Figure 1

In Area 2, we revealed part of a paved floor in Room 28, at the part which is south of wall Γ (fig.1). Therefore it becomes apparent that the excavation has reached or almost reached the floor level both in Room 28 and area 19. Also, in Trench H’ which is parallel to Trench Θ’ at the north, we brought to light, just before the end of this year’s excavation, a paved floor which is the same with that unearthed across the south face of Wall Γ (fig.2). Once more, the excavation in Area 2 gave some remarkable finds. Apart from the usual conical cups and some other vessels, we found a horn of a big animal (fig.3) and a sherd which is decorated with bands and spirals coming from the well-known chalices which were used in rituals (fig.4). Also, a big quern stone, a stone grinder, a bead made of agate (fig. 5), a bronze pin (fig.6). A unique find was a bronze figurine of an adorant which is one of the most important finds of this period and eminent example of Minoan metallurgy (fig.7).

Last week, in Trench Θ΄, we removed great quantities of schist slabs and lepidha earth (hard-packed gray clay) as well as medium size limestones indicating that we were excavating the fallen storey. The excavation goes on this week by removing six layers of soil reaching the surface of the floor gradually revealing thick layers of burnt black and red soil as well as carbonised wood. The evidence indicates that a great fire took place in this area, where probably a wooden floor or other wooden structures were in use (fig.8). Since we gradually reached the floor level we unearthed a great number of vessels˙ many of them were concentrated at the threshold of the corridor (fig.9). In total, we numbered 47 vessels at the floor level, many of them intact. Most of them were conical cups (10), but we also revealed a few spherical cups, a jug , as well as a cylindrical vessel, which was probably used as a stand for a large vessel (fig.11). Among the interesting mobile finds revealed, there was a ceramic ellipsoid object (fig. 12) which might have been used as a spindle whorl, as well as a pin head made of bone which bears decoration with a rosette (wheel pattern) consisting of four leaves.

After 5 weeks of excavation we completely unearthed the paved floor of Corridor 16 (fig. 16), consisting of two thresholds and 28 limestone slabs. It is very important for the use of this area that two low walls came to light (wall Δ, ΣΤ), dividing the Trench Θ’ with area 19 and the corridor 16 with Trench Θ’ accordingly, indicating that a separate room existed there. Therefore, we decided to give a separate number to that Room (49). Also, another low diagonal wall was revealed at the middle of Room 49, for which, we cannot yet identify its actual use. Although we haven’t yet reached the floor, it is highly probable that this area was also paved with limestone slabs as is the case with area 28 which is parallel to room 49. See the photograph below for the various architectural features revealed.

Area 3

In area 2, we decided to remove the Roman hearth in order to examine the underlying structures (fig.1). Below the hearth, the paved floor which is visible in the remaining room, also came to light (fig.2) It is dated at the earliest phase of Area 3. The Roman hearth was reconstructed nearby the trench.

After the removal of Wall γ, areas III and IV were unified (fig.3). In excavation area III after the removal of several limestones and schist slabs which were probably comprising part of a destructed floor on the top of the earlier floor, we unearthed the rest of the paved floor which consists of limestones of even greater size. The inclination of the floor in conjunction with the different heights that the limestones exists and the fact that large quantities of carbonised wood were revealed, indicate that a great destruction had happened in areas II and III. It is also important that we managed to find the foundation of Wall A at the north side of areas II and III, as well as the foundation of Wall B, which is between the two areas. These two walls seems to be of an earlier date in comparison to the Late Minoan IA period of the building. Wall B is founded on the paved floor, while at its south side is coated with plaster. Its central part seems to consist of limestones coming from the earlier building (fig.4).

At the greatest part of excavation area IV, we revealed, after the removal of several fallen stones, the extension of the paved floor. We also completely unearthed the base of the column which was revealed last week. It is apparent that typologically is different from the columns that were found in area I last week. In relation to this base, we found two big pieces of carbonised wood which most probably comprise parts of the wooden column (fig.5). It is also interesting that close to the west/southwest side of the west wall, a structure made of three rows of stones and covered with plaster, was revealed. This was probably a bench (fig.6). Another structure, which was initially revealed during the last weeks at the north side of area III, seems that is connected to Wall A, extending to the west and the north/northwest side of area IV. Also, part of Wall B was removed, revealing a huge threshold and two pilasters indicating a great opening to the west side of this Room (fig.7). There is also the chance that this opening is a pier-and-door, if the flat limestone that was revealed at its north and goes under the north wall of the building is also a threshold.
At the north side of area IV, at the level of the paved floor we had a great find (fig.8): a circular hearth with a diameter of about 1.30m. being made of dressed stones and clay bricks which bear engraved decoration with spirals. Among the interesting mobile finds, there is a golden sheet (fig.9), which was unearthed nearby the base o the column.

The excavation stops for this year, after five weeks of fruitful work. In Area 3, we revealed a ‘Minoan Hall’ consisting of a courtyard, a porch and the main room as well as great finds, such as the columns, the hearth, the paved floor etc. It is really interesting that the locals, a long time before the excavation of the building, were calling this area the ‘Big Room’. Its great importance is also lying in the fact that continuous presence from the earlier Minoan times until the Roman period is attested at this building.

Dr Efi Sapouna-Sakellaraki guides the members of the Central Archaeological Council (K.A.S) at the excavation.

Area 1

The excavation in Area 1 continues on 25/07/2011. The paved floor of the corridor is completely revealed (fig. 1). Two conical cups, a spouted cup (fig. 2) and pottery fragments are being unearthed. What’s more, the eastern wall of Room 15 is being cleaned from the fallen soil and rubble, until the point that static problems are not caused (fig. 3). Another conical cup is being revealed along with some pottery fragments. A test trench is conducted in the part of the corridor where no pavement exists (fig. 4). The result is burnt soil that includes carbon and some bone and pottery fragments. The test trench stops and so does the Area 1 for this excavation period. It seems that the reason for this empty space in the paved floor is some kind of disruption or some architectural feature that remains obscure.

Area 2

The excavation concentrated in room 28. We revealed three square stones (with direction from south to north) between walls A and Γ (fig. 1). We also revealed strata with ashes and burned soil, as well as stones which used to form part of a floor (fig. 2, 3). At trench I we revealed a part of the east wall of the Area, just at the east of the huge fallen stones of the staircase (fig. 4). Our pottery is of the same character with that found during the past weeks, such as conical cups, fragments of large storage jars as well as sherds of several smaller vessels . Remarkable is a brazier (fig. 6). Finally, a second steatite seal similar to the one found last week was our most important find (fig. 5). The new seal carries the depiction of a lion.

In Trench Θ΄, the northern part of area 19/28, the excavation continues with the removal of five layers, revealing the first seven preserved rows of the south wall of Room 15 (fig.7). It is very interesting that near the base of a large pithoid jar, we revealed a bronze knife (fig.8) and an awl (fig.9), as well as a great quantity of animal bones. Among the interesting finds is a grinder as well as a loom weight (fig. 10). As indicated by the large number of schist slabs unearthed, as well as the traces of clay earth, palster, lepidha earth (hard-packed gray clay) and carbonised wood, we excavate the fallen floor of the storey.

Area 3

This week, we decided to excavate area II which is between the north and south wall of Area 29, as well as between the walla and Wallb of the Roman Times. After removing a fill of about 50cm, we unearthed a paved floor consisting of large stones, most probably belonging to a courtyard or a porch of the building (fig.1). The excavation in this area showed only a few finds, including an intact conical cup and a horn along with bones from a deer’s skull and more importantly, four different architectural phases (fig.2):

Late Old palace period (MMII – 1900-1800BC) – paved floor and the east wall of the area

Early New palace period (MM III – 1800-1700) – Wall A which is founded 20cm above the paved floor.

New Palace period (LM IA – 1700-1600) – North and South wall of Area 29 and the whole Zominthos’ Central Building

Roman Period – Surface walls a and b

After having thoroughly numbered, photographed and drawn the Roman walls in areas III and IV (walls β, γ) (fig. 3, 4), we decided to remove them, in order to reveal the underlying walls dated in the Minoan period, which comprise the remains of the courtyard of Zominthos’ Central Building.

In area III, after the removal of the stones that were blocking the entrance (fig.5), under the foundation of the north part of wall β, we identified that the Minoan wall A continues to the west (fig.6). Also, south of the blocked part we identified the foundation of another wall made of huge limestones, also of the Minoan period (fig.7). Limestones at the surface of the foundation of this wall, are most probably coming from a destroyed paved floor.

In area IV, under the southwest part of the foundation of wall γ, we unearthed the stone base of a column with a diameter of half a meter (fig.8), as well as a great accumulation of wood possibly coming from the wooden part of the column (fig.9) . At the west part of area IV we also revealed across the west wall a possible destroyed bench (fig.10).

The fact that a stone base of a column was revealed in conjunction with the rest of the finds in areas I-IV and 30 in Area 3, ensure that a courtyard possibly roofed existed, as well as architectural remains earlier than the Late Minoan IA Period (1650BC).

In area 30, we revealed  the stone base of another Minoan column with a diameter of half a meter, which is based on a hewn square stone (fig.11, 12). Near the column we collected large pieces of carbonised wood possibly coming from the wooden part of the column. We also revealed a bronze ring (fig.13).

Area 4

This week the excavation in Area 4 comes to an end. In Room 7 the plaster is removed and the paved floor is unearthed (fig.1), while in Room 8 the excavation continues, but also gradually comes to end since many pieces of plaster are revealed, hampering the progress of the excavation in depth (fig. 2).

In Room 7 all pieces of plaster that could be removed, were removed and brought to the lab for conservation. The rest, those under the slabs or still hanging on the walls, were fixed in situ.

In Room 8 pieces of plaster were found in various places. In this room, particularly at its southwestern part, many colored surfaces were found. The colors are red and black, covering extensive surfaces and be divided by a thin white (not colored) band (fig.3). Furthermore, extensive plastered surfaces are found along the southern wall. Also, an area full of charcoals and more pottery fragments than usual was found at the southwestern part.

Figure 1

The excavation in Area 1 restarts after a short break of one week. The excavation goes on slowly due to the unearthing of several vessels, such as conical and spherical cups  (fig. 1-2-3) and pottery fragments. The floor of the corridor is being revealed with the most important feature being its threshold (fig. 4). Much carbonized wood (fig. 5) and burnt soil have been revealed in both sides of the threshold indicating the existence of a door.

Area 2

The excavation proceeded in all trenches of Area 2. We moved away stones which belonged to fallen walls of the first floor (fig. 1, 2) and revealed the edge of a partly destroyed wall at the southwest corner of the Area (fig. 3). In the west part of Room 19, after moving away a dark burned stratum we revealed some small stones (just north of wall A), maybe belonging to a floor (fig. 4), and an underlying stratum of burned red soil (fig. 5). The pottery found in our trenches consisted mainly of conical cups, as well as sherds belonging to various shapes, among them storage vessels and cooking pots (fig. 6). Very important where once again our special finds, such as a big piece of rock crystal (fig. 7), a pin made of bone and a steatite seal depicting a couple of water birds in front of a landscape with plants (fig. 8).

The excavation in Trench Θ’ continues this week by removing the huge limestone slabs that are visible across the surface of the whole trench and hinder the progress of the work (fig. 9). By gradually removing these blocks, we uncover the front side of the south wall of Room 15, and particularly the first four courses (fig. 10). The wall has a slight inclination southwards. The excavation of the last layers has revealed a great amount of greenish and reddish schist slabs, most probably indicating a fallen upper floor. The pottery unearthed consisted of both coarse and fine sherds. We revealed fragments of cooking vessels, as well as sherds of smaller fine vessels often bearing decoration (fig.11). Among the finds, we brought to light 10 conical cups which are characteristic of this period (1650 BC) (fig. 12), as well as a base of a slender vessel, most probably an ewer or a little amphora (fig.13).

Area 3

The excavation continues in areas III and IV, as well as in area 30. We also started excavating area II, located next to area III.

Areas III & IV

We continue the excavation by removing the big limestone slabs. We observe that these big blocks are gradually reduced, and as we move on deeper the characteristics of the trench change. It is probable that we face a layer which is dated before the LMI destruction  (fig.1,2,3).

In area III we identified the role of wall β, since at its north side, under the Roman foundation, the Minoan wall ΤΧΑ of area II exists. We also detected (under its Roman phase) that at its central and south part, its Minoan phase continues deeper. We also examined the blocked opening of areas II and III, at the surface of which we identified accumulation of limestone, which may be the under layer of plaster. (fig.4).

It is worth noting that areas III and IV are highly disturbed; this is amplified by the fact that at the same layer we unearthed pottery both from Late Minoan period and Late Geometric/Archaic periods. In area III we collected a big ceramic spout most probably coming from a large pithos (fig.5), as well as two stone tools, one of which is a grinder.

Area 30

We continued the excavation in area 30 to clearly define the dimensions of this region. By removing several big slabs from the surface of the trench (fig. 6), we unearthed  a few sherds, animal bones and pieces of carbonised wood. A special find is a bronze earring which was found in between the fragments of an ewer (fig.7).

Area 4

The excavation in Area 4 goes on in three spots: Room 7, Room 8 and the Doorway that divides Rooms 7 and 8 (fig. 1).

Room 7
The removal of the plaster is still under way and gradually the layer of slabs, once comprising the upper floor, is unearthed. The plaster is divided into several numbered parts, which are moved to the conservation lab (fig. 2, 3).

Room 8
The pieces of plaster are increasing in number, while many of those bear colors. Of great interest is the southwest part of the room, where pieces of plaster with black and red colors separated by a thin white-not colored- band are collected.

Doorway 7/8
Small quantities of dirt are excavated at the opening in the wall dividing Rooms 7 and 8.

General view of Area 2

Area 2

With the aim to reveal any architectural features of Area 2, we decided to expand the excavated area in both its northwest part, as well as along the east and north sides (see Trench Θ’ below).

It is really important that towards the end of the second week, we started revealing at the north side of Area 2, a row of large stones which comprise the upper part of another wall, which is parallel to the other two walls which came to light during the previous week (fig. 1, 2). Apart from the pottery found in our trenches, mainly consisting of conical cups, as well as a brazier and a sherd from a large storage vessel (pithos) (fig.3), we unearthed several special finds, such a bead made of sard (fig.4), a bronze pin (fig. 5),a small spindle whorl (fig. 6) and a brazier (fig. 7).

Trench Θ’

Area 1 team was moved to Area 2 (Trench Θ’), in order to uncover the south wall of Room 15, that delineates the two areas (workshop complex and Rooms 19/28). Until the end of the week the first two rows of stones of this wall were uncovered, while the third row gradually appears. Great quantity of pottery was also unearthed with characteristic handless conical cups, legs and handles of cooking pots, as well as sherds coming from larger storage vessels. It is interesting that the wall seems that it does not continue at the west part of the trench, indicating some kind of opening or a corridor leading to the interior of areas 19/28. This will be answered in the following weeks, as the excavation progresses in depth. A special find was a spherical stone grinder.

Area 3

The excavation continued for the second week in two spots of Area 3: a. At the west part, in areas III and IV, b. at the eastern part in area 30.

In areas III and IV we continued the removal of layers of black soil as well as a great number of large limestones scattered higgledy-piggledy, many of which continue in a greater depth (fig. 1a, 1b, 2). Some of them are quite big and occupy the interior of both spaces, also being spotted under the foundation of Wall γ, as well as the foundation of the north and the south wall. It is interesting that under the foundation of the north side of Wall β, we identified that Wall ΤΧΑ, which was revealed last year, continues in Area III and is dates in Minoan period (fig. 3). Also, at the lower layers of the south side of Wall β, we uncovered a blocked opening between areas II and III, with a great accumulation of lime stone (fig. 4). Characteristic of the disturbance of area III is the presence of pottery coming from the Early Minoan period as well as the base of a small vessel dated in Late Hellenistic/Roman times. Lastly, in area III we collected a piece of unworked rock crystal and from area IV a miniature vessel (fig. 5).

Area 30

Area 30 is located at the eastern part of Zominthos’ Central Building (east of area 29) and is excavated for the first time (fig. 6). The first layers have brought to light pottery of the Hellenistic and Roman times, such as a fragment of a Roman lamp (fig. 7), as well as a sherd from a Roman kantharos (fig.8). A special find is a bronze coin that bears a low relief, which however cannot be identified due to the high erosion of its surface. At the middle of the trench an acer, a well known tree of the region exists, which however will not be cut, in an attempt to protect the environment.

Area 4

In Room 7 the excavation proceeded very carefully aiming to the safe removal of the plaster. Medium sized pieces have been already removed and many others unearthed. This procedure brought to light a considerable amount of colored plaster surfaces. The colors found are black, red and blue. All these pieces of plaster have been brought to the conservation lab.

In Room 8 the semi-circular construction was removed and the excavation continued in depth. An interesting find is a piece of plaster mainly painted with black color and at one end a thin white band, followed by red color. The fact that colored plaster was found in this room is more or less expected, since the opening in the northern wall makes the room more special than the other spaces without windows or other openings.

Area 1, which is the corridor that connects Rooms 13, 14 and 15,  is under excavation this season with the scope to reach the floor level as is the case with the adjacent rooms. The Area has been divided in two parts. Part A is at a higher level than Part B and is excavated first. There are only a few finds, mainly consisting of carbonized wood, animal bones and several pottery fragments. Large stones seem to have fallen from higher levels, probably the upper-stories of the adjacent rooms (fig.1). After a few days, we finally reached the same level, and we decided to unify Part A with Part B. The excavation goes on as one trench. Several conical and spherical cups were unearthed (fig. 2-3), as well as two miniature conical cups. It is also interesting that accumulations of lepidha earth (hard-packed gray clay) were found in various parts of the trench, indicating that it fell from the floor of an upper story. A special find is a stone object of irregular shape, probably used as a weight (fig. 4).

Area 2

Area 2 consists of Rooms 19 and 28 in the so-called “looting pit” at the northwest part of the Central Building (fig. 1). This Area was also excavated in 2008 and 2009 seasons. The aim of the excavation in this Area is to reveal any architectural features and complete the plan of the building. The research so far, only revealed a small wall at the west part of the Area. The work in this Area reveals the upper part of another wall. Among the various finds there were a bronze pendant (fig. 2), a bronze pin (fig. 3), a bead made of agate, some pieces of rock crystal, as well as a stone grinder (fig. 4).  The work continues by removing several stone heaps in order to excavate the lower levels. This reveals the upper part of a strong and meticulously made wall (fig. 5). As the excavation moves on deeper, a small stone whorl is also revealed.

Area 3

Area 3 (Area 1 in the last season) has already revealed, apart from the external walls, four internal walls that divide Area 3 in four smaller areas. It is characteristic that there are remains of the Roman period. This year the excavation started in areas III and IV with the aim to go to a deeper level. After the removal of three layers, lots of large fallen stones have been found. Part of the destruction layers is a destructed floor on which the north and the south walls abut. In contrast, the east wall β of Area III continues deeper, as well as the south end of the west wall γ, where is the entrance of the two areas. Among the finds there are small animal bones, sporadic accumulations of carbonised wood and clay earth, as well as some coarse pottery. Lastly, we started the excavation at the adjacent Area 30 with the aim to investigate the external part at the east side of areas I-IV.

Area 4

The excavation in Area 4 is conducted in two different Rooms, 7 and 8. Room 7 is the “room of plaster” and the main goal is its preservation (fig. 1). This distinguishes Area 4 from the others, as it has three conservators participating in the excavation (fig. 2). The excavation starts by digging at the southern part of the room the earth between the plaster (which was removed in 2007) and the underlying layer of schist and limestone slabs originally belonging to the upper floor. At the northern part more plaster is unearthed. Τhe careful removal of dirt is essential for the preservation of the surfaces and colors found on some pieces of plaster (fig.3). Apart from the plaster, there are small pieces of charcoal, some pottery sherds and very few pieces of animal bones. An interesting case is that of three conical cups found either immediately on the plaster or under the stones. The plaster bears red, very vivid in some cases, blue, and probably black colors.

In Room 8 (fig. 4), the eastern one of the two rooms of the north façade with windows, a semi-circular construction was found in 2007. The excavation continues in depth in and around of this construction. The finds are a few sherds, very few pieces of animal bones, a few pieces of charcoal and some pieces of plaster, some of them with red color. The pieces of plaster preserving their surfaces and colors are immediately care with the use of fixative fluid, either being collected or remaining in situ.

Laser Scanner

In parallel with the excavation at the Zominthos’ Central Building, we are using new technologies for accurately capturing as much of the evidence as possible. We are employing 3D capturing methodologies, and especially laser scanner, to capture the features of both Areas 19/28 and Rooms 8 and 9. In that way we will be able not only to produce three-dimensional models of the excavated features, but also to accurately measure and reconstruct the various details.

Figure 1

Area 1 (fig. 2), is the corridor (16) that connects Rooms 13, 14, 15 (ceramics workshop complex), and has been previously excavated in 1980s and in 2005-2009 as part of the excavation in these rooms. The purpose of this year’s excavation in this area is to remove the remaining fill, especially eastern of the Rooms 14 and 15.

Area 2 (fig. 3) is at the southern part of the Central Building (19/28) and was excavated in 2008-09. A wall was uncovered, while there are indications that a staircase may have existed on the eastern side of the room. We will continue the dig in this area to reveal any remaining architectural elements and complete the plan of the Central Building.

Area 3 (fig. 4) is located at the south-eastern part of the Central Building and was excavated in 2010 season. We found walls that form four rooms of the Roman period, as well as a rectangular hearth. Under the Roman layers remains of the Old Palace and the Neo-palatial period were unearthed.

Lastly, Area 4 (fig. 5) is located at the north-eastern part of the building. The excavation will be mainly focused on Rooms 7 and 8, where great quantities of plaster covering the walls were revealed in previous sessions. The conservation of the plaster from Room 7 is already in progress. Also, as part of the work in this area we will clean up the adjacent Rooms 5, 6, 21, 22, 24, 25 so as to complete the plan of the Central Building.

Simultaneously with the excavation at the Central Building we will continue trimming the bushes and the trees at the region, a tradition that Yannis Sakellarakis started three decades ago.

The final week of excavations in Area 1 yielded interesting information about the building’s history. First, up to now, we had found three destruction layers—one from the Roman period and two from Minoan times. The first Minoan layer was discovered in Sectors II, III, and IV. The second, in Sector II, contained not only at least six fruit stands and one kyathos bowl, but also one wall, which we called A, that extends parallel to the north wall and occupies most of the north side of Sector II.

Wall A belongs to a Minoan phase older than the one in which the north, west, and south wall of the building were built. We believe that another wall, B, runs beneath Wall β, since we found at least four slabs in a row (and gray-colored slabs of Wall B lay beneath Wall β). Wall B dates to Minoan times and must be contemporary with Wall A.

Although the excavations this final week have taken place mostly in Sector II, research also continued in Sectors III and IV, where we at last reached the bottom of the Minoan destruction layer. Finally, in Sector I, we found one more wall, which begins at the north wall but never terminates at the south wall. This wall we named δ.

Area 2

Large square cornerstone; the area was excavated and the fallen stones were removed to reveal the trapped vessels

The excavation of the Mycenaean site at Mnimata proceeded with minor work in Trenches 1, 3, and 5. From the latter, we removed the remains of a pithoid jar, trapped by fallen stones, and a fragmented cooking vessel. At the same time, we further excavated the large square cornerstone and the adjacent walls to get rid of the (obviously) fallen stones. Then, we proceeded to reveal the room, which takes up most of Trench 5. We found large stones that look like a bench alongside the north wall. Among these, we unearthed part of a large cooking vessel, most probably the same one as in Trench 5.

Trench 2 demanded most of our attention this week. After excavating the pottery from the central and northeastern parts of it, we removed schist slabs to continue digging beneath them. As expected, we kept unearthing pottery. However, this time, there was a significant difference: in contrast to the large, coarse cooking and storage vessels of the upper level of the accumulation, we discovered finer pottery, such as cups and stirrup jars.

In addition to the stone finds from last week, we excavated even more, of several shapes—globular, discoid, and formless—in the central and southwestern parts of the trench. A stone with a shallow, round cavity, perhaps used as a mortar, was brought to light, too. There were also some clay objects, probably spindle whorls, and a bronze tool that looks like a small chisel. These finds change the impression we had of the room last week. We thought that it might be a kitchen. Now, however, we believe it may have been a workshop or a multifunctional room.

Conservation

While this summer’s excavations were underway, our conservator Myros Nikakis restored a large pithos that had been found at Zominthos during excavations in the 1990s. The jar will be exhibited in the museum of Anogia on Crete, which is under construction. Also, all the other fragmentary vessels found during the early excavation were washed, dried under the sun, and then restored.

Digital Museum

During the 2010 excavations, team member Constantinos Papadopoulos, in collaboration with the dig’s directors, produced a virtual museum model with finds from the Ceramics Workshop that was unearthed in 1989. Since there is not an official exhibition space and the archaeological data from this room has not yet been published, we decided to create a digital museum where visitors can see the various finds, along with pictures from the excavations. Very soon, it will be presented on the official Greek site of the excavation, www.zominthos.org.

Virtual exhibition of finds from the Ceramics Workshop (general view)

]]> http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/zominthos/2010/11/field-notes-2010-week-4/feed/ 6 http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/zominthos/2010/10/field-notes-2010-week-3/ http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/zominthos/2010/10/field-notes-2010-week-3/#comments Thu, 14 Oct 2010 17:45:41 +0000 webmaster http://www.archaeology.org/interactive/zominthos/?p=478 Area 1

The three Roman walls designated alpha, beta, and gamma

So far, our excavation has revealed three Roman walls running perpendicular to the building’s east-west axis, as well as the clay-earth floors of the Roman occupation in Sectors III and II, where we found the lower courses of a built hearth. This week we also uncovered the Roman clay-earth floor in Sector IV.

It should be mentioned that in the last year’s excavation here, we opened two trenches, 1 and 2, to explore the perpendicular walls of the building here. In Trench 2, which is included in the borders of the newly defined Sector II, we found a paved floor of Minoan Neopalatial times. In Sector II, our goal for this year is to reach the level of the paved floor. During the excavation we came to the Minoan destruction layer, which consists mostly of dark soil. This destruction layer, at least 0.25m thick, is buried under a mass of stones and big well-hewn blocks that fell in various directions. We are currently removing these stones.

We also discovered this week that the line of blocks running parallel and exactly below the building’s north wall for most of Sector II is an older wall, the foundation level of which seems to be the level of the paved floor. What is interesting is that this wall ends about 2m before the Wall α. In the eastern part of Sector II and among the fallen blocks used as foundations for the large blocks of the north wall, we found two pieces of a pair of long goat horns and two vessels, one bowl, and one fruit stand of Minoan times.

Area 2

Small pithos and round amphora, along with another small vessel

We continued to focus on Trenches 2 and 5 this week. An extensive layer of fallen stones and an accumulation of pottery characterizes Trench 2 in its central and northeastern parts. Some vessels were visible between the stones, so we excavated and removed much of this stone layer, allowing the pottery to be seen as a whole. There were a large number of vessels of everyday use—cooking pots, storage vessels, etc.—and several stones, mostly schist slabs. Among the more interesting finds were a globular loom weight, some stone tools, and three vessels, which seem to be whole and not far from their original place. These are a small pithos with a small round amphora, which once sat on the rim of the pithos, and another small vessel.

Removing the exposed pottery fragments, we realized that there were more under the stones. So we removed the stones, bringing those sherds to light. In addition, we found earth with schist fragments, just like the schist used to cover a roof or floor, in two or three places around and in the pottery accumulation. We encountered more of this earth during the removal of the vessels and excavation of the pithos. But we cannot yet conclude whether there was an immediate destruction of the building or a gradual one following its abandonment. The objects left behind either had roof or wall stones fall on them, or fell from the upper floor and shattered on impact.

In Trench 5, we fully revealed the new wall along the northern side of the trench. A strong wall, almost as strong as it runs nearby, leaving a narrow space between the two. To the east it reaches another wall, starting from the large corner stone and extending to the north. This wall complex agrees with our supposition that a large building or group of buildings exists here, as indicated by geomagnetic prospecting.

Area 3

Monolithic slabs

In Trench 1, we continued to strip the soil from where we detected the accumulation of vessels and sherds. We decided to leave the vessels in place initially so that we could form a general idea about them. Also, we unearthed five monolithic slabs that seem to belong to the wall revealed by geomagnetic prospecting. After clearing and recording the area with the pottery accumulation, we started to lift out the intact and recognisable vessels, as well as the rest of the ceramics. We removed nine conical cups, then moved toward the western part of the trench where we removed five more. It is now certain that a wall existed in this part of the trench. Also, a row of stones continues toward the south, which probably means that the wall may have been the corner of a structure.

We decided to extend the trench to the west to see clearly the wall’s construction, and to the south to determine if it forms a corner. The westward extension yielded numerous sherds, including the spout of a bridge spouted jar, as well as whole vessels. The southern extension yielded more than 10 intact conical cups, as well a fragment of a quite large pithos. Continuing deeper, we realized that the stones we uncovered here first days of the excavation form a corner.

We also cleared a small area near the main trenches to verify the existence of the wall there. (Τhis area had been cleared in 1990s as well during the first excavation season.) It is certain that the wall we unearthed there is part of the wall revealed in Trench 1.

Since we identified the walls revealed by geomagnetic prospecting, we thought fit to stop the excavation in this Area and concentrate on the other two for the rest of the season. We will resume investigation here at a later period.

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This week’s excavation has brought some changes-additions in the designation of the building in Area 29. The oblong building is divided into four new spaces, I-IV, in relation with the three walls running N-S, which were constructed in Roman times. In Space III, the excavation reached a clay floor across which small pieces charcoal were scattered. In addition to that, some bones were found on the floor as well as a small clay vessel of Roman date, which gives its chronology. Although there are few findings, this phase of the building’s history seems to end with a destruction caused by fire. However, this floor was found below the foundation level of the Wall γ. This means that the building seems to have two Roman phases.  It should be considered as certain that in the course of time this Minoan building has suffered at least two or maybe three constructive interferences, because in spaces II and III a course of well-hewn blocks were revealed running parallel and in contact with its north wall exactly below the foundation level of Wall γ. These blocks are either the remnants of another wall or of a bench. Continuation of the excavations will reveal the chronology of this lower construction and its function.

Area 2

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Digging continues mainly in Trench 2 and Trench 5. In the former, a great number of fallen stones lay above what seems to be the “Mycenaean” deposit. This stratum, which will be excavated in the next days, contains cooking vessels, probably broken by falling stones.

In the latter, a cornerstone was found last week. Since then, walls have been partly revealed and the excavation proceeded to the interior of them. There was found a pithoid jar, along with a round flat stone–maybe a lid, and also another vessel. North of this “room” another wall was found in short distance, not yet fully unearthed.

Area 3

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The excavation in Area 3 continued without interruption as we moved deeper in Trench 1 to reveal the structure/wall that the geomagnetic prospection revealed. The excavation is rather slow, since there is a vast quantity of sherds. We move slowly so as to determine if there are any intact vessels. However, the great humidity of the soil as well as the tree roots have completely destroyed the content of the layers. At the southeast corner of the trench, an accumulation of vessels was revealed that includes 7 conical cups and a kalathos, as well as a milk jug. Besides, we found many sherds of cooking vessels and some fragments of charcoal along with animal bones. This may indicate a food production/consumption activity, though it is too early to draw any conclusions. The quantity of ceramics was great. Along the east side of the trench, there are several large slabs that have fallen from the walls of the Room 13. After carefully documenting them, they were removed to allow excavation to continue to the next layer.  At the fourth layer, we encountered some vessels that seemed to be in a better state of preservation. The second week ended with the discovery of at least two vessels, which were not removed, and of large jaw of a big animal.

Room 15 wall

In Trench 2 we moved deeper so as to understand the way that the stones fell from the neighboring structures and to reveal the walls and the openings of Rooms 14 and 15. We encountered bigger stones that definitely fell from the nearby walls. In order to facilitate a future restoration project, we positioned some of these stones are atop of the remaining walls of Room 15. We traced only a few sherds of well-known typologies, such as conical cups, pithoid jars, and a tray. The wall of Room 15 is gradually revealed. However, we decided to stop the excavation for a while in order to have the conservator develop a way to support the wall of the Room, so it does not collapse because of the great depth that we excavated. Also, the existence of the tree at the middle of the trench acts as a check, since its thick roots penetrate the whole area.

Central Building

Venetian cheese dairy

The 2010 season is about to start! According to our current plan, we will  investigate three areas. Two in the Central Building and one at the Venetian cheese dairy. The geomagnetic prospection carried out three years ago had revealed more rooms at the north and west side of the Ceramics Workshop complex. In a previous season this area had been re-investigated and fragments of a structure resembling a kiln were revealed. Our goal is to continue this investigation, to reveal the buried walls and possibly to determine if these structures are outbuildings to the workshop or if they had another use. The other area which will be investigated is the so-called Area 3 from the previous year, where we found the stone walls identified by the geomagnetic prospection. The purpose of the excavation at this part is to move deeper in these rooms (see Field Notes 2009: Weeks 3 & 4) and understand their use. The excavation at the cheese dairy is to investigate probable Mycenaean remains which were initially identified in 1989, when Mycenaean pottery and walls were found after the restoration of the dairy. The geomagnetic prospection in 2007 revealed rectangular structures, and as a consequence, our goal this season is to determine if these buildings were houses or had another use.

Area 1

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Area 1 of the archaeological site is located at the highest point of Zominthos hill. The main aim of the excavation here is to explore and further reveal the Central Building of the complex. According to the geomagnetic prospection of the site carried out in 2007, the area conventionally named “Room 29,” which is oblong, about 20m. long and 6.5m. wide, is divided by two walls into three rooms. Although two walls of non-Minoan but rather of much later date, were revealed in last year’s investigations, a third strong wall about 4.5m. from the western external wall of the building has appeared. This wall is assumed to be Minoan in date. In contrast some sherds of the upper layers seem to be Roman in date, which may give the chronology of the construction of the two walls that were uncovered last year. At the same time efforts are being made to reveal the northern and western walls of the Central Building by moving the fallen blocks and clearing the soil between and beneath them. If the estimations are correct, the finds up to now indicate that Zominthos Central Building, more than 15 centuries after its initial abandonment, was reused during the Roman period. At that time, it accommodated the people who used the existing Room 29, and who built two transversal walls to divide the area into smaller rooms. The excavation during the following weeks will possibly reveal the uses of this area and will give a clearer picture about the architecture and the later additions to the Central Building.

Area 2

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In 1989, along with the restoration of an old–probably of Venetian date–cheese dairy southwest of and close to Zominthos’ spring, an excavation was conducted bringing to light the remains of a building or buildings of Mycenaean age. This year the investigation in this site continues.

A geomagnetic prospection has showed a square building east of the old cheese dairy. The excavation aims to reveal, if possible, walls or–even better–a full plan of this structure. With this in mind, we have designed an excavation grid to cover at least this acreage, which is approximately 144m2.

Up till now we have been excavating three trenches with interesting finds. They do not yet give a full picture, but there is obviously a long wall, directed on the E-W axis, and also parts of three others vertical to the former. These are most likely of Mycenaean age, as some of the sherds indicate. In the same layer burnt stones are found, it is though too soon to reach any conclusions regarding their presence there. Atop this stratum is another wall, of different construction and orientation. It seems that this one is related to the old cheese diary.

Area 3

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The scope of the investigation at this area is to reveal the walls of the structures at the west side of Rooms 13-15 (Ceramics Workshop), as indicated by the geomagnetic prospection. We decided to initially excavate two trenches. The first one, 3.5 X 3m. at the west side of Room 13 and the second, 6 X 1.5m. across the west wall of Rooms 14-15. In Trench 1, we revealed several Minoan period artifacts, including innumerable sherds of handle-less conical cups along with two intact cups, a very usual type of Minoan pottery. Along with these small finds, we also unearthed several coarse sherds from pithoi, jars, and other vessels of medium and large size, and also handles and many sherds of cooking pots. Trench 2 is more problematic, since an old maple tree growing at the middle of it has destroyed the stratigraphy. The first layers from both trenches were removed, and as a result we now have a clear picture of the large slabs that comprised the walls of the neighboring buildings. These stones have been thoroughly documented with photographs and drawings, so we can approximately reconstruct the walls at a later stage. It is expected that during the next week we will reveal the first wall of the structure revealed from the geomagnetic prospection.