Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (10.1998(1999))

TELL ATRIB

EGYPT

The considerable size of the bricks
(40 x 20 x 15 cm) used in the construction
of this wall is characteristic of Early
Ptolemaic domestic architecture.
The investigation of the balk between
squares BBB, CCC, EEE, and FFF, brought
to light two mudbrick walls. One of these
walls, which stands on a substructure of
potsherds and baked bricks from the
neighboring bath (in square EEE), corre-
sponds to the Middle Ptolemaic period. In
the debris of these bricks there was a coin
issued during the regency of Cleopatra I
(181-174 BC) with a representation of Isis
on the obverse and an eagle on the reverse.
The lower wall constitutes an extension of
the structure from square EEE, dated to
the early 3rd cent. BC.

The layer of debris removed from
square KKK over the course of the cam-
paign reached a depth of 1.10 m in the
western end and 1.60 m in the eastern end.
Similarly as in the abutting sector HHH,
the pottery assemblage includes many
sherds from different periods starting with
the 3rd cent. BC and ending in Islamic
times. Among the most important objects
discovered here are stamped amphora han-
dles from imported vessels, Hellenistic oil
lamps, terracottas and two coins of
Ptolemy VI. Two Middle Ptolemaic walls
can be observed below the disturbed layer;
they are an extension of the structures
uncovered in the square explored this year.
Square KKK and the abutting LLL will be
investigated next year.

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