DOI article:
Majcherek, Grzegorz: Excavations in Alexandria, 1992-93
DOI Page / Citation link:https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.43746#0020
The pavement of the passage in front of the nearby latrine
was set on a markedly higher elevation than the threshold of the
gate (ca. 0.8 m. higher). It is obvious that difficulties arising from
such a difference of levels must have been overcome either by a
sloped surface or by introduction of steps. The latter solution
seems to be at least partly evidenced by poorly preserved remains
of what appears to be staircase substructure. Unfortunately, it was
almost entirely dismantled or damaged by the later burials.
Considering both the dimensions and the architectural
features it appears that the excavated structure was a principal,
monumental gate leading to the Bath complex; while the entrance
previously recognized near the R4 street was only of secondary
importance.
THE THEATRE /SECTOR M/
Another trench (marked MXV) was opened in the closest
vicinity of the Theatre, near its outer wall. It measured only 5.5 x
5 m.at the topsoil level, nevertheless due to the technical diffi-
culties we were forced to reduce it even further at the bottom, to
a mere 5 x 3 m.
The main task of this undertaking was to verify the
stratigraphy and chronology of the Theatre. Undisturbed strata
allowed us to follow the architectural development of the building
md to establish useful phasing. The digging was continued down
3 the very foundation layer, where the most interesting discovery
”/as made. At the level of some 7 m. below the topsoil a large
-ccumulation of architectural debris was cleared, covering the
entire surface of the trench. Upon a closer examination it became
apparent that we came across the ruins of a large edifice predating
the Theatre. Careful exploration of the uncovered remains brought
18
was set on a markedly higher elevation than the threshold of the
gate (ca. 0.8 m. higher). It is obvious that difficulties arising from
such a difference of levels must have been overcome either by a
sloped surface or by introduction of steps. The latter solution
seems to be at least partly evidenced by poorly preserved remains
of what appears to be staircase substructure. Unfortunately, it was
almost entirely dismantled or damaged by the later burials.
Considering both the dimensions and the architectural
features it appears that the excavated structure was a principal,
monumental gate leading to the Bath complex; while the entrance
previously recognized near the R4 street was only of secondary
importance.
THE THEATRE /SECTOR M/
Another trench (marked MXV) was opened in the closest
vicinity of the Theatre, near its outer wall. It measured only 5.5 x
5 m.at the topsoil level, nevertheless due to the technical diffi-
culties we were forced to reduce it even further at the bottom, to
a mere 5 x 3 m.
The main task of this undertaking was to verify the
stratigraphy and chronology of the Theatre. Undisturbed strata
allowed us to follow the architectural development of the building
md to establish useful phasing. The digging was continued down
3 the very foundation layer, where the most interesting discovery
”/as made. At the level of some 7 m. below the topsoil a large
-ccumulation of architectural debris was cleared, covering the
entire surface of the trench. Upon a closer examination it became
apparent that we came across the ruins of a large edifice predating
the Theatre. Careful exploration of the uncovered remains brought
18