(Click each image for a larger view.) 

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Today's photo tour gives an overall look at the progress of week 1.

The top photograph shows the size of the Tell with each area marked.

Area 1 is located partially in a previously excavated trench (dug By Petrie). So far, this team has excavated approximately 1.5 meters of top soil and fill. Small finds include mostly modern items that could have originated from Petrie's excavation team.

Area 2 is the located at the highest point of the Tell. So far, this team has excavated approximately 1/2 to 1 meter of top soil. Small finds include mostly modern items, such as bullets, batteries, and tin cans. Since this Tell was the site a major battle in WW1, it is believed that these items are left over from that time period.  In several of the squares, the team has excavated through the WW1 structures and are finding what is believed to be Roman architecture (Petrie did find Roman structures in the area).

Area 3 is the located on the left side of the Tell (when facing the Tell). So far, this team has uncovered signs of the WW1 battle.  Utilizing a copy of Petrie's aerial photograph, battle trenches can be detected in this Area.  Three of the squares from this area have been disturbed by these trenches, which could account for the large amount of modern finds, such as bullets, jean snaps, and glass.  This team has excavated over 1/2 meters of top soil. They hope to reach the 1 meter mark by the end of this season. Reaching the 1 meter mark might allow the team to begin to uncovering some of the Roman architecture found in the area.