The shape of J7 was determined by both excavation goals and preexisting conditions at the site. The trench dug in 2001 (within unit C2) under the direction of P. Pfälzner was heavily eroded between the time of its completion and the beginning of excavations in J7 in 2008. J7 was conceived as an extension of both J2 and J6 as well as an expansion of the work done in the trench (JPk1). The initial excavations of the trench (Pfälzner MDOG 134 2002), combined with the excavation in the JP area (J2, J3, and J1) suggested that this area should be part of the ancient plaza and free of structures. |
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There were five irregularly shaped loci with the large trench k200 bordering them on the east. The areas were slightly expanded to include the construction of a modern cement block staircase in the southernmost portion (k100) and to include the cleaning and excavation of a portion of an area that was formerly part of J2 (now J7k6). Back to top LocationJ7 is located south of J2, extending 25 meters from north to south. It ranges from 2-5 meters wide. The J7 unit is part of the Plaza area in front of the temple terrace. | ![]() |
The J7 excavations were designed to explore the eastern portion of the Plaza area. The J1 excavations in the central Plaza area had exposed a long sequence of Mittani accumulations. The northern border of the plaza is defined by the revetment wall and the stone staircase and apron. In the southeast the plaza is bordered by a residential area C2, and possibly by a wall, also excavated in C2. This wall may have served as the southern boundary of the plaza. The purpose of the J7 excavations was threefold; first, to explore the eastern portion of the Plaza area and second, to create a passageway for visitors to enhance their perception of the monumental staircase in J2. The third role of the excavation was to provide employment for additional workmen. The year had been particularly dry and caused a difficult economic situation for some of local people. The J7 excavations, in an area with few expected finds, were designed to employ a maximum number of workmen with minimal staff supervision needed. This allowed us to maximize the amount of workmen that could be employed without sacrificing documentation, or overextending the staff. | ![]() |
approximate cubic meters | 178 |
total number of features | 59 |
total number of items | 79 |
total number of q-lots | 71 |
total number of sherds | 48 |
total number of output files | 791 |
total number of records | 120,906 |
total number of hyperlinks | 39,218 |
total number of photographs | 348 |
total number of drawings | 57 |
total file size (with low resolution graphic files) | 6,655,044 |