.bk A09
.fl M930jw1.j
.fd daily journal M930
.fn brief analysis of contributions that available step trench (MZ6-1990) documenation can make to A9 analysis
.ei jw
.ed M930
.rd M930
.ri jw

--i a step trench was dug (through what now is an expanded A9) in MZ6(1990).  A full report was not prepared at that time; however, there are documents in the files at Tell Mozan that can contribute to the understanding of the overall stratigraphy of A9 as revealed in excavations in MZ10(1997), MZ12(1999) and MZ14(2001).  The first problem was to identify the MZ6 loci.  By comparing the features from MZ6 whose photographs are in the file with those found immediately under the backfill in MZ14, it is possible to say with some confidence that: A4k110 is roughly equivalent to A9k51/k52, A3k111 is roughly equivalent to A9k41, A3k112 is roughly equivalent to A9k31, A3k113 is roughly equivalent to A9k21, A2k114 is roughly equivalent to A9k11, and A2k115 is roughly equivalent to A9k10.  It is not exact because the grid used to lay out As was re-oriented to match the palace after it came to be revealed at the bottom of the step trench.  MZ6 was divided into two phases.  In the first, every other locus from 105 at the top of the mound, to 121 at the bottom was excavated.  Then, in the second phase, AS was divided into four areas, A1 through A4, and selected even numbered squares were excavated along with the odd numbered squares to study the various phases of occupation of this part of the tell, from Akkadian to Nuzi.

-sp MZ14 excavations of k10, k11, k21, k31, and k51/k52 revealed a number of important structures, many of which had already been partially excavated in MZ6.  For these the context was unclear.  Fortunately there is some documentation for A3 available at Tell Mozan.  For example, there are copies of feature, q-lot and item logs, the journal and a partial relay log.  In addition there are copies of some photographs and some drawings and sketches of varying quality.  There is a poorer record of the work in A2, which consists of poor copies of hand-written notes.  There is a partial record of the work in A4, but it appears portions (including the work on A4k110(A9k51/52) were taken home by the excavator, presumably for post-season analysis.  (There are other indications that the originals for all records were taken to Los Angeles.)  For the initial work in AS, there is a list of features by locus, so one can presume that within each locus the list reflects the proper stratigraphic relationship.  In summation, although no more work is possible during this short study season, we are optimistic that we can reconstuct an adequate record of the MZ6 excavations over the winter, particulary when we can view the original records, including photographs, which are available at IIMAS in Los Angeles.