Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (19.2007(2010))

TELL EL-LARKHA

EGYPT

WESTERN KOM

Continued excavation of the trench opened
last year (covering more than 1000 m2),
revealed further rooms to the south and
north of the room with the deposit
discovered in 2006 [Fig. 1]. To the east there
is an open area, probably an internal
courtyard enclosed by walls that are much
thicker than the partition walls inside the
rooms. West of the room with the deposit the
situation is unclear due to damage caused by
modern agricultural activities, including
a canal (now filled up) which was still
operational at the start of the Polish
excavations. The surviving fragments of walls
probably belonged to an outer ring of rooms
encircling on this side the shrine with
deposit.

Pending the completion of excavations in
the units north and south of the presumed
shrine, it can be said we are dealing with
relatively small rooms aligned NE-SW,
divided by walls 0.30-0.45 m thick,
containing remains of ovens and hearths.
The fill, which was unfortunately severely
disturbed by animal burrows and accumu-
lations of contemporary rubbish, consisted
of layers of ash, abundant potsherds (seldom
whole vessels) and relatively rare examples of
flint and stone tools. Little beyond the
surface layer could be excavated this year.
Inside the room with the deposit
discovered in 2006 [Fig. 2], the fill was
explored by arbitrary levels 5 cm thick.
Sieving assured a complete register of finds.


(Photo R. Slahonski)

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Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 19, Reports 2007