Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (9.1997(1998))

MARINA EL-ALAMEIN

EXCAVATIONS 1997
Wiktor A. Daszewski
The month-long campaign lasted from March 4 until April 5.1
The fieldwork was concentrated on the Western Necropolis of the
ancient site (fig. 1). The investigation of the tombs was conducted
in such a way as to have a full and detailed documentation
prepared, while leaving the preserved structures protected as much
as possible and ready for future consolidation and conservation
work. This method of work assumes that parts of the tombs are left
deliberately covered with sand, thus assuring the best temporary
protection of the preserved ancient substance. Wherever possible,
the Mission proceeded with a partial rebuilding of the walls.
TOMB 16
Tomb 16 (total length 32.20 m, figs. 2 and 3) had been
identified during the past season, but had not been excavated except
for the northern part of the aboveground banquet chamber of the
hypogeum, abutting the western wall of the temenos of Tomb ll.2
It is located on the same line as T 13, T 14 and Til. The banquet
chamber, oriented northwest, had a two-step entrance (1. 108 m) in
the northern wall. The room was rectangular in plan (8.45x5.72m)
and contained two long banquet beds (klinai) set longitudinally

1 The team directed by the author comprised Mrs. I. Zych and Mr T. Witczak,
archaeologists; Mr Z. Solarewicz, architect; Prof. Dr. M. Kaczmarek, physical
anthropologist; Mr W. Jerke, photographer. SCA was efficiently represented by
Mr Mohammed Ali Abd el Razek, Chief Inspector of Marina, assisted by inspectors,
Messrs. Mahmoud Roshdy Embaby and Mamduh Mahmoud Mohammed. The Mission
would like to express its gratitude to the respective Authorities of SCA and especially to
Mr. Ahmed Abd el Fatah, Director General of the Graeco-Roman Museum and the
Alexandria Inspectorate.
2 PAM VIII, p. 80.

61