Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

MAREA

EGYPT

The other sector explored this season
included the feature to the west of the latrine
(cf. Szymahska, Babraj 2006: 62-63 and
Fig. 8) adjoining the basilica wall on the
north [cf. Fig. 4, no. 14]. This was a
subterranean structure built of limestone
blocks, entered from the east via a passage
(C) [Fig. 5]. Two interconnected chambers
(A and B) led off this passage to the south.
Another one (D) opened in the opposite
direction to the north [Fig. 6]. Steps led
down to the cellar from the lake side.
The deposits in the channel and the
cellar yielded a few typical Byzantine jugs,
numerous sherds of Coptic painted ware
decorated with floral ornaments and female
busts. Two coins, one of which was an
Arabic one from the end of the 7th-8th
century, were also discovered. One of the
sherds bears a fragmentary charcoal


Fig. 5. Plan of subterranean structure situated
ivest of the latrine and north of the
basilica wall (Plan D. Tarara)

inscription in Arabic, presumably a sura
from the Quran. Two lamps coming from
the channel and a fragment of St. Menas
ampulla, both typical products of the Abu
Mena workshops, are numerously
represented among the finds from the baths
and basilica at Marea.


Fig. 6. Interior of unit B of the subterranean
structure, view from the north; note
connecting passage to unit A in the right
wall (Photo P. Suszek)

Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007

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