22 GIUGNO 2018  

Area 3000

Nella porzione sud-orientale del Settore B continua la messa in luce dei resti osteologici riferibili alla riduzione US 3891 e dell’individuo in connessione anatomica USK 3889, orientato W-E e deposto in decubito dorsale all’interno di US – 3887, lungo il perimetrale meridionale USM 5003. Nella porzione nord-orientale del settore, la rimozione del riempimento US 3896 a matrice argillo-limosa sta permettendo la messa in evidenza dei resti, mal preservati, di un individuo adulto (USK 3905), orientato W-E  e deposto supino in US – 3895; più a nord-est è iniziata l’indagine della fossa sepolcrale US – 3901, contenente l’inumato USK 3885, anch’esso apparentemente in cattivo stato di conservazione, con il cranio parzialmente schiacciato dalla pressione esercitata dal sedimento e gli arti inferiori ruotati verso sud. Nel corso dei prossimi giorni si procederà con la messa in luce completa di tutti gli individui rinvenuti sia nella porzione settentrionale che meridionale del settore.

Within the grave of 3891, there were more unrelated bones found including a metatarsal on the most eastern part of the reduction as well as vertebrae. Ribs, vertebrae, scapula, fibula, and a tibia were found in relation to the 3889 skeleton, along with heels and two possible limb bones. On the 3896 site, the skull was discovered and needs more of the wall around it to be removed in order to uncover the rest of skull. Evidence of ribs as well as the radius and ulna on the left side of the body were partially uncovered when bringing the grave down to level. There were also two tibiae, one fibula, and evidence of feet within the grave. Finally in 3902 more bones were exposed around the skull.

Area 5000

The students in section D finished cleaning the area for a picture. After the picture was taken, the area from the wall of section C to the previously dug part of section D had to be removed. This was done by pickaxing 2 cm down but this excavation was halted when a red discoloration was discovered. This discoloration seems to be prevalent through this layer in certain areas. The excavation was continued with trowels, pieces of pottery, fragments of bone were found, and three small pieces of glass were found. The students in section C continued to excavate the hole containing slate, and also to investigate a second hole to see if they are from the same context. We exposed the tibia and also found what looks like a cranium, another undefined bone, and more bone below the cranium and took photos. After these photos were taken the tibia was removed from the hole. The bottom of the hole was discovered to contain more slate, but we do not know yet if the two holes are from the same context. Next week we will continue to dig them. The rest of the area was photographed before four other areas of discoloration in the main part of section C were excavated. 

Area 6000

La prima settimana di scavo si è conclusa con il ripristino dell'area come essa si trovava l'ultimo giorno di scavo della campagna precedente. Sono state individuate delle nuove sepolture sulla fascia centrale del settore meridionale. La più orientale è identificata con USk 6204, indica unn individuo orientato ovest-est coperto da un riempimento argilloso molto compatto che presenta, nella matrice, elementi laterizi e litici di medio-piccole dimensioni (US 6206). Questa sepoltura intercetta, a nord, una seconda: US -6211. Questo è il numero del taglio realizzato per la deposizione dell'individuo USk 6214 e per il riempimento US 6209. La particolarità di questa sepoltura riguarda il cranio mancante in corrispondenza della fine del taglio sepolcrale a livello delle spalle. Ciò potrebbe essere spiegato pensando ad un'azione successiva che abbia intercettato taglio, riempimento e cranio dell'individuo, giungendo allo strato inferiore (US 6212). Sul lato settentrionale del settore è stato messo in luce, invece, il taglio di una terza sepoltura, US -6210, esattamente allineato alla fossa US -6202 indagata durante la precedente campagna. Nelle fasi di scavo del riempimento (US 6208) non è ancora stata esposta una sepoltura in connessione, bensì numerose ossa sparse che le indagini dei prossimi giorni confermeranno, o meno, essere un'azione di riduzione per deporre un individuo sul fondo della fossa.

Today in Area 6000, we continued to excavate burials as well as coming across possible new ones. 

In context 6208, we further exposed the bones we excavated in the previous days, including vertebrae, scapula, clavicle, rib(s), and a few long bones. We also discovered multiple new bones, one of which was identified by our supervisor as an ulna, and we found a few vertebrae which we think are mostly lumbar and thoracic, and parts of the ox coxa. We have yet to identify the exact cut of our burial contexts. The potential significance of this is that the burial could be larger than expected or that there is a separate burial directly adjacent to the original one. 

In context 6209, new bones were revealed as well. Burial 6209 appears to be a complete individual without an intact skull. We exposed several vertebrae, ribs, the right upper extremity, the clavicle, and a right pelvis. 

In the lower half of context 6206, we’ve uncovered both lower extremities up to the pelvis and removed some loose bones, stones, and large rocks. In the upper half of 6206, more vertebrae were found, and another clavicle. This group has unearthed the metacarpals, which are now visible as well as a rusted archaic nail. 

In 6113, one piece of pottery was found, as well as various loose fragmented bones. The edge of the cut is still yet to be determined. All contexts were covered with tarps for the weekend.