of k105. After we exposed all of k100 as it appeared at the end of the previous excavations we found that f304 from the previous excavations was probably a pit. We assigned it a new feature number f383 in case it wasn't exactly the same but it appears in the east section that in fact f304 is the same as our new f383. Because f383 would be the latest moment in time in k100 we decided to excavate it first. This took the rest of the morning and we still haven't finished. We will continue tomorrow.
2009-8-17cJC We finished removing the fill of a12 which was f383 and found a row of small stones at the bottom ( f384) sitting in a hard accumulation f385. We removed the stones and excavated a small portion of f385 to see if the pit continues but we now think that f385 is the bottom so we stopped in the pit sounding. Instead we started excavating in the rest of k100 and we started by removing the pebble floor ( f292) under which we found a nice sherd and bone pavement ( f386). We exposed f386 in the afternoon and then photographed it and began removing it. We will continue removing it tomorrow and hopefully reach a good stopping point beneath it.
2009-8-18cJC First we continued removing f386 which took a long time as it was composed of very small sherds. After we removed f386 we found a brown subsoil ( f387) which overlaid another surface ( f388) which also had a brown softer subsoil ( f389). We exposed f388, photographed it and decided that we should try and go down to a better, clearer, stopping point. We removed f388 and the softer layer below it ( f389) and found another sherd and bone floor ( f390) which we decided would be a good stopping point. We also found a red bakaya-like layer right in front of the lowest step we have, lapping up against the stones ( f391). We did not have enough time to fully explore this feature this season so we will leave it for next season. We exposed all of f390 and then cut back the west section before finishing for the season.
Strategy 2004-6-29mH Since the air in k100 is not very good, we might just operate the elevator in the morning and continue with the all three surface units in the afternoon. Every 20 min we will stop working and give the men below a break. During this time the men above will collect pottery sherds, bones, and possible artifacts from the shifter. Today we had two pottery bags open at the same time. One was below and one was up by the shifter. To make sure that these bags stay connected I have made them into a q-lot aggregate. This aggregate also includes q-items and bones. I did the same thing previously when the elevator was working and will continue to do so. The pottery bag up by the shifter fills in quicker than the one below. Starting tomorrow I will close the bags at the same time thus always forming an aggregate from two q-lots. These q-lots then come roughly from the same place in the collapse.
2005-8-7mH gB and fAB calculated that in order to make k100 safe we should move back 270cm at the top of the section, and for every 90 cm of horizontal movement we should go down 200 cm. The ledges would thus be 50 cm in width. In order to accomplish this we need bP to set up one line on each side of k100 parallel to its edges. Until this has been accomplished we will dig along a 1 m wide stretch along the egde.
2005-8-14aL After the complete removal of the remaining part of 10 cm in k100 we should go down other 10 cms in order to completely remove f173. After this operation, we should try to reach the step below the latest one (from this new layer) with a long stake (ca 64 cms). If we will not have positive results with this attempt we must change our strategy. During the excavation we should pay attention to reaching and finidng the actual bottom of German trench.
2005-8-14aL We have to finish the excavation of f179 from the whole area, clean the surface very well and take pictures of this surface before starting with its total removal in order to reach the step (if there really is one) under the latest one found.
2005-8-15mH Because at the end of the day yesterday it was not certain we would find more steps below the last step we had exposed ( f130), we (gB, mKB, fAB, mH) decided upon a new strategy. According to this we would push a long metal rod into the soil in several places in front of the steps. In case we would not feel stones below, we would stop excavations here and wait until we reached the same level with the apron ( f131) steps k4. These apron steps might gives us clues of whether the steps in k100 ( f130) do continue. Based on excavations in k4 we would then decided how to proceed in k100. If, however, we would feel stones in front of the steps, we would continue excavations here.
2005-8-17aL we must finish the cleaning of f194 in order to clear the relation between this one and the brownish one. Then we must assign a new feature number to brownish layer. The goal is to remove totally f194 in order to arrive at the step under it.
2005-8-18aL we have to take relay of the floor, give a feature number and take picture of it.
2005-8-20aL we have to did a little trench (2x1 m) from m4054 in order to find stairs under last step.
2005-8-22aL we must take a picture which represents the whole area with three walking floor, then we must dag the whole area until elevator taking away the first pebble floor ( f205).
2005-8-23aL we must finish taking away f223 and put in evidence f205 in the area. After cleaning and taking picture we should open another time k102 in order to build safety steps.
2005-8-24aL We must uncover all of f213 to m4057; we also must test with long rod in front of last step of f130 in order to find out whether there are other stones below it.
2005-8-27aL we must finish to remove f213 from whole area (just to m4056), after we decide if we must remove f215 to reach the steps that presumibly are below f215.
2005-8-28aL we must remove f256 in order to put in evidence the new floor in the whole area.
Argument 2005-8-13mH The partuially shiny surface perhaps relating to having been under plastic, makes me think that we reached the bottom of the German excavations in this trench.
2005-8-15mH gB suggested that the reason for the unexpectedly high difference between the last step exposed and the stones found with the metal rod might indicate the presence of another building phase.
2005-8-24aL sometimes big pebbles mixed with sherds are used in Tell Mozan as filling on top parts of a wall in order to make it flat on the top.
2005-8-31aL if f215 covered second line of steps and perhaps had any relation with the first line of steps, f258 cover third line of steps and seems have relation with second line.

Volumetric localization
Relays 2009-8-17cJC 1129 (38566 51027 - 8667 / Relay location: SW corner k100)
2009-8-17cJC 1130 (38514 51205 - 8667 / Relay location: SE corner)
Space definition 2004-6-27mH m3583
Size of sides 2004-6-27mH 1500 cms South, 200 cms East

Descriptive
Analogical record
Notes on typology 2009-9-18mKB features are all Phase 3s (early ED III). There are very few Late Chalcolithic sherds in this locus and therefore a different depositional history than in J1. Most of the body and shape sherds from this locus are tiny, especially in f386 and f389; this pattern would be consonant with a functional deposition resulting from a high foot traffic area. The fact that k100 is located in the primary third millennium access to the temple terrace and temple above appears to indicate a pattern of repeated use by a large number of individuals giving us a glimpse into the nature of the ritual and social activities connected with the temple.
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J2k101

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0101.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0870 J02w0070 T327 pC.jpg
A98.NLabeling 2007-7-13pC k101 is the pottery column in k13, made in season 2005. in season 2004 probably was the intention do create a new locus k101 for k84 and k85, but because the excavation in k84- k85 during season 2004 was not continued, locus k101 was never created. k101 remains the pottery column in k13

Description/Count
Description 2005-8-2aL k101 is the pottery witness column located in the NW corner of k13; It is a square of 2x2 m; its corners correspond to relays r447, r448, r449, and r450.
2005-8-2mH This 2 x 2 locus was separated from the northwestern corner of k13 abutting the oval f128 and the western section of J02. The purpose of the column is to define an area the pottery of which mKB can analyze reasonably quickly. This analysis will help us determine where we are in terms of time period.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-2mH We excavated one q lot q366 with a big pick.
2005-8-3mH We started by remocing the pseudobaulk between k13 and k101. We continued going down with the pick big q371, but starting from q374 we continued with a small pick in order to see whether we would recover more pottery and other finds than with the big pick. aL and pC practiced small picking here during the last few ours of the day. Their q-lot no. was q376.
2005-8-13mH After the elevator and the plastic was removed and the area had been cleaned, we removed the pseudobaulk ( f165 q438) we had left in between k13 and k101. We also decided to simplify our definition of this locus. Previously this locus had been defined by relays r447, r448, r449, and r450, which left an approximatly 10-20 cm area between the southern edge of k101 and the southern edge of k13. From today onwards, k101 is defined by r450, r488, r489, and m3965. This definition eliminates the small sliver I mentioned earlier and makes this and k13 easier to excavate and to keep track of. We excavated with a big pick and sifted the soil (sift mesh approximately 1.7cm). All pottery bags marked with a blue ribbom. The first q-lot ( q440) contaminated by elevator use and should not be used for dating purposes. There is also a problem with the depth of this q-lot. Other q-lots were q442, q445, q446. The last is only the eastern half of the unit. While excavatin q-lot q442, we found a beautiful bead ( i7).
2005-8-14mH We started by removing soil in the northern half of the unit that was left higher at the end of the day yesterday. The pottery noticed and baged below is contained in q449 whereas the pottery recovered by the sifter is contained in q454. We removed the column under the tent pole in the NW corner of the area ( f172 q456). We did not mark this pottery with the blue ribbon used for pottery coming from the column, since it contains material from several features. After the last pick run we noticed that the soil had changed characteristics. It was now browner, it contained pebbles, animal bone, pottery sherds etc. We labeled this feature as f174. This corresponds to the feature f171 in k13. The first q-lot excavated in this feature was q458, the corresponding q-lot at the top was q459. While cleaning the surface the unit after pick run contained in q458, we found a seal impression. Because we did not know its exact location, we were unable to make it into an item, but made it a q-item ( q458.1) instead. The next pair of q-lots excavated was q463 and q464 of which q464 was by the sifter.
2005-8-15mH We continued with the strategy adopted yesterday: one pick run has one q-lot bag below for the pickman and one above by the sifter. We started with the q-lot pair q482 and q483 with the latter being by the sifter. q482 had laminations near the oval wall ( f128). The next pair was q485 and q486 with the latter being by the sifter. Although f174, which we are currently excavating, resembles f171 in k13 in the brown color and in conistency, f174 has had much less ash and charcoal in it. This changed, however, at the end of the day, when we discovered two large concentrations of ash. One was located to the north, near the oval wall, and the other was located to the south. Near the southern ash deposit we also found a white deposit and as of the end of the day we were not sure what that was. In between the ash concetrations we also found a very heavy concentration of charcoal pieces, which we collected as a sample ( i10). We start with the excavation of q494 yet, but will begin with it tomorrow morning. The last q-lot excavated ( q485) contained very little pottery, which is puzzling. We took pictures of the the ash deposit ( v87d and v87e), the white deposit ( v87b), and the charcoal deposit ( i10).
2005-8-16mH At the start of the morning gB came to take a look at the area formed by k101 and k13 and shown in v87. The elevation this plane in k101 is m3965+39-138 = 88.62 m, i.e. the same elevation where f150 in k4 is currently and where samples q397, q398, and q399 were taken. gB also took a look at the white layer ( v87b). He determined that it was vegetable fibers. Their preservation does suggest that this surface was once a horizontal plane. We took a sample of this material ( q496.1) and continued excavating. At this point we had been excavating in f174 for about 35 cm so we decided to change the feature ( f182), although the brown soil with ash concentrations seemed to continue. After we had dug one pickrun ( q494 below and q495 by the sifter), developments in k13 resulted in stopping the excavations there and in k101 temporarily until k14, remaining part of k4 and the north baulk of k5 have been brough to the same level as f150 in k4, f171 ( f183) in k13, and f174 ( f182) in k101.
2005-8-24sC Today we string the square for the pottery column ( k101) in the north-west area of k13 (it has been defined with r709, r710, r712, r713). I checked the area and assigned a new feature number ( f228) to the whole square: the top 5-10 cm of this feature are contaminated by the excavation occurred in this area in the previous days (the pottery sherds belonging to the first 5-10cm have been collceted in the qlo t581). f228 is the same of f174 and f182. Masom started to dig with the big pick f228. Under only 5 cm form the top of f228 we find a very compact and well defined surface ( f234), that continues also in k13 ( f231). We took a picture of k101 and k13 (g v102, g v102a) and then we started to remove f234.
2005-8-25sC Before start excavating, I assigned a feature number ( f234) to the surface find yesterday under f228 ( f228 is the top 5 cm of soil belonging to the last feature exacavated in this area, f182, contaminated by the excavation held in k14 last week). f234 is very well defined in terms of consistence (very compact respect to the accomulation above) and texture (very fine). f234 cover the whole unit and that it extends also in k103 (where is defined as f231), and slopes toward south. In general the north area is generally higer of 7 to 10 cm than the southern one both in k101 and in k103. In k101 there is a difference of 10 cm between the top elevation in the N and the top elevation in the S area of the square. For example, the top elevation of feature f234 in the N area of k101 is m3953 +12 -165, while in the S is m3953 +5 -165.
2005-8-27mH The surface of the unit slopes to the south/southwest. Thus we took the top elevation of f239 q626 from four locations. The north-most elevation is m3953 +12-169 = 88.15, moving south the next elevations are m3953 +4-169 = 88.07, m3953 +5-169 = 88.08, and the southern-most elevation is m3953 +10-175. At the end of the day we took two elevation measurements. The northern-most was m3953 +7-173 = 88.06 and the southern-most was m3953 +3-173 = 88.02. At the end of the day f239 still remained in most of the locus, but following the northern along the oval wall ( f128) there was a gray layer we labeled f248. This equals f247 in k103. At the end of the day we decided to combine k101 and k103 as k104 starting tomorrow.
2005-8-27mH We started by excavating in the southwest corner of the locus in f244 ( q616). After we had removed that feature, the whole unit was rather uniform. The material ( f239) was rather brown with pieces of broken red bricks that were mostly concentrated in the northwest corner of the unit. We removed that with q-lot q626.
Strategy 2005-8-2mH Our plan is to first excavate a 10-15 cm big pick run in k101, then do the same in k13 surrounding it and continue working these two loci together like this. We left a small pseudobaulk in between the two loci. This baulk will be removed every 20-30 cm or so and the strings defining the locus will be replaced. The purpose of the baulk is to help us differentiate between the two loci. It is not meant to be left standing.
Argument 2005-8-15mH jO suggested that we might be close to a floor surface since this unit and k13 is clearly some sort of a use area. I am puzzled, however, by the fact that we have had very finds from f174 (and from f171 in k13) and even pottery was scarse during the last q-lot of the day ( q485).
2005-8-25sC We have the same situation also in k103: all the feature exacavated today are characterized by a general difference in hight between the top elevation (aproximately 6 to 10cm) in the north and the south area of the square. Therefore, I decided to take record of both elevations in k101 and k103 for each feature assigned today, in order to have a better idea of the sloping of the accomulations in this area. This may also help in case we need to check the records of the elevations of the qlots; somethimes it has happened, in fact, that we had some difference in the elevation before/after excavating (with the second higer that the first). f234 is rich in pottery (two qlots have been collected: qlo t596 and qlo t600; for this qlots the top elevation in the N area is m3953 +12 -165 while on the S is m3953 +5 -165.). After two pickrun another surface have been exposed in the NW corner of k101: f239. f239 has a bricky melted consistence and texture and is greyish in colour. At this point, I decided to stop digging in k101 and move Masum in k103: here a different situation have been exposed since we started to dig today. I preferred to move Masum in k103 in order to help Kamiran to dig f235. I prefer to go down at the same elevation in both areas to expose a larger area at the same time and therefore have a better understanding of the stratigraphy in the two squares.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2005-8-2sC 449 (40010 50234 - 8952 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-2sC 447 (39951 50366 - 8949 / Relay location: NE corner)
2005-8-2sC 448 (39769 50300 - 8948 / Relay location: WS corner)
2005-8-2sC 449 (40098 50345 - 8952 / Relay location: NW corner)
2005-8-2sC 450 (40030 50195 - 8959 / Relay location: NE corner)
2005-8-13sC 488 (39722 50302 - 8931 / Relay location: top)
2005-8-13sC 489 (39948 50378 - 8927 / Relay location: top)
Space definition 2005-8-2aL r447
Size of sides 2005-8-2aL 200 cms West, 200 cms South
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Reference to Plot 2009-3-30pC p0021



J2k102

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0102.HTM


Description/Count
Description 2005-8-13aL East of k100. We established this locus in order to create a west-facing stepped section for k100 .

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-13mH This locus was established today. It is located to the east of k100 and it will be used to create a sloped section on the eastern wall of k100. The western edge of the locus is defined by the edge of k100 and its eastern edge is defined by a north-south line starting from m4046 and going south. aL will be keeping on eye on the work in this unit. We excavated one q-lot ( q441) in the topsoil feature ( f167) of this locus.
2005-8-14aL we have continued the removal of top soil from the whole area but we stopped excavation due to a change in strategy.
2005-8-20vVE Excavation was continued in k102 in the hope that eventually we might be able to make the work in k100 (the German trench) more safe by having created a stepped or sloping section.
Strategy 2005-8-14aL excavation closed.

Volumetric localization
Space definition 2005-8-13aL m4046
Size of sides 2005-8-13aL 400 cms West, 1000 cms South



J2k103

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0103.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0871 J02w0071 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2005-8-24fAB SE corner of k13, immediately east of k101.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-25sC Today we continued to dig f231, after having removed f227 on the north-eastern area of the square (the layer of pottery sherds; yesterday we collecet one qlot -qlo t558-, and today another one, qlo t594). f231 is a compact surface with a fine texture, well defined in term of texture and consistence from f229 (above it), and therefore very easy to differenciate from the accomulation above. It is the same of f234 in k101, altought they differ in elevation: probably, this could depend by the general slope that characterized this area. f231 is a bit plastic (when wet) leaving a light brown colour on fingers, while dry it has a grayish coloration. like f234 (in k101) also f231 presents a difference between the top elevation in the N and the top elevation within the square: the top elevation of f231 in the N area is m3953 +31 -165 while on the S is m3953 +21 -165. f231 covered another well defined surface f236 (with a very fine texture and compact consistence, reddish-brownish in color), that was overlayed, on the south-eastern area, by a layer thick layer of pottery sherds and pebbles ( f235, which limits have been defined with a relay, r743). I moved Masum in k103 in order to help Kamiran to expose this layer of pottery sherds.
2005-8-27mH We started by removing what we thought were the remains of f240 ( q617). Underneath the removed area, however, we found more of similar brown soil with an ash lense roughly in the middle of the locus. Since the spoil color, texture, and composition did not differ from that of f240, we considered this to be part of the same feature. We relayed the approximate center of the ash lense ( r747), gave feature numbers to the two rodent holes in this unit ( f250 and f251) and relayed them ( r745 and r746, respectively) and continued the excavation ( f240 q624). Underneath we discovered another brown layer ( f246), and following the the northern edge of the locus, a gray layer ( f247), which seemed to go under f246. This equals f248 in k101. At the end of the day we decided to combine k101 and k103 as k104 starting tomorrow.
Argument 2005-8-25sC Altough there were a lots of pottery sheds lying in a horizontal way, especially in the periferics edges of f235, I considered f235 as an accomulation rather than a floor surface; there were some pottery sherds lying in a vertical way (expecially in the central area). Also f235 presents a slope toward the south area of k103: the top elevation of f235 in the N area is m3953 +21 -166 while on the S is m3953 +12 -166. It is a thin layer : about 3-7 cm; the soil between the sherds has a clay loam texture (sticky and a bit plastic). Once exposed we took a picture of f235 and of f236 (g v104, g v104a and 104b) and we start to remove f235 (qlot 604, qlot 608 and qlot 609). Therefore we start removing f236: before start digging the feature we remove the dirty from the the two animal holes ( f250 and f251) that intruded f236 in the south and central area of k13.
2005-8-25sC Toward mid day vvE came in the field for let me know that the last qlot from the pottery colum have been dated by mKB to phase 1 (altought we need to wait before thinking that we area really in phase 1, because just 5 shapes have been recognized by mKB and the sherds are prevantly wall of pottery vessels).

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2005-8-24fAB r710
Size of sides 2005-8-24fAB 200 cms East, 200 cms South
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J2k104

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0104.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0875 J02w0075 Yx24 cJC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2005-8-17aL Combining k101 and k103 into a single loci.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2005-8-28mH We started following the gray layer and thus removing f246 in the whole unit ( q638). We found what might be roofing pieces in q638, although nobody seems to be quite certain of the function of these things. Underneath we discovered a new brown soil layer ( f253), which is shown in v110, v110a, and v110b. The feature slopes heavily towards south/southwest. The starting elevation at the highest point in the northwest was m4170 +84-154 = 88.03 and in the northeast it was m4170 +85-154 = 88.04. In the southeast corner, which is the lowest point, it was m4170 +75-154 = 87.94 m. While removing it ( q642), we discovered two sealings ( i16 and i17). After removing f253 the only feature left was f248 (= f247) and the difference between the northern edge of k104 and the southern end had increased significantly. In the north the elevation is m4169 +71-133 = 88.09 and in the south it is m4169 +41-133 = 87.79 m. For a couple of days now the pottery that has come from this area (previously k101 and k103) has been third millennium. Although the amounts of diagnostic sherds has been low, no later material has been found in these lots. Thus, gB and mKB thought it would be best to stop the excavation here for the time being and continue in k14 to the south of k104. We did than during the last hour of the day.
2005-9-6mH we relay the stones f320.1, f320.2, f320.3
Argument 2005-8-28mH Yesterday gB suggested that rather than being a use-area, this area might actually be a dump area formed by the corner of f127 and f128. He suggested that perhaps refuse from the activities associated with the apron ( f131) and perhaps located in front of it were dumped here behind f127. fAB paid attention to the apparent downward (south) slope of f127 and suggested that we took photos of f127 with a line and a line-level in place showing the slope. This we took. They are v110, v110a and v110b.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Space definition 2005-8-17aL m4169
Size of sides 2005-8-17aL 400 cms East, 200 cms North
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J2k105

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0105.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0872 J02w0072 T327 pC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2005-9-4aL A small trench in k100 opened to explore whether f130 step continue downwards.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2009-8-16cJC Today we cleaned out k105 which was the sounding in front of the monumental staircase ( f380). We will no longer use this locus but instead will excavate all of k100.

Volumetric localization
Analogical record
Relays 2005-9-4aL 987 (38867 51173 - 3914 / Relay location: p)
2005-9-4aL 988 (38807 51167 - 3905 / Relay location: p)
2005-9-4aL 989 (38814 51075 - 3905 / Relay location: p)
2005-9-4aL 990 (38875 51092 - 3916 / Relay location: p)
Elevation 2005-9-12mH 8620
Space definition 2005-9-4aL r987
Size of sides 2005-9-4aL 60 cms South, 100 cms West
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J2k106

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0106.HTM


Description/Count
Description 2009-9-2cJC This locus was assigned to the construction of the cement staircase in the south of J2 k5. The staircase extends from the surface of the tell, east of the panorama down to the level even with the lowest step of the apron ( f131). The staircase was constructed in MZ20 (2007) by a team of workmen under the direction of lC. This staircase was built to give access to the monumental staircase and the apron from the south. It was rendered obsolete in MZ21 when J7 was excavated and the entry to J2 was provided via the long trench and a small staircase in the south of J7. Q-items were collected and records kept but the records were lost in MZ21. In MZ22 the q-items were located and were assigned new numbers as the numbers used by lC were reused by the excavations in MZ22. All the q-lots from MZ20 were reassigned to one q-lot, q901, which is the last of the MZ22 sequence. These items have all been located and renumbered to the best of our ability in MZ22.



J2k110

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0110.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0873 J02w0073 Yx24 cJC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2009-7-27cJC This locus is assigned to the area between k100 and the east baulks of k4 and k5. It is smaller than a traditional 5x5m square due to the cut of k100 to the east.
2009-8-1cJC k110 is an irregular locus. It is bounded by the cut of k100 to the east and by squares k4 and k5 to the east. It is defined in the south by relays r1077 (in the south-west corner of the locus) and r1078 in the south-east corner of the locus. In the north it is defined by m6154 in the north-west.
2009-8-22cJC This locus is irregular in shape. In the south it is defined by r1078 and r1077, in the north it is bounded by the apron( f131) and r1142 and m6154 in the north.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Daily 2009-8-1cJC We are going to begin excavating the whole of locus k110 today. Our goal is to expose the salmon colored layer that is available in the west section of k100. We removed the remaining portion of f355 and then began removing f357. We did not reach the salmon layer but we should tomorrow.
2009-8-13cJC Today we began removing f359 in k110. Now that we have exposed f359 in k110, k5 and k15 we are going to make a sounding in all of k110. We began by removing f359 in k110. mKB and hQ came during our daily meeting with gB and fAB and said that although we did not have enough sherds to be conclusive the sherds we collected from f359 are provisionally from the EDIII period. This confirms our suspicions that f359 is not the floor associated with the construction of the apron ( f131). We excavated the layers by first examining the west section of k100 and using the layers there as a starting point for exploring the features across k110 from east to west. Under f359 in section was a gray layer which we named f377. It appeared to be thick in section but as it moved southwest across the locus it became apparent that there was a difference, with f377 becoming thinner in the south portion of the locus overlaying a very thick red layer with ash in it which we called f379. Some of f379 was removed before we understood the differences in the layers from north to south and under f379 we exposed a mud surface f381 which had the paw print of a dog in it. We photographed the pawprint normally and then experimented with filling it with powder to make it show up better in pictures.
2009-8-19cJC The southern portion of k110, covering the human footprints, was backfilled first with clean dirt, then a cloth covering, then plastic capped with more dirt. Next year it should be possible to still see the human footprints.
Strategy 2009-8-1cJC If we followed the site-wide grid the baulk would run right through the middle so instead we will excavate without a north baulk, relying on the south section for drawing. This should not be a problem due to the small size of the locus. A north baulk would also inhibit our understanding of how the layers relate to the apron. We have decided it is better to excavate the area as delimited by the boundaries specified here.

Volumetric localization
Relays 2009-7-30cJC 1077 (38757 50755 - 8726 / Relay location: SW corner of k110)
2009-7-30cJC 1078 (38659 51030 - 8726 / Relay location: SE corner of k110)
2009-8-22cJC 1142 (39044 51072 - 8745 / Relay location: NE corner)

Deposition
Analogical record
H99.NDepostn 2009-8-13cJC The accumulations (beginning with f359 but including f377 and f379) are thicker in the southern portion of k110 than in the northern portion closer to the apron. This may be due to water flowing away from the apron ( f131) or due to heavy use of the area immediately in front of the apron ( f131).
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J2k111

File: /MZ/A/J02/D/K/0111.HTM


Labeling/Designation
Best image 2010-8-21 cJC

v179
Best Image 2014-10-24cjc
L_W18d0874 J02w0074 Yx24 cJC.jpg

Description/Count
Description 2010-8-21cJC This loci is the same overlaps with j07/d/k/0006.htm">J7 k6. It was excavated in MZ22 (2009) as part of J2. The operations in MZ22 were mostly cleaning and the removal of brickfall.

Recovery/Assignment and the Record
Analogical record
Strategy 2010-8-21cJC The brickfall ( f356) in J7 k6 was excavated as part of J2 this year. We removed about 20cm to make access from J7 easier. This was part of the site presentation project, not really part of the objectives of J2. f356 contained articulated red and gray bricks similar to those seen in the south section of J2 k14 and visible in all of the west sections of J7.
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