Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (16.2004(2005))

MAREA

EGYPT

{Fig. 72], found on the floor, suggest the
potential function of this complex as a sort
of exchange office for various foreign
monies brought by the pilgrims arriving
through the port here from all over the
Mediterranean. This would also explain
why so far no coins of other than
Alexandrian issue have been found in our
excavations.9
In front of the presumed exchange office
on the south, a paved street (no. 7) was dis-

covered. Traces of three separate fires were
observed on it, one of these with a small
brick structure arranged in a semicircle
around it for protection.
The pottery repertoire from this year's
excavations did not differ from the already
known assemblage originating from the
ruins of the basilica. Most of the amphorae
were dated to the 6th and 7th century and
represented vessels of LRA 2 and LRA 4
type, as well as Egyptian LRA 7.10


Fig. 12. Coin weight
(Photo J.M. Kucy)

9 With the exception of the sakiyah where two bronze follises from Constantinople were found. Cleaning and
identification of the coins will surely contribute to the interpretation of this room.
10 All pottery identification provided by Dr. Grzegorz Majcherek.

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