July 21, 2000
Set up 5 x 5 meter unit with 50 cm bulk. Removed top soil using pick and shovel. Leveled the surface.
Started at East half of the unit and dug until 15 cm from surface on south side, 25 cm from surface on
north. At this point a new surface (new locus) was exposed. Found loose soil on east wall, but at this
point we don't know what . . . possibly a pit? made new KT number for pottery and lithics in west half
of unit, but kept same KT number for bone throughout the enitre locus. Found some possible mud
bricks, but they might just be compacted mud because they were randomly dispersed, not in order
(disturbed). The actual topsoil was about 5 cm, but there was no reason to change the locus and kept
excavating until it was uniform depth with east half. Found several flat sherds concentrated on
northwest corner of the unit. Possibly reached a surface. We assigned a new KT number for this area's
pottery. (KT 1007). Tomorrow: clean the surface and go on to next locus.
July 22, 2000
Finished the NW corner of Locus 1000; cleaned the surface and took a photo. Measured the elevation of
the original surface and the final surface of Locus 1000. Measured small finds and took elevations for
them. Drew a plan view. East side of the unit was mainly loose sand; west side was compacted sand
and silt. We therefore decided to divide the trench into two Locii. East side was assigned Locus # 1001
(loose soil). West side assigned Locus #1002 (compacted layer).
Locus 1001 was thought to contain several pits, but decided to excavate through and see if definite
shapes would emerge. Found an obsidian fragment at the center of the trench (KT 1015). Picked up the
bone in the northeast corner and assigned it KT# 1016. We leveled the locus at 40 cm below the original
surface. After exposing the surface, it was obvious that the loose soil had been created by animal
activity. This completed Locus 1001.
After determining that there were no pits in Locus 1001, we decided to excavate Locus 1002 (Western
portion) and level it with the completed 1001. Picked up the concentration of small pottery as a small
find (KT 1019). Used pick and shovel to take down the rest of Locus 1002. The northwest corner
revealed a row of straight mud bricks. Looks to be a wall.
July 23, 2000
Since David was sick, I had to do all my work by myself, so if things start to make no sense, this is
the day that all begin. Anyway, I started out by cleaning the surface of both Locus 1001 & 1002.
Exposed the possible mud-brick wall, but it was cut off near the west wall (Possible two mud-brick in
line). There were several large rocks in locus 1002, and seemed to be in line, from N-S, near the North
wall. (However, there were no large rocks in locus 1001). Elevation of these rocks and mud bricks were
between margin of 2-3 cm difference.
After finishing lcus 1001 and 1002, I decided to divide the trench into 4 corner. East side (2m x 4m) as
locus 1003, SW (2m x 2m) as 1006, and NW (2m x 2m) as 1004. We did not excavate 1004 and 1006
today. Locus 1003 was excavated by using pick and shovels and approx 15 cm of soil was removed.
There wa a flat lying rocks below 1003, this might be a wall, or possible cover for coffin. After cleaning
the surface, possible pit, lined by (possible) Mud-brick was found. This pit was directly below the
possible pit in locus 1001 (check KT 1016) Assigned locus 1005 for this possible burial.
I tried to follow the wall of the pit to excavate the pit, on East side of the pit, the soil was more loose
and easy to define, but the soil of west side was not clearly distinguishable from the wall of the pit.
Within this pit, We found several pieces of bones, animal and possible human, and pottery was scattered
throughout the pit. This indicate that if this was a burial, it has been disturbed; or, I have not dig down
deep enough. We screened approx 80 % of the soil to see what's in the burial.
July, 24 2000
It's second day without David, I think I can handle this.... Begin excavating Locus 1005. Took
out the intact bone (KT 1031), and made 2 L of soil sample, I tried not to include the soil on top, then
excavating further down with brush. I found this method time consuming but turned out to be a
excellent choice. Loose soil could be removed by brush, but the compacted soil will remain there.
Continued worked for this pit, and found a straight line of compacted soil (Kind of split the pit into two,
running along the middle). First I thought the pit was narrowing down, but the line was straight, it
turned out to be a pit inthe pit!
While I was cutting down the west wall of the pit (Locus 1004 wall), I found a hard soil in a
shape of a pipe. It looked like a pipe, but it may be some animal hole. When I tried to measure the
diameter, the accident happened; the possible pipe was destroyed. If I could find the similar "thing"
somewhere else, I will try to be more careful. For the second pit, I assigned a new KT # for the finds.
While I was workig on the pit, I made the workers take down Locus 1006 & 1004. For Locus
1004, We first left the line mud-brick intact. In Locus 1006, we found some human bone concentrated
on one area (KT 1034), and nearly complete bowl (KT 1036). Also, found 2 large rocks. In locus 1004,
we found concentration of pottery and one bone close to the mud-brick. The soil showed some variation
on surface. The wiggling shape locus (1001 & 1002) that we made seems to follow the general
looseness of the soil in this trench; this indicate that the soil is disturbed, or we might find several pits
here. The mud-brick, seems to me that it is some kind of oven, but the surface is not burnt, so I do not
know.
About locus 1005.... We found burial, within the smaller pit in the pit. It tuurned out to be the
outline of the pit above was too small, and we have to knock down the wall of the pit. It seems to be a
multiple burial. One person was nearly intact, and could follow the outline clearly. however, there was
one femur, lined in opposite direction, and found several pieces of bones above. It could be a mass
grave site!!!!
July 25, 2000
Sorry, I will be sloppy writing this journal today. David is in hospital. To see the wall of the
burial, and make it easy to excavate the burial, we decided to excavate small section south of the pit for
about 30 cm. We made 1.5 m x 1.5 m section from NE corner, and assigned Locus1007. Rest of the NE
corner will be called Locus1010 (mainly the balk, L-shape unit). While workers excavating this unit,
they found several rocks (approx round 10 cm x 10 cm), since the main purpose was to look at the
profile of the pit and to knock it down, I ignored these rocks; also I was busy. Anyway, these rocks
turned out to be some feature. I found more rocks lined across the balk, and it was part of the "stone
ciecle," or a wall. I took down the wall of the pit, and it seems to be composed of mud brick. The
surface of locus 1007 seems to be a surface, or a floor, and can see some mud bricks. However, this is
much lower than the rest of the locus (and lower than the stone structures), so must be left unexcavated
for a while. I have not checked the elevation of the floor, but it might be close to the elevation of the pit
in the pit.
While I knocked down the wall of the pit, workers excavated the locus 1008, which is the South
half of the trench (below 1003 and 1006). They found two semi circular structure of rock lines,
amazingly, this line of stones somewhat follow the loose soil area that I found above in locus 1003 and
1006. They also found more large rocks around the SW section. Also, there seems to be a definate pit
near the large rocks in SW section. tomorrow will be a busy day....
Today, I destroyed the mud brick that was laying out for two days. Nothing was in this thing,
and we still don't know what this is. However, I found a possible N5 sherd (or Islamic?) imbeded on to
this brick; it was slightly green-gray, and seemed to be burnt in high temp. After removing this "thing,"
it still continued on the surface, this could go more deeper, and it could be a part of something larger.
July 26, 2000
Today, I begin working with taking off the balk of 1010. I found some hard compacted mudbrick. It seems to be following the rocks. The workers excavated the locus 1009 (NW section). They
found some bones scattered around, and found a skull directly below the mud-brick that we found in
1004. The skull was small and thin, possibly a baby or an animal. also beside this skull we found
possible human finger, not related to the skull (finger was for fully mature adult). Also, foud a mandible
of some animal that seems to be baked (was black color). Also, we cleared the locus 1008 (South half of
the unit). The pit that we found previously was more clearly defined , and compacted sand was a mudbrick. It probably represent surface. We had to make several new locus. See plan map for detail. The
rocks, within the rocks, pit, floor area, and also an oven near West wall. The soil contained dark ash,
some red bricks and burned bricks. We decide to make this oven locus larger, to include the ash layer.
The soil was loose at the SW corner, and found some animal bone, this will be another locus.
The NW section gave me a hard time to clearly define the limit of the floor or a pit. There was a
clear line of possible mud-brick surrounding the skull. The finger bone south of the skull was in loose
layer of sand. At the center of the unit was some orangish soil, also, there seems to be some pit around
this discoloration. The burial pit extends to this locus, but had the mud brik line above this. We will
scrape this area more carefully and see what's going on to make more new loci!
July 28, 2000
This morning started out with brushing the surface and cleaning to make a photo (for a plan
view). After taking several photo, I put Ihsan and Azeez to work on locus 1011 (SE corner of the trench,
within stone circle;stone circle is 1012). Also, baris worked on the pit at the SW cornar of the trench
(locus 1017).
Locus 1011 I told the workers to excavate about 5 cm, very carefully. Azeez found some bones after
few minutes, and found some teeth that looks small, but looked like human, possible child burial. We
decided to screen at this point for all soil. At the east balk, the soil seemed little compacted, in one area,
but it was not a mud brick. Whithin that hard soil, we found the human child teeth (TK 1064). We later
assigned new locus for this area on the east balk 9Locus 1025, we will excavate tomorrow, hopefully)
Also, near the south balk about 80 cm west from the east balk, we found human skull. Workers smashed
a piece out of it... The skull seems male because it had a somewhat rigid brow ridge. We also found
some intact bones around it, to these bones around the burial, different TK 1070 was given. I did not
check the difference of the soil in this pit from another areas, I should do this next day.
Locus 1017 This is the locus near the SW corner of the trench. We found some bones near (under)
the large rocks (locus 1016). The soil was very loose and little darker in color. First I thought it was a
animal bones, but it turned out to be a human. Very little pottery was found from this pit, but Baris
found a worked stone flake. The bones were scattered, and some were broken, and it was disturbed and
did not seemed to had a proper burial or it may have been dug up and reburied. So far only several long
bones were found. This pit seems to extend further down and east, under the large rocks. We should
remove the rocks on top and see the relationship between the rocks and this pit.
Locus 1015 This locus was the most obvious burial pit. The pit followed the general coffin shape,
round near head and straight at the feet, about 2.15 m in length and 50 cm wide. There was a clear line
of loose soil, but one mud brick (about 40 cm x 40 cm) was covereing this pit in about mid-way. Under
the loose and darker soil, somewhat ashy?, there was a hard, but very fragile layer of soil (Approx 99.67)
Beginning elevation for th pit is 99.75, and we found a burial, fully extended, directly below this later
(99.63-99.56). This hard soil resemble the soil of locus 1014, which could represent a soil below the
mud-brick surface. This seems to me that the pit was dug during the occupation of locus 1014 period,
and mud-bricks were layed after. Than, the problem is to determine when was the stones were layed.
We have to dig to see.... The head was directed towards SW, and it was layed on side, looking south.
Bone were preserved well, but it seems like hand was missing? Bone seems to be fragile than that of
locus 1005. There were several sherds associated in situ with the burial.
July 29, 2000
Locus 1025 We made this new locus in order to see if there are any difference in soil, bones,
and artifacts from surrounding area, since we found a human child teeth from this location. This locus is
about 25 cm x 25 cm, connecting to East balk at 25 cm from South. The soil seemed compacted around
this area, and had some orange mottle within. I was not paying much attention to the soil for past several
days, so may be I should check more carefully. Anyway, there were no small pebbles in the soil of
Locus 1025, compared to west side of Locus 1011. However, we found only few pottery and no human
bones, but a animal teeth. I would straighten the balk and below rocks(locus 1012) to see if there are any
characteristics in this locus and locus 1011. Since we found no interesting sign, We closed the locus.
Locus 1011 We excavated the rest of the locus to create a flat surface (there were some
unexcavated area close to West side). Nothing seems to draw my attention except there was possible
mud-brick below the rocks. This mud-brick is very loosly compacted and may not be a nud-brick, it has
a dark color and very pores. I would consult with Andy sometime later. To determine the history of this
pit and burial and the stones, I tried to see the soil differences. There were many variation in soil in this
locus. As I noted above, I will examine this tommorow.
Locus 1015 We continue articulate the burial. The bones were still fragile, but since I am
getting better at digging around the bone, it seemed less fragile. I might be a bone digging expert at the
end of this excavation! When I was cleaning the surface of the right leg bone, I found a possible chewed
mark ( by rodent?) on it. Andy suggest that this person was left outside after his death for a while, and
someone reburied later. If we can determine rather this is a real animal tooth mark, or any indication of
wounds or cause of death, we can draw interesting scenario. This person could be killed in combat and
left alone, or died alone and the family found it later. The one thing that I noticed is that all burial so far
(except for 1015) is dug fairly shallow. It's hard to tell how deep that they dug, but it is certain that it
was less than 75 cm or so. Because we found these pits or stone circle and finds burial right below it.
The skull is under the large rocks (Locus 1016). This indicate that the rocks were layed after the burial
pit was dug. It is now odd, that there was one mud brick was sticking out in the burial pit. It seems that
burial pit is cutting through the mud-brick surface, except for one point. Dr. Bradly mentioned, while
noticing the mud-brick floor, that the mud brick surface might be a some kind kind of large structure of
Hellenistic era; but we must see if the pottery reading indicate this. Another thing I noticed is that these
burials seems to have a grind stone made out of volcanic rocks. in Locus 1011, we found two fragment
(KT 1087), near the skull of Locus 1016 (KT 1060, although this seems to be far from the skull), and
this burial. We found no other dark soil in the burial pit today, I think I collected most of the dark soil
yesterday; this dark soil might come from the oven? Andy and I will examine the bones tomorrow.
Locus 1026 Since the loose soil was larger longer than the hight of the buried person in Locus
1015, we excavated the rest of the pit. As soon as we start digging, Ihsan found some bones. But, it was
a bones from different individual. The bones were broken and smashed, and disturbed, some from tree
roots. But further excavation revealed that the skull was smashed. and body might extend to east. This
suggest that burial of 1026 was earlier than that of 1015. The best scenario that I could think is that
people of "Locus 1015-age" tried to dug a pit, but found a dead body under the ground and smashed the
skull. But for some reason they did not wanted to dug a new pit and just buried the corpse there.
Also, today, we took a photo to create a detailed plan view.
July 30, 2000
Locus 1010 There was one area that was not excavated in Locus 1010 (the floating rocks). we
took down the rocks and large frag of pot sherds from it and leveled the surface, no interesting artifacts
or features were found.
Locus 1011 Clean the surface and profile. Found a mud-brick lining at the surface, below the
rock circle, runnib parrallel to it. The question is to determine the relationship between the mud-brick
and the rocks (locus 1012). Also, found a line of soil changes between the fill and the burial. Looking
towards east, you will see, from your left (North), line of stones with mud brick under them, loose soil
fill, and darker pit soil. It seems that the pit was small for the burial since between the wall of the pit
and skelton i only about 1 cm. It is as if someone wanted to bury a person quickly and did not care about
the size of the pit; just dug a hole and put a dead person in the pit! However, this does not explain the
stone circle and the mud-brick lining, if there is connection with this burial. In the profile of the east
wall, I found several area of pits and loose fill; see profile view for detail. There were small pit dug for
the burial for a baby(?) about 40 - 60 cm below the present surface. The surface of this locus is approx
75 cm from the present surface. Also, there was one area thet clearly had a loose soil. It is only about 15
cm width, and can not tell any detail only from the profile. South wall was heavily disturbed from tree
root action. I might have to take a look at this profile later. No one had the Monsul color chart that day,
so I will plan on finishing my profile sometime later.
Locus 1018 OVEN I
Oven is located just west of the burial pit 1015. Found some ashy
layer and fired clay(bricks). I put Ihsan and Azeez for this task. They seemed to excavate well, and we
found a oven intact, and had a circular structure, about 45 cm in diameter. We might have to excavate
more to see if the oven extends further or not. It seems the pit 1015 cuts through the oven. The dark soil
within the burial could possible be a inclusion of the oven. The structure is visible and amazed with the
preservation of the feature. Some animal bones and possible human were found. The soil on the surface
showed many discoloration, some white, orange, and dark (burnt). The relationship with the pit 1017
and this oven must be make clear later on. Some bones were found at the southern edge of this oven
close to the bones on pit 1017. We must define the limit of this oven and the limit of the pit. If we
know the relationship with the large rocks (Locus 1016) and the pit 1017, we could make interesting
scenario about these features. I would look at the characteristics of the oven later on, such as the size of
the bricks, among other things.
Locus 1024 OVEN II This oven is located on the central part of the NW 1/4 of the trench.
Some orange discoloration was present on the surface, but seems to have a pit at the center, and even
some mud-bricks. It was hard to define the limit of this oven from the surface, and it turned out to be
hard to define the limit of this oven. We found some frag of oven, circular, but only about 1/3 of the
circle. the north side of this oven was a loose fill, and workers and i could not find the hard surface as
we did in the OVEN I. However, on the south side, we found a thin ash layer, and found a hard surface
below, but it was similar to that surrounds this oven, and I was having a hard time figuring out what was
going on in this area. Also, North side of the loose fill caused me some problem. The orange
discoloration was found here too, and the loose soil was sourounding it. However, the soil seemed to
show more than 4 variations within small portion of the area. Looking towards North, you will find
mud-brick like compacted soil, orange colored soil from oven, loose fill, and crumbled white soil (seems
like decayed mud-bricks?). I think I need some help determining this mess. All I can think of is that
someone dug a pit directly above the oven. I will try and cut through some section and see the soil in
profile.
July 31, 2000
Locus 1015 Andy and I examined the bones with close up today. As I noted above, Head is
place in SW direcion, and face is looking south (showing left side of the face). Left hand is crossed and
put on the pubic area. Right hand is twisted. Both legs are extended and feet are looking towards south.
Eli worked on articulation of the skelton, and she was perfect fit for the job! I dug for years, but she's
better than me... I feel like shit, it's her 1st time... I guess some people are better doing things like this.
Here is some result of examination; we worked on long bones today and we will be working on other
bones tomorrow. From today's result, it seems like this individual is male? (i think), about 30 years of
age, and possibly died and exposed for a while and reburried. Also, the burial under his feet poses many
intersting question; why didn't they change the location of the burial?
Examination result from burial at Locus 1015 (July 31 & Aug 1, 2000)
right Tibia mid-shaft on anterior found a rodent chewed(gnaw) mark
right Tibia 36 cm long, proximal end smashed
right Patella smashed, missing?
left Tibia distal-shaft smashed
left Tibia 35 cm long, proximal end smashed, found weathering or decay
left Patella intact
left Femur, found pre-mortum break? distal-shaft found 2 sharp indentation (chop mark). 40 cm
long distal end smashed
right Femur heavily weathered, found gnaw mark, 40 cm, distal end smashed
right Humurus 30 cm, strong mascular attachment
right Radius 23 + cm,
right Ulna, can not be measured. Possible artherites?
left Ulna found weathering on proximal shaft
Iron deficiency? porous skeleton
Cranial structure (left side, suture closure)
1 midlamdoid
0
2 lambda
0 or 1
3 obellion
1
4 anterior saggital
1
5 baegma
0 or 1
6 mid coronal
1
7 tarrion
1?
8 spheno frontal
not visible
9 inferior spheno temporo not visible
10 superior spheno temporo broken
Cranial structure
1 Nuchal Crest
2 Glabella
3 Supra-orbital Margin
4 Mental Emminence
5 Gonial Angle
1 or 2
2 or 3
1 or 2
1 or 2
3 or 4
Pelvis
greater sciatic notch
4 or 3 ?
Upper left molar find behind Zygomatic bone, crown facing upside down
found (right) knee, (right hand ) fingers, rib bones, and vertebrate within the skull, these
were all missing from the skelton.
August 1, 2000
Locus 1015 Today, I articulated the skelton; the torso area, pelvis, and foot. Exposed spinal
cords. After finishing, begin to box the baby. By tomorrow, all the bones should be taken up. One
strange thing that I noticed today was that his right hand was almost completely missing, except for one
finger. The right hand was where Ulna and Radius was crossed (twisted). This, I think, occured before
his death. At least, I hope this to be the case. When I was digging around his right finger, the soil was
compacted and hard. There is no possibility that his finger was destroyed from excavating. We should
analyze the bones carefully to see if there is any indication of pre-mortal injury. What I am thinking is
that some animal chewd away his finger; this explain the missing finger and the twisted arm. Although
the finger bones coud be easily misplaced after burial, I like my idea better. Some pieces of vertebra
collum was missing, but those bones probably decayed, since those bones are fragile. By he way, we
named this skelton Cocaine Joe. For references, the elevation of the skull is 99.70, pelvis at 99.60, and
foot at 99.57. I have not checked the elevation of the skelton in 1026, but it seems much higher than the
skelton in 1015s
Locus 1026 While I articulate the bones from 1015, Ihsan took down the burial pit of 1026,
which is directly East of 1015. This skelton was layed sideways facing south (so the left shoulder of this
person is close to the surface), fully extended (legs are in the balk). This burial is oriented East and
west, head is at the West, and slightly tilted towards North. I should check the angle of all the burial
with a compass. So far, all burials that I uncovered, 1005, 1011, 1015, and 1026, head is placed on West
side. However, angle is all different. This poor person, as I noted above, lost his/her head when the pit
was dug for 1015. It is now obvious... We should articulate this baby and put them into the boxes.
Some consideration about the burials. Since this trench is ancient necropolis, I will
write what I think about these burials. 1- it is all close to surface, so it is possibly Hellenistic in
age or earlier, but I have to wait for the pottery reading. 2- burials 1005, 1011, 1015, 1026 are
all extended and somewhat oriented towards West. I am not sure these indicate any
relationship. Ancient people had an idea that West is a place for death because the sun sets
on west. 3- so far, I found possible 3 burial goods on 1011, 1015, and 1009 surface (about 1
m away from the baby skull). All of them were volcanic rock grind stone, that is shaped flat (I
will check the measurmet tomorrow). 4 - Elevation of the burial 1011 and 1015 is about the
same 99.69 and 99.79. However, 1026 is higher and 1005 is lower. Well, I'm getting tired and
sleepy, I would write more later, i can't think now...
Aug 2, 2000
Locus 1026 Today, I articulatedthe skelton and exposed femur and rib bones. The
soil of this pit seems more compacted and more silty than burial 1015. Locus 1026 - 2.5 Y 6/2
silt, some pebbles, but smaller than 5 mm. locus 1015 - 2.5 Y 5/2 very fine sand to silt, some
pebbles, some pebbles more than 5 mm, and find more number of small pebbles in 1015.
Near this person's right femur, several fragment of bones were sticking from a wall. According
to Andy, it is a fragment from mandible. The bones of this individual are more stable and
thicker than that of 1015. We will hopefully examine this individual tomorrow.
Locus 1015 We try to lift the skull of this individual today.... Well, we examined the
skull, and it now appears to be more femal than male. When we were lifting the skull, I found
two fragments of finger bone stuck in the skull. Also, later find out that the skull was full of
bones, such as knee, vertebrate, and ribs. The skull was full of these bones. What it appears
to be is that these bones were missing from the skelton. Probably, this person was killed, or
died alone, and chewed by some animals. Later, some one picked up the pieces of this
person and stuffed them into his/her skull. The occipital bone?-- (I don't know the name, but
the bone of the skull that is flat and lay directly below the sinal cords, where the foram
magnam (The hole for the spin) is-- was missing. This seems that people stuffed the skull with
bone either removing, and chopping the skull, or it is possible that the skull was already
smashed and people stuffed the bones from there. It is also possible that they stuffed the
bones from mouth, since some teeth were misplaced and within the skull. I don't know what is
going on, but many intersting scenario could be drawn from these finds.
Aug 3, 2000
Locus 1015 Today was a lab-day, but Andy and I decided to go to the field and pick up
more bones! We decided to take a skull with the soil and fingers intact. It seems that more
bones were stuck into the back of the forehead area, some fingers and teeth were piled up in
that area. This, for me, is to suggest that the bones were stuffed from the bottom (more to
back-side) of the shull. Also, somehow the mandible were stuffed way up in the skull. We
took C14 sample for dating; several ribs, both left and right were taken. I try to dig up some
new pieces rather than using the exposed parts of the bones. Also, I used the dental pick and
spoon (both metal), to pick the sample. Put them in the Aluminum foil, which I did not tuch the
inside. I payed extreme caution for these samples, for there should be no contamination from
this excavation. There could be a contamination from other causes, such as tree root activity,
or A-Bomb test. As for yesterday, we took soil sample from each area of the body as we
articulate the bones. We separated the samples from within the skull, around neck and the
body, vertebrate area, ribs, and right femur area. Because the bones were soo fragile, we
simple put the broken oiecrs of bones in the soil sample bag (ribs and vertebrates are in the
soil bag and did not seoarately bag them). The head of the right femur were about 5 cm, and
that seems to be little large to be a female. Gonial angle was 3 or 4 (examination from the
mandible angle). Tomorrow, we must pick the rest of the legs and the pelvis. Hope we could
know the sex of this person, either it will be Cocaine joe or Jenny.
KT 2000 Area A Trench 1
Brief summary from the pottery reading (Locus 1000 to 1010) (July 23,
2000)
*Must read update from Aug 19, 2000
Level 1
(100.50 - 100.30)
Locus 1000 heavily disturbed zone, some Hel, EIA, and N5
# This is the layer of top-soil and directly below
Level 2 (100.30 - 100.15)
Locus 1001 IA and Hel mixed and showed no consistency, still in the zone of
disturbance
Locus 1002 Mainly Hel in nature, and a possible N5 sherd. But some evidence of
disturbance
# This level was probably occupied during Hel and later. East side shows the heavy
mixing of materials. for some unknown reasons; the slope of the tepe may had some affect in
the past. West side of the trench shows more stable soil and less disturbance.
Level 3 (100.15 - 100.00)
Locus 1003 Hel and IA mixed, still shows some disturbance
Locus 1004 possible N5 and EIA, shows little disturbance, clearly IA occupation.
Locus 1006 possible Iron age occupation, but not enough diag to specify
# This level was occupied in IA to Hel. Shows some disturbance in South and East of
the trench. Since there were some soil variations and this seems to correspond with the pits
and burials at the lower levels. NW corner of the trench represent clear IA occupation.
Level 4 (100.00 - 99.80)
Locus 1008 It shows some late pottery, and not enough evidence to suggest a clear
age of occupation
Locus 1009 Several sherds from Assyrian, EIA, shows clear occupation of Iron Age
Locus 1010 Locus was too small to reveal any significant evidence of diag pottery
Locus 1007 Clearly shows Hel occupation, possible it was a pit; it's a Hellenistic
slump. Found a large possible pit above the locus.
# This level seems to be occupied durring IA. However, for one section in NE, under a
pit shows clear Hel materials. This pit was visible from Locus 1003. Also, some disturbance
in the south is from the burials; this might suggest the age of the burials (Locus 1011, 1015,
1026, and 1017), but we must wait for the pottery reading for those loci
Burial (Locus 1005)
# From the pottery reading, this area represt clear IA burials, such as Pale-ware (Type
I), Cor. Bowl, and possible N5 sherd. Although this burial is located directly north of the
hellenistic slump, the pit was protected from the mud-brick lining. The questions to be asked
is rather the deep pit within the pit represent differnt level than the one above. At this point,
there is not enough evidence to suggest. Wait until the full pit is excavated and examined.
Aug 5, 2000
Today, I removed some loose dirt out from the burial pit 1015, articulated some more,
took up the pottery near feet. That about what I did in this trench this day.
I will be opening up a new trench in area D, east side of the tepe, down the hill in
somewhat flat area. Anyway, the decision was made because, there are just too many burials
and I am not a burial specialist; I wish I had more knowledge of osteology. So, we will close
this trench because we want to get more accurate information from the burials other than my
own (and Andy). We will be excavating this trench next season, if there are a bone specialist.
Before I completely close this trench, I have to make some point clear so that next year
someone would not have trouble excavating the trench.
Right now, I exposed several new loci that never put my hands on it. Also, Oven I
(locus 1018) and Oven II (locus 1024) is incomplete at this moment. Burial at locus 1011,
1026, and pit (possible burial) at locus 1017 is nearly completed. I will list, and make a brief
description of all the loci that appears on the surface at this moment.
All loci up to 1010 has been excavated and finished completely (and does not exist
anymore... good bye my friendly loci...) for those loci information check this journal (Pottery
reading summary, Aug 3)
--Locus 1011 The burial at the SE corner, a burial in the South balk. Found a mud-brick line
on surface under rocks(Locus 1012). This Locus is completed
--#Locus 1012
The circular line of rocks sourrounding locus 1011. Mud-bricks is under
the rocks. The purpose of the excavation of this locus will be clarifying the relationship with
locus 1011(burial), locus 1013/1020 (surface), and the mud-brick underlining the rocks.
--#Locus 1013
The mud-brick surface, same as locus 1020, but assigned this locus to
south side of the burial pit (locus 1015). The purpose is to clarify the relationship between
locus 1012, 1019, and 1016 (lining of rocks), and possible day the surface.
--Locus 1014 Suppose to be a loose fill area between locus 1012 and 1019, just East of the
burial 1015. However, this area was changed to burial (locus 1026). Now the Locus 1014
does not exist, make a new locus somewhere!
--Locus 1015
Needless to say, it's a famous burial near the center of the trench.
--#Locus 1016
Line of large rocks at the SW area of the trench. This locus abuts surface
1013/1020, pit 1017, Oven I (locus 1018). The purpose of the excavation is to see rather the
pit 1017 extend below this locus; we found some human bones in locus 1017, and seems to
continue down into the rocks.
--Locus 1017
Pit at the SW corner of the trench. Found human bones, crushed into
pieces, possibly extends to Locus 1016. Relationship with Oven I (Locus 1018) and mud-brick
surface. Try to reconstruct which locus cuts which locus. this locus is completed.
--Locus 1018
Oven I, just north of large rocks(locus 1016) and west of burial 1015.
Burial 1015 probably cuts the Oven I. relationship between Oven II (locus 1024) must be
clarify. Oven I and Oven II could be considered as one unit, but at this it is hard to determine.
This locus is nearly complete but the oven (layer of soft ash) might extend further.
--#Locus 1019
The somewhat circular lining of rocks just north of burial 1015. Similar
structure to locus 1012.
--#Locus 1020
Mud-brick surface, same as locus 1013. The north side of the burial
1015, but could be considered as one unit. Mud-brick does not appear clear at the north side
of the trench.
--#Locus 1021
The hard compacted silt layer at the NW corner of the trench (somewhat
circular, 1.5 m diameter). Found a skull of a baby? in this area. Interesting to see the
relationship with Oven II (locus 1024), and mud-brick surface.
--#Locus 1022
The extension of the pit from burial 1005. Loose soil seems to follow a pit
from east side.
--#Locus 1023
A loose soil that seems to surrounds the silt layer (locus 1021) Found a
human finger. The extension of this locus is hard to define since it is cut (or cut by )many loci:
1021, 1022?, 1024, 1020.
--Locus 1024 Oven II. This area was difficult to excavate since many loci meets together and
all of them seems to submerge, without any definate limit. This Oven seems to be cut by a pit
in the middle. You will see some Oven frag, and flat surface on the south and dug out surface
to north. The north of the oven had a loose soil and seems to continue further down. But to
the south, somewhat compacted layer continues, but edges with mudbrick surface was not
east to tell. I have not finished this locus but seems to be a better idea to leave at this
moment. This locus requires time and care to excavate.
--Locus 1025
This is locus is completed. It was thought to be a burial pit of a baby,
within the locus 1011.
--Locus 1026 Burial pit next to 1015. This person's head was smashed by pit dug by 1015.
We may or may not excavate this person at this point.
---I hav not assigned Locus 1027 and beyond (Locus 1014 is not assigned)
# loci that not has been excavated
UPDATE OF THE SUMMARY OF POTTERY READING (AUG 19, 2000)
There are several points that I must make correction from the above summary since the
last pottery reading. Rather than go back and fix my original data, Idecided to mention here.
Now, we know more about pottery than before and I must make that clear. All the possible N5
pot-sherds turned out to be a Hellenistic in age. Also, what we call type I (pale-ware with red
paint) is also of Hellenistic age. This will suggest that almost all the loci are of Hellenistic in
age. The burial 1005, is not an Iron age burial and it is Hellenistic. Locus 1009, which
seemed to be a clearly Iron age occupation is in doubt. From KT 1051, I found Type I which is
Hellenistic, but KT 1054 seems to be in Iron age (Assyrian nipple base, COR. bowl etc) KT
1054 is the only KT that is in Iron age and others are Hellenistic.
Locus 1011 This Locus is the Burial at the SE corner of the trench. surrounded by
lining of rocks. We found a skelton in the south balk. The skelton was oriented towards west
(direction of head), and the hand was crossed. The age and sex has not been determined.
Below the stones, I found a mud-brick lining, possible following the rocks above.
Type 7 and Type 65 (Jar with rolled-over rim) both Hellenistic
Locus 1015 This Locus is the burial at the center of the trench. The pit was dug
through the surface 1013 and 1020. Head was oriented towards Southwest. We excavated
this individual with extreme care. During the excavation, we found ribs, knee bone, and finger
bones in the skull. Also, some gnaw marks were apparent in the right Tibia and Femur. We
think that this person was left out after the death for a while. Then, he body was picked up by
someone, all the fragments of the body was stuffed into the head and buried. Interesting
enough, when the pit was dug, a burial right below the feet (East) was cut through (Locus
1026). It seems that Locus 1015 cuts Locus 1026, and the head of 1026 is smashed. There
were only few pottery from this burial pit and not a definate diagnostic sherds were found, but
it seems to be from the Hellenistic. I found an outline of this pit above the surface of 1020
(found loose soil at Locus 1008). The Locus 1008 dates to Hellenistic. So, this burial must
dat to Hel or later.
Locus 1017 This Locus is the pit that is located at the SW corner of the trench. We
found several smashed pieces of human bones, and the soil was loose so it was a good
possibility to find a burial here. We do not know the precise shape of the pit since it was too
close to the balk and it seems to go under the rocks at Locus 1016. This suggest that pit is
earlier than the rocks of 1016. The pottery from this Locus seems to be of hellenistic, but we
only found few frag of Red-Brown wash ware.
Locus 1018 This Locus is the Oven at the SW section of the trench. It has a circular
shape. Ashy soil was on top of a compacted mud. The Oven seems to extends further north
and could be connected to Locus 1024 (Oven II). Several bones were found scattered arond
the area. The burial 1015 seems to cut through the oven. I found dark ashy soil below the
large rocks(Locus 1016). The relationship between the pit(1017) and this Locus has not been
determined. Found Type 7 pot-sherds and seems to be from hellenistic age.
Locus 1024 This Locus is the Oven at the Northside of the trench. This oven was not
well preserved, and seemed to have a pit at the center. The soil was loose and deep on the
North side and ashy soil was shallow at the south side. Both of the oven L1018 and L 1024
has not been fully excavated, we must define the limit of the oven. We found red-brown wash
and type 9, purly Hellenistic assembly.
Locus 1025 This Locus was assigned since we found child teeth within the Locus
1011(burial). The soil that looked different and loose were pedestled to be excavated. We
found little differnce, but probably a pit. Found hellenistic incurbed rim bowl.
Locus 1026 This is the burial that is located just east of the burial 1015. The skull of
this person was bashed when a pit was dug to bury a person (L 1015). Pottery reading has
not been done for this Locus.