DOI article:
Majcherek, Grzegorz: Excavations in Alexandria, 1992-93
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43746#0017
side, thus the only possible access was through the entrance
vestibule (H-l). The uncovered fragment of the wall was covered
with plastering identical with one previously spotted on other
remaining walls featuring large rectangular panels. The function of
this room remains unclear. However, its considerable size (almost
5 x 5 m.) the character of decoration, as well as its location in
relation to the entrance point to the conclusion that it might have
been a reception hall for visitors. In the adjoining locus H-3b a
very well preserved pavement was cleared. Its surface is markedly
worn out with certain traces giving the impression that the room
must have been originally unroofed. Upon further examination it
has been revealed that the western wall of the room was originally
shaped as a row of evenly spaced square pillars. Several thresholds
were still preserved in situ, although the whole structure was later
re-structured as a continuous wall. This quite unexpected architec-
tural feature indicate that the space in front of the pillars later
taken by rooms H-3b and H-2 served originally as an open
courtyard (3 x 5 m.) paved with flagstones. The exact chronology
of this occupational phase is yet to be determined, but basing on
stratigraphical evidence it could have been of transitional Late
Hellenistic/Early Roman date.
Room H-7, located further to the east, was also found to be
furnished with a very well preserved pavement. Tightly fitted large
limestone slabs covered the whole excavated surface of the room.
THE THEATRE PORTICO
A small-sized test trench (6 x 6 m.) was opened in the area
of hypothetical intersection of the Theatre portico and the southern
passage of the Bath complex.
15
vestibule (H-l). The uncovered fragment of the wall was covered
with plastering identical with one previously spotted on other
remaining walls featuring large rectangular panels. The function of
this room remains unclear. However, its considerable size (almost
5 x 5 m.) the character of decoration, as well as its location in
relation to the entrance point to the conclusion that it might have
been a reception hall for visitors. In the adjoining locus H-3b a
very well preserved pavement was cleared. Its surface is markedly
worn out with certain traces giving the impression that the room
must have been originally unroofed. Upon further examination it
has been revealed that the western wall of the room was originally
shaped as a row of evenly spaced square pillars. Several thresholds
were still preserved in situ, although the whole structure was later
re-structured as a continuous wall. This quite unexpected architec-
tural feature indicate that the space in front of the pillars later
taken by rooms H-3b and H-2 served originally as an open
courtyard (3 x 5 m.) paved with flagstones. The exact chronology
of this occupational phase is yet to be determined, but basing on
stratigraphical evidence it could have been of transitional Late
Hellenistic/Early Roman date.
Room H-7, located further to the east, was also found to be
furnished with a very well preserved pavement. Tightly fitted large
limestone slabs covered the whole excavated surface of the room.
THE THEATRE PORTICO
A small-sized test trench (6 x 6 m.) was opened in the area
of hypothetical intersection of the Theatre portico and the southern
passage of the Bath complex.
15