Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

TELL EL-LARKHA

EGYPT

outline of a building {Fig. 3). This was
a large structure (c. 20 by 20 m), divided
internally into several rooms. It was notable
for its thick walls (2 m wide) separating it
to the south from the so-called southern
rooms, which were no doubt a later
addition and in which two ovens with ves-
sels standing in them were found. The
internal room (also partly excavated in
2000) measured 7 by 2 m and had a very
badly damaged brick floor. To its west,
separated by a c. 80 cm-wide wall, was
another chamber (referred to as the west
room). Both were bounded to the north by
further rooms (of almost identical dimen-

sions), also separated by a thick wall. The
remains of ovens and hearths were
discovered in the last of these rooms. The
building in question was remodeled during
the final phase of use. Thirty distinct post-
holes were found in its western part, some
of them dug into the west wall and some
located outside it {Fig. 4). Both these post-
holes and the very thick walls of the
building suggest that it had an upper story.
As in the 2000 season, numerous artifacts
were found in the building, testifying to
the importance of trade in the life of the
inhabitants: counters, fragments of unde-
corated clay seals, and sherds of imported


Fig. 2. Western Kom. Deposit of burnt material consisting of black and white ashes
(Photo R. Slabonski)

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