4th
Start of survey
We had a very successful first day, working on the survey, using the Society’s trusty Topcon EDM. We started by setting up on one of the reddish mounds near the western edge of the site to establish a base line, then plotted in most of the high mounds which are composed variously of mud and red brick. Jeff takes the readings while I walk around with Mohammed (one of the two young men we are employing at the moment to help with the survey) positioning the prism pole.
Jeff and Mohammed setting up the EES Topcon EDM
Set-up on top of one of the highest brick mounds
This is a very useful way to get to know the site as I can look around while Jeff does the readings, and get an idea of surface remains. In addition to the granite blocks we noticed yesterday, there are some partly-buried limestone blocks in the area we covered. Most of the surface sherds seem to be Late Roman but we will do some more serious field-walking and recording once we’ve completed the surveying.
We had a late breakfast break about 11.00 in the house of the site guard when some very welcome tea was produced and then continued working until about 1.45 when, out of nowhere, an incredibly strong wind blew up. Jeff had the Topcon set up on one of the highest mud-brick mounds and a gust of wind blew it over. Fortunately he was able to catch it and managed to avoid being blown off the top of the mound himself, so no damage was done, but since there were very black clouds heading our way, we decided to call it a day – just in time as there was some more rain during our drive back to Kafr es-Sheikh.
View across part of the site to the high brick mound on which Jeff is set up (centre of the picture), giving a good impression of the size of the site and the height of some of the remaining mud brick remains.
Zoomed image of the same view, just before the wind ended work for the day!
Jo and Penny have also each reported heavy rain where they are so it looks as if the Delta is generally pretty wet at the moment! It’s fine now as I type this (early evening) and we’re hoping the weather will soon settle down as when it isn’t raining, it is good weather for working – sunny and warm.
