Hi! After a rather intensive few days, here is a brief update on what has happened over the last few days.

In Area A, Alex and his team had some nice finds. Diana Edelman and the U. Sheffied team continue to work in the Statum A3, 9th cent. destruction level, although they have not yet reached the floor levels. In addition, they have uncovered very nice evidence of an earlier phase of the Stratum A3 level, below the destruction level. This is important, since we do not have many examples of the earlier phases of this level.

Nearby, Steve Weiner and the archaeological science team are also excavating in the A3 destruction level. In addition to uncovering a very nice group of vessels and other finds from this level, they are have conducted a fascinating set of analyses of the phosphate levels in the different parts of the destruction and can define distinct changes in this telltale sign of organic deposits from the destruction.

Louise Hithcock and the U. of Melbourne team are working in the Iron I levels in Area A. In addition to excavating what appears to be rubbish deposits on a courtyards, which included an extraordinary amount of organic waste. This included pig, dog, cattle, goat/sheep, bones, and a lot of botanic reamins. There was also a very nice amount of Iron I pottery, and yesterday they found a unique mold of a small figurine, similar to a plaque figurine, possibly for metal figurine.

In Area E, Itzik and his team continue to dig in the EB III levels, and they have found a very nice selection of finds and architecture. Particularly impressive is the excavation of the alleyway and various other installations and floors.

In Area D, Joe and his team continue to expose the 9th cent. destruction level, similar to st. A3 in the Area A.

In Area F, Jeff and his team are working on a wide range of finds. This includes exposing additional parts of the Crusader tower, various stages of the Iron Age levels, including 2 8th century BCE levels, a nice section of the MB II glacis, and the related wall.

In Area G, we still do not know if Iossi and his team are working next to a fortification or a terrace wall – hopefully the answer will appear in the next few days.

In Area P, Rona has found a very interesting find in dating to the early Iron Age. In between two very impressive walls, she has found a very dense concentration of phytoliths. It appears that this may be a granary from this period, which is a very interesting and unique find.

That’s it for now!!

Aren