Bamboula, Trenches 1–21

Tr 20 (VII:91;11-4-39) Start trench 20, uniting pits B&C (pp.17,43) into a unified area, 8m. long on the north side, 16.5 on the west. 0.20 down red earth is found in the north, with signs of burning-it appears to be burnt brick. This goes down to a grey sandy layer, on which sherds rest (20:1,9.22) (Same;12-4-39) In the central part brown earth is found 0.20 down, go ng to a red-brown sandy level on which are sherds and a seal (p.92.2) (20:2,8.96) (Same;17-4-39) We have extended the trench in all directions, and to the edge of the rock ledge in the north. It is now 16.75(w.side) by 12 meters. The earth was very shallow in the central region (20:2,5,8), slightly deeper in the north, and still more so in the south, where the dark top-soil is particularly deep (1m. from surface to red earth in the S-E corner). The region of trench 20 has been disturbed by several large intrusions caused by would-be tomb-robbers. As a matter of fact, all seem to have been located in this area, though several early pits were located in this area, all seem to have been either filled or converted into cellars when the house was built, probably in the LCIII period.

(IX:1;21-10-48) Start recleaning trench 20. Photos 48 A11-12 of S. end of trench 20 before beginning cleaning. We have only nine men working today. During the course of the day we get trench 20 pretty well cleared of earth that has come in since 1939.

Tr 20:1(E.V.1)

(VII:43;27-3-39) Another pit,C, 3 m. east of B, reveals building remains probably related to those in B. A broad rubble wall runs N-S. In front of this is an ante-like structure built of two well cut blocks. The outer of these rests on burnt debris, whereas the other goes to the floor. Red earth was found at 0.20. This stops at ashy burnt debris, down. The chavara floor is at 9.22. Much pottery, including p.18, no.7-8, complete, is found on the ashy layer. An intrusion caused considerable damage south of the ante. (Pots referred to are P1203-4)

Tr 20:2(E.V.3)

(VII;95;17-4-39) The walls of 20:2 ate preserved in the northern end, but in the south the limits of this and the adjacent room 5 can be determined only by the end of the pavement (chavara in 2, line in 5), which once sloped up slightly to the walls.