Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (11.1999(2000))

NEA PAPHOS

CYPRUS


The documentation of a very rich collection
of pottery recovered during the excavations
of the edifice was especially time-consum-
ing. Other objects, notably lamps, stamped
amphora handles, all kinds of small finds
including fragments of terracottas, stone
and metal items were also checked.
Within the villa itself, some mosaic
floors with geometric decoration were re-
drawn following their final cleaning and
consolidation. Ancient repairs to the
mosaics were documented with special
attention. They betray a great variety of
procedures and materials depending on the
quality and location of the pavements.
Photographs were taken to complete the
extant documentation of the initial condi-

tion of walls and floors, after their discovery
and prior to restoration, and following con-
solidation and restoration work. Several
architectural decoration elements have also
been photographed again.
One trial pit (1.85 m E-W, 1.20 m
N-S) was dug in the south wing of the
villa, inside the apsidal chamber (R 39),
adjoining the grand reception hall R 40
(Figs. 1, 2, 3). The pit was located in the
northeast corner of the horseshoe-shaped
apse, abutting the east wall on the east and
the upper step leading to Room 40 on the
north, the room being located on a lower
level with regard to the apse.
The pit was dug in order to check for
possible earlier floors beneath the opus sectile


Fig. 1. Trial pit in R 39 (apse). Successive floor levels visible
(Photo W. Jerke)

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