Unit Book J7

The Southeastern End of the Plaza (Version 1a)
J7 Synthetic View / Stratigraphy / Chronometry

Strata

Caitlin Chaves Yates – January 2012

Back to top: Strata

Introduction

The current phase and strata sequence used in J7 is JPD. In J7 the assignment of the strata sequence is based on the stratified contexts and ceramic analysis of the area J2. Because there were so few stratified layers it seems useful to compare J7 to the adjacent excavation area. The current J2 sequence can be found here. The JPD sequence is an overarching sequence linking together the various J units.

Back to top: Strata

Strata in general

The J7 features were excavated in large volumetric features, sometimes more than 50cm in depth. For this reason, it is possible that some of these features span more than one strata as assigned in the J2B sequence. As a solution for this I have compromised by assigning the features to the strata that they share the most in common with. For example, a feature composed mostly of brickfall will be assigned to s160J2B (the brickfall of J2) even if it also includes a later accumulation. Only Phases 7 and 8 have been excavated thus far in J7 although the finds in J2 indicate that earlier remains will be found below the current excavations.

Back to top: Strata

Strata of Phase 7

In J7 there are three strata that are represented (s161-JPD, s160-JPD, and s122-JPD). These are described and discussed with the relevant features on the right hand side under strata.

Back to top: Strata

Strata of Phase 8

The upper remains of J7 have been dated to s70-JPD which correlates with a period of reuse of the area in J2. The floating stones in J7 appear to be related to similar floating stones in J2.

Back to top: Strata

The strata definition chart (JPD - J7)

The strata sequence currently used is based on the overall sequence of JPD, concieved during the September/October 2011 study season. The strata assignments are rooted in the materials from J2 and the J2B sequence can be found here. The previous sequence used in J7, was sequence J2A -adapted for use in J7. That sequence can be found here. The complete sequence linked to J2 is preserved here with the relevant strata in J7 indicated in bold.

phase stratum sub-sr definition of stratum
and of substratum
9p 10 Modern accumulations, backfill, current excavations
9m 20 Top soil
30 disturbed upper layer
8r 60 Scattered use including tannurs
8m 70 Stones above second apron
80 Layers just under stones of s70
7v 122 Accumulations coming up over the top of Revetment wall
7m 148 Build-up and leveling with use areas on top of brickfall including use associated with large flat stone f154.
7j 158 Second phase of brickfall
159 Construction of small curtian walls inside brickfall and use areas
160 First phase of brickfall
161 Erosion in J2 and ashy accumulation in south J7
7f 176 Accumulations between revetment wall and curtain wall in k13
7c 190 First Mittani deposits in J2, curtain wall in k13
6
5
4
3u 610 Sloping accumulations forming upper levels at base of revetment wall
3s 620 Use floors against base of staircase and apron
3p 630 Building of western flanking wall (f127)
3n 640 Floor build-up immediately following the construction of the monumental access
3m 650 Building the temple terrace, first floor and construction of monumental access
3l 660 Cut in SW corner of k100
665 Pebble floors associated with lower steps
3j 670 Floors with Ninevite 5 sherds
3h 685 Sherd pavements at bottom k100
2m 850 Possible construction of early staircase f380

Back to top

Back to top: Strata