Area X

Visible on the surface between the Main Gate, the Temple and the Acropolis were rubble lines possibly indicating walls belonging to substantial structures. In 2010 Kerrie Grant and Amanda Dusting opened two trial trenches each 10 x 10 m in what has been designated as Area X.

Trench 1 was about 200 m south-west of the Main Gate, on a flatter part of the slope leading up to the Acropolis. Two substantial ashlar masonry walls 72 cm thick and 6 m apart appeared to form part of an elongated rectangular structure. The walls were constructed of two parallel stretcher blocks separated by a header block, and this technique and the size of the structure suggest a building of monumental proportions and possibly a monumental function. A third wall, poorly constructed of fieldstones and ashlar fragments bonded with an orange clay mortar, divided the space between the first two walls into smaller internal spaces. A suspected shift to domestic use may be supported by the presence, north of the original structure, of a yard area with an oven.

Trench 2 was some 100 m to the east of Trench 1. Three main walls emerged, all of rough stone. Two joined at right angles, forming a rectangular space, while the third ran across the centre of this space. Finds outside this space were of fine and table ware variety while the central area revealed large amounts of storage-type vessels. Towards the end of the season more walls could be seen, some from an earlier phase, as well as some ashlar blocks similar to those found in Trench 1. An oven and an ash pit were uncovered.

Small finds include three stamped amphora handles, seven coins (most from the early 1st-century BCE), and ten figurines.

Report:

Trench 1 stretcher and header wall

The Australian Mission to Jebel Khalid is a joint project of the
Australian National University and the University of Melbourne.