Back to top: Urgent Interventions in Areas J5, A17, and J6
Introduction
Following heavy rainfall during the recent period, some field-related issues emerged that required urgent intervention in two areas of the site, particularly Areas J5 and A17.
In Area J5, it was observed that two large stones forming part of the temple terrace wall had become unstable, making them vulnerable to displacement from their original positions. In Area A17, rainwater runoff caused erosion of the topsoil layer, resulting in the exposure of the tannur walls.
Back to top: Urgent Interventions in Areas J5, A17, and J6
Intervention Works in Area J5
Burlap bag was used and filled with soil that had remained on site, originally designated for plastering works on the storage southern wall. However, this work was not completed due to the time required for implementing protective system plastering, in addition to the starting of the winter season accompanied by exceptionally heavy rainfall not recorded in several years.
After filling the burlap bag, it was transported to the intervention area where the large stones are located. This was followed by careful leveling of the ground beneath the stones. A soil-filled burlap bag was placed beneath one of the stones at the point where the soil was observed to be loose, in order to enhance ground stability and increase load-bearing capacity.
Subsequently, the cement blocks were carefully placed on top of the burlap bag in light contact with the stone, to avoid any direct pressure that could destabilize it, thereby reducing the risk of future collapse.
As for the second stone in the same area, the soil beneath it was relatively more compact. Therefore, the intervention was limited to leveling the ground and placing two stacked cement blocks to support the stone and prevent potential movement.
Afterward, an empty burlap bag was placed in the gap between the two stones and then covered with soil to seal the void and prevent rainwater infiltration between the stones. These measures contributed to stabilizing the final condition of the stones upon completion of the works.
Back to top: Urgent Interventions in Areas J5, A17, and J6
Intervention Works in Area A17
In Area A17, the intervention consisted of removing weeds surrounding the tannur to ensure proper fixation of the plastic sheet (nylon) on the ground surface.
The tannur was then covered with the plastic sheet, which was subsequently covered with a layer of soil using the same soil that was employed in Area J5. This was carried out in order to provide temporary protection for the tannur against direct environmental exposure.
Back to top: Urgent Interventions in Areas J5, A17, and J6
Area J6
In Area J6, it was observed that a dog had excavated a hole in the eastern section and used it as a shelter from the rain. The hole was backfilled and the soil returned to its original position. No archaeological finds were identified within the redeposited soil.
However, this measure may not be entirely effective, as the animal is a pregnant female and is likely to return to the same place to establish a shelter, which may lead to recurrence of the issue in the future, and possibly bring along some “young guests” to the site.
Back to top: Urgent Interventions in Areas J5, A17, and J6