Amheida 2007-2009: New Results from the Excavations

Abstract

The excavations at Amheida, ancient Trimithis, started in 2004 on behalf of Columbia University and now sponsored by New York University, are directed by Roger S. Bagnall. The methods and the strategy of investigation and documentation have followed consistent principles from the start: the excavation is run according to the stratigraphic method, mainly on extensive areas. Records of features, depositions, small finds, pottery, and quantitative data are all related to AutoCad plans and photographs. The enormous amount of data collected so far has been digitized into a database, of which we have now a new web version. The last three seasons have been instrumental in refining our knowledge of the history and development of the site and of the two sectors we have been working in. These are located on the top of the main hill of the site, in the area of the Thoth's temple (area 4) and in the center of the city (area 2) where we have completed the investigation of the house of Serenos. The topographic survey is still in progress: most of the visible buildings of the city have been mapped by means of a Total Station (Plate 1) and a provisional 3D rendering has been realized by F. Pavia and S. Maggioni. The geological nature of Amheida area has many interesting features that need to be understood in order to reach a general view of the evolution of the landscape. A geological survey started in 2007 and it is still in progress. According with J. M. Kieniewicz, some buildings are set on stabilized dune material (cross-bedded eolian sand), like for example the pyramid. More investigation is needed to understand the nature of the temple hill.