Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

MARINA EL-ALAMEIN

EGYPT

EXPLORATION AND ARCHITECTURAL STUDIES

The cleaning work and architectural stud-
ies that normally precede conservation
measures were concentrated around the
courtyard of the H 10 complex and along
the southern and eastern facades of the
building.
A trench 1.50 m wide and 8 m long
was dug along the southern wall of the
house in order to facilitate the restoration
of the niche in this wall, which is also the
southern wall of room 2. This trench was
later extended another 2 m east in order to
connect the H 10 complex with House H 9
and H 9a on the level of the Late Roman
street and square previously explored in
front of H 9a.
Another trench, 2.50 m wide and 12 m
long, was opened to clear the part of the

N-S street that runs alongside the eastern
facade of House H 10. In an additional
trial pit below the threshold a channel
emptying into the street sewage system
was discovered. At least three street surface
levels were noted in this trench. The low-
est was a lime and sand layer 1.00 m below
the level of the main entrance. The second
layer, c. 0.40 m above the first, is made up
of grayish-yellow sand covered with a layer
of burning, presumably evidence of the fire
that destroyed the building. This level cor-
responds with the footing in the eastern
facade of H 10. The next layer, appears still
0.20 m higher. This last phase of the street
is linked to the threshold in the main
house entrance. Also corresponding with
this level is a curb of stone blocks erected


Fig. 8. House H 9■ Axonometric view after restoration
(Drawing E. Luzyniecka, R. Czerner)

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