Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (13.2001(2002))

ALEXANDRIA

EGYPT

BUILDING AND CONSERVATION WORKS

In keeping with the long-term programme
for opening the excavated area to tourists,
the following restoration and conservation
works were carried out in different parts of
the site.
In the bath, the southern outer wall of
the complex in the western section was
completed. Major parts of this wall were
reconstructed using original blocks found
during excavations (Figs. 3, 4). Nearby, one
of the underground vaulted chambers
(probably the eastern entrance to the
underground service area) was protected and
partially reconstructed. The work will be
finished next season once the existing part
of the outer wall has been cleaned and
examined archaeologically. The cellar, fitted

with an opening in its vault and made out
of original material, will usher tourists into
the underground service complex.
Near this entrance, a ceramic tile roof
constructed over the remains of a neigh-
bouring Roman villa was dismantled after
it had suffered damages at the hands of
unruly trespassers; it will be replaced with
a corrugated steel sheet covering.
In the southern section of the corridor
of the underground service area, in its
western part, a gateway arch was protected
and partially rebuilt (Fig. 3).
A large kiln excavated between the
baths and the cisterns and dated to the
post-Roman period, was also provisionally
protected.


Fig. 2. Area west of the ancient theatre: A, B, C problem areas requiring a solution in the
future (Photo W. Kolqtaj)

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