Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (17.2005(2007))

TELL EL-LARKHA

EGYPT

surface, some of them evidently cut into
earlier, badly constructed and poorly
preserved walls of limited thickness. These
were obviously the remains of some
settlement. In the lower layers, the outline
of a monumental brick structure became
exceedingly clear with thick walls dividing
the area into compartments. In the upper
layer, the remains of mud-brick graves were
still visible.
In 2005, further work in the extended
trench once again revealed the same
stratigraphy. Mud-brick graves were found
in the upper layer, overlying a settlement
characterized by very thin and poorly
executed walls (0.30 m wide) made of
typical mud bricks, dividing the space into

narrow rectangular rooms. Many ovens,
grinding stones, flint implements,
fragments of cosmetic palettes, and typical
settlement pottery were registered. The
most intriguing discovery was a set of eight
alabaster vessels lying upside down in
a kind of basket [Fig. 8}.
Finally, the monumental brick structure
was cleared over a larger area. An inner wall
proved to be of dual composition: the outer
shell of yellow bricks, and gray bricks
inside. The outer walls, uncovered on the
south and east, turned out to be very thick
(about 2 m) and their facades not entirely
vertical, receding somewhat toward the top.
At the bottom, they were furnished with
a kind of bench.


Fig. 8. Eastern Korn. Alabaster vessels from a deposit
(Photo A. Biel)

152