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Unit Book J1

Plaza adjacent the Large Temple Terrace (Version 1a)

J1-daily

Processed on 2024-12-11


Date Author Record
2005-08-02 cvp Today is the first day of excavation and we begin to work on the new loci k23, k22 and k13. The first element we are digging is the typological column, which is going to take basically all the trapezoidal space left of k23, except a half meter baulk left for security reasons along the N section. As it is going to be a special unit, and it is possible that in the future we wold be digging the rest of k23 (the old k9 and k10) we assigned it as locus k106. Also west of the old k9 we begin to dig the new k22, and to the south, k13. In k22 and k23 we removed the topsoil the begin to excavate the natural sediment below. In k13 we are still in the topsoil. The old loci k11 and k10-9 are cleaned and left ready for a photograph tomorrow morning. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-03 cVP Diadin took photographs first thing in the morning. First of the old squares still untouched, and later of the new ones, showing them in the first stages of excavation. Then we proceeded to excavate the three locus opened yesterday, k22, k106 and k13, finding the same kind of earth and with no elements or features whatsoever. We just find scarce fragments of pottery, II and III millennium mixed. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-03 cVP bWP has laid the markers of the 2 new squares we are going to open next, k24 and k32. We begin with k24 removing the topsoil. In k106 we remove the upper part of the security baulk. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-05 cVP bWP opens a new square, k12, and also laid the marks we need in the baulk between the old loci (MZ 16) k10 and k11, because a part of it is going to be inside one of our new loci, k24, and must be dug. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-07 cvp First hour in the morning we took photos of the loci, showing just another phase in the digging of the accumulation of the plaza. Later we also took photos of some of the sections which were being drawn. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-08 cVP At the beginning of the day we took a photo of the E section of k32. We proceeded to dig the rest of the squares (k32, k106 and k13) without significant changes in the features until the end of the morning when we found a new layer in k106, the beginning of the same one in k13, and probably we are arriving at the same in k32. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-09 cVP We took photos of the new features found in k13, k32 and k106, and then dug again. [Input: P802CVP.j]
2005-08-10 cvp This morning we began to use the "elevatore" to take out the residual earth from the bottom of the squares. It causes a bit of a fuss with the workmen at times. Things settled again, the lifting of the earth seems to work quite well. In k13 we arrived at the end of the first step and in k32 we reach the level of the upper stones of the Terrace Wall. [Input: P810CVP.j]
2005-08-13 cvp First thing in the morning we took photos of k32 without the E baulk and then proceeded to dig in the new k107. We are also digging today in k106 and k24, leaving k13 alone for a few days days, until we could reach the level of the first step in the other loci. [Input: P810CVP.j]
2005-08-14 cvp Today we took a photo of the new feature in k32 and of the Terrace Wall as we have now all its extension in our unit (v74, v76). Then we dug in k106, k32 and k24. Some hours in the morning were dedicated to the weekly meeting with gB. Beginning in the area of the Temple, we revised the stratigraphy and different phases, then visiting the 3 units to check the stratigraphic situation in each one. [Input: P810CVP.j]
2005-08-15 cvp First thing in the morning we photographed the section of the E baulk of k23, and then proceeded to draw the second part of the section. After the section was finished the team currently working in k24 began to dig that baulk. During gB and jO visit we discuss the state and fate of the floating stones touching the Wall near k32, that, due to its dangerous situation and peril to fall, we would like to remove. We also discussed the strategy to follow during the next days in the rest of our unit. [Input: P810CVP.j]
2005-08-16 cvp We made photo of the piece of the Terrace Wall where the floating stones were removed (v79 and v79a). [Input: P810CVP.j]
2005-08-18 cvp We a photo of the final situation of k107 and of the S section of k106. The team working until now in k107 is put to work in k22, to excavate the first step. We took the photo of the end of excavation in k23, with the floating stones. The team from k23 is put to excavate the k13 N baulk, after been drawn. In k24 we dug the last cms of the first step. Then we cleaned the surface for photo the next working day. Today we finish the excavation a little bit early to make a "general cleaning" in and out of the squares. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-20 cvp We took photos of the end of the first step in k24. We worked in k24 and k13 beginning to dig the second step. In k22 they were digging the first step but, due to the difficulty to throw the dirt of the other squares in the Elevator at the same time that we are excavating here, we moved the team temporarily to k12, where they began to dig the topsoil. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-21 cVP Today we are not working on the site, just on the office. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-22 cvp We dig in k12, k13 and k24, going down the respective steps. Also we remove the floating stones of the "collapse-buttress". Now that we have all the outer line of the Terrace Wall in k32, k9 and k10, we want bWP to relay it complete, so vS prepare a sketch to situate the points where the relays are going to be. See sketch 36. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-23 cvp We took photos of the area in the wall that was covered by f165, the wall fall. As we have now all the wall in our squares uncovered, we ask bWP to relay our Terrace Wall. We make a sketch for her to follow (see sketch 36). We have also move slightly the Elevatore, a little deeper so the workmen could throw the dirt more easily. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-24 cvp Photo of the "recording of the nothingness" in k12. At 7.00 am more or less, meeting of J1 (cVP, pC and mS) to discuss the stratigraphy with gB and fAB. The loci dug today were k12, k106 and k14. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-25 cvp We dig in k14, k106 and k108. bWP take the relays of the outer line of all the Terrace Wall that is visible in our unit. vS and pC draw the rest of the section of the k13 E baulk. The Elevatore gets broken but is quickly repaired. [Input: P817CVP.j]
2005-08-28 mS lots of work interruptions today. Moved the elevator in the am to the north side of the unit. The bottom is at the lowest currently excavated level. This will help in the future but was disruptive today since we had not quite finished excavating the column, k106. We also used the small sifter over the funnel of the elevator for a while and this caused a slowdown. We eventually put in the larger sifter at the top of the unit. Had a meeting with all the staff and cH in J2. He discussed the types of stones we have here in Mozan, primarily limestone. [Input: P828MS1.j]
2005-08-27 mS excavation continued in k14, k24 and k106. As we go deeper in the loci it is getting more difficult to remove the dirt even with the elevator. vS and pC are drew the east section of k106 so we can begin coming down in k24. [Input: P828MS1.j]
2005-08-29 mS opened k109 and k110. k109 is in the western portion of the area and contains portions of k23 and k22. k110 is in the eastern section of the area and conatins portions of k14 and k24. f171 continues as the feature number in k109, f163 continues as the feature number in k110. No new developments or strategies. Took photos of floating stones in k9, f165.8, f167 and f167.1, and f185 in k110. f185 is away from the other three and definitely floating. The other three are random and floating. Although they do appear to be connected to the wall purposefully, they are more highly founded than any possible footing and were in Mitanni accumulation. We will remove these stones this week. [Input: P828MS1.j]
2005-08-31 mS finished excavations in k108 and k109, two unremarkable loci. They are at the same elevation and we will move the focus of excavations to the east. Also removed the large floating stones, f165.8, f167 and f167.1. This is a major change and will open up k10 and the view of the wall f72 in this area. We will also have a better look in section to see the footing of the line of stones, f164 [Input: P828MS1.j]
2005-09-01 mS continued excavations in k110 today and took down the east baulk to the same level as the rest of the locus. We should be able to close this locus and open a new one as the column on Saturday. We are about 10-15 cm above the old column, k106. Also spent time examining the relationship of the red packing, f189, the wall f72 and the stones of f188 and f168. Began creating the oblique baulk section in k12 and it is coming out very, very well. Moved the elevator to the west about a meter and got a new sifter which should make dirt removal go faster. [Input: P901MS.j]
2005-09-03 mS in k110 we have finally reached the level of k106 and have declared a new locus, k111. We have also come down 2m since the last step and are cutting another step so we have moved excavations one meter to the west. k111 subsumes parts of k110, k106 and k14. We began by using f184 which is the brown accumulation in k106 because it stretched into k110. Continued with oblique baulk in k14. [Input: P903MS.j]
2005-09-04 mS continued going down in k111 north of wall f188 in order to find the bottom of this wall. We did find the bottom, f184, the unremarkable brown accumulation runs up to this wall. To the north we removed f190 which is an accumulation under the large stones of the buildup of this wall. We scraped and straightened the section of k10 left from MZ16 It is perfectly in line with the section in the entire eastern side of the excavated area in J1. We have finished most excavation and beginning tomorrow we can focus on the sounding in front of the wall, f72. The rest of the season will be an attempt to find the bottom of the wall. Currently the wall is 2.7 above excavated level which is 8825. vS began drawing the western section of k111 which will serve as the reverse section, or eastern section, of k108. [Input: P904MS.j]
2005-09-06 mS found the bottom of the wall, the goal of the season, after excavating only a few cm this morning. There seems to be no foundation trench but only a soft glacis. We will cease excavating in this locus and excavate one meter to the west. [Input: P906MS.j]
2005-09-07 mS final day of excavation. vS left in the am so only pC and mS were in the field. Small crew working only to remove the layer f195 and expose the glacis, f196. This was a success and excavations ended at 1pm. [Input: P907MS.j]
2006-08-12 cvp Today is the first day of excavation. dM has already taken some general pre-excavation views. As we don't have yet all the squares in place, we just begin in k3 and k12. k12 is already in place, so we begin to dig here the topsoil. As it was already dug last year, we give the topsoil the same feature number, f174. For the new locus, k3, we give a new feature number to the topsoil, f197. By Jamal counsel, we don't give a q-lot number to the bags of pottery coming from the topsoil. We just indicate ts in the tag. k3 is not set by bWP yet, so we make a fake square by ourselves so the workers could dig at least some 3,50 m inside the probable digging area. Meanwhile, we have some workers cleaning the area of last year excavation, beginning with the top of the terrace wall, but letting in place the nets and bags that are holding more securely the big stones. To enlarge the amphitheatre we are going to open a new row of 3 loci to the south, k2, k3 and k4. We also open a new locus, k2 that is going to be the western corner of the amphitheatre. [Input: Q812CVP.j]
2006-08-13 cvp We are working in the three loci opened yesterday, k2, k3 and k112, where we are digging the deep couch of accumulation under the topsoil. [Input: Q812CVP.j]
2006-08-14 cvp First hour in the morning dM take some pictures, from the amphitheater areas as it is this year, and from the area excavated this season. From here we take a general one, and a detailed one from each locus, k2, k3 and k112, where we are digging the deep couch of accumulation under the topsoil. [Input: Q812CVP.j]
2006-08-16 cvp At the beginning of the day dM takes pictures of the beginning of the excavation in the new locus, k4, and two more of the actual state of locus k3. We dig in k2, k3, k4 and k112. [Input: Q812CVP.j]
2006-08-17 cvp We draw sections N and E of k3, and the excavation has been going as usual, without opening new squares. We were going to begin today digging the new squares k31 and k41 but fAB forget to hire the workmen, so we will begin Saturday. While cleaning the sections of MZ18 in the “amphitheatre”, lC found a piece of cylinder seal in the section. We relay it and consider it an item. [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-19 cvp Today we finally begin the work in the new loci, k31 and k41. We begin to dig in the E half of k31. We are also finishing the E baulk of k2 and we draw the exposed N section. In k112 we are going as usual and at k3 we change feature as it seems to have reach the 2 meters deep. We have taken the elevation of the surface near the marker and the total elevation is 9194, so we could consider it almost 9200. So the first step would be at a total elevation or 9000 (or 8994). We also check the total elevation of the beginning of the multi-layered feature at the section of MZ17 and it gives us a total elevation of 8995, that is to say, almost at 9000. That means that the beginning of the first step and the beginning of the next feature are going to be the same. [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-20 cvp Today we are digging in k2, k3, k112 and k31. In k3 we reach the 9000 meters deep (centimetres more or less) and then we left at this level that would be the first step. At the end of the morning we begin to dig both N baulks of k2 and k3. [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-21 cvp We open a new locus, the old k13, that is one of the steps of the amphitheatre. [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-22 cvp We are excavating the accumulation under topsoil in the loci k31 (f204), k112, k13, k4, k2. [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-23 cvp We are excavating the accumulation under topsoil in the loci k112, k13, k4, k2 (N baulk). [Input: Q817CVP.j]
2006-08-24 mS Excavations continue as usual in all areas being excavated to date. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-08-27 mS Continued dirt removal in most areas. Had a meeting with gB, fAB, jO, hQ, mL and mS discussing the immediate strategy. mS suggested removing baulks and going down to the 9000 mark all across the outside step in the southern portion of J1. This should speed up the dirt removal. There was some discussion on how to proceed with the dirt removal over the wall, f72. We will possibly install a shafat to aid in dirt removal. Dirt removal seems the largest concern at this point. There is a large amount of dirt to remove in a relatively short period of time. We also took elevations throughout the area that has been excavated to almost the first step. We are within 15cm throughout. Once the rest of the area is at the same elevation, we will move with the next step. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-08-28 mS Continued the removal of dirt in k3, k4, k112, and the east baulk in k31. We are just about at the 9000 point around the perimeter of the amphitheatre and laid out lines in preparation for going down to the next level. Discussed strategy with gB, jO, and J1 team on how to approach some of the precipitous baulks from last season. jW in J3 will excavate to the east of k24 so we can remove the dirt that way. The shafat was installed this afternoon and seems to be working well. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-08-29 mS Continued removing dirt. Began going down in the second step in the k22. After the strategy meeting this am, we will only step down in this area. mS spent some time correlating the features of MZ18 and this season. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-08-30 mS continuing the dirt removal in k14, k22 and k31. Added a second shafat to help with dirt removal but it has no electricity yet. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-08-31 mS bWP laid out k30 and k40. Excavations are proceeding as expected with features continuing as expected in each area. The step from k110 or k24 from MZ18 is being excavated by J4 since it would be unsafe to excavate it as it is today. They are coming from the east. [Input: Q824MS.j]
2006-09-02 mS Continuing to go down but have intensified the focus in the western perimeter in order to enhance the view. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-03 mS Continuing to excavate as in the past few days but continuing the focus on opening the view. Starting to concentrate manpower in k31 and k41 where the curve of the wall f72, appears to be most probable. Also removed the shafat in k2, and have begun installing one in k31. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-04 mS continuing to remove baulks and dirt in preparation for the Minister's visit. We also had a few workmen in the afternoon to work clearing the area around the curve of the wall. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-05 mS The final push for clearing the view. We sent two teams to J3 because the area we are working in now is smaller and they are in need of help. We also worked in the afternoon. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-09 mS opened excavations in k40 and k30, but only in small portions to follow the line of the wall. Also spent a lot of time working with gB to lay out the new steps. Created two new loci, k113 and k114 which accomodate areas of k3, k4, k12, k13, k14 and k24. We will divide the excavation into thirds for the moment, pieces of the steps and excavate accordingly. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-06 mS no work in the field today besides cleaning in final preparation for the minister's visit. There will also be no work on Q907. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-10 mS moved the shafat in the southern portion of the unit, and installed a shafat along the wall to remove dirt from the deeper levels. We now have three. Continued excavations in same areas as yesterday, but at the end of the day began in what we are naming k115 which we have measured to be the second step at this time although we are way above 8800. [Input: Q902MS.j]
2006-09-11 mS the going is slow in k30 and k40 getting down to the wall. We decided to work this afternoon in this area. We were successful in reaching the stones. [Input: Q912MS.j]
2006-09-12 mS the focus remains in k40, k41 and k30 in an attempt to uncover the corner of the wall. We are also putting four teams of workmen on k114 in order to go down to 8900 throughout, and more in k113. This is extremely hard packed soil full of stones and sherds and the going is extremely slow. We worked in the afternoon again. We also begin the day 15 minutes later, at 5:30, and end at 1:15. [Input: Q912MS.j]
2006-09-14 mS continued working in all the same areas as yesterday, and worked in the afternoon. Also began to cut the slope of the first step. The cut for this will be 60cm back from the edge and go down 2 meters in 60cm. [Input: Q912MS.j]
2006-09-13 mS continued going down in the major areas defined. We are working in the afternoon as well today and focusing on the area at the curve of the wall, f72, and the corridor in the eastern area of J1. [Input: Q912MS.j]
2006-09-15 mS we have found the corner of the wall, f72 in the NW section of J1. It is where we predicted it to be based on the geophysical survey. Although we have the corner, there are additional stones that move to the west from the corner and these may indicate some type of building also seen in the survey. We have no time to excavate further here and will cease excavation. Also continued to go down in the rest of the area as well as move further west. We have also declared k118 which is a combination of k113 and k114. We worked in the afternoon today as well. We are removing large quantities of dirt and have concentrated the majority of our effort in k118. Also continued work on sloping the baulks of the first step. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-16 mS this is the official end of excavations, but we will continue for approximately four more days after a few days work in the house. Today we dug a little and cleaned up prior to the hiatus. We have finished in the wall area and the focus will be on getting to the plaza level and working on the staircase. Began cutting the oblique slope on the eastern baulks of J1. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-19 mS Katleen Deckers (kD) from the University of Tuebingen examined all the layers in J1 in an attempt to define what processes were responsible for the large areas of deposition we have. She said that we may have four types of processes at work: small gullys with wash, water borne, wind borne (aeolian) and possible floor horizons. Definitely wind borne are the higher levels such as f205, f198, f200, f175, f145 and f143. There are few inclusions because the wind cannot carry large stones or sherds. When we reach f203, or f151, f38, f171, f152, f163, f178 and f229 we have a more difficult interpretation. These features are hard, extremely compacted and full of sherds, large and small stones and contain the majority of the items we have found. The compaction of the soil seems to indicate a walking area although kD is not an expert on what trampeling would do to a surface or sherds. The huge quantity of sherds and material also tends to indicate a human occupation although we have no installations at this point. Water borne tends to be smaller in area and we do have patches of that throughout J1. The sediment is grainy and sandy. At lower elevations, f181, f184, f231, f156, and f162 it definitely wind borne but may also have been a walking surface but kept cleaner. There are pieces of charcoal and other inclusions which kD says may have been dropped. Wind borne does not preclude larger inclusions. There are still patches of water borne at this level. This preliminary analysis of the depositional processes gives a sense that the plaza, or area in front of the wall, was used for a long time with varying degrees of cleanliness. The lower levels seemed to be kept cleaner, while above there were depositions of sherds and stones. These may have been intentional walking surfaces but or just trampeling of debris. These levels are at the same elevations of near the top of the wall, near or about the 9000 level. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-21 mS limited activity in the field today. We began excavating two stairways that will lead down to the steps and finally to the plaza level for a full view of the wall at it's original height. The first staircase is from the east in k12 and begins three meters back at ground level. The cut is 80 cm across and goes down two meters to the first step. The second step stars at the 9000 level and is cut about 40 cm west of the baulk and also goes down two meters and is 80 cm across. It is in k22. The third staircase will be built when we have excavated down to the plaza level and will start at the 8800 level and come from the south descending to face the wall. Cinder blocks will be used for the steps. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-22 mS finished building the second staircase at the second step and reinstated excavations. Per discussion with gB we decided to focus primarily on the corridor to insure we meet the goal of getting to the plaza. The other items can be left in case we have time. hQ remained in the field alone most of the day as we have a simple operation. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-23 mS we continued excavating in the corridor and began removing a small piece of f229 which is left in k118. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-25 mS continuing with a small operation focusing on the corridor. We finished k118, and will put all the workmen in the corridor, k117 tomorrow. [Input: Q916MS.j]
2006-09-26 mS continued the small operation focusing in k117. [Input: Q926MS.j]
2006-09-27 mS continued slow today on the site. We took pictures early but gB also wanted to take pictures of f232 in the sun which did not fully cover the floor until 11am which was time to end the work. Instead we had the workmen begin work on the third staircase going down from the second step. Starts at 8800 and goes down three meters and will end at the presumed plaza level. [Input: Q926MS.j]
2006-09-29 mS spent a lot of time working on the pebble floor, f232 setting it up to excavate precisely. Also finished working with the staircase for the time being. [Input: Q926MS.j]
2006-09-30 mS most of the day was focused in a small area of k117 because we have uncovered more surfaces. [Input: Q926MS.j]
2006-10-02 mS continued working in k117 which is the only excavation area we have. Discussion in the field with gB, mKB, mS and J1 staff. This is an important transition area because we have the muflow, f239 and the accumulation f240 beginning to follow the slope of the escarpment after so much strictly horizontal accumulation. We now have the Khabur which is the accumulation on the escarpment. The Khabur material seems to be contained at this point which is why we have Mitanni above. The stones, i43, i44, i45 and i46 may be memory stones of the escarpment. [Input: Q926MS.j]
2006-09-28 mS Again the focus was in k117. We also had a stratigraphy meeting in the last part of the morning. [Input: Q928MS.j]
2006-10-03 mS decided that today will be the final day of full excavations in J1 because we cannot realistically reach the level of the plaza in the time left. Most of the day was spent excavating f238 in k117 and cleaning sections in k103, k117 and scoring other sections to show well the horizontal layers above. [Input: QX03MS.j]
2006-10-06 mS limited activity in the field today. lC is there alone. mKB has examined more of the pottery from this pebble surface and has determined it is Mitanni rather than stricly Khabur. We do not yet have a strictly Khabur feature or deposition. [Input: QX06MS.j]
2006-10-08 mS we are taking final photos today. We discovered that we removed the sherds and bones of f238 the pebble surface before taking a photo. We have only the northern section. [Input: QX08MS1.j]
2007-07-24 ms we moved to another room and got a computer for cC. Just about the entire day was taken up with the move and solving software problems. [Input: R724MS.j]
2007-07-29 mS mS continues to work in the house on the UGR. A small excavation is being conducted this season led by lC. [Input: R724MS.j]
2007-07-31 mS cut back the east and west sections of k117 to clean off the winter erosion. We were able to see the section of f239. There is a sharp slope to the south and it and f240 covers it. Cleaning the sections took most of the day and tomorrow we will continue removing f240 to continue uncovering f239, or to see if there are other layers of accumulation underneath. [Input: R724MS.j]
0000-00-00 MISSING mS continued working on the plots while lH and cC finished the q-items. They began going through the features and made changes to duplicate entries and made notes of problems or errors. There has been a heat wave which makes the power very sporadic causing difficulties with the computers. [Input: R725MS.j]
2007-07-28 lC today is the first day of excavation. We started to remove the backfill put at the end of MZ19 in k103 and k117. The removing of the backfill took a lot of time because of his big dimensions, also owed to the abundant winter rainfalls. We can't work very fast because of some problems to the chafat herself and for the lack of power. We removed the most of the backfill in k103 and k117 and we postponed to the next day the general cleaning of the loci. dM took some photos before and during the removing of the backfill. [Input: R731LC.j]
2007-07-30 lC Today we finished to clean k103 and k117, then dM took some photos of the k117 cleaned and ready for start to dig. after a meeting between mS, lC, we decide to dig f238 in k117, starting from the south section towards the stones and f240. we removed about 5-10 cm of f238 in the southern half of the k. f238 was full of sherds and stones of medium and little size, and bones less in number.in MZ19 we took out from this feature only the sherds on the surface. in some points f238 is still present and we are going to remove in the next days. in other points we uncovered two new features f243 and f244. f243 seems to be a natural accumulation sloping down, recognised in the southern half of k117. f244 is yellow/reddish, sloping down, recognised only in the eastern part of k117. it could be the same of f239 but we can be clearer only after more excavation. today we took also new relays of the stones i43, i44, i45, i46 because last year relays didn't work. at the end of the morning dM took photos of the new situation. [Input: R731LC.j]
2007-08-01 lC Today we finished straightening the east section in k117 and k118. We also cut about 5cm from the west section because it was very badly damaged over the winter by rain. In order to have a better understanding of the stratigraphy in k103 we also cleaned and straightened the west, south and east baulks. This is a very important area and we don't understand the stratigraphy completely yet. After a quick meeting between fAB, lC and sG we decided to clean all of the J1 area, in particular the MZ20 excavation area, in preparation for tomorrow's kite photos. At the end of the morning fAB and pC came to J01, and with lC we discussed the stratigraphy of the escarpment f186 and its relation to the features above. [Input: R731LC.j]
2007-08-02 lC Before beginning work we removed the shaffat and finished cleaning the west sections of k103 and k117 where the shaffat had been. dM came and took the photos of the area. bWP came and placed new markers so we could remove the stones (f245, f246, f247). After the new markers were added we relayed the stones and removed them. We began excavating in k10 when gB, fAB, and Martin Sheen came and gB and fAB gave him a brief introduction to the excavation. At breakfast mS left for the season. After breakfast we started to remove f189. Brief meeting with fAB regarding the strategy. While relaying f248 gB, fAB, Martin Sheen, rE and the television cameras arrived. While filming for tv, part of f232 was removed. [Input: R731LC.j]
2007-08-03 lC Today we didn't dig because we worked in the house in entering data to update the UGR. [Input: R731LC.j]
2007-08-09 lC First we removed f248, taking pictures both during and after its removal. We then removed f232 remaining in the western part of k117. After the photographing the area we then began to remove f235. During the removal of f235 we found a complete animal skull, i48, associated with many other animal bones near f248. The skull was removed whole and relayed. A new feature, f250, was uncovered under f235 in the northern part of the excavated area near f189. sG and cJC drew the east section of k117. [Input: R812CJC.j]
2007-08-12 lC After discussing with gB, it was decided to end excavations for the season. Today we finished the remaining recording, including taking photos of new feature f250 and the east section of k117. f250 and k103 and k117 were also relayed. [Input: R812CJC.j]
2008-07-06 rE yesterday we had a meeting at the tell with gB, mKB, fAB, jW, pC and rE because bPW is coming today and we need to find out where to put the control points and the markers. In J1 we need to put 7 control points in the section. On friday pictures should be taken by dM before cleaning the area to show the damage which effected the area during the winter. The plastic bag that covers the east section and the stands which explained the area the previous season are damaged. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-12 rE Today we attended a meeting with mKB to show us the pottery of the different phases. She thought this was important because we are going to be excavating features that are sloping downwards. These features may be very thin and we must be careful while we excavate not to mix up the pottery from these different features. mKB explained and showed us the differences between Phase four to Phase one. We will be looking at f195 which has the late Chalcolithic pottery. Today we had pictures taken of the damage done to the site; the stands were damaged, plastic coverings had been torn apart by the wind as well as some trash around the site. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-13 rE Today was the first day of the excavation so we started by cleaning the entire area, this took around four hours. After cleaning we took pictures of the entire area and of the cement staircase before we removed it, which was the starting point of the excavation. We took out the cement steps of the entire staircase then we started to remove the baulk directly to the right of the staircase from ground level, feature by feature. We found some body sherds of pottery and we looked at them and discarded them. gB said for everyone to stay away from the wall as much as possible as it may become unstable. He also mentioned for us to take three photos from the east, west, and south sections to see the differences between them. The east section is well protected but the other two sections are not protected and have wind damage. We should also scrub the sections so that the layers are clearly defined. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-14 rE Today we started the excavation in k120 which is the down step in the south section. bPW put four control points, 4726,4727,4728,4729. The workers set up the elevators first thing in the morning, two were required. Some bones found where the stair was, this peice of baulk which is next to the cement stair is still being removed. then we moved to k120 and started removing the topsoil f251, then f252 which is the accumulation under f251. f252 is still being excavate and should be complete by tomorrow. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-17 rE today we placed a new baulk to divide the new locus areas to assign k122 and k123. then we started digging in k122 which is the south step in the east section. We removed the pig jaw which was laying on the surface of f250 from last season, we removed it before starting excavation in this area because it was on the surface and we didn't want to step on it. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-19 rE then we moved to k120 to remove f235 and make it level with the other features. [Input: S707RE.j]
2008-07-14 rE today we started the excavation by removing f231 which is a hard accumulation under f233. Under f231 we were expecting f232 which is the floor that was found in MZ19 season, but it did not shows in the templates (t213 V19d1148 Qx05 lC, t214 V19d1159 Qx05 lC). We didn't find it in k120. Instead, under f231 we found lamination layers f254 consisting of thin layers. [Input: S716LW.j]
2008-07-21 lW gB said to clean the area and after cleaning to put a series of strings up on the east section every half meter horizontaly and put markers on the strings every half meter for a picture, the picture will be taken tomorrow morning. This picture will show the accumulation stratigraphy. Also caution tape needs to be put in front of the wall area to avoid possible injuries. fAB said to look at all the sections and compare them from all sides to see if the stratigraphy continues in all the locus. We took down two markers, m4684 and m4727. bPW is trying to locate the old points from last season. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-14 lW The south side needed a new loci k120. bPW put four control points, 4726,4727,4728,4729, so that the step in the south section could be taken out. The workers set up the elevators first thing in the morning, two were required. Some bones found where the cement stair was, this small baulk is still being removed. The down step in the south section is 1/4 of the way removed and will be finished tomorrow. The q items were collected from the south wall that has been taken down. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-22 lW Today we found the floor f238 and cleaned it for a picture tomorrow morning. We also labeled various features by the wall so they are easily identifiable, we used colors to identify Khabur and Mittani features. dM took several pictures of the area in the early morning because we need a better understanding of the area to compare it to the views from last season. Also to compare with the pictures from last season to be sure the locus and features are in the correct place. We are starting the excavation in k122 and removing f237 which expands in the whole erea except in k103. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-23 lW Today we removed part of f237 and found several painted sherds of pottery and some bone fragments. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-24 rE We started the excavation in a new locus k124 by removing f237 which is the continuation in the entire area. k120 we are still removing f237 where we found many bones and the lower part of a cow and horns we are hoping to find the continuation of f238. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-26 lW We compiled a list of animal bones found in our area- pig, cow, dog, gazelle. This area may have been a dumping ground due to the ammount of animal bones we have found. The cow i51 had the tail bones, some vertebrae, and pelvis intact and bones articulated with no signs of dog bites. We found the continuation of the Khabur floor f238 underneath f237 in k120 and partly in k124. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-26 lW We resumed removing f237 and left bones for the visitors. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-27 rE Today we had a meeting with gB and we went through the UGR and the stratigraphic review and the new roster. Then we went through all the units and he said about J1 he mentioned the line of stones in front of the wall which are different time periods, this line of stones makes a series of curtains which are the memory between the escarpment and the plaza, a memory of this hinge. The accumulation that grew above the escarpment began to have these lines of stones. Then he mentioned that the south wall which was found in the german trench elevation is 92 so that means it is seven meters down to reach the plaza. It is the same elevation as the bottom of the staircase in J2. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-28 lW Today we resumed removing f237 which is continuing in all the locus, k122, k120, k124. We are uncovering f238 which is late Khabur floor which was assigned last season. This feature is sloping sharply to the south west. We made the south section level for next season with the skull and horn inside it and we need to preserve it. We removed the small baulk in the east section. We removed the markers on the baulk and added two on the section above the baulk to keep the line of the baulk. While removing the east baulk between k122 and k123 we found a possible tablet in f232 and we gave it a new item number i54, and also we may have found in the same feature a seal impression i55. [Input: S720LW1.j]
2008-07-20 rE today we resumed working in locus k121 removing f233, 231 and 235 then we stopped there as in k120, because we need to make the features in different locus at the same level. Two pickmen were working in k121, and the third pickman was digging at the same time k122, which is the continuation of the features in k121. So we removed f233 for today and we reached feature 231 which will be removed tomorrow. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-07-31 rE We resumed removing f237 from k123 and from k125. We uncovered f238 in the whole area. Then we spent the rest of day cleaning the area to be ready for the picture. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-02 rE We assigned a two new loci, k126, k127 because the area has changed, f238 covers the entire area. We started the day by taking a picture of the two new loci, the floor, and the stones on the floor. We removed six stones, f255, f256, f258, i44, i45, and i46. We took several pictures of the area before removing the stones and after also for the grid of the section we made. We then divided the area into seven sections with string and we gave each section different q lots. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-03 rE We continued removing f238 and uncover f265 which goes underneath f238, and looks like a glacis sloping to the south. But f265 does not continue all the way east, because we found in the south east of f265 a big pit fill, we gave it a new feature number f264, which is mud lamination, has ash dots, but has no pottery sherds or stones, and with a brown color, has some pieces of baqaya. We assigned f259 for the line of stones going north to south in k127 which is the first time in this area we have found this direction, normaly we find them east to west. Today we took 10 bags of dirt from f238 to analyze as fAB suggested, which is important for the Zooarchaeology and paleo-botany. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-04 rE Today we started the day by taking a picture of the area showing f239 sloping south and f261 and the step in f239. After removing f238 we found f262 which is mud with a dark color, it has ash dots in it and is in the south west corner in k126. We found a circle of baqaya in the sloping of f239, we gave the baqaya a new feature number f263. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-05 rE Today we continued removing f262 which was sloping very sharply to the south west, the pottery in this feature changed, we don't see any khabur shardes. Then we reached f265 under f262. f265 is a hard feature extremely compact sloping very sharply south west. While removing f262 we found a hearth f266, and we assigned the fill the new feature number f267. In addition, we found more baqaya pieces next to f263, which is also baqaya. They look like being underneath f265. We are still removing f264. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-07-20 rE today we resumed working in locus k121 removing f233, 231 and 235 then we stopped there as in k120, because we need to make the features in different locus at the same level. Two pickmen were working in k121, and the third pickman was digging at the same time k122, which is the continuation of the features in k121. So we removed f233 for today and we reached feature 231 which will be removed tomorrow. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-07-31 rE We resumed removing f237 from k123 and from k125. We uncovered f238 in the whole area. Then we spent the rest of day cleaning the area to be ready for the picture. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-02 rE We assigned a two new loci, k126, k127 because the area has changed, f238 covers the entire area. We started the day by taking a picture of the two new loci, the floor, and the stones on the floor. We removed six stones, f255, f256, f258, i44, i45, and i46. We took several pictures of the area before removing the stones and after also for the grid of the section we made. We then divided the area into seven sections with string and we gave each section different q lots. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-03 rE We continued removing f238 and uncover f265 which goes underneath f238, and looks like a glacis sloping to the south. But f265 does not continue all the way east, because we found in the south east of f265 a big pit fill, we gave it a new feature number f264, which is mud lamination, has ash dots, but has no pottery sherds or stones, and with a brown color, has some pieces of baqaya. We assigned f259 for the line of stones going north to south in k127 which is the first time in this area we have found this direction, normaly we find them east to west. Today we took 10 bags of dirt from f238 to analyze as fAB suggested, which is important for the Zooarchaeology and paleo-botany. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-04 rE Today we started the day by taking a picture of the area showing f239 sloping south and f261 and the step in f239. After removing f238 we found f262 which is mud with a dark color, it has ash dots in it and is in the south west corner in k126. We found a circle of baqaya in the sloping of f239, we gave the baqaya a new feature number f263. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-05 rE Today we continued removing f262 which was sloping very sharply to the south west, the pottery in this feature changed, we don't see any khabur shardes. Then we reached f265 under f262. f265 is a hard feature extremely compact sloping very sharply south west. While removing f262 we found a hearth f266, and we assigned the fill the new feature number f267. In addition, we found more baqaya pieces next to f263, which is also baqaya. They look like being underneath f265. We are still removing f264. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-09 rE Today we had meeting in the tell before breakfast, we decided to make a small trench to check if f265 goes under f239 or above it. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-12 rE Today we had a meeting with the staff. gB explained to us how to properly maintain the UGR, keep tracking on files, and to do the summary. As far as J1 is concerned, gB mentioned to all that the escarpment f239 is earlier then we thought. On the basis of mKB analysis of the sherds, the escarpment is infact to be dated to phase one. gB suggested that the escarpment f239 it maybe identified with the Akkadian word kissû, which is attested from the OB period, and probably is a loan word from Sumerian ki-sá. Then mKB explained the chronology of J1 features, by giving an overview of the statistics of the sherds in the most representative features. She clarified the depositions of Mittani features resting directly on phase one, and the lack of massive Khabur features. [Input: S720RE.j]
2008-08-18 rE we are still removing f239, and trying to follow the slope of the ash in the west part of k127. [Input: S813RE.j]
2008-08-21 rE today we made a trench in the western parts of k126 and k127, going from the wall to the south section having width of 1.40cm. hB did all the needed measurements and made a sketch to the whole unit including the new trench. We cleared f259 by cleaning the ash f278, and uncovered f279, which is group of pebbles under f278. We are not sure yet about the function of f259, because it's clear now that it's a wall, maybe a revetment wall that abouts f72, to separate between two different areas, or it could be a wall to support f72. [Input: S813RE.j]
2008-08-23 rE Today we removed f268 from the trench in order to follow the slope of the early escarpment f196. Underneath f268 we found a continuation of f278. To the south of the trench we have f280, which covers f278. So we started removing f280. Although f280 is at a lower elevation compared to the other features, it is clear that it is more recent because of the sloping configuration of the area. [Input: S813RE.j]
2008-08-27 rE We are still excavating the small trench k128, which we made next to the base of the wall, to better understand phase 0 deposition. We will keep digging this trench till the end of the excavation, two days left, to get as much as we can from the sherds. In k115, we are still digging the sement staircase, and we assign the features the same numbers as in the baulk, because it's the same continuation. and we scrubbed the sections in the unit which is important for the site presentation. We sifted the whole dirt from the features in k128, and we took the ash from f287 as a sample to analyze. [Input: S813RE.j]
2008-08-28 rE Today was the last day of the excavation. At the last hour of the excavation, we found in k128 the continuation of f288; three big limestones formed a line, looks like a wall. The direction of this line is east west. The same direction of f72. It could be the fourth millinium wall, due to the analysing of the pottery in the features above it, Which are all LC sherds as mKB report. The sement staircase didn't finish yet. The workmen will resume the work in the study period in September. [Input: S813RE.j]
2008-09-06 rE Today after intensive cleaning before taking a good picture to the whole area. We found in k127 on the surface next to the small trench in k128 mud brick lines, having east-west orientation. We gave it a new feature number f296. We can see that the situation of the mud bricks not in a good shape, and in a bad situation with a few sherds and stones, because it left exposed for several years. Except in the southern line, because we uncovered it this year under f239. To the south of k127 under f239, we found many pieces of mud bricks and baqaya. The workmen pointed it to define it. To the southern edge of f239, where we have the ancient cut we found line of mud bricks f297, but the size and the shape of mud bricks are not the same. gB suggested that it could be the foundation to support the late escarpment f239. Could be also f296 is the foundation of the early escarpment f196. He also suggested that maybe the ancient people dug through the early features, while biulding the late escarpment. So this will explain to us why the early features abut the late feature f239. [Input: S813RE.j]
2009-07-18 lC Today we started to setup everything for the excavation that is going to start in two days. We had a meeting in the field with fAB discussing about the excavation strategy. We asked Adeed to put six new more markers we will use during the first part of the excavation. The team discussed also about the use of workmen and the best place to put chafat. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-19 lC Today we finished to set up all the stuff for the excavation in the house. In the afternoon lC went to the field with dD to take some views of the initial situation of J01, showing the backfill and all the dirt accumulated during the winter. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-20 lC Today we started the excavation for MZ22. We spent all the morning removing the backfill from last season and the dirt accumulated during the winter, most of all for the wind and the rainfall in k126, k127 and k128. After breakfast we removed the metal box over k128 and we cleaned all the area, including the upper steps of J01. Tomorrow morning we will take photos of the initial situation after the removal of backfill and we will start to excavate. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-21 lC Today, after the cleaning of the day before, early in the morning we took photos of the cleaned initial situation. Then we start to excavate, as planned, the small east portion of k127 left there from previous years, trying to find the surface of early escarpment. We excavated at the beginning the ashy layer f303 and then f305, an interface between the ashy layer and what below. The situation here wasn't really clear because this part has been exposed for several years. So far we didn't find a clear surface belonging to the early escarpment, but just a very compact layer sloping slightly to the south. The analysis of pottery from this feature will help us to date and so to understand its meaning. In the other side of k127, along the western section, we started to excavate f239, i.e. the second escarpment, uncovering the ash layer f241. Tomorrow we hope to remove all the ash layer f241 in order to see the slope of the early escarpment. At the beginning the excavation of f239 and f241 wasn't planned, but then, after a meeting with fAB we changed strategy. It seemed very important for a better understanding of the area, to show the link between the stone wall f259 that could be early third millennium or even Late Chalcolithic and the early escarpment f196. Next day we will continue to work on both these areas. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-22 lC Today the excavation continued in the same areas of yesterday. f306 was removed to the level of last season excavation. Just next to the wall we left a small step appearing like something different. It is made of gray clay and there are also few middle sized stones. Tomorrow probably we will give to it a new feature number. In the western part of k127 we removed the ash layer f241 and we uncovered a badly preserved surface probably belonging to the first escarpment. Otherwise the escarpment appears well preserved in a small portion next to the wall. The relationships between the stone wall f259, the early escarpment, the ashy layer and the second escarpment are not very clear yet, so after a site meeting with gB and fAB we decided to expand the excavation to the west. Because of this plan's change probably we will get more workmen tomorrow. We removed also a stone (i67) belonging to f188 to have a clear west section, very important for the stratigraphy. The stone wall f259 was cleaned from two floating stones left on top of it from the previous season. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-23 lC Today in k127 we just cleaned and brushed the surface looking for more mud bricks belonging to f296, after the removal of f306. We excavated just in the upper step, k129 set upped today by Adeed. We considered the first 5 cms as topsoil f308, because the area has been exposed for at least four years. Then we started to remove f310, a natural multi-layer accumulation similar to other layers found more or less at the same elevation, all over the J01 area in the previous seasons. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-25 lC Today we took photos of k127 and we continued to excavated in k129. We removed f310 a natural accumulation constituted of different layers of sandy and clayish soil. Inside it there was a lens of reddish material f311, similar to baqaya, very badly preserved that we removed today. Below the accumulation f310 we found a new feature, similar in composition to f310 but more compact and grayish in color. At the very end of the day in the north-western corner of k129 we started to find a sherds and pebbles pavement that tomorrow we will continue to uncover. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-26 lC Today we finished to remove f312 uncovering a layer with many flat sherds and bones f313, maybe a pavement or most likely an accumulation. dM took photos of the big stones f314 components (1-4) in relationship with the Mitanni curtain wall f188, excavated five seasons ago, but also in relationship with f315, the second escarpment f239 and the West section of k129. Then we removed the big stones f314.1 and 314.2 and became clear that f314.1 was a big stone basin up side down (also i68) and f314.2 a probable big door socket (also i69). We removed the accumulation f316 below the two stones where we took also a soil sample (q1224.1) because it seemed to be some burnt seeds. And then we removed also accumulation f310 uncovering accumulation f313. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-27 lC Today we started taking pictures of k129 but we excavated just in k127. We got three more workmen so, after a short meeting with fAB, we started to remove f299 uncovering a clear surface sloping sharply to the east. f296 and f294 were scraped to see if there were more mud brick lines, but it came out that probably these two features are the same. We took a photo (v360) to show this and in any case we will keep the features separated. After site meeting with gB and fAB we continued to excavate f294 in order to expose the sloping surface or the ash and then go to the north removing f296, but we didn't have enough time today. Tomorrow probably we will start to excavate again in k129. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-28 lC We continued to remove f294 to the south baulk of k127. Then we moved to the north and we started to excavate f296 that seems much similar to f294. Probably both are still part of the second escarpment. In f296 we found many clay lumps and some sure sealing impressions (i71 and i72). At the end of the day we cleaned the entire excavated portion and we took photos of the surface highlighting the numerous fragments of mud brick. [Input: T718LC.j]
2009-07-29 lC Today we didn't work in the field because of a strong sand storm already at 5 A.M. So we had the first of the two UGR days that was supposed to be on Monday. We stayed at home and we worked on objects, entering data, templates and view descriptions. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-07-30 lC Today we cleaned all the area from the dirt brought by the sand storm. dM took pictures of the accumulation f315 in k129 after the removal of f314.4 and of k127 during the removal of f296 and f294 with all the mud brick fragments highlighted. f315 was then removed and we started to excavate also the accumulation f319 below it. In k127 part of f299 still in place on top of the sloping surface f317, was removed. We excavated also part of f296 following the cut f321 of the early escarpment f309 and f196, uncovering a small ash layer f320. This ash layer was in part abutting f317 and in part overlaying f294. We removed it because it was just a thin patch in the middle of k127. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-08-01 lC Today we finished to removed f319 in k129. Then dM took photos of the accumulation f322, full of sherds, pebbles and bones included the big jaw q1243.1. f322 was soon removed as part of the next accumulation f323. Removing this accumulation we started to find another pavement, in the north-western corner of k129, right next to the big stones. Tomorrow we will see if this pavement does extent to the entire surface of k129. In k127 we continued to excavate f294 but most of all f296 as the previous days. We tried to excavate a small trench north to south, but the situation is too complicated and it is necessary to link the excavation whit what next. So we excavated f296 down, almost at the same level of the lower stones (so far exposed) of the Chalcolithic wall f288. Tomorrow we will continue here, but probably more to the south removing f294 looking for the sloping surface f317. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-08-02 lC Today we removed accumulation f323 in k129, then dM took photos of the pavement f324. f324 was removed uncovering a new pavement f325. This was in part below f324 and in part still below f323. dM took picture of it, but then starting to excavate again the accumulation f323 we saw that the new pavement was sloping sharply to the south. So tomorrow we will take new pictures even if part of the pavement f325 has already been removed. In k127 we excavated f296 down to the level of the lower stones (seen so far) of wall f288. It seems that to the east no other stones are at the same elevation, but it is possible that the cut is still continuing deeper and deeper. The filling f296 seems starting to change and the pottery shows more Late Chalcolithic sherds. The edges of cut f321 were checked, and they appear clear to the north and to the west. We continued to remove f294 following the sloping surface f317. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-08-03 lC Today we finished to clean pavement f325 and dM took picture of it. Then waiting for the daily site meeting with fAB and gB, Saud was moved down to work in k127. In k127 we continued to removed f294 uncovering a new very hard layer f327. This seems similar in composition to f317 but at the same time it is distinguished from its clear surface. Part of the feature was already removed and from the section we can see a concave shape, so unlike f317 it doesn't seems to slope in one direction. Next days we will check its nature. We finished removing f296 and no more stones belonging to f288 were uncovered. Moreover the pottery now seems clearly Late Chalcolithic II, so we assigned a new feature number f329. After breakfast the big stones f328.1 and 328.2 were removed and the pavement f325 was fully exposed. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-08-04 lC Today we have the second UGR day. WE will work in the house, most of all on templates, objects, views and features; descriptions and types of contact included. [Input: T731LC.j]
2009-08-05 lC Today we drawn and then we started to remove the east baulk of k129, assigning the f330 (vm) to the entire portion excavated. The excavation was later enlarged to the south notch to try arriving on top of the wall f258 in order to check its function and its date. In k127 f327 was removed, so we started to excavate the sloping surface f317, uncovering the ash layer f278. We had some problems because to the north there wasn't a clear distinction between f317 and f278. Removing the sloping surface we didn't find a soft ashy layer, but a hard compact gray surface, and it wasn't clear if it was the ashy or still the upper layer f317. Tomorrow probably we will start to excavate f278 trying to follow it, because there is the risk to remove something different to the east, if the ashy layer eventually stops before. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-06 lC Today we continued to remove f330. Then waiting that J05 finishes cleaning their area to take picture, we enlarged to the west the excavation of the small south notch in k129. So we were able to expose a wider surface of pavement f325 to better understanding its relationship with the escarpment. In k127 we started to remove f278, the ashy layer sloping to the south. Yesterday the situation wasn't clear because of the difficulty to distinguish the boundary between the ashy layer and the sloping accumulation f317. On fAB suggestion we left at the beginning a narrow strip showing the section to help us to understand any small change in color and composition in the ashy accumulation. The ashy layer was very compact and moreover scraping it, it looked yellowish in color, but removing it in chunks was clearly gray. Then we also recognized that the ash was sloping and in the eastern portion of k127 there was still part of f317, that was just a crust to the west, but much thicker to the east. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-08 lC Today we removed the small remaining portion of f330 in k127, then dM took pictures of the pavement f325 and the stone wall f259. In k127 we removed part of f317 still present to the east. We continued to remove the ashy layer f278 that is in part very compact, but it seems becoming more and more soft going down next to the bottom of the cut/erosion. The orange material of early escarpment seems cut because it slopes sharply, and some stones are visible in the vertical section. Its composition really looks the same of f309. Continuing to remove the ash we saw that its accumulation was much thicker close to the sharp slope, as it was dumped from above. At the end of the day we uncovered some medium sized stones, that could be part of the bottom of the escarpment or part of earlier structures. For now any face or clear line is visible and they seem just as collapsed stones. Right at the end of the day we started to find a slightly different surface that could be the bottom of the erosion. In fact next to the east section of k127 the accumulation is so fine and sandy, typical of pit bottom. And also the ash looks much finer and softer, and usually this is due to the water infiltrations. Tomorrow we will check better and we will decide how to proceed with the strategy. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-09 lC Today early in the morning after a general cleaning of the area dM took photos of f325 in relationship with the stones J5f225. Then we continued to remove pavement f325 that appears to be less thick in the middle of k129. The surface below is very compact but it seems different from f239. It is browner and with a really hard surface, moreover the pavement was right on top of it, without any accumulation in between. In k127 we tried to look for the bottom of the cut/erosion removing few centimeters of still ashy material f278, but the surface appears still clearly mixed. Then as planned yesterday we started to remove f196, early escarpment, in the north-western corner of k127 leaving a witness of about half a meter at the base of revetment wall because of security problems and to show the section. To the east of stones f307 the escarpment f196 still presents a well preserved sloping surface. Instead to the west what we though being the eroded surface of the escarpment was still part of the ashy accumulation above it. Removing it we found some big stones belonging probably to early structures below the escarpment that there has been completely removed by erosion, while it is still (even if poorly) preserved just a little deeper. Moreover other stones running east to west, belonging to f288 have been exposed. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-10 lC Today f307 was photographed and then removed in order to see if the stones uncovered yesterday and belonging to the stone wall f288 were going to the west. The wall is continuing but it is not clear yet the relationship of wall f288 with wall f259. Some of the stones found yesterday next to the west section of k127 seem to be just inside the escarpment but without other stones underneath. Wall f259 is continuing to the north even if at a deeper level and we don't have a link yet to f288. Right at the end of the day, continuing to remove f196 we found another big stone below the second row of stones of f288, going to the south. It could be part of the corner of the two walls and tomorrow, still removing f196 we will try to look for a connection. In k129 we just removed part of accumulation f337 found below the pavement f325. Here we tried to look for the surface of the early escarpment, but it is difficult because the layers uncovered have hard surfaces and are sloping. We are thinking to stop at this level except for a small probe sounding behind f259 to determine the eight of the LC material to the west of it. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-11 lC Today we started cleaning all the area and taking pictures of k127 (work in progress) and k129. The small northern portion of the west section of k127 was drawn and then we started to remove the planned narrow strip of f239 to see the relationship of the big stone belonging to f318 with the first escarpment. In k127 we continued to remove f196, early escarpment, but assigning a new number (f340) to its northern part to keep separate the pottery from the core and the surface of the escarpment, even if it seems all dating to Late Chalcolithic. After removed just few centimeters of f340 we found another stone of f259 showing that the two walls f259 and f288 are part of the same structure and they are bonded. Below f340 and f196 was then recovered a hard surface, with small white chunks and small pebbles. After a short meeting with gB we decided for now to leave this feature, that could be a sort of Chalcolithic escarpment, even if it seems to me too flat and not much different from f196. So we will concentrate the efforts of the last week to reach the bottom of the wall f288. We started to remove f345 in the small eastern triangular part left from the cut and the erosion, recovering more big stones, probably related to the stones of f336. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-12 lC Today we started taking pictures of walls f259 and f288 with the damage f344 to the wall f259. These views show also the link between the ash f341 on top of the wall f288 and the ash in k129 we removed today. Because the ^esc1 doesn't seem preserved here, this ash could be misunderstood with the ash f241. Removing this ash other pebbles belonging to f343 were uncovered. After the meeting with fAB we decided to remove part of the floor f338 to the west of the pebbles to check what below and to look for the face of wall f259. Removed the floor we found a soft accumulation brown in color with probably Late Chalcolithic sherds. This accumulation f346 was covering another hard surface sloping to the south and a thick patch of baqaya probably linked to the other baqaya f342 right next to the wall. In k127 we finished to remove f345 in the eastern half of the locus. At the same time we continued to remove f329 exposing more stones of wall f288 that is going deeper and other unorganized stones, probably the same of f336. Then we gave a new number f349 to a different alignment of stones, running E to W, that seems more organized. This alignment functions as some kind of boundary because to its south there is a clear surface, perhaps a floor, f348, while to the north we have the accumulations f329 and f347. We also started to remove f279 exposed since last year, and very damaged from the work next to the chafat. Right at the end of the day we uncovered other two stones of f288 going to the east. [Input: T808LC.j]
2009-08-13 lC Today we finished to remove f347 in k127, uncovering a new layer f350, an orange accumulation full of charcoal fragments, pieces of burnt bones and small white chunks. Also this feature was in part excavated in order to look for the bottom of wall f288 that is continuing to the east, but also it is deeper. Next to a8 we are still removing f345 that seems to have also ashy lenses. One of these lenses was thicker and, because there was a clear semicircular edge I thought it could be a pit. But looking for the edge we saw that is a true layer so we assigned a new number f354. Removing this layer, more collapsed stones were uncovered. These stones seem sitting in f347, and there are at least two levels of collapsed stones. In k129 we removed f343 (pebbles alignment) and the accumulation f346 uncovering floor f351, that was soon removed to follow the baqaya f353 going down. [Input: T815LC.j]
2009-08-15 lC In k129, we are continuing the small probe sounding. The two patches of baqaya f342 and f353 were removed to see the western face of wall f259, that seems built of just one row of stones. Moreover the thick layer of baqaya f353 doesn't abut the face of the wall. Also the floor f352 was in part removed, but leaving a small witness to the west. In k127 we assigned a new number to a thick ash layer below f345, that seems running from east to south-west also abutting the face of wall f259. It was uncovered removing a part of f345 still in place in the southern half of the locus. Looking for the bottom of wall f288 we removed accumulation f350 and the accumulation f355, showing a harder surface, orange in color, similar to that one of f350. Just few centimeters below we found three orange mud brick in line running north to south and going under the base of wall f288. The wall is stopping and we took pictures showing it. We stopped here because the goal is reached and because the situation starts to be too complex to be excavated in a such small area. Next to the bricks f356 we found also i75, i.e. two complete obsidian blades, a flint flake and a clay wheel. [Input: T815LC.j]
2009-08-16 lC In k127 we continued to excavate in front of walls f259 and f288 to expose their faces. We assigned a new feature number f358 to an accumulation, found in part below f345 and below the ashy accumulation f354 that is extending to the south next to the face of wall f259. Once removed completely the ashy layer we started to remove this accumulation uncovering other medium sized collapsed stones. To the north, almost in the middle of the excavated area we uncovered a layer of small pebbles embedded in a brown accumulation with few sherds. This layer is not so compact, but enough distinctive to assign a new number, f359. Next to the end of the day we cleaned all the collapsed stones f336 and f349 to take pictures next day. In k129 we continued to remove the floor f351 uncovering many different layers of floor surfaces formed by natural agents. We didn't continue to work here after breakfast because one workman left for private problems. [Input: T815LC.j]
2009-08-17 lC Today we started removing two stones f361.1 and f362.2. These were two big floating stones, perhaps showing a second moment of the collapse of the walls f259 and f288 shown by the stones f336 and f349. Then we removed the accumulation f359 with small pebbles and numerous stone flakes maybe coming from the collapse of the big stones. More stones of the walls f259 and f288 were exposed. And it seems that the stones forming the lower part of both walls are quite big and regular in shape. In the small sounding of k129 we finished removing f352 uncovering another natural compacted floor f364. Then we started removing the compact red to brown in color accumulation f363 to the north finding more pebbles of f343. Once removed those pebbles and checked that the stones of f339 were floating, or at least not belonging either to wall f259 nor f288, and just resting on top of f343 we removed them, except for f339.5, a big stone clearly embedded in the early escarpment. The ash f341, probably dating to Late Chalcolithic was just on top of these stones. [Input: T815LC.j]
2009-08-18 lC Last day of excavation. Today we cleaned all the k127 area, removing the last few cms of f359 to the north and removing few cms of f362. Then we cleaned all the collapsed stones and highlighted the stones of walls f288 and f259. Major excavations were carried on in k131, where we finished removing f363 uncovering baqaya f353 going to the north. Once removed the baqaya we found a soft natural accumulation f365 covering three other features: f352 a floor continuing to the south, f366 another soft natural accumulation and f367. We started removing f366 and f367 that seem to be a later filling in a sort of channel excavated by flowing waters. This damage that is labeled as f344 in the wall f259 continues to the west and cuts the floor f352 and the hard accumulations below. [Input: T815LC.j]
2009-08-30 lC Today we continued to work in k132. Once removed the topsoil f370 in the eastern spur we uncovered the hard compact surface f371, on top of which are resting some stones, f372. It is interesting to note that one of these stones is quite regular in shape and it is lying vertically on top of the surface, as other two similar stones to east. So these three stones have almost the same size and shape and rest on top of this surface, more or less at the same distance (about a meter). It seems strange that they are floating stones and it is likely they belong to some sort of installation or structure. In the western spur we continued to remove the topsoil f370 and we uncovered two big floating stones f373.1 and f373.2 More interesting are some smaller stones that seem forming two small wall portions f374 and f375. If the walls were linked the eventual corner was to the south and probably, if preserved, was excavated in the previous seasons. [Input: T831LC.j]
2009-08-31 lC Today we finished to work in the field. In k132 we removed the southern part of the eastern spur on top of the revetment wall f72. To the west we cut just a small portion of the south western corner of k132 because we can't remove the structures found yesterday, most of all the wall f374. Because of the loss of markers in this area we surveyed the floating stones f373.1 and f373.2 with Adib help, so to remove them in the afternoon. Then we started to clean because tomorrow we want to take the final photos. [Input: T831LC.j]
2009-08-27 lC Today we resumed the excavation after a week of UGR working, in order to check few things before the end of the season. The excavation was really small, with just two workmen. We straightened the section of the early escarpment and cut it back a little, in order to expose the upper face of wall f259. We removed the thin ashy layer f341 and then an orange compact accumulation f369, that seems to me in all similar to f363. Removing the big last stone of f339 left from the previous days we uncovered also three more pebbles belonging to f343 that is continuing to the north. Continuing to go down we uncovered and removed baqaya f353, that, as to the south, has an irregular surface. The baqaya was right above a surface sloping to the south that we cut a little removing f353. This sloping surface is clearly visible in section and could be the same of the surface f352, found to the south in k131. Cleaning the wall f288 from the soil, we uncovered another stone forming the corner of structure a8. [Input: T831LC.j]
2009-08-29 lC Today we started to remove the accumulation on top of the revetment wall f72 in k132. This operation was required because during the winter the water was making it instable ad there was the risk it could fall down inside J1 excavation area. Moreover it was difficult to walk on top of the wall for eventual conservation works because of these two kind of spurs projecting to the south. These were left from previous excavation as baulks of old loci. We started to remove about half a meter of accumulation that we consider as topsoil f370 because it was really damaged by the long exposure to water flowing. At the end of the day we uncovered two big floating stones, that tomorrow we will remove hoping to reach the level of the harder soil clearly visible in section. [Input: T831LC.j]