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Code
GB15.10
Season
2015
Narrative

Work today at Aparani Berd was divided between operation 03 and operation 01. After removing approximately 20 cm of locus 3, we came to the conclusion that this compact, carbonized level represented something akin to bedrock. This layer, situated immediately below the "floor" (02) was entirely void of cultural deposits. It contained almost no fauna, obsidian or pottery. This was consistent throughout the trench with the small exception of a builders trust (04) that appeared adjacent to the southern wall. This traceable area was comprised of a looser clay matrix. After considerable debate we opted not to place a probe. We had already removed about 20 cm of the compact locus 03 and had no reason foresee evidence of cultural activity, i.e. a destruction level. The closure of this trench, like that of 02, has helped us further establish the parameter of Aparani Berd as we now know that areas even lying just outside the gate, here, constitute extramural regions.

Operation 01 resumed in the afternoon. We continued to bring down the floor surface associated with the lower wall (locus 11), adjacent to the southern baulk. This locus was characterized by packed clay with charcoal inclusions; its material density was considerably less than that of previous upper loci (especially with respect to ceramics and obsidian). Alas, here we were finally able to extract a charcoal sample from this matrix.

Foreseeing potential time constraints, we opted to place a probe adjacent to the earlier early bronze age wall. This, we thought, we help to delineate the possible pit feature and understand the depth of the earlier existing architecture.