Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

ALEXANDRIA

EGYPT

completed in new masonry (Fig. 11).
During accompanying archaeological ex-
ploration preceding the restoration work, it
was ascertained that the northern wall of
the auditorium ended with a pilaster-like
projection (ca. 0.70 m), flanking the
entrance to the northern passage of the bath
complex. The lower part of the pilaster was
duly restored to its original shape.
BATH COMPLEX
The southern passage of the baths will
eventually form one of the axes of the
Archaeological Park exhibition to be
created at the site. The restoration work in
this area focused on the preservation of the
underground vaulted structure used as the

bath service area. The dismantled vaults of
the entrance to one of the furnaces in the
destrictarium were entirely restored in new
stone. In another chamber, most probably
used as the southeastern entrance to the
underground structure, a vault partly re-
stored last season was now completed.
Conservation measures were also under-
taken in two additional vaults in the same
area in order to stabilize their condition.
Seriously weathered blocks were replaced,
new springing was set in position and
extant arches expanded by adding more
voussoirs. This procedure not only
protected the structural integrity of the
vaults, but also made their display visually
more attractive.


Fig. 11. Area AW. Northern auditorium (no. 2), view after restoration
(Photo G. Majcherek)

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