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Specific labels
Specific labels are explained in the Grammar.
For JP, it is important to explain both the reasoning behind and the method of applying a unified labeling system. The area includes several excavation units J1 to J7, as well as B6, B7, and C2 excavated between 1999 and 2010.
A key issue was that different documentation and labeling systems were used in some areas, especially in C2 and B6, where a typological differentiation among Installations (B6-Inst. nr.), walls (B6-M nr.) and accumulations (B6 Fs nr.) was done. In the J area, each unit assigned its own feature numbers, typically starting from f1 onwards.
Only after reviewing the overall stratigraphy was possible to identify features that had been given different numbers but actually belonged to the same feature. This was achieved by comparing elevations, stratigraphic relationships, and physical characteristics such as color, dimensions, and texture, as well as chronological indicators like typology.
Another complication arose from baulks, the unexcavated testimonies left between loci, which sometimes artificially divided a single feature into separate parts with different numbers. Once these baulks were removed, the continuity of the feature became clear.
A further issue was the correlation of features excavated in different units across JP. However, after reviewing the stratigraphy, elevations, typology it was possible to assign them a single, specific label.
This already represents an interpretative level of analysis, in which the original recorded data are further developed and synthesized. At this stage, the rationale behind the interpretation and the processes inferred from the archaeological evidence are explained.
Based on this analysis, it was possible to create a concordance list and introduce a unified JP-specific labeling system. This approach allows features to be described more accurately and in their full spatial extent. Here are some examples:
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We excavated a huge brickfall in four excavation units. Firsly was recorded in the eastern section of C2. It was excavated with a number of features in J2, in J6 and J7. We were sure at the end of excavation that this brickfall belonged to the same event of collapse so that it was given a JP specific label JP^bf1.
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The revetment wall is a good example for architecture. At the beginning of excavation, when it was firstly discovered in a small trench, became a B6 Instllation nr. B6-Inst.42. Afterwards the wall was exposed until its base in Unit J1 and became J1f72 number. The wall was followed in J3 where it became J3f10 number and in J2 it became a J2f128 number. In order to describe this wall, its dimensions, construction and function, the entire wall was labelled JP^wl5.
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A third example are the floors excavated in front of the monumental staircase, in the Plaza. These floors were exposed firstly in the sounding in C2, then the same floors were excavated in J2 and J6. Only with an accurate analysis was possible to make a concordance and give finally a JP number. See for example JP^fl1.
Here is a list of the abreviations for specific labels