TARP2023 Stratigraphic Unit 9049

Identifier

en TARP2023_SU_9049

Title

en TARP2023 Stratigraphic Unit 9049

Context type

en Architecture

Context subtype

en Wall

Context formation category

en Creation/Construction

Description

en SU 9049 represents a single large block installed in a cut (9024) of bedrock (9022/9034) creating a separation between Areas A & B. The large block is roughly squared, with a flat squared face on its top but less refined edges and especially bottom. The block is founded on basalt foundation 9048, which along with cut 9024 and the bedrock creates allows for the unevenly cut bottom of 9049 to be supported. The placement of 9049 creates a level surface with the extant foundation blocks of wall 9047 to the north. Block 9049 is placed so as to be flush with 9047, though does cross the plane of 9047’s construction trench thus showing that 9049 was added after the construction of 9047. On its south end, 9049 overlies the foundation course (9051) of wall 9052. Indeed it appears that 9051 was partially cut into with the creation of 9024 to accommodate block 9049. The purpose of 9049 is unclear. 9049 was installed after the large structure walls to both its north and south, clearly creating a level plane with 9047 but overall seemingly wedged in expediently rather than being properly hewn and placed like the stones of that wall. We discussed the possibility of 9049 serving as a sort of retaining wall, however previous excavation was deeper to the west of 9049 than to its east, preventing us from seeing clear continuity or discontinuity between the fills in both sides.

Marko, Alex