Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (4.1992(1993))

The main objective of explorations in Area D on the northern
slope of the tell was to investigate further fragments of the
rampart. For this purpose the former test trench A-l (now
renamed D-l) was enlarged, and revealed another section of the
substantial mud brick wall found here earlier. But contrary to our
expectations the well preserved stone glacis did not continue
westward. Instead, there was a substantial mudbrick platform or
terrace about 2 m wide and about 1 m lower than the main
rampart, also protected by a stone revetment. However this part
of the glacis seem to be on a much lower level than at the main
wall. It protected not only the outer face of the mudbrick platform
but also its sides.In general outline the fragment of the rampart
explored in trench D-l ressembles the fragment discovered in the
A-2 trench.
In trenches D-2 and D-3 some remnants of a huge mudbrick
wall were also discovered. Taking into account their localisation
and orientation, it still remains unclear whether they belong to the
same defensive structure as the fragment unearthed on the eastern
slope of the tell and in trench D-l or whether they represent
another substantial construction of the ED period.
In trench D-2 two architectural layers were exposed above the
top of what may be considered a fragment of the rampart. Both
layers are dated to the Early Dynastic III period. The upper one
was very badly eroded, but much better preserved remains of
mudbrick structures were present in the lower one. There was a
fragment of a spacious room measuring at least 2.8 x 2.6 m with
plastered buttresses, niches and a plastered floor.
A similar stratigraphic sequence was found in trench D-3.
Two architectural layers, both of them of ED III date, were found
to overlie a massive mudbrick structure. The upper stratum

125