Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (1.1988-1989(1990))

end. The first Assyrian stronghold was built in two phases and, finally,
measured 185 min lengthand 75m in width. The upper parts of the fortress,
built on a stone socle, were of mudbrick which has not survived to modem times.
The fortress was destroyed already in antiquity. The small finds from these
layers are mainly potsherds dated to the 9th-7th century B.C. ,
Overlaying the destroyed Assyrian fortress there was a Parthian layer,
separated from the former occupation by a hiatus of some 500 years. From the
Parthian period we have burials, some traces of buildings and a rich repertory
of pottery with a few terracottas as well. Among the Parthian ceramics we My
distinguish storage vessels caulked with bitumen inside local cooking pots and
glazed vessels. The Latter constitute mainly imports, i.e. small bowls known
alsofromSeleuciaonTigris, Dura-Europos, 'AinSinu, Shahr-iQumisandAna(an
island some 25 km distant from Bijan to the north, also presently underwater).
Directly on the top of the Parthian layer there was a Roman one. Two phases
could be distinguished. The first comprised a reoccupation of existing Parthian
buildings by the newcomers, the second -a rebuilding of the fortress. At this
time new fortifications were constructed on top of the Assyrian walls and a new
gate leading to the fortified interior was built in the southeastern part of the
island. Inside the stronghold new buildings are built ona completely new plan,
comprising an official area and a storage and domestic section. It would appear
that a Roman military detachment was stationed here in the 2nd-3rd centuries-
A.D. Its presence is confirmed by the finds of pottery, lamps and coins. In the
period in question the island would have been one of the southernmost Roman
military posts.
The finds from this period included a large store of pithoi, so-called
"torpedo jars*, made watertight with bitumen inside, "Brittle Hare" cooking
pottery comprising chiefly two-handle pots and pans, although some more rare
forms such as plates are also to be encountered. There were also soma glazed
Parthian vessels. (Fig. 1).
Among the terracotta oil lamps it is possible to distinguish lamps of
western origin connected with Palmyra - the known Syrian imitations of

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