Tell el-Retaba (West): season 2019

Area 4 north of the Migdol was the focus of the 2019 season excavations. An apparent well from Phase G3 was discovered with some pottery sherds inside dating from the end of the Middle Kingdom. In the early Eighteenth Dynasty it was turned into a cemetery; seven tombs discovered this season provided the first evidence of suprapositioning of grave structures in this part of the burial ground. The outskirts of the Phase G settlement and cemetery may have been reached in the excavation. Mud-brick structures from Phase F3 were used for domestic and crafting activities. A battery of ovens continued to be excavated. Parts of Phase F2 architecture were excavated beside the Migdol and below the platform of Wall 2. Artifacts and raw materials indicated long-distance contacts. Metal objects (rings, needles) and arrowheads were also discovered. Phase D4 was represented by the remains of a transport route/walkway. Two silos and a fireplace enclosed by a wall dated to phase C.