There is a saying amongst archaeologists that the most spectacular finds come on the last day of excavation, often at the last possible minute. That proved to be the case today, in Grid 25, as we are done excavating. Our goal was to assess the occupational sequence in this area and establish how it relates to the cardo, the classical city's major north-south oriented street. What's the answer? Well, we didn't find the cardo. In fact, we didn't find anything under the Islamic period occupation except two meters of clean sand. It's back to the drawing board as we continue to hunt for the cardo or any of the site's major streets.
Of course, about the same time we realized excavation would be ending, we found seven coins which were, by far, the most interesting material culture to come out of Grid 25 this year.
Coins found in Grid 25
After breakfast, it was time to clean.
Sweeping for final photos
Tomorrow, Grid 25 will have it's final photo and then it will be on to new projects.
Work continues in Grid 16 and 51, however.
Grid 16 moves some big dirt
Excavating a possible pit line in Grid 51
Check back for more updates as our season continues.