How about a perfect day for archaeology at Castalian Springs? We couldn't have asked for much better -- overcast, a nice breeze, and just about the right temperature to enjoy the work.
When we arrived this morning a little before 7:00, many of our neighbors were out and about near our excavations. This young doe was grazing in the fenceline...
Accompanied a short distance away by four turkeys...
We stopped by the barn briefly to pick up some lumber -- and took a quick photo of our friendly barn swallows (who are doing a SPECTACULAR job of keeping the mosquitoes down!).
After a day or two off, the crew came back refreshed and eager to move some dirt...
Out in the far distance, two of our crews work on "the search for the palisade line" -- not an exciting task, but we all know that finding the "city limits" of this ancient town is one of our primary goals. Here, Jessica, Noriko and Matt work away on one of those units.
While a bit further out, Erik, Sarah and Lynne do the same.
Back over at the "wall-trench structure," we continued to open additional excavation areas. The first yielded even more rebuilding episodes...
A total of seven in this unit alone
As the day proceeded, we opened other units -- exposing more and more rebuilding episodes...
As the day closed, it appears (at first analysis) that we have 12 building episodes -- meaning perhaps that this structure stood on this spot for 200-300 years.
As we proceed into excavating structures and features, more significant artifacts are turning up -- including a handle from an ancient pot.
Based on our formula, the handle shown above probably dates between A.D. 1275 and 1300.
Four more weeks to go -- the next few days promise to be both exciting and insightful.
More on Tuesday!