Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (12.2000(2001))

DAKHLEH OASIS

EGYPT

The survey revealed a big rectangular
structure, measuring 54 by 112 m, with
a mutually perpendicular grid of linear
negative anomalies and positive local
anomalies. The short axis of the structure is
about 25 degrees from north to east. Based on
test excavation results, one can easily suppose
that the grid of linear anomalies reflects the
walls of habitations. The big rectangular
structure could be an enclosure wall, about
1-1.5 m thick. Local positive anomalies could
correspondent to ovens, kilns, ashes.
The main enclosure consists of three
parts: eastern, central and western. The
eastern part (54 by 20 m) is slightly

displaced to the south, suggesting that it
had been constructed at a different time
than the other parts. Surface clearing of the
eastern part of the enclosure, carried out by
A.J. Mills in 2000, revealed a plan that
shows good correspondence with the
magnetic map (Fig. 2).
The survey revealed several groups of
very strong anomalies outside the main
structure (e.g., structure marked as “X” in
Fig. 1). The high amplitude of values could
suggest that the anomalies correspond to
industrial areas, probably pottery kilns,
situated outside the enclosure wall because
of the danger of fire.


Fig. 2. Schematic plan of the eastern part of the settlement after clearing the tops of walls in
2000 (Drawing M. Puszkarski after A.J. Mills)

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