TELL EL-LARKHA
EGYPT
earlier structure. Investigations in the
coming season should clarify the issue.
The other trench, measuring 5 by 5 m,
was dug in section E94b, in an area
featuring heavy sebbakhin damage on the
surface. The surviving upper levels (1-2)
comprise backfill deposits, containing
loose pottery finds dating from the Old
Kingdom period (phase 7). Levels 3 and 4,
dating from the Early Dynastic period
(phase 6), were of a similar nature.
A compact layer of silt, about 40 cm
thick, was recorded at 5.30 m above sea
level (level 5, phase 5) in the eastern end
of the trench. It contained negligible
quantities of ceramic sherds and
represents in all likelihood the remains of
a thick wall. At 4.45 m above sea level
(layer 9), when the trench had already
been reduced in size to a mere 3 by 4 m,
part of a mudbrick structure was revealed.
These remains were dated provisionally to
the transition between phases 3 and 4.
Excavation was halted at 4.35 m above sea
level and the exposed structures covered
over. Work will continue once the trench
has been extended in the coming season.
(MC, KMC).
117
EGYPT
earlier structure. Investigations in the
coming season should clarify the issue.
The other trench, measuring 5 by 5 m,
was dug in section E94b, in an area
featuring heavy sebbakhin damage on the
surface. The surviving upper levels (1-2)
comprise backfill deposits, containing
loose pottery finds dating from the Old
Kingdom period (phase 7). Levels 3 and 4,
dating from the Early Dynastic period
(phase 6), were of a similar nature.
A compact layer of silt, about 40 cm
thick, was recorded at 5.30 m above sea
level (level 5, phase 5) in the eastern end
of the trench. It contained negligible
quantities of ceramic sherds and
represents in all likelihood the remains of
a thick wall. At 4.45 m above sea level
(layer 9), when the trench had already
been reduced in size to a mere 3 by 4 m,
part of a mudbrick structure was revealed.
These remains were dated provisionally to
the transition between phases 3 and 4.
Excavation was halted at 4.35 m above sea
level and the exposed structures covered
over. Work will continue once the trench
has been extended in the coming season.
(MC, KMC).
117