Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (14.2002(2003))

TELL EL-LARKHA

EGYPT

(Palestinian) pottery. Ultimately, the
building was destroyed in a fire-related
catastrophe. It is difficult to assess whether
this resulted from intentional human
action or from a natural disaster, such as
a flood or an earthquake.
Evidence suggesting that an earth-
quake may indeed have been the root cause
came from excavation of lower levels, both
to the south and north of the afore-
mentioned building. The entire area was
covered with fragments of collapsed walls,
most of them lying on their sides and
concealing numerous artifacts. These

included broken pottery, both storage
vessels and tableware, flint and stone tools,
and cosmetic palettes. The skeleton of
a pig was found, doubtless crushed by a fal-
ling wall (Fig. 3). The lower walls of
a number of ruined buildings have been
preserved. They varied in width (from
c. 30 to 60 cm) and were most often made
of mud brick tempered with sand. Large
quantities of pottery were found in and
around the rooms. Numerous ovens and
hearths were also recorded, some with pots
standing nearby, clearly pointing to
domestic activity in this area.


Fig. 3. Western Kom. Skeleton of a pig crushed by a collapsing wall
(Photo R. SI abort ski)

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