Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

ALEXANDRIA


SECTOR G

Excavation in this area adjoining the Late
Roman bath complex covered some
120 m2 (c. 17x7 m). The area appeared to
be seriously disturbed by later trenching.
Five rather poorly preserved graves of the
Upper Arab necropolis were found some
13.00-12.60 m above sea level. The tombs
represented two different types of struc-
tures, similar to those previously uncov-
ered in other areas of the site: the earlier
one comprised tombs shaped as open cases
made of slabs mounted on end (G 81-
G 83), while the more developed one was
built of small blocks lined with plaster
(G 80, G 84).
The associated layers yielded a typical
assortment of finds: fragments of cook-
ing pots, frying pans, bowls and dishes,

quite a variety of tableware and lead-
glazed oil lamps. Mamluk wares of dif-
ferent types form the largest group
(Fig. 7:4). Some associated sherds of
rather rare Syro-Egyptian Underglaze
Black Painted Ware were also observed
(Fig. 7:3). They were accompanied by
less numerous finds of North African
(Hafsid) pottery (Fig. 7:1) and examples
of Cypriot Wares (Fig. 7:2). A very fine
example of Siculo-Maghrebi protoma-
jolica decorated with a representation of
a horseman was also found (Fig. 7:6).
Moreover, a few sherds of Chinese
celadon were also recorded (Fig. 7:5).
The evidence as a whole points to the
12th-13th centuries AD as the most
probable date for the cemetery.


Fig. 7. Sector G. Selection of Medieval pottery
(Drawing J. Szewczyk)

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