Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (18.2006(2008))

MAREA

EGYPT

WORK IN THE BYZANTINE BATHS

Emergency repairs were required in several
areas. Work in the hypocaust (F) included
reconstruction of the brick pillars (sup-
porting the floors) and adjacent arched
openings and sections of the hypocaust
walls {Fig. 2}.
Work around the furnace area (O)
included reconstruction of the crown of the
outer wall surrounding the furnace, and
repairs to the brickwork of the furnace
lining [Fig. 3]·
An arched opening leading to the
furnace (04) between the cellar area (A2)

and (Al), and the adjacent hypocaust brick
pillar and arched opening were partially
reconstructed [Fig. 2].
The vault of the cellar, between the
rooms (B) and (C) was repaired with
matching brick and re-pointed to prevent
possible collapse of this part of the vault.
All reconstructions within the bath were
done using the original brick, set in a lime-
sand mortar mixed with small amounts of
crushed red brick (as per original mortar),
and a small amount of white cement for
structural strength where required.


Fig. 2. Byzantine baths. Furnace 04: before conservation (left) and after
(Photo J. Kucy)

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