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Preliminary Reports Preliminary Report 2009 
In 2009, eight 5m x 5m and two 2,5m x 5m trenches were excavated in three areas (H1, H2, H3). (Fig.2) ) 
In all of the trenches remains representing the final occupation of the Tepe and dating to the Late Byzantine/Seljuk were uncovered. In some areas ceramics dating to the Roman period were also found. During the excavations, many bronze coins, large quantities of glazed pottery, animal bones, iron objects (nails, lock pieces, construction materials, etc.), glass, bone and metal and terracotta objects, and a broken piece of an Ionic capital were discovered. 
At H1, three phases all dating to the Late Byzantine/Danishmendid period were revealed. The latest of these (Phase 3) is represented by the NW-SE and EW oriented walls in trenches 272/593 and 277/598 (Fig.4, 5) 
The partially covered pit discovered in 272/593 must have been used as a garbage pit during this phase. This latest phase could not be followed in other trenches. The next phase (Phase 1) is represented by a group of workshops/kitchens situated mostly on the bedrock. (Fig.6) ) 
This phase can be followed in all the H1 trenches. In 277/593, 272/593 and 277/598, there are four rooms in total divided by walls resting on the bedrock. (Fig.7,8)  
In 282/593 and 282/598, along the east limit of H1, a large open space was uncovered. Unfortunately, the archaeological material discovered in the trenches have not been helpful in understanding the exact function of the workshops. However, the metal finds discovered in 282/598 and bone objects such as sewing pins discovered in 282/593 may bear clues to the function. (Fig.10) ) 
The rock-cut cistern/pit in 272/593 must have been used to store water or may be grains during the original use of the spaces. (Fig.9) 
Possibly the earliest phase is represented by the bottom most walls in 282/593 and 282/598. (Fig.4) 
The cistern behind the wall (to the east) and the pebble floor to its south seem to be contemporary. (Fig.13) 
There is a thick concrete layer possibly covering the cistern which must also date to the Byzantine period. On the east side of the fortification wall, there is a fairly large EW oriented wall. This wall seems to be later than the fortification wall and thus must be dated to the Late Byzantine/Seljuk period.(Fig.14) 
This wall was used as a support for two smaller walls on the north and south sides. The smaller walls outline two different spaces in one of which is a round hearth. Thus, there is a space both on the south and north of the EW wall. The space on the south is more completely excavated and seems to be part of a domestic structure. During the construction of this structure, spolia has been used. As mentioned above, there is a hearth on the north side built right into the small wall. (Fig.15) 
A small in situ pot filled with ashes was removed from the floor of this room. These domestic structures must have been constructed shortly after the EW wall. Habitation in the northwest part of Hamamtepe seems to have continued until the end of the 13th century. 
In the western section of the first trench (2,5m x 5m) a NS oriented stone and mortar wall was discovered. The bottom of the wall was not reached since excavations were shifted towards the hill in order to avoid the eroded layer, but ceramics in the erosional layer were dated to the Seljuk period. A coin found here was also dated to the Seljuk period. On the surface of the next trench to the east (322/578) two marble architectural elements with decoration were discovered. In this trench excavation in the erosional layer continued. With Layer 4 where the erosinal layer ended an EW oriented wall built of stones and mortar was uncovered. (Fig.17) 
The ceramics accompanying this wall were dated to the Late Byzantine period. The function of the structure is yet to be understood following further excavations in the area.
Conclusion: 
In the meantime, guards were assigned for the protection of the site and a fence was built around Hamamtepe. 
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© 2012 karp |