© The Department of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives

Government of Sindh

Vol-5. No: 2, 2019

All rights reserved with the Directorate General of Antiquities & Archaeology Sindh.
No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopy, recording or any information storage or
retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher.
 PATRON-IN-CHIEF
SYED SARDAR ALI SHAH
Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department
Government of Sindh

PATRON
GHULAM AKBAR LAGHARI
Secretary Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department
Government of Sindh

CHIEF EDITOR
MANZOOR AHMED KANASRO
Director General Antiquities and Archaeology
Government of Sindh

EDITOR
ZAHIDA QUADRI

PUBLISHED BY

DIRECTORATE GENERAL ANTIQUITIES AND ARCHAEOLOGY

Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department Government of Sindh

ISSN: 2617-1996

Directorate General of Antiquities and Archaeology

Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department Government of Sindh
C-82, Near Bilal Masjid, Block-2, Clifton, Karachi, Pakistan
Ph: 021-99332224, Fax: 021-99332890, Email: editor@antiquities.sindhculture.gov.pk
Web: www.saj.sindhculture.gov.pk www.antiquities.sindhculture.gov.pk
 EDITORIAL BOARD
Dr. Nilofer Shaikh TI
Chairperson at Centre for Documentation and
Conservation of the Heritage of Sindh (Endowment Fund Trust),
Former Vice Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University,
Khairpur, Sindh.
Prof. Dr. Valeria Fiorani Piacentini
Full Professor, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore
(Italy) Former Director of the Athenaeum Centre
“CRiSSMA” Scientific Director of Italian
Archaeological Mission at Banbhore
Dr. Aurore Didier
Director/Head of the French Archaeological Mission
in the Indus Basin (MAFBI)- (France)
Dr. Rand Eppich
Senior Architect/Heritage Conservator (Spain)
Prof. Dr. Ghulam Muhiuddin Veesar
Chairman Archaeology Department,
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur Sindh
Dr. Qasid Hussain Mallah
Editor- Ancient Sindh
Director Archaeology Department,
Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. (Sindh)
Dr. Humera Naz
Assistant Professor, History Department,
University of Karachi, Sindh
Dr. Tasleem Abro
Assistant Professor, Director Archaeology Museum
Shah Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Sindh
Mr. Madad Ali Sindhi
Historian & Scholar on Sindh Studies
Mr. Kazi Ayaz Mahessar
Technical Consultant (Management of World Heritage Site)
ADVISORY BOARD
Prof. Dr. Dorota Folga Januszewska
Academy of Fine Arts in Warsaw
Chairman Polish National Committee of ICOM
Deputy Director, The King Jan III Palace Museum in Wilanow
Dr. Atsushi Noguchi
Director cum Secretary General at Japanese Centre for
South Asian Cultural Heritage, Japan
Dr. Marjan Mashkour
Directrice adjointe de l'UMR 7209 (AASPE)
Archeozoologie, Archeobotanique at CNRS (Centre
national de Recherche Scientifique) at MNHN (Muséum
national d'Histoire naturelle)- France
Dr. Zakirullah Jan, PhD
Associate Professor/Curator, SSAQ
Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology,
University of Peshawar, Pakistan
Dr. Shakirullah Khan
Associate Professor and Chairman, Department of Archaeology,
Hazara University Manserhra, Pakistan
Dr. Margareta Tengberg
Professor at the National Museum of Natural History,
Archeozoology, Archeobotany: Societies, Practices
and Environment, Paris (France)
Dr. Darko Babic
Assistant Professor, University Zagreb, (Croatia)
Chairman ICOM-ICTOP
CNRS/MNHN
 CONTENT

Title Page No Authors

Message of Minister Culture, Tourism Antiquities & Archives Department 4 Syed Sardar Ali Shah

Message of Secretary Culture, Tourism Antiquities & Archives Department 5 Ghulam Akber Laghari

Message of Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore 6 Prof. Dr. Franco Anelli
Prof. Dr. Valeria Fiorani
Message of Scientific Director for Italian Archeological Mission at Banbhore 7-9
Piacentini
Preface 10 Manzoor Ahmed Kanasro

Editorial 11 Zahida Quadri

Prof. Dr. Valeria Fiorani
Introduction 12 - 16
Piacentini

Historical & Archaeological Notes

The Site of Banbhore on the Indus Delta: A Major Stage along the Silk Route Prof. Dr. Valeria Fiorani
of the Past Mansūrah and its Outlet to the Sea, Daybul (8th-10th Centuries 17 - 45 Piacentini
CE)*
Once more on Alexander the Macedonian in Sindh 46 - 53 Prof. Dr. Cinzia Bearzot
Identification of Debal, and Banbhore on the bases of Historical Texts, and the
54 - 64 Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari
Study of Excavations of 1957-63

Technical Reports

Survey Report Around Banbhore 65 - 69 Dr. Simone Mantellini

Investigating the Core of the Urban Asset of the Site: Excavation of Trench 9 70 - 87 Dr. Simone Mantellini
Investigating the Core of the Urban Asset of the Site: Study of the Pottery from
88 - 101 Dr. Agnese Fusaro
the 2017-2018 and 2019 Excavations
Topography and Digital Documentation of Banbhore 102 - 103 Alessandro Tilia

Archaeometric Notes

The Ivories of Banbhore: A Preliminary Paleo-technological Report 104 - 108 Dr. Giorgio Affanni
Dr T. Chinni,
Glass finds from Banbhore: An Archaeological and Archaeo-metric
109 - 112 Dr Sara Fiorentino,
Approaches for the Study of the Assemblages (Preliminary Report)
Mariangela Vandini
Anna Candida Felici
Archaeometry at Banbhore, Sindh 113 - 120
Prof. Dr. Mario Piacentini
Naheed Zehra
Excavation Report of Pakistan’s Team at Banbhore Edited by Dr. Simone
121 - 143
Season 2018-2019 (Notes from Trenches 11, 12, 13, 14, 15) Manthellini

Miscellaneous

Metallic objects from the Excavations of Banbhore by Pakistan, Italian and

144 - 150 Ali K Lashari
French Joint Archaeological Mission, years 2013-15
Prof. Dr. Valeria Fiorani
LITERARY SOURCES and a SHORT BIBLIOGRAPHY 151 - 157
Piacentini
Information for Hon’ble Researchers & Scholars 158 -
Sindh Antiquities Journal 4

Message

Syed Sardar Ali Shah

Minister for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives,
Government of Sindh

This is an age of specialization and specialized knowledge has

become a necessity. We are aware that the responsibility of
producing archaeological literature in Pakistan rests mainly upon
the shoulders of the Governments' Antiquities Departments.
With this Special edition on Excavation Seasons of Banbhore,
we repose our confidence in the professional skills and capabilities
of the scholars. in the value of their research activities and utility
of penmanship in contributing their mite in producing the
archaeological literature. I am glad to see the exciting
development taking place in the field of archaeology. These
experimentations and sharing knowledge will improve our
understanding of different historical times and periods.
Banbhore is one of the early Muslim settlements in Sindh
and centres of international trade. It is also well-known for
the folklore of Sassui-Punhoon that was immortalized by the great
poet Shah Abdul Latif Bhittai. Within it both the
archaeological and historical layers, there are also many more
myths buried underneath that could be better explored with more
excavations.
The Government of Sindh is committed to preserve and promote its
historical and cultural heritage. The collaboration with the
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milano is very
effective in this regard. We will introduce some research
projects and proposals concerning the archaeological studies on
Banbhore with our Italian researchers and archaeologists and
looking forward for more international collaborations and
partnerships with various universities in Sindh to patronize and
promote the culture of research in the province.
I would also like to congratulate the Secretary for Culture, Tourism,
Antiquities & Archives, Mr. Ghulam Akbar Laghari and the
Director General, Antiquities & Archaeology Mr. Manzoor
Ahmed Kanasro for organizing excavation activities to
stimulate research on this very important site.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 5

Message

Ghulam Akbar Laghari

Secretary for Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives,
Government of Sindh

Herewith we present the Volume 5- No. 2 of Sindh

Antiquities. This number and the succeeding previous
numbers of the journal are devoted mainly to the
contributions of archaeologists who are involved in the
long-term study of undocumented past. The scientific
research for substantiating and adding new chapters to the
history of this region is demand of the time. There are many
gaps in Sindh’s history which need to be fulfilled for the
better understanding of past living environment, natural and
cultural reforms.
The wealth of archaeological data discovered by the Pak-
Italian Joint Archaeological Mission at Banbhore is very
essential to present this in a shape of Special Edition. Thanks
are due to the Editorial Team and the Member of the
mission who despite of having limited technical resources are
keen to carry out their responsibilities in this regard
effectively and diligently.

Besides producing Archaeological literature of Sindh

region, it is also necessary to inculcate general awareness
among the public of the importance of our archaeological
and cultural heritage. It is hoped that this Special Edition
on History and Excavation Seasons of Banbhore will serve
the purpose thus creating interest among the interested
scholars.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 6

Message

Prof. Dr. Franco Anelli

Rector of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore

Dr. Franco Anelli since January 2013 is full professor of Private Law Institutions in the
Faculty of Law of Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore since 1996.Member of the Board
of “Avvenire Nuova Editoriale Italiana S.p.A.”Member of the Board of Fondazione
Policlinico Universitario “A. Gemelli”.Member of the Council of Fondazione
Ambrosianeum. He is qualified to practice law in Italy, including before the Italian
Supreme Court.Co-editor, with Carlo Granelli, of the Manuale di Diritto privato by A.
Torrente and P. Schlesinger (the most widely used manual of private law in Italy), now at
its XXIII edition.Co-director of the Trattato di Diritto Civile e Commerciale
Cicu-Messineo.

In May 2017 Professor Valeria Piacentini forwarded me the

proposal of the Director General of the Department of Antiquities
and Archaeology – Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Antiquities
of Sindh – to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of Milano. I endorsed it,
convinced that such an initiative represented a great opportunity
to collaborate with a country where teams of this University had
been carrying out historical, anthropological, monumental and
archaeological research-work since 1987. A fruitful joint effort
that had given rise to a long-lasting friendship between our
scholars. Working with a French team from the CNRS (Paris),
explorations of yet still incognita lands like Makran and Kharan
had taken place under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry for
Foreign Affairs and the benevolent eye of the Rectors that came
before me.

The signing of a MoU appeared to me a new major challenge that

could seal this friendship, and as such I accepted it. The site of
Banbhore – as already investigated during previous campaigns
between 2010 and 2015 – turned out to be a unique locus, a
positive maritime and fluvial system, a key centre of activity
within the mainland and sea trade routes since ancient times. The
MoU was signed, and we have constantly backed the organisation
of this research-work within our scientific programmes. These
last campaigns have been the occasion for a rewarding and
productive teamwork and a fruitful collaboration between
Pakistani and Italian scholars. All our Institutions – Sindhi and
Italian – have motivated us, Scholars and Researchers, in a
common commitment to rediscover a part of the superb Cultural
Heritage of Sindh beyond any cultural and national distinction,
and I hope that it may continue to be an incentive for all of us to
research and study together.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 7

Message

Prof. Dr. Valeria Piacentini Fiorani

Scientific Director
Italian Archaeological Mission at Banbhore

These achievements are the final result of a not always easy path.
Thence, as a final note, here we wish to express our enormous
gratitude for their enthusiastic and enduring support to all who have
been or still are involved in our research. Our gratitude goes above all
to the Ministry for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities–Government of
Sindh and the Secretary to Government of Sindh, for having endorsed
and followed most cordially our 2017-2019 Field Seasons at
Banbhore. A warm thanks goes also to the Italian Ministry for
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation for its sponsorship to
our researches in Sindh, the Italian Embassy in Islamabad, and the
Italian Consulate in Karachi, for having supported us during the long
bureaucratic iter that brought to the signature of the MoU between the
General Department for Culture, Tourism and Antiquities of Sindh
and the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano.

Special mention for their support and commitment deserve also the
Pakistani Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Pakistani Embassy to
Rome and the General Consulate of Pakistan to Milan.

We are also extremely grateful to the General Directorate of

Antiquities and Archaeology of Sindh, and his staff, for inspiring
and firmly supporting our research-projects in Sindh, and to the
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano and his staff, as well
as to the Research Centre CRiSSMA for its constant backing to the
organisation of our research-work within their scientific programme.
All these Institutions – Sindhi and Italian – have motivated us all,
Scholars and Researchers; their commitment in the rediscovery of the
superb Cultural Heritage of Sindh beyond any cultural and national
distinction continues to be a spur for all of us to research and study
together.

Our gratitude goes also to the SZABIST University and its Academic
Corpus, and the Sindh Abhyas Academy for having followed our
Sindh Antiquities Journal
research-work since its very beginning, lively sharing
with us and their scholars working-hypotheses,
achievements…and sometimes also our difficult times.
At this point, we wish to recall Dr Monique Kervran,
whose authority and scientific fervour induced us to
embark on this challenge. To her goes our sincere
appreciation, to her goes our heartfelt gratitude. We miss
her very much.
Last but not least, to Dr Kalimullah Lashari and Dr
Asma Ibrahim, who nowadays have other and most
important scientific commitments, goes our expression
of appreciation for our past collaboration and their
constant encouragement.
And what to say of all our special collaborators? The
Drivers, the Cooks and their Helpers, the Soldiers
always vigilant on our security, and our capable
workers, loyal diligent companions over these years of
fieldwork. It would be too long to name them one by
one. To all of them goes our most heartfelt thank you.
As already pointed out more than once, Banbhore is a
“unique” site, that has challenged scholars, historians
and archaeologists since the start of the previous century
(Piacentini Fiorani 2014).
When the site of Banbhore captured our attention in the
2010, we found ourselves confronted with a baffling
site, unanswered queries and very few certainties. We
accepted the challenge. Between 2010 and 2015, five
seasons of UC-supported excavations and
research-work were carried out on the basis of a Licence
issued by the Department of Antiquities of the
Government of Sindh and a partnership with a Pakistani
Team (Director: Dr Asma Ibrahim) and a French Team
(Director: Dr Monique Kervran). Coordinator of the
Joint Archaeological and Historical Research-Project:
Dr Kaleemullah Lashari. The Italian Team worked
under the MAECI sponsorship and the Scientific
Direction of the undersigned – Field Director for the
Archaeological Investigation, Dr Niccolò Manassero.
Annual preliminary reports have been delivered to the
Pakistani Coordinator and the competent Authorities of
Sindh, copy to the Italian Embassy in Islamabad and the
Italian Consulate in Karachi. At the end of each
triennium, a Thorough Report has been delivered to the
Coordinator and the competent Authorities of Sindh,
copy to the Embassy of Italy in Islamabad and the
Consulate of Italy in Karachi. During these past years,
monographic studies have been published, lectures have
been given in Pakistan, in Italy and in International
Forums, accepted for publication in the Proceedings
(See “Short Bibliography”).
After five seasons of hard field-work, after auxiliary
analyses carried out in laboratories, after more studies
in libraries comparing literary data with archaeological
8
evidence, after supplementary studying of the excavated
material and comparative studies with evidence from
other sites, the mist began to vanish: we were confronted
with a system, a well-articulated fluvial and maritime
system – possibly a shahristān – inclusive of a bastioned
area, and its surrounding and outlying territories.
The said Licence expired at the end of the 2015, and,
due to various factors, it was not extended. Nothing
developed until May 2017, when Mr Manzoor A.
Kanasro, Director General of the Directorate of
Antiquities and Archaeology – Ministry of Culture,
Tourism and Antiquities of the Government of Sindh –
forwarded a formal request to the Rector of the Catholic
University of the Sacred Heart, Prof Dr Franco Anelli, to
start a new collaboration on the basis of a Memorandum
of Understanding (MoU) between these two
Institutions. Prof Dr Franco Anelli accepted the
proposal, the bureaucratic iter started and on the 15th
November 2017 – at Karachi – the said Memorandum
was officially signed at the presence of the Minister of
Culture, Tourism and Antiquities of Sindh, Syed Sardar
Ali Shah, and the Consul of Italy to Karachi, HE
Counsellor Gianluca Rubagotti, this latter representing
the Italian Ministry for Foreign Affairs and International
Cooperation (MAECI), General Directorate “Sistema
Paese” – Ufficio VI.
Thence, the December 2017-January 2018 Field-Season
and the ensuing researches have been planned and
carried out within the institutional framework of the said
Memorandum of Understanding. The research-work
and scientific activities carried out by the Italian Team
took place under the sponsorship and with the financial
contribution of the Italian Ministry for the Foreign
Affairs and International Cooperation – MAECI and the
Catholic University of the Sacred Heart in Milan.
From the cultural point of view, the research-work has
moved in the trail of the old Pak-French-Italian
Archaeological and Historical Project, that had
concluded its field-work at the end of 2015. The core of
the Italian team did not change, apart from the
archaeologist. By the end of 2016, Dr Niccolò
Manassero took the hard decision of reorganising his
life and dedicated his time to other activities. Dr Simone
Mantellini (Bologna University) bravely accepted our
request to replace him with his competence. After a few
meetings, he matched with the other members of the
Team – Prof Mario Piacentini, Dr Agnese Fusaro and
Alessandro Tilia – and has been a most welcome and
respected field-director for the archaeological activities
in Sindh (Pakistan) of the Italian Team working within
the framework of the aforesaid MoU. The undersigned,
member of the Board of Directors of the U.C. Centre of
Research CRiSSMA, was once again designated by the
President of the UC as Scientific Director of the
research-work carried out by the Italian group of
research under the sponsorship of the Italian Ministry
Sindh Antiquities Journal 9

for Foreign
for Foreign
Affairs and
Affairs
International
and International
Cooperation. Cooperation. complemented each other in the course of the centuries,
forging a unique urban space that survived human and
Thus, aThus,
fruitful
a fruitful
collaboration
collaboration
with ourwith newour Pakistani
new Pakistaninatural ravages…a central page of the history of Sindh
partnerspartners
started, started,
and, inand, particular,
in particular,
with the withjustthe still
justall to be read. And not to be further neglected.
appointedappointed
“Consultant
“Consultant
for Banbhore”
for Banbhore”to the General
to the General
Directorate
Directorate
for Antiquities
for Antiquities
of Sindh, of Qasim
Sindh, AliQasimQasim.Ali Qasim.
But not only this. A third “space” began to take form, that
The collaboration
The collaboration
soon developed
soon developed
into no into less no
fruitful
less fruitful
is “the multiple harbours on the Indus Delta”, explored
field-seasons,
field-seasons,
which tookwhichplacetookfromplaceDecember
from December
15th, by 15th,Dr M. Kervran (Kervran 1999) in collaboration with
2017 to 2017
Februaryto February
10th, 2018,10th,and
2018,
the and
ensuingthe ensuing
researches researches
Dr K. Lashari and Dr A. Ibrahim in the eighties-nineties
and excavations
and excavationsof December
of December 2018 2018 and ofand the previous century. Some surveys undertaken during
January-February
January-February
2019. 2019. these last field-seasons have produced interesting surface
material that – compared with the data unearthed in
The evidence
The evidence
and the and datathebrought
data brought
to light to during
light theduringstratigraphic
the sequence within the bastioned compound -
previousprevious
campaigns campaigns
have been havethebeen
starting
the starting
point ofpoint
the of the close interactions between this third outlying
prove
field-seasons
field-seasons
(see Piacentini
(see Piacentini
Fiorani, Fiorani,
§ Introduction,
§ Introduction,
space and the other two spaces: a system.
infra). New evidences
infra). New evidences
have been havebrought
been brought
to light, to
which
light, which
allow toallow
captureto capture
a new vision
a newofvision
the siteof the
thatsite
– beyond
that – beyond
All in all, whether seen through this new lens, the site of
myths, legends
myths, legends
and poems andthat
poemsstillthat
animate
still animate
its imposing
its imposing
Banbhore definitely acquires a new territorial dimension.
ruins – matches
ruins – matches
with thewith
archaeological
the archaeological
data unearthed
data unearthed
in in
collaboration
collaboration
with thewith Pakistani
the Pakistani
Team, headed by Mrs byAtMrs
Team, headed the same time, it signs a new chapter in the history of
Naheed Naheed
Zehra (see Zehrathe(see contributions
the contributionsby Mantellini, Lower Sindh and the Indus deltaic region, a focal page
by Mantellini,
Excavation,
Excavation,
and Zehra, andinfra).
Zehra, infra). that is also a no less key-page of the history of the
perennial course of the Indus river and its deltaic region,
Undoubtedly,
Undoubtedly,
the newthe evidence
new evidence
brought brought
to light to this bywitness
bylight this of the long march of human beings through
campaign campaign
(though (though
not completely
not completely
un-expected) un-expected) centuries
opens a opens a and millennia.
new exciting
new exciting
chapter in chapter
the history
in theofhistory
this majestic
of this majestic
site, its site, its
crucial role
crucial
in the
rolecourse
in theofcourse
centuries,
of centuries,
its variousits various
phases phases
of peopling,
of peopling,urban urbanarchitectural
architectural
reshaping, daily Then,
reshaping, daily our objective has been to move in this direction.
costumes costumes
and traditions,
and traditions,
glories and…
gloriesdecay.
and… decay.

Today, itToday,
is possible
it is possible
to asserttothatassert
– atthat
Banbhore
– at Banbhore
- we are- we are References
confronted
confronted
with twowith “spaces”:
two “spaces”:
an “intra-moenia
an “intra-moenia
space”, space”,
an “urban”
an “urban”
space with spaceitswithlife its
andlifevibrant
and vibrant
religious, religious,
Kervran, M. 1999. The multiple ports at the mouth of the river
politicalpolitical
and cultural
and cultural
activities,activities,
and a second
and a second
no less noIndus:
less Barbariké, Deb, Daybul, Lahori Bandar, Diul Sinde.
relevantrelevant
and vivacious
and vivacious
“extra-moenia
“extra-moenia
space”, where
space”,other
where In:other
Prabha Ray, H. (Ed.), Archaeology of Seafaring. The
activitiesactivities
prospered prospered
giving life giving
to animated
life to animated
symbiotic symbiotic
Indian Ocean in the Ancient Period, Indian Council of
forms offorms
livingofwith
livingthewith
bastioned area (Figure
the bastioned area (Figure
1). This 1).Historical
This Research, Monograph series vol. I. New Delhi:
second dimension
second dimension
is slowlyis emerging
slowly emerging
from thefrom miststheofmists of Publications, pp. 70-153
Pragati
the past,the
a baffling
past, a baffling
reality thatreality
we that
could wesense
couldinsense
all itsin all its
complexity
complexity
and pluralistic
and pluralistic
dimension dimension
during during
some Piacentini
some Fiorani, V. 2014. Beyond Ibn Hawqal’s Bahr
surveys surveys
around around
the bastioned
the bastioned
town (see townMantellini,
(see Mantellini,
al-Fārs. 10th-13th Centuries AD. Sindh and the Kij-u-Makrān
Survey, Survey,
infra). Both
infra). coexisted,
Both coexisted,
both were bothessential
were essential
parts region,
parts hinge of an international network of religious,
and actors
andwithin
actorsthewithin
samethe framework,
same framework,
where a where
pluralistic
a pluralistic
political, institutional and economic asffairs. BAR
cosmopolitan
cosmopolitan
society lived
society
its lived
own life.
its own
Bothlife.
interacted
Both interacted
and International
and Series 2651. Oxford: Archaeopress.

Figure 1.
Aerial view of Banbhore from the Gharo Creek (drone
photo by L. Cantelli, December 2018).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 10

Preface

Manzoor Ahmed Kanasro

Editor In-Chief
Director General Antiquities & Archaeology
Culture, Tourism, Antiquities & Archives Department
Government of Sindh

The present volume is the outcome of two seasons of the Pak-Italian

Joint Archaeological Mission at Banbhore from 2017-2019. The
archaeological findings of the last two years have opened the door for
further research concerning the history and the cultural revolution of
this region. The objectives of these archaeological investigations were
to map the site stratigraphically, explore the system on the Indus delta
as Banbhore was a well-fortified harbor town, and understand the
inland trade system through archaeological evidence. The goals have
been so far achieved. We are glad to share that this excavation
exercise has also shed more light on the architecture and
material culture of Banbhore, also, it provided more data on the
socio-economic aspects of the settlement. It is important to share
that a specialized ivory workshop has been unearthed in 2020
Excavation season, which is considered a unique and exceptional
archaeological discovery.
For the 2020 seasons, different universities from Sindh were
encouraged to take their students outside the classrooms so that
they could learn and gain basic knowledge and skills through
participating in an actual archaeological excavation. It is a pleasure
to have the young archaeologists and marine students from Shah
Abdul Latif University Khairpur, Sindh University Jamshoro and
Bahria University, Karachi. The purpose of this training program
was to prepare the talented, dynamic individuals in the field of
archaeology and its related fields to have a different view of what
constituted Sindh’s history. It will help us to continue the
discussions on historical accounts and build the foundations of further
research.
Furthermore, the Department of Culture, Tourism, Antiquities
& Archives has proposed the Ancient Port of Banbhore for to be
included on the World Heritage list. We are trying our best and we
hope that it will be recognized as World Heritage Site soon.

My heartfelt thanks to our Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah and

Secretary Ghulam Akbar Laghari. This might not have been possible
without their facilitation. I am also grateful to the Scientific Director
of the Italian team, Dr. Valeria Piacentini and the Università
Cattolica del Sacro Cuore di Milano to collaborate with us in this
scientific excavation program.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 11

Editorial

Zahida Quadri
Editor

The present number of Sindh Antiquities is the Special issue on

Banbhore Excavations. The number of pages has therefore been
increased as compared to the previous/regular issues. This edition
has discussed Banbhore in a quite broader perspective by using the
most recent data and contextual archaeological analysis of the
archaeological material.
Some of the articles in this issue presented a viewpoint that answered
a few very important questions regarding the decay and fall of the site
along with its status as “712 CE harbor-town of Debal”. The
discussion on a much-debated issue amongst scholars and still is a
contested issue; the identification of Daybul with the site of
Banbhore has been examined critically in the light of ancient literary
sources and the present archaeological discoveries. Furthermore,
the historical notes by Dr. Valeria Fiorani Piacentin provide
an interesting glimpse into the prosecution of the traditional
political, institutional and the social life of Banbhore. The
discussion later followed by Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari (SI) with
strong arguments. Another thought-provoking discussion
included in this issue is about Alexander’s Campaigns in
Sindh especially the identification of Alexander’s harbor with
Banbhore. Dr. Cinzia Bearzot, trying to address the confusion
on the status of Banbhore as “Alexander’s harbor” which arises
due to its ancient names (Barbarikon, Barce, Daybul), however,
this complex question still remains open.
This is the first time we are presenting Archaeometry studies in a
separate section. It is essential to mention that the reports included in
this section about ivory and glass objects are preliminary, however,
further studies are currently underway with a multi-methodological
research approach. The preliminary report on ivory object by Dr.
Affanni is of great importance in the present scenario when
specialized workshop has been unearthed in 2020 Excavation
season, at the central area of the citadel which is considered
a unique and exceptional archaeological discovery, to be further
investigated. The excavation detail of the Pak-Italian joint field
season 2017-2019 combined with the results of the 2015
excavation, is also the part of this number. The detailed Survey &
Excavation report by Dr. Simone Mantellini provided new and
important insights on the final stage of occupation of Banbhore. His
excavation study has further supported by Dr. Agnese Fusaro,
Ceramics Specialist who has investigated the pottery collected
during the season of 2017-2019. She discussed the changes in
technology and fashion of the local ceramic manufacture throughout
the centuries and explored the intra-regional and
international trading networks in which Banbhore was involved
during the Islamic period. Additional detail of Literary Sources and a
short Bibliography related to the study of Banbhore is given at the
end of this volume. Our sincere thanks to Pro. Dr. Valeria Piacentini
for sharing this additional major information with our readers.
The purpose of this special edition is to present a balanced study on
Banbhore transitional phase from the pre-Islamic to the Islamic
period. This number comprises a unique perspective of each
scholar’s field research and experience. In short, this volume has
briefly set some key debates and highlighted some deeper aspects of
archaeological studies on Banbhore, however, there are still
numerous areas remain to be unexplored.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 12

Introduction
The 2011-2015 Evidences and Further Investigations
Prof. Dr. Valeria Piacentini Fiorani
Scientific Director
Italian Archaeological Mission at Banbhore

By the 2015, we had achieved some pointers in particular, that had

allowed to sense precise Archaeological and Chronological
Definitions.

1. The Topographic Map of the Site and its Regular

Updating

Since notes, drawings and stratigraphy of the excavations carried out

by F. A. Khan during his systematic campaigns in the fifties of the
previous century have practically gone lost, we had to start anew. The
first step was a new topographic map of the site. In the 2011-2012 a
kite-photo campaign had resulted in an ortophoto of the site (Figure
1) and a new topographic map with curve lines of the area within the
whole circle of the bastions (Yves Ubelman, Sophie Reynard,
Alessandro Tilia). It was an indispensable basis for any further
investigation, and it has regularly been updated during the following
campaigns (see Tilia, infra), Reports and publications (Felici et al.
2016).

2. The Rampart Encasing the so-called “Citadel” and

its Architectonic Features

This allowed a first definition in terms of peopling and periodisation

of the intra and extra-moenia area.

The site was inhabited all over the area encased by the rampart at least
since the 1st Century CE. The excavations so far carried out (Pak-Ita
Trenches 7 and 9; Pak-French Trench 1) match F.A. Khan’s booklet
(Khan 1967) and give the perspective of an important “Sasanian” (or
Indo-Sasanian) well-fortified harbour-town, as attested by literary
sources, too. Apart from the Barbarikon/Barbariké of the Hellenistic

Figure 1. West-East Kyte View: from the Great Mosque to a Palatial Area and Market (Y. Ubelman 2011)
Sindh Antiquities Journal
period, which reminds us Alexander the Great and his
adventurous expedition to India/Sindh, some written
sources mention a Deb/Dib harbour-town in the Indus
deltaic region, where St Thomas reached and started his
religious ministerium; some later, Mani the prophet
came to Dib/Deb, too, whence he began to divulgate his
religious and philosophical message. Other literary
sources repeatedly mention for the Sasanian epoch a
formidable harbour-town and market on the Indus Delta,
named Daybul/Debol (Khan 1967; Piacentini Fiorani
2014; Felici et al. 2016; Italian Thorough Report 2013,
2015). Be that as it may, it is possible to envisage the
accuracy of an urban tradition, which so far has been
sporadically investigated and even more scarcely
explored.
But, given the unfortunate loss of F.A. Khan’s notes on
his excavations at Banbhore, what is particularly
significant for the prosecution of any archaeological
investigation is the fact that we could achieve the first
archaeological stratigraphic sequence of the site
(Trenches 7 and 9), whose levels and ceramic
assemblage can at last allow chronological definitions,
and, through comparisons with other sites, precise
information on the various “historical” phases of
peopling of the lower lands of Sindh.
3. A No-less Important Pre-Sasanian and
Early-Sasanian Occupational Phase
Though the water-table prevented us from going deeper
under the “Sasanian and late Indo-Parthian” levels in
stratigraphic sequence, some drillings have allowed to
ascertain circa 2 meters of occupational levels under the
water-table (Trench 9). Our evidence matches Dr M.
Kervran’s excavations in the western area (Trench 1 –
See Pak-French Reports) and F.A. Khan’s excavations.
This evidence makes of Sindh and Lower Indus and its
deltaic region a far from marginal province of the
Iranian and Asian worlds and their empires. Lower
Sindh positively was a “cultural hub” where Inner Asia,
Eastern Asia, the Sub-Continent and the Indian Ocean
with their various civilisations met and exchanged with
goods also cultural elements.
4. The Conquest of the Army of Islam
The occupational life of the site after the conquest by the
Army of Islam under the command of Muḥammad ibn
Qāsim al-Thaqafī (711-712 CE) does not show any
drastic break, but a prolonged transitional period.
Archaeological evidence is clear in this respect, and
provides also interesting glimpses on the prosecution of
the traditional political, institutional and social life
(Trenches 7 and 9 - see N. Manassero’s 2014-2015
Thorough Report, and Felici et al. 2016). Interesting
13
pointers are the high, massive northern wall of the so
called “palatial” structure (an administrative structure or
some religious temple? The question is still open), and
the ceramic assemblage with the levels in stratigraphy.
The assemblage of the pottery and other little objects
with the levels in stratigraphy – trench 9 in particular –
shows a long transitional phase to the Abbasid period.
This fact may effectively provide the first
archaeological evidence for a wide range of
political-institutional and historical events well recorded
by the available written sources (see Piacentini Fiorani,
Historical Notes, §§ 1-2, infra).
5. The Upper Levels
Here we have a gradual architectural “Indianisation”.
These levels (Trenches 7, 8 and 9) have given good
evidence of the organisation of spaces, urban planning
and its evolution, hydraulic structures, architectural
features, re-use of refusal items for in-fillings, building
and/or re-building purposes (Italian Thorough Report
2015; see also Piacentini Fiorani, Historical Notes with
comments by A. Fusaro – S. Mantellini and A. Tilia).
6. Decay and End of the Site: The so called
“Partition Wall”
This was already in the past a much debated issue
amongst scholars. And still is a debated issue. The
archaeological evidence was not clear. Human and
natural ravages and the devastating violence of rainfalls
have largely upset the higher levels of the site making it
difficult to trace a proper stratigraphy and even more
difficult to give precise dating. The only evidence we
could rely on was the pottery. And this latter pointed to
the end of the site around the 12th century or some later.
Contemporary written sources were even more
confusing, in particular when these latter referred to
place-names. However, “in our portion” of the site we
did not come across any evidence of a violent end, fires
or buildings being purposely razed to the ground. We
just had the intriguing presence of the so-called
Partition Wall. According to the 2014 excavation of one
tower and a portion of its wall (Trench 7), it was a
hurriedly built “defensive wall” raising on pre-existing
structures, datable around the early 11th Century CE
(Felici et al. 2016). Conversely, F.A. Khan, during his
excavations, came across evidences attesting violent
attacks to the walls and unearthed skeletons in the roads
with arrowheads or spearheads in the skulls or other
parts of the body. Unfortunately, his excavation notes
went lost and we don’t know where this important
evidence was dug out and to what period it could be
ascribed. Be that as it may, so far we did not come across
any proof of some abrupt and violent end of the
site…unless we focus the shops/workshops edging the
Sindh Antiquities Journal
northern side of the East-West road come to light during
the 2017-2018 Campaign (still an open issue, to be
answered). Conversely, Trench 8, and presently
Building 1 in Trench 9, as well as the Pakistani trenches
in their upper level (2018) clearly show evidences that
point to a phase of “reconstruction” and “re-peopling”
of this western portion of the site. Then, referring to
the End: Abandonment? As just said above, human
and natural ravages have largely upset the highest levels
making it difficult to trace a proper stratigraphy and
even more difficult to give a precise dating of the
decline and end of the town. Therefore, it was even
possible to talk of “gradual abandonment” of the site
and migratory waves of the local population towards
other more favourable areas (Lahori Bandar? Thatta?
Present Badini District? All to be explored!). Be that as
it may, by the end of the 2015 field-season, “decay and
end” of the site, and the “causes” were still working
hypotheses: either a gradual silting of the harbour, or
raids from nomadic peoples. Or both. Or also: brisk
decay of the harbour’s hinterland and end of the
capital-city of Manṣūrah by the first decades of the 11th
Century, following sharp fights between Sāmānids,
Ṣaffārids and Ghaznavids and their thrust to the sea in
order to achieve control over pilgrimage and the
maritime and inland trade. Moreover, we are informed
that bands from the Chaghatay ulus had settled in
Sīstān. By the first half of the 13th Century, lured by the
riches stored in Sindh and Kirmān, these people used to
attack caravans and towns, plunder, and then a quick
retreat to their camps loaded with rich booties (Rashīd
al-Dīn, Juwaynī, Wassāf, Wasīrī, Samarqandī and even
Marco Polo tell us about these fearful bandits. The
name of Daybul occurs as one of their main targets:
Piacentini Fiorani 2014, Idem “When Hormuz…”
2017). However, until 2018, these were only working
hypotheses.
7. Artefacts and Warehouses
A wealth of artefacts have emerged from our trenches,
as well as in the French portion of excavations near to
the Hindi Temple: glass, semi-manufactured shells,
refusals or semi-manufactured ivory and bones, woods,
little objects, exquisite pottery, iron and copper tools,
and so on (see 2013 Pak-French Report). Dr A.
Ibrahim’s analyses of glass little objects, and collected
and selected fragments unearthed in the Pak-French and
Pak-Italian trenches). Warehouses were also excavated
(Trench 4, Trenches 7, 8, and 9). But not only
production, also re-distribution of imported goods: this
latter is clear for the Sasanian period, too (French
Trench n.1, Syrian glass according to Dr M. Kervran),
within the network of sea and land trades of the time. All
denotes that crafts and metallurgic activity were
intensively practised in given phases of the peopling of
the site. And its surrounding territory? We began to
14
carry out systematic surface-surveys in the 2018-2019
Campaigns, which produced astounding results and
induced the historian to a new accurate survey of the
written sources, that have turned out into a new image of
the site “and its surrounding and outlying spaces”
closely interacting with the bastioned citadel (see both
Mantellini, Survey, and Piacentini Fiorani, Historical
Notes, infra).
8. Archaeometric Analyses
Archaeometric analyses have been carried out in situ
and others are still in process in Italy (see Chinni,
Fiorentino and Vandini, infra). All in all, they have
given precious clues to the reading of the local material
culture, the intense crafts and metallurgic activity there
practised, and (trading?) interactions with distant
regions both on sea and by land.
9. The Surrounding and Outlying Territory
“The raison d’être of this site must be read within the
territory surrounding and/or gravitating on it”, stated
assertively Hameed Haroon while talking with me.
Then, this sentence by H. Haroon – great scholar and
special friend of the undersigned – suggested a new line
of research, shaping a new perspective of the life of the
site: what about the surrounding territory? What about
other outlying territories? These queries have brought
us to the extra-moenia area surrounding the bastioned
town with its artificial lake, urban quarters, small
dwellings, widespread scatters of sherds and other
architectonic features still visible, and, to the
north-western area just outside the northern bastions,
where the so-called “industrial area” stretches
for…square miles (Khan 1967). Some surveys have
taken place, some architectural structures and mounds
were topographically mapped updating the aerial/kite
topographic map drawn by Alessandro Tilia, S. Reynard
and Y. Ubelman in 2011-2012. But, at this point of our
investigation, we felt that a systematic study of the
geomorphological asset of the western part of the Indus
deltaic region and its variations in the course of times
was a major pre-requisite.
But not only this. Another query closely related with the
former one came to our mind: which interactions
between the imposing site encircled by its majestic
rampart with the surrounding and outlying territory? A
positive system and precise structures were emerging
from the mist of the past. And we felt that, at this stage
of the research, this would also be a crucial objective to
investigate: the territory abutting on the ‘walled’ site of
Banbhore and the outlying regions gravitating on it.
During the break in the 2016 season, we had dedicated
our research to consider outlying regions, headline of
Sindh Antiquities Journal 15

sea and sea

landand interactions
land interactionswith ourwith site,ourabovesite,all
above
Oman the goods
all Oman thethere
goods stored
thereorstored
“in transit”
or “in transit”
(Piacentini (Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani
and its and
seaboards,
its seaboards,
on the one on the hand,oneand hand,the and
so called
the so called
2014). 2014).
“Lands “Lands
of the Infidels”
of the Infidels”or “Lands or “Lands
of the Zanjis”
of the Zanjis”
on the on the
other. Noother.lessNointriguing
less intriguing were inland were regions,
inland regions,
like Alike transitional
A transitional
phase, then. phase, Undoubtedly,
then. Undoubtedly, the 8th Century
the 8th Century
Khurāsān Khurāsān
and Transoxiana,
and Transoxiana, the silk-route
the silk-route
of the Past, of the wasPast,a “transitional
was a “transitional phase” until phase” theuntil
seizurethe of seizure
powerofby power by
and its net
and of itsroads
net ofand roadssub-roads
and sub-roads
converging converging
towardstowards the Abbasids
the Abbasids
and theand military
the military
consolidationconsolidation of the of the
the Industheriver
Indus andriver
its riches.
and its riches. boundaries boundaries
of the Province
of the Province
of Sindhof(“The SindhGreat (“TheSindh” Great Sindh”
or or
Al-Sindh Al-Sindh al-Kabīr), al-Kabīr), followedfollowed by the
by the
10. Historic
10. Historic Research-Work:Research-Work: A System A System
at at
political-institutional
political-institutional reorganisation
reorganisationof this of eastern
this eastern
the Crossroad
the Crossroad Between Between
WorldWorld Civilisations ofregion
Civilisations region the Caliphate
of the Caliphate
under a under Governor a Governor
(appointed (appointed
by by
the Caliph,the Caliph,
on the adviceon the by advice
his Vizier)
by his and Vizier) an Amir
and an(aAmir (a
General,General,
in chargeinof charge
orderof andorder
security)
and security)
– 750s CE – 750s
circaCE circa
HistoricHistoric
research-work research-work has beenhasunwearyingly
been unwearyingly carried carried
onwardsonwards (see Piacentini
(see Piacentini Fiorani,Fiorani,
Historical Historical
Notes, Notes,
out reading,
out reading, re-reading, re-reading,
sifting sifting
and interpreting
and interpreting
specie §§ specie
2, 5 infra).
§§ 2, 5 infra).
contemporary
contemporary
literary sources
literary sources
(chronicles (chronicles
– geographies
– geographies
– Italian–Archives
Italian Archives
and travellers).
and travellers).
The information
The informationhad had
begun to begunmatch to thematch archaeological
the archaeological evidenceevidenceso far soIslamic far Islamic
law came, law came, built mosquesbuilt mosques and madrasas, and madrasas,
unearthed,
unearthed,
allowingallowingto glimpse to glimpse
some historical
some historical reorganised
featuresfeatures reorganised
the pre-existing
the pre-existing
status, but
status,
did but
not did
erase notit.erase it.
of the life
of the
of thelifesiteof theof Banbhore.
site of Banbhore.First of First
all: aofmajor Tributes
all: a major Tributes
were now were paid nowby paid
the Governor
by the Governor
to the centre
to the ofcentre of
Sasanian Sasanian
harbourharbour and town andat town
the mouth
at the of mouth
the Indus the Arabthe
of the Indus Empire,
Arab Empire,
to Baghdad. to Baghdad.
But the But traditional
the traditional
model model
delta; adelta;
multi-ethnic
a multi-ethnicand multi-religious
and multi-religious society society
since sinceof life did
of life
not did
drastically
not drastically
change change
with the with
arrivalthe of arrival of
Pre-Islamic times. Literary
Pre-Islamic times. Literary
references references
occur about occurthe Islam.
about the Chronicles
Islam. Chronicles
and geographies
and geographies
yet still yet depict
still adepict a
religiousreligious
and cultural and cultural
society and societyits communities
and its communities in the in cosmopolitan
the cosmopolitan society, society,
multi-ethnic multi-ethnic
and multi-religious,
and multi-religious,
deltaic region
deltaic of region
the Indus of the(Mihrān)
Indus (Mihrān) river, playing
river, playing
a that a carried
that carried
out its out
traditional
its traditional
activities activities
(agriculture, (agriculture,
major role
majorbefore,
role during
before,and duringafterandtheafter
conquest
the conquest
of Sindhof Sindhtrade, craftsmanship
trade, craftsmanship
and arts) and
within
arts) awithin
new political
a new political
and and
by the Army
by theofArmy Islam.ofWe Islam.
are reported
We are reportedabout a about
powerful militarymilitary
a powerful order, the order,non-Muslim
the non-Muslim communities communitiesretainingretaining
“Brahman “Brahman
reign” that reign”put that
on aput on a resistance
harsh harsh resistanceto the to thetheir owntheirtemples
own temples
and autonomy.
and autonomy.
This same This literature
same literature
advancingadvancing
army ofarmy the Arab of the Arab general
general Muḥammad Muḥammadibn however,
ibn however,
while reporting
while reporting
facts and facts
eventsand of
events
the time,
of the time,
Qāsim al-Thaqafī
Qāsim al-Thaqafī after theafter the conquest
conquest of Daybul of Daybul
(711-712 does notdoes
(711-712 sparenot accounts
spare accounts
on internal on internal
social feuds social amongst
feuds amongst
Ch.E.)
Ch.E.) and duringandall during
the Araball the Arab “Sindhi
“Sindhi campaign”. campaign”.
This Thisthe various
the various
communities communities
well settled
well in
settled
the region
in the and,
region and,
same sameliteratureliteratureprovidesprovides interesting interesting
side-views: in
side-views: particular,
in particular,
between between
the Neo-Muslims
the Neo-Muslims and theand the
Muḥammad Muḥammadibn Qāsim ibn did Qāsimnot did razenot to raze the Arab-Muslims
to the ground
the ground the Arab-Muslims (Piacentini (Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani
2014). 2014).
towns he towns he conquered
conquered or thoseorthat those that surrendered
surrendered to the to the
ArabHe
Arab army. army.usedHe to used
cometotocome pactstowith pacts with
local All in all,
local chiefs
chiefs Allchronicles
in all, chronicles
and geographies
and geographies depict adepict gradual a gradual
and,
and, after after evacuated
having having evacuated a quartera quarter
where he where
used he evolution
to used to evolution
and transitional
and transitional
phase from phase thefrom
pre-Islamic to
the pre-Islamic to
station astation
stronga military
strong militarygarrison,garrison,
he usedhe to used
delegate the
to delegate Islamic
the Islamic
(i.e. the (i.e.
8th thecentury
8th century
CE). We CE).have We the
have the
civil andcivil and “administrative”
“administrative” powers to powers local consolidation
to the traditional
the traditional local consolidation of the ofboundaries the boundaries of the ofconquered the conquered
administration.
administration. This was This
alsowas thealso
destinythe destiny
underwent in territories
underwent in territories
and the and reorganisation
the reorganisation of the province.
of the province. The The
712 CE 712by theCEharbour-town
by the harbour-town of Daybul, of Daybul,
“threshold “threshold
and newly
and built
newly citybuilt
of Manṣūrah
city of was
Manṣūrah the was
magnificent
the magnificent
seat of seat of
gatewaygateway
to Sindh” to Sindh”
(Piacentini (Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani
2014). We 2014). the
are We are Abbasid
the Abbasid
Governor Governor
(Nabi Khan
(Nabi 1990),
Khan and
1990), Daybuland Daybul
also informed
also informed that Arab that Arab peoples
peoples from Yemen from andYemen Oman was the was
and Oman greatthe harbour-town
great harbour-town of Sindhofand Sindhof all andtheofgoods
all the goods
had migrated
had migrated to the Indus to thedeltaic
Indus region
deltaic one region or one there
two or two conveyed
there conveyed
by land byand landon and
sea on
to be
sea exchanged
to be exchanged
centuriescenturies
before beforethe expeditionthe expedition by Muḥammad by Muḥammad ibn and/or
ibn re-exported.
and/or re-exported.
The Barmekid
The Barmekid
Governors Governors
(Inner (Inner
Qāsim. Qāsim.
Consistent Consistent
groups groups had settled had around
settled around
Daybul,Daybul, Asia) had Asia)
a central
had a rolecentralin therolereorganisation
in the reorganisation of “Sindh”, of “Sindh”,
wherecould
where they they carrycouldout carrytheiroutprofitable
their profitable openingopening
activitiesactivities this provincethis provinceto the to richthemarkets
rich markets of the of the
linked tolinked to agriculture
agriculture based onbased on a complex
a complex land-use, and “Iranian”
land-use, and “Iranian”world and world its and
culture its culture
(first half (first9thhalf Century
9th Century
trade. Then,
trade. Then, we arewealso are informed
also informed about about rich CE). richTheCE). disintegration
The disintegrationof the Great of theSindh
Greatprovince
Sindh province and and
communities
communities of Indians, of Indians,
Buddhists, Buddhists,
Zoroastrians and the
Zoroastrians andseizure
the ofseizure
powerofby power
the Habbarids
by the Habbarids
signed the signedbirththe of birth of
Iranians,Iranians,
and evenand evensettled
Zanjis Zanjisinsettledthe main in the and the
main markets
markets andArabthe Emirate
Arab Emirate
of Manṣūrah of Manṣūrah
(second(secondhalf 9th half Century9th Century
trading trading
centres centres
of Sindh. of These
Sindh.were These were interested
mainly mainly interested – 1030s–c.1030s Ch.E.), c. Ch.E.),
and its markedand its marked
“Indianisation”
“Indianisation” (see (see
to mercantile
to mercantile activities: activities:
waited for waited
convoysfor convoys
to cometoand comePiacentini
and Piacentini Fiorani,Fiorani,Historical Historical
Notes, Notes,specie specie §§ 3-5 §§ 3-5
then bargained,
then bargained, sold andsold and bought
bought all sortsallofsorts infra). infra).
of precious
precious
merchandise
merchandise (Piacentini (Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani
2014). The 2014). The Umayyad
Umayyad
conquestconquest
of Sindh of did Sindh notdid not change
change much the much localthe These
local are These
onlyare a fewonlyflashes
a few on flashes
the life
on the andlife history
and of history of
traditional
traditional pattern of pattern
life: theof life: the bureaucratic
bureaucratic apparatus was Lower
apparatus was Lower Sindh, Sindh, as reported as reported by chroniclesby chronicles and and
in the of
in the hands handsa local of aauthority
local authority(often a(often religious geographies.
a religious geographies.
However, However,
for us itforwas us noteworthy
it was noteworthy that that
authorityauthority
appointed appointed
by the Arab by the Arab Governor
Governor Banbhore’s
or his Amir),
or his Amir), Banbhore’s
archaeological
archaeologicaldata and data chronologies
and chronologies in in
also delegated
also delegated to collect to tributes
collect tributes
and the and leviestheduelevieson duestratigraphy
on stratigraphydid so far didmatch
so farthis match general
this general
context.context.The The
Sindh Antiquities Journal 16

rigorous assemblage of pottery and other objects with 2015 Italian Report on Banbhore’s Field Season, lodged
the various levels in sequence (Trenches 1, 4, 5, 7, 8, and with the Government of Sindh/Pakistan – copy to the Italian
9) had provided a solid evidence that well Consulate in Sindh/ Pakistan
complemented the available literature: the area
2014--2015 Italian Thorough Report on Banbhore
surrounded by the rampart was a town (and no longer
Campaigns, lodged with the Government of Sindh/Pakistan –
only “a well-fortified citadel”), a harbour-town and copy to the Italian Embassy in Islamabad and the Italian
market, where lived a multi-religious and multi-ethnic Consulate in Sindh/Pakistan.
society with its temples and traditional activities (see
Piacentini Fiorani, Historical Notes, infra). The arrival
of Islam did change some aspects of the traditional life
and models of peopling, built a magnificent Mosque on
the ashes of a previous Buddhist temple, built a
Madrasa, but did not briskly alter a deeply rooted
“urban” tradition with its patterns of settlement, its
culture and associated activities.

This was the tenuous trail that encouraged us to follow

this methodological approach, trying to use
archaeological data and related disciplines as precious
sources complementing and integrating all available
written sources, a precious lens to the reading and
rereading of all available literary information. In other
words: Reading History Through Archaeological
Evidence (see Piacentini Fiorani, Historical Notes,
infra).

Bibliography
Felici et al. 2016
Felici, A.C. - Fusaro, A. - Ibrahim, A. - Lashari, Kh. -
Manassero, N. – Piacentini, M. - Piacentini Fiorani, V. –
Tilia, A.: Archaeological Excavations at Banbhore, Sindh.
Preliminary Report of the Pakistani-Italian 2014-2015 Field
Seasons. In: Parthica 18 (2016): 125-173 (and herewith
given bibliography)

Khan 1967
Khan, F.A. Banbhore. A Preliminary Report on the Recent
Archaeological Excavations at Banbhore. Department of
Archaeology and Museums, Ministry of Culture, Sports and
Youth Affairs – Government of Pakistan. 1st edition 1960.
(2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th revised editions 1963-1967-
1969-1976-2005).

Nabi Khan 1990

Nabi Khan, Ahmad: Al-Mansūrah. A Forgotten Arab
Metropolis in Pakistan. Preface by N.A. Baloch. Department
of Archaeology and Museums – Government of Pakistan,
Karachi.

Piacentini Fiorani 2014

Piacentini Fiorani, V.: Beyond Ibn Hawqal’s Bahr al-Fārs.
10th-13th Centuries AD. Sindh and the Kij-u-Makrān
region, hinge of an international network of religious,
political, institutional and economic asffairs. BAR
International Series 2651– Oxford.

2014 Italian Report on Banbhore’s Field Season, lodged

with the Government of Sindh/Pakistan – copy to the Italian
Consulate in Sindh/ Pakistan.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 17

Historical Note & Archaeology

The Site of Banbhore on the Indus Delta: A Major Stage

along the Silk Route of the Past Mansūrah and its Outlet
to the Sea, Daybul (8th-10th Centuries CE)*

Prof. Dr. Valeria Piacentini Fiorani

Full Professor, now retired, of History and Institutions of the Islamic World at the Faculty
of Political Sciences of the Catholic University, Milan, where she was former Director of
the Centro di Ricerca sul Sistema Sud e Mediterraneo Allargato - CriSSMA. After
graduating at the Sapienza University of Rome and specialising in Arabian and Persian
culture and literature, she conducted intense field activities in the Middle East, Arabia,
Iran and Central Asia, including the historical-archaeological projects in Harmuzgan,
Iran (1982-1985), Makran and Kharan, Baluchistan – Pakistan (1987-2002), and
Banbhore, Sindh (2010-present). Honorary Member of the International Association for
Studies on Arabia (London, UK), Member of the Accademia di Scienze Morali e Politiche
della Società Nazionale di Scienze, Lettere e Arti (Napoli, Italia), Corresponding
Member of the Istituto Lombardo – Accademia di Scienze e Lettere (Milano, Italia),
Member of the Istituto per l'Oriente C.A. Nallino (Roma, Italy) and many other
recognized international institutions. She has published extensively the results of her
research in several contributions, including monographs and national/international
journals.

* The following Text is the re-elaborated and enlarged version of the Paper read at the
Omani-Chinese Peking Conference on Ibādī Studies held at Peking, 17-19 September 2018.
Pictures, Figures and Maps published here are subjected to the copyright of the Università
Cattolica del Sacro Cuore – UCSC.

Abstract:
The identification of Daybul with the site of Banbhore is a debated issue since the
end of the 19th Century CE. Herewith the Author deals with a precise historical phase
of Lower Sindh (Arab conquest, 8th Century CE – Habbarid Emirate of Manṣūrah,
half 9th - 10th Century CE), as it has been depicted by contemporary written sources
(chronicles, geographies and travelogues), focusing the life of the capital city of the
time, Manṣūrah, and its outlet to the Sea, Daybul. Manṣūrah was a resplendent town,
core of the main land-routes connecting China, Inner Asia and the Iranian world to
the Mediterranean basin. Its outlet to the sea, Daybul, was a no less resplendent
“town” and market of the wealth circulating along the land, fluvial and sea routes of
its time. The said literature mentions “only one” major harbour-town, which stems
out as a most important economic/mercantile hub, a religious centre with its temples
and pilgrims, a regional administrative pivot based on a written bureaucracy, this
latter a long-lasting traditional apparatus since pre-Islamic times. In this article the
Author, after a minute assessment of the historical data, debates how archaeological
evidence come to light during these ten years of joint, hard field-work (infra)
overlaps historical data. In lower Sindh there is no other site like Banbhore, the
bastioned strategic heart of a fluvial and maritime system (surveys - infra), outlet to
the Ocean of the wealth circulating on land and along the Indus river. In other words,
historical evidence points to the site of Banbhore as the historic Daybul.

Keywords: Manṣūrah – Daybul – Banbhore – a Fluvial, Maritime System.

1. The Site of Banbhore

Today, the majestic, bastioned ruins of Banbhore stand out on a

secondary branch of the Indus Delta, its towered rampart still
embracing one of the most powerful centres of the past, core of an
Sindh Antiquities Journal
urban and mercantile system (shahristān), international
market and focal point of production, distribution and
re-distribution of precious goods, and, at the same time,
heart of traditional culture and religious learning.
[(Figures 1- 3) see page no. 34-35]. Endnote 0
With specific regard to the 8th -10th Centuries CE,
chronicles, travelogues and geographies provide a
wealth of information and precious side-views on the
life, cultural verve and institutional-administrative
organisation, military and political fortunes…and
misfortunes of an important harbour-town at the mouth
of the Indus (Mihrān) delta, Daybul/Debol), outlet to the
sea of the capital-city of the time, that is the magnificent
Islamic city of Mansūrah. (Endnote 1) Today, the
evocative archaeological site of Banbhore – after ten
years of hard historical and archaeological Pak-
French-Italian research integrating and complementing
each other – can positively be identified with the historic
Daybul. (Endnote 2)
No other site in the deltaic region of the Indus river has
the specific features so keenly described in all their
inside, outside and outlying spaces by written sources,
that is a definite ‘fluvial system’ (shahristān). The
imposing dominant citadel and the archaeological
evidence so far unearthed, the surveyed territory
surrounding and gravitating on the bastioned site point
to a vast space skilfully planned and organised by a
strong central power, a space articulated in suburbs,
minor dwellings, funerary areas, hydraulic works,
“industrial” areas, harbour-structures… the plastic
image of one of the most important junctions of the Silk
Route of the Past, international market and outlet to the
sea of the wealth conveyed there by land and on sea
from East and West, North and South, the Indus
representing a main north-south axis. There, within the
walls of the citadel, refined luxury goods were crafted
(ivory, glass, shells and mother of pearls, pottery;
metallurgic activity was also practised at least in the
latest occupational phase) to be exported along that
tenuous whirling routes heading to the capital-city of the
time, Mansūrah Mansūrah, hub and core of the Silk
Route of the Past, an active, vibrant hinterland of
cultural links, trades, pilgrimage and business.
(Endnote 2a)
Be that the ‘Barbarikon’ of the Periplus Maris
Erythraei, the Deb/Dib of pre-Islamic sources, or the
Daybul/Debol of the pre- and Islamic times, this
amazing harbour-town of the literature is always
depicted with the same features, as it appeared to the
astonished eyes of travellers and sailors: like an island
rising from the waters. (Endnote 3)
The life of the site of Banbhore and its occupational
phases cover a period that goes from the 1st Century
18
b.CE circa to the early 13th Century CE circa (Khan
1976; 2013 Pak-French-Italian Thorough Report,
2014-2015 Italian Thorough Report, Felici et al. 2016).
The water-table has prevented us (as it did prevent Dr
M. Kervran in 2012-2014 and F.A. Khan at the time of
his campaigns) to go deeper. However, drillings have
given circa two meters of pottery under water. Be that as
it may, herewith I restrict my discourse to the historic
harbour-town of Daybul and to one of the major
moments of its Islamic life, that is the Barmakid phase
and the Arab Emirate of Mansūrah (800 c. – end of the
10th Century CE). Conclusions at the end.
Daybul was conquered at the start of the 8th Century CE
by the Army of Islam under the supreme command of
the Arab general Muhammad ibn al-Qāsim al-Thaqafī
(711-712 CE), who was related to the Governor of Iraq
and supported at sea by an Arab fleet. Incorporated
within the Caliphal Province of Sind (“the Great Sind” –
al-Sind al-Kabīr, as it was called at that time in the
classical texts in Arbic and Persian), whose capital city
would be the magnificent town of Mansūrah, Daybul
became its superb outlet to the Indian Ocean.
Contemporary literary sources describe the Daybul of
the 9th-10th Centuries CE as a cosmopolitan town
adorned by beautiful palaces, resplendent temples (the
ruins of an imposing Hindi temple have been excavated
by the late F.A. Khan during his archaeological
campaigns in the fifties of the previous century) and a
superb Mosque with its madrasah, rising where once
stood the “Temple of the Budds” [(Figures 4-9) see page
no. 35-38]. The Arab conquest did not upset the
pre-existing system. Daybul was conquered by assault
by the young Arab general, the carnage endured for
three days. The Governor of the town fled. The priests of
the Buddhist temple were massacred for their hostility to
come to pacts with the besieging Army. Rich spoils were
secured. But once the plundering was concluded,
Muhammad marked out a place for the Muslims to
reside in, built a Mosque where once rose the Buddhist
Temple, left a defence force of four thousand men to
garrison the place and provide – when needed – the
necessary provisions conveyed there by the Arab fleet.
Then, he left with the bulk of his Army delegating fiscal
and administrative powers to local officials and other
personalities. (Endnote 4) Chronicles depict the
relocation and rehabilitation of certain quarters of
Daybul. The same seems to have taken place with the
major towns of Sind (like Arūr, Brahmanābād and
others). These same literary sources do not mention the
granting of the dhimmī status to the people of Daybul, as
they do for other conquered towns, like Nīrūn, Sīwistān
(present Sehwan Sharif), Arūr. Therefore, it seems
possible to argue that the Arab conquest of Daybul did
not drastically upset the pre-existing political and
administrative system (to be underlined that Banbhore’s
archaeological evidence does not point to any sharp
Sindh Antiquities Journal
break with the past. See the Italian Reports of the
2014-2015 field-seasons at Banbhore). Within the
general political and military context, Sind and the
deltaic region of the Indus river, despite their peripheral
location, represented for the Caliphs, their Iraqi
Governors and local Emirs one of the most profitable
sources of revenues and incomes from the wealthy
traffics carried out on longdistance land, fluvial and sea
trades. (Endnote 5)
Within three years from the conquest of Daybul
(712-715 CE), the whole country of Sind was
subjugated, and, without any dissolving effect on the
existing organisation, Muslim rule was established.
From a historical point of view, whilst the Umayyad
phase marked the consolidation of the Arab conquests
and their frontiers, the Abbasid period signed the
structuring of the subdued lands into an effective
political and institutional system, centred on the
capital-city of Mansūrah and its outlet to the Indian
Ocean, that is Daybul. Traffics thrived again thanks to
the occulated policy introduced by the Thaqafite of
delegating to the local bureaucracy the administration of
the town in order to secure regular profits for the army…
and the Caliph. The Abbasid era consolidated this
political line. Some of the most wanted goods (like
turquoise, lapis lazuli, carnelians, the precious rubies
from the Badakshan, silks and others) came through the
silk-routes of the hinterland. These latter were
safeguarded by the Governors and Military
Commanders of Sind; the capital-city of the Province
(residence of the governors and military commanders),
crossroads of this trade, was put in charge of collecting
the incomes from ‘its’ harbour-town Daybul/Debol and
redistributing them according to the caliphal ordinances.
A bureaucratic and administrative continuum, that
however signed a new cultural florescence and the
prosperity of the whole province.
By the end of the 8th Centhury, in Sind nothing or little
had changed. According to the Fatḥnāmah-i-Sind, the
Arab victory on the Brahman dynasty caused the end of
this dynasty, but it did not result in any significant
change in the structure of the traditional
Indian/Indo-Iranian society and its multi-ethnic and
multi-cultural milieu. While al-Kūfī depicts a ‘relaxed
atmosphere’, Balādhurī’s Fūtūh minutely records how,
by the second half of the same century, such atmosphere
would be harshly disturbed by internal feuds between
Arab religious and tribal factions, and endless
skirmishes with neighbouring Indian rulers.
Nonetheless, as this same writer notes, such rivalries did
not interrupt international relations and business, so that
Daybul could be depicted as an important harbour-town
at the mouth of the Indus delta, surrounded by cultivated
fields and salty marshes, excellent hub for the rich trades
19
revolving around these oriental lands of the Caliphate.
There, the Caliphal Governors and their Emirs used to
go and spend their time enjoying the multicultural
milieu, the fresh air and… bathing into the cool waters
of a stream that skirted the rampart of the citadel, “also
called the buffalo’s stream because buffalos took refuge
there from the bears (sic) that infested the banks of the
Mihrān”. (Endnote 6).
2. The Barmakid Governorship (First Half
of the 9th Century CE). A Well-Planned
Transitional Phase
The caliphate of Hārūn al-Rashīd (170-193/776-809)
left a significant imprint on the administrative
reorganisation of the Arab Empire, its cultural vitality
and political-institutional structure. He halted the trend
to a centralisation of the administrative and fiscal
imperial system by allowing Provincial Governors more
freedom than they had hitherto enjoyed, which also
meant a deep remoulding of the local urban life and all
activities gravitating on it, like speculative interests,
music and poetry, arts, crafts, sciences, farming and
mercantile activities. (Endnote 7) Sind and its towns
benefitted from this political line. This new arrangement
gave to the Governor (Āmil) and the Military
Commander (Amīr/Emir) financial and military control
on Sind in exchange for a fixed tribute and
acknowledgment of the Caliph’s position on the coins
struck in the province (only copper coins, since at that
time silver dinars were still minted in Khurāsān).
(Endnote 8) The Caliph, however, on advice by his
vizier, continued to have direct power on the choice and
appointment of governors and military commanders of
Sind, this latter region being considered by Baghdad a
strategic and economic key frontier-province (with the
Barmakids, the two offices of governor and military
commander Began to be concentrated in one person
only, the Amīr/Emir, with both powers). Thus, the
social-institutional structure persisted with its traditional
local features.
In this regard is particularly interesting some
information referring to the local officials: “these had
run the Sasanian Empire and were in large part the
successors of the secretaries who, in the preceding
Iranian/Indo-Iranian social hierarchy, ranked in
importance only after the Zoroastrian Clergy, the Royal
Families and Feudal Lords [it is noteworthy that such
account epitomises the administrative reforms
introduced by Khusraw Hanushīrwān at the end of the
6th Century CE], and had also run the Brahman reign
defeated by Muhammad ibn al-Qāsim, giving life to the
creation of a new body of bureaucrats and secretaries
(kuttāb, sing. kātib)”. (Endnote 9) By the second half of
the 8th Century these same families were still running
Sindh Antiquities Journal
the rich province of Sind, ad hoc delegated by the
Supreme General of the victorious Army of Islam, and,
later on, they were still running the main centres of this
oriental Province of the Abbasid Caliphate under the
authority of Caliphal Governors. At the start of the 9th
Century, this bureaucracy had become exceptionally
numerous and influential; it was the backbone of the
local political-institutional and economic structure. But
not only this: it was the channel that allowed a gradual
evolution and the development of the traditional
network of cultural links without drastic breaks with the
Past. The Silk Route and its sub-routes were the vital
connecting network along which arts, literature,
sciences expanded in all directions like a glorious
‘melting-pot’. It was an interesting process, definitely
significant. It was a deep seal that had its cradle in the
Past and in the international links of the Past, which
would give to the newly born capital-city of the caliphal
province of Sind, Mansūrah, and its outlet to the sea
Daybul, a special, distinctive mark destined to mould
the culture of these oriental lands, then and in the future.
Masterminds of this evolution would be the Barmakids.
(Endnote 10) It was with Hārūn al-Rashīd that Yahyā
ibn Khālid Barmakī (d.805 CE) – appointed Governor
of Khurāsān and afterwards vizier of the Caliph –
directly entered the political and cultural life of Sind,
too. (Endnote 11)
The network of family contacts that always
distinguished the Barmakī Family proved to be a
formidable instrument of power. However, and
whatever literary sources have to say about the political
feuds that rose within the Caliphal empire stirred up by
jealousy, suspicions and rivalries, it is a fact that Yahyā
ibn Khālid and his sons – great promoters of arts and
literary activities – played a major role in Sind by the
first half of the 9th Century, the local administration was
reorganized on the base of the Sāmānid/Iranian model in
Khurāsān and a new body of officials and secretaries
was created here, too, who were in large part the
successors of the secretaries of the preceding
Iranian/Indo-Iranian social hierarchy, which, by the end
of the 8th Century, was still running the rich province of
Sind ad hoc delegated by the Caliphal governors of the
province. At the same time, the road-system was
reorganised and secured, encouraging closer
relationships with Baghdad, Khurāsān (the “Great
Khurāsān” of the time) and its powerful mercantile class
and political élite on the one hand, and the central and
western regions of the Caliphate, on the other. It was a
subtle network that provided a social regime that,
though for a short period, overcoming religious and
ethnic upheavals and the turnover amongst caliphal
governors and emirs, could ensure with its services a
cultural continuity.
Let us come back to what chroniclers have to say. Mūsā
20
ibn Yahyā Barmakī (d.836 c. CE.) was appointed
Governor of Sind to restore order and introduce the
reforms. He devoted his energies to accomplish the first
target, taking firm action against all rebellious forces.
But not only this. Mūsā ibn Yahyā was himself a learned
personality; he dedicated great efforts in promoting arts,
literature and religious studies with great attention to
Mansūrah and Daybul, where he invested large parts of
the revenues in infrastructural facilities and other
‘industrial’ and harbour-structures (sic). (Endnote 12)
After his end, was appointed as Governor his son:
‘Imrān ibn Mūsā Barmakī (d. 226/841), who carried out
an effective policy campaigning against rebellious clans
and tribal groups, and succeeded to re-establish the
Caliphal authority in the region. ‘Imrān ibn Mūsā
Barmakī was also a ‘man of pen’, illuminated patron of
arts and crafts; he encouraged the revival of the
traditional Sindi literature, poetry and epics, and began
to introduce the use of Sindi also in the administration.
He fostered all cultural contacts between Sind,
surrounding regions all along the course of the Indus
river, and other outlying worlds with their civilisations.
Merchants converged to Sind, and with them business,
fresh capitals and artisans.
Mansūrah and Daybul were the core of world-wide
affairs, and, at the same time, renowned centres of
religious learning, sciences, arts and literary debates.
At the death of ‘Imrān ibn Mūsā Barmakī (226/841),
was appointed Governor of Sind Anbasa ibn Ishāq
al-Dabbī (from the South-Arabian powerful
Dabba/Mudhar clan), who proved to be a successful
administrator. Whilst the province was torn by religious
feuds between Muslims of the first generation and
neo-Muslims, he kept himself above all religious and
political factions. He dedicated special attention and
love to Daybul, “a town two farsākh [that is 12 km
circa] distant from the mouth of the Mihrān”, as reports
Ibn Khurdādhbih in his Kitāb. (Endnote 13) Balādhurī
reports that Anbasa demolished the tower of the temple
of Daybul (sic) and converted it in a prison; this same
author adds that “the tower of the temple was of stone,
which was reused in the repair-work done during the
emirate of Anbasa”. Other extensive repair-works were
also undertaken. (Endnote 14)
All in all, chronicles and geographies record the
Barmakid period as a period of large autonomy for Sind,
characterised by great activity of the governors as
‘builders’, and lively external relations: with the Zenjis
(East Africa), Hindu princes in the subcontinent,
Turkish groups and rulers from the Central Asian
steppes, Khurāsān and Transoxiana, Baghdad and the
Arabian world, and, but very occasionally, with Chinese
emperors (sic). (Endnote 15) The reorganisation of the
Sindh Antiquities Journal 21

administration
administration
and theand taxation
the taxation
system, system,
in particular, sharp political-religious
in particular, sharp political-religious dissensions dissensions
betweenbetween the Tamīm the Tamīm
forged aforged
new organism
a new organism (the divan/diwān)
(the divan/diwān) and a new and aofnewHijazof andHijaz theand Yemenite
the Yemenitecommunity. community.
The formers The formers
generation
generation
of officers of officers
and bureaucrats
and bureaucrats workingworking openly openly
under under defied defied the Caliphate’s
the Caliphate’s authority, authority,
and theand the
the direct
thesupervision
direct supervision of the Amīr of the(orAmīr his vizier). Only rebellion
(or his vizier). Only rebellion
(headed,(headed,according according
to Balādhurī,to Balādhurī,
by ‘Umar byibn‘Umar ibn
after meeting
after meetingthe local the expenditure,
local expenditure, the Governor the Governor‘Abdulazīz
‘Abdulazīz
al-Habbārī al-Habbārī
himself)himself)culminated culminated
with thewith the
remittedremitted
the surplus the surplus
to the Caliph’s
to the Caliph’s
TreasuryTreasury assassination
togethertogether assassination
of the same of theGovernor,
same Governor, who, at who, that time,
at that time,
with a detailed
with a detailed
accountaccount of revenues of revenues
collection collection
and local and was
locala member
was a member of the Barmakīof the Barmakīfamily, family,
that ‘Imrān that ibn
‘Imrān ibn
expenditure.
expenditure.
LiteraryLiterarysources sources
also record also howrecordHārūn Mūsā Barmakī
how Hārūn Mūsā Barmakī just mentioned
just mentionedabove. Then,above.Hārūn Then, ibn Hārūn ibn
al-Rashīdal-Rashīd
and his and Governors
his Governors
investedinvested
a large amount of Muhammad
a large amount of Muhammad ibn Abūibn Khālid
Abū was Khālid appointed
was appointedas Governor as Governor
the treasure’s
the treasure’s
funds infunds restoring
in restoring
the Mosque the Mosque
of Daybul of Sind,ofbut,
of Daybul Sind,
in 240/854,
but, in 240/854, he would he meet
wouldthemeet samethefate same fate
and otherandbuildings
other buildings
heavily heavily
damageddamaged by an earthquake
by an earthquake than histhan
predecessor
his predecessorat the hand at the of hand
the Nizārīs
of the Nizārīs
under the under the
at the turn
at the
of the
turn8thof Century CE. (Endnote
the 8th Century CE. (Endnote
16). 16). leadership leadership
of ‘Umar ofibn‘Umar
‘Abdulazīz
ibn ‘Abdulazīz
al-Habbārī, al-Habbārī,
openingopening
the waythe to way
this latter’s
to this latter’s
seizure seizure
of power. of Referring
power. Referring to to
Be that Beas itthat
may, as it
whether
may, whether
Banbhore Banbhore
can be identified
can be identifiedHārūn ibnHārūn Muhammad,
ibn Muhammad, Ya‘qūbīYa‘qūbī states “died”,states “died”,
while while
with Daybul
with Daybul
or not, all or innot,allallwhen
in allwritten
when written talk Balādhurī’s
sources sources talk Balādhurī’s
accountaccount reports reports
“he was“he killed
wasunawares”,
killed unawares”,
about Daybul
about Daybul and Lower and Lower
Sind even Sindforeven pre-Islamic that is ‘assassinated’.
for pre-Islamic that is ‘assassinated’. Be that Be as itthat
may, as the
it may,
Caliph the had
Caliph had
times, they
times,harmonise
they harmonisewith thewith archaeological
the archaeologicalevidenceevidenceno otherno alternative
other alternative
than to accept
than to‘Umar acceptibn ‘Umar‘Abdulazīz
ibn ‘Abdulazīz
so far socoming far comingto lightto atlight Banbhore.
at Banbhore. Not only. Not al-Habbārī
only. al-Habbārī
as his new as hisGovernor
new Governorof Sind.of (Endnote
Sind. (Endnote
17) 17)
Well-complementing
Well-complementing and integrating
and integratingeach-other, each-other,
both both
point topoint
the factto the thatfactthethatsite theof Banbhore
site of Banbhore witnessed For a short
witnessed For time,
a short ‘Umar
time, recognised
‘Umar recognised de jure the de jure
Caliph’s
the Caliph’s
more thanmoreone than‘transitional
one ‘transitional phase’ phase’inspiredinspiredby an by authority;
an authority;
then, around then, around
the 855 the CE,855 he CE,refused he refused
to pay to pay
occulatedocculated
political-institutional
political-institutional and cultural and cultural tribute to
policy. policy. tribute
Baghdad, to Baghdad,
markingmarking the beginning
the beginningof a de factoof a de facto
Even during
Even the duringBarmakid
the Barmakid
period, period,
we havewea have smartly dynasticdynastic
a smartly rule of the ruleHabbārī
of the Habbārī
family, destined
family, destined to last for to last for
plannedplanned
transitionaltransitional
phase, phase,which however
which however did notdidabout not 170
aboutyears.
170 years.
imply anyimplydramatic
any dramatic
break with break thewith
past.the Albeit,
past. itAlbeit,
was ait was a
gradual gradual
evolution evolution
and premise and premise
to new impending
to new impending According
times. times. Accordingto Balādhurī, to Balādhurī, ‘Umar ‘Umar ibn ‘Abdulazīzibn ‘Abdulazīz
In this respect,
In this respect,
particularly particularly
telling are telling
Trenches
are Trenches
7 and 9 7 and al-Habbārī
9 al-Habbārī
(d. 270/883) (d. 270/883)
was Arab was byArabblood. byHisblood.family
His family
dug in 2014
dug in and20142015 and by2015
Dr Niccolò
by Dr Niccolò
Manassero Manassero
and the and hadthesettled
had settled
in Sindinmore Sind than moreone thancenturyone century
earlier earlier
pottery pottery
assemblages assemblages
worked worked out by Dr outAgnese
by Dr Agnese
Fusaro Fusaromigratingmigrating
from Arabia, from Arabia,
where they where hadtheyplayed had an played
activean active
referringreferring
to the individual
to the individual
archaeological
archaeological
levels (2016 politicalpolitical
levels (2016 role. Once role. inOnce Sind,in the Sind,Habbārīs
the Habbārīs acquiredacquired
Italian Thorough
Italian Thorough Report; Report;
Felici etFelici et al. (Endnote
al. 2016). 2016). (Endnote landed landed
properties properties
and became and became wealthywealthy landowners; landowners;
16a) 16a) then, they
then, successfully
they successfully engagedengaged in trade,inachieving
trade, achieving
a a
prominentprominent
status amongststatus amongstthe localtheArab localcommunity.
Arab community.
3. The3. ArabTheEmirate
Arab Emirate of Mansūrah of Mansūrah (Second They maintained
(Second They maintained their links their
with links
thewith
otherthebranches
other branches
of of
Half ofHalf the of 9ththe Century
9th Century – End –10th-First
End 10th-First the family
the family
settled in
settled
Iraq in
and Iraq
Syria,
and thus
Syria, gaining
thus gaining
the the
favours favours
of the Umayyad
of the Umayyad Caliphs Caliphs
and, soon and,afterwards,
soon afterwards,
Decades Decades
of the of 11th theCentury
11th Century CE). CE). the Abbasids, the Abbasids,
too. This too.background,
This background, gave ‘Umar gave ibn ‘Umar ibn
‘Abdulazīz
‘Abdulazīz
a clear insight
a clearinto insightthe into
affairstheofaffairs
Sind and of Sind
the and the
Despite Despite
all, the apex
all, theof apex
the success
of the success
of the Barmakid
of the Barmakid
rule rule
surrounding
surrounding
politicalpolitical
situation, situation,
allowingallowing
him to act himwith
to act with
in Sind insigned
Sind also
signed thealsoend the
of theendBarmakī
of the Barmakī
Family, Family,
the the
shrewd skill
shrewd andskill
tolerance.
and tolerance.
His firstHis years first asyears
Amīr as of Amīr
the of the
disruption
disruption
of the Abbasid
of the Abbasid provinceprovince of “Great of “Great
Sind”, Sind”,
Sindi province
Sindi province
were devoted were devoted
to strengthento strengthen
his position his position
followedfollowed
by the by birth theofbirth
five ofde five factodeindependent
facto independent
in the region
in theand regionto recompose
and to recompose a certaina unity certainbetween
unity between
emirates:emirates:
the Arab theEmirate
Arab Emirate of Mansūrah,of Mansūrah, the Arab the Arab
MuslimMuslim
Arabs and Arabs neo-Muslim
and neo-Muslim communities. communities.
At the At the
EmirateEmirate
of Multān, of Multān,
the ArabtheEmirate Arab Emirateof Makrān, of Makrān,
the the
same time,
samehetime, was he farsighted
was farsightedenough enough not to involvenot to involve
Arab Emirate
Arab Emirateof Tūrānof(which Tūrān (whichincludedincludedQuzdar),Quzdar),and and
himself himself
in any major in anyclash majorwith clashthewith
rising thepower
risingofpowerthe of the
the independent
the independent
realm ofrealm Budha. of Budha.
SaffāridsSaffārids
when the when Caliphthe Caliph
granted granted
Ya‘qūb Ya‘qūb ibn Layth ibn Layth
al-Saffāral-Saffār
(253-265/867-879)
(253-265/867-879) the neighbouring
the neighbouring provinces provinces
The reforms
The reforms
introduced introduced
by the Barmakī
by the BarmakīGovernors Governors
gave gave
of Sīstān,
of Kirmān
Sīstān, Kirmānand Makrān; and Makrān;
according according
to Balādhurī,to Balādhurī,
life to discontents
life to discontents
from other from social
otherclasses
social and classes
peoples,
and peoples,
it seemsitthat
seems Sind,thattoo, Sind,
wastoo,included
was included
in their in dominion,
their dominion,
signing signing
the rise the andrise fortunes
and fortunes
of the Habbārīd
of the Habbārīd Family. Family.
howeverhowever
it does itnot does seem not that seemthethat Saffārids
the Saffārids
ever ever
The lastThe
Governor
last Governor
of the Abbasid
of the Abbasid
provinceprovince
of Greatof SindGreat Sind
exercisedexercised
any direct anycontrol
direct over
control it. over
Despite it. Despite
all, onceall, in once in
was Hārūnwas ibn HārūnMuhammad
ibn Muhammad ibn Abūibn Khālid. According
Abū Khālid. According
power ‘Umar
power ibn ‘Umar ‘Abdulazīz
ibn ‘Abdulazīz
was ablewas to settle
able toMuslimsettle Muslim
to the chroniclers
to the chroniclers of the time of the(Balādhurī,
time (Balādhurī,Tabarī and Tabarī and
and ethnic
and ethnic internecine internecine
conflicts, conflicts,
maintaining maintaining
the the
Yā‘qūbīYā‘qūbī
in particular),
in particular),
it appears it appears
that Hārūn that Hārūnibn ibn
territorial
territorial
integrityintegrity of Sind of and Sind succeeded
and succeeded in in
Muhammad,Muhammad, before being before appointed
being appointed as Governor as Governor
of of
establishing
establishing
a sort ofahereditary
sort of hereditary
governorshipgovernorship
within the within the
Sind, hadSind,been haddispatched
been dispatchedto this eastern
to this eastern
provinceprovinceto to
Family. Family.
calm downcalma downdifficulta difficult
politicalpolitical
situation: situation:
harsh turmoilharsh turmoil
amongstamongst
the Arabthecommunities
Arab communities settled at settled
Daybul and When
at Daybul and by When the eighties
by the eightiesof the 9th of the
Century9th Century
CE, internal CE, internal
Sindh Antiquities Journal
feud and renewed harsh fighting between Saffārids and
Sāmānids brought to the disruption of the Abbasid
Province of Great Sind, ‘Umar and his son and
successor, ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar al-Habbārī, could
maintain a solid unity within the territory that was to
become the Arab Emirate of Mansūrah.
We can see a reflection of this political continuity and
unity – notes Agnese Fusaro – also in the continuity of
the tradition of local pottery production, which, at least
until the 10th Century, did not undergo any important
change in forms and technological manufacture.
Moreover, the similarities identified between the
manufacture of Banbhore and productions of other
Sindhi centres, such as Multān and Sīwistān (present
Sehwan Sharif), the presence at Banbhore of products
possibly come from Sehwan Sharif, Tulamba and/or
Mansūrah clearly point to a regional unity. It is also
worth noting that the circulation of imported items from
westernmost lands (Iraqi and Iranian regions) continued
without interruption, and there was no reduction in the
quantity of the traded goods (Endnote 18).
Let us however see how events developed.
3.1 The Regional Context of the Time. Ports, Landed
Armies and Nautical Experience.
The last two decades of the 9th Century had marked a
crucial moment for the whole region. Sīstān was in a
state of ferment, disturbed by sectarian strife and social
unrests, which did not fail to upset Makrān and Sind,
having a negative effect on the security of the land
routes. In the meantime, the personal military skill of
‘Amr ibn Layth al-Saffār (265-288/879-901) brought to
a clamorous expedition, that pushed on into Zabulistān;
thence, the Saffārid brothers expanded eastwards and
Kabul was captured (then, a pagan region on the fringe
of the Indian world), Ghazna followed a few years later
and its citadel was destroyed; after Ghazna, the local
ruler of the neighbouring town of Gardīz was besieged
until he subdued and paid tribute. These pagan lands
provided extensive plunder in the shape not only of
slaves but also of the most spectacular exotic objects.
Mas‘ūdī reports that, during this period, Baghdad
received by the Saffārid family idols of gold and silver,
precious objects, exquisite and finely chiselled jewels,
and other no less valuable goods. The last two decades
of the ninth century saw the Saffārid ruler at the zenith
of his power.
However, the Sāmānids, firmly assessed in Khurāsān,
reacted, and Sīstān was occupied for a while by their
armies until a secondary branch of the Saffārid family
re-appeared on the scene and gave life to new turmoil;
despite new checks by other Powers, this branch of the
Saffārid family persisted in Sīstān for about six more
22
centuries. All in all, the history of this period is
punctuated by further generous interventions of peoples
from the steppes (Qarakhānids and Oghuz) and
continuous fighting between Sāmānids and Saffārids for
control on Sīstān, renowned for its fertile lands and
green pastures, but also strategic stronghold and
key-passage between East-West and North-South (see
also below, following paragraphs). (Endnote 19)
By the start of the 10th Century, with Khurāsān secured
by the Sāmānids and their stable foothold in
Transoxiana and Farghāna, the caravan routes across
Central Asia were re-opened, assuring stability and
economic prosperity to these territories. It was through
Sāmānid lands that – with Turkish slaves – transited
those luxury goods much sought after by the markets of
the time. At the same time, were also reopened the
land-routes through Kirmān-Makrān, the so called
“Green Belt” along which dominated the market-town
of Kij/Keč (present Turbat) and its towering castle
“where lived the ruler of Makrān”, nerve-junction to
Sind and this latter’s rich markets and towns.
Unquestionably, by the end of the 9th Century and the
first decades of the 10th Century, trades reached an
unprecedented volume and great variety of goods.
Pilgrimage was also encouraged to follow the
land-routes now secured under the surveillance of
special corps, whilst the waters of the Gulf were infested
by piracy; this latter prospered also because of the fights
between Būyids and Fātimids aimed at asserting the
primacy of the Gulf versus the Red Sea within the great
chessboard of the traffics of the time. Thus, caravans
and pilgrims could safely touch the coastal harbours,
and, via the Gulf and/or the Indian Ocean and the Red
Sea, reach the Holy Places of Islam in Hijaz.
At this point, rereading contemporary literary sources,
one specific fact comes under the historian’s eyes,
which is not only an impression but a mere reality, and
can also partially explain the actual target of these
endless fights and the dynamic generated by the
following regional events. Both Sāmānids and Saffārids
(and later Ghaznavids and Seljuks, as well) were ‘land’
powers, and their formidable Armies were ‘landed’
armies with excellent fighting corps (mounted archers,
mountaineer troops, valiant horsemen, war mounted
elephants) but no (or very little) nautical experience.
Thus, it was not a chance if, at the turn of the century,
Kirmān, Makrān, Sind and their roads-network were
newly involved in the wars of these Powers, whose
major objective was now to get control on the Green
Belt, a natural West-East land route along the
Nihing-Keč rivers connecting Kirmān with Sind via
Makrān, and, with it, to gain control on the major outlets
to the sea. By the first half of the 10th Century, the
leading ports along the Iranian seaboard, coveted by
Sindh Antiquities Journal 23

these ‘landed’
these ‘landed’
powers,powers,
were Hormuz were Hormuz(Kirmān’s (Kirmān’s
outlet), outlet),
regionalregional
politicalpolitical
framework framework
that Daybul that Daybul
stems out, stems“a out, “a
Tīz (Makrān’s
Tīz (Makrān’s outlet, outlet,
directly directly
connected connected
with itswithtown its oftown
Sind ofonSind the coast
on theofcoast the Great
of theSea. Great It isSea.theIt is the
capital-city
capital-city
Kij/Keč,Kij/Keč,
and – toand the–north
to the– north
with Quzdar,
– with Quzdar,
abode (jāygāh)
abode (jāygāh)
of the merchants.
of the merchants. ProductsProducts (ālat-hā)(ālat-hā)
of of
capital-city
capital-city
of the Emirate
of the Emirate
of Tūrān) of and
Tūrān) Daybuland Daybul
(outlet (outlet
Hindūstān Hindūstān
and theand seathe aresea brought
are broughtthere inthere largein large
of the Emirate
of the Emirate
of Mansūrah).
of Mansūrah).
The geographers
The geographers of the ofquantities”.
the quantities”.Writing Writing
in the mid-fourth/tenth
in the mid-fourth/tenth century century(a (a
10th Century
10th Century
depict thesedepictbanadir
these banadir as well-sheltered
as well-sheltered
few decades few decades
before the before
Anonimousthe Anonimous Author of Author
the Ḥudūd of the Ḥudūd
harboursharbours
and wealthy and wealthy
markets,markets,
“where “whereships orships a fleet or aal-‘Ālam
fleet al-‘Ālam
and Muqaddasī),
and Muqaddasī), Istākhrī Istākhrī
dedicates dedicates
ten pages ten pages
could also
couldeasily
alsobeeasily
chartered”.
be chartered”. of his work of his to work
Sind,to andSind,
depicts and Daybul
depicts Daybulas an important
as an important
harbour-townharbour-townon the on Indus the (Mihrān)
Indus (Mihrān) delta, “outletdelta, “outlet
At this very
At this point
veryandpoint
within
andthiswithinpolitical
this political
juncture,juncture,
the par-excellence”
the par-excellence” to the sea to the of the sea immense
of the immense volume volume of of
complexcomplexand tenacious
and tenacious personality personality
of ‘Umar of ‘Umaribn wealthibn wealth
circulating circulating
“through” “through”
the Arab the Emirate
Arab Emirate of of
‘Abdulazīz
‘Abdulazīz
al-Habbārī,al-Habbārī,
the last the Governor
last Governor
of Sind ofand SindMansūrah.
and Mansūrah. It is noteworthy
It is noteworthy
that Istākhrī that Istākhrī
names the namesGreat the Great
founderfounder
of the Emirate
of the Emirate
of Mansūrah,of Mansūrah,
stands out. stands out. Sea as “Fārs Sea asSea” “Fārs or Sea”
“Bahroral-Fārs”,“Bahr al-Fārs”,
as it is alsoas itnamed
is also named
by Ibn by Hawqal,
Ibn Hawqal,likely depicting
likely depicting the ‘geo-political’
the ‘geo-political’
Despite Despite
the militarythe military
superiority superiority
of the of contending
the contendingsituationsituation
of their of timetheir
as structured
time as structured and systematised
and systematised by by
forces, the
forces,
pragmatic
the pragmatic
politicalpolitical
ability of ability
‘Umar of had
‘Umar the had
thethe powertheofpower
the Būyids. (Endnote
of the Būyids. (Endnote
20) 20)
upper hand.
upper He hand. proved
He proved
to be to a skilled
be a skilled man ofman of
government,
government,
who could whomaster
could the masterart ofthenegotiating.
art of negotiating.
On theOnreligious the religious
and political and political sphere, sphere,‘Umar ‘Umar ibn ibn
And heAnd did he notdid hesitate
not hesitate
to negotiate,to negotiate,
keepingkeeping to a ‘Abdulazīz
to a ‘Abdulazīz kept tokept a rigorous
to a rigorous adherence adherence
to Sunni to Sunni
balancedbalanced
politicalpolitical
line betweenline between
the competingthe competing
realms. realms.
orthodoxy. orthodoxy.
However, However,
he always he always
preserved preserved
a liberala liberal
He himself
He himself
was concerned
was concerned not to not interfere
to interfere
in the inattitude.
the attitude.
He was He alsowasfascinated
also fascinated and influenced
and influencedby the by the
disputesdisputes
betweenbetweenSāmānids Sāmānids
and Saffārids.
and Saffārids.
These were These intellectual
were intellectual life andlifecostumes and costumes of the of neighbouring
the neighbouring
years ofyearsconsiderable
of considerable
social, social,
politicalpolitical
and religious
and religious
countries countries
and their and courts,
their whichcourts, had which alwayshad always
attractedattracted
upheaval.upheaval.
And, thoughAnd, though
he assiduously
he assiduously
cultivated cultivated
good good
his interest.
his interest.
Their rulersTheir undoubtedly
rulers undoubtedly mouldedmoulded his his
relationships
relationships
with thewith Sāmānids
the Sāmānids endeavouring endeavouring
their their
experience experience
in termsinofterms political of political
challenges challenges
and success, and success,
favour infavour
orderintoorder
checktoaspirations
check aspirationsby otherby powers
other powers
on on
and, to aand, certain
to a extent,
certain also extent, in terms
also inoftermsarts andof artslifestyle.
and lifestyle.
his Emirate
his Emirate
and make andsecure
makethe secure
caravanthe caravan
routes toroutes
Sind,to Sind,
he did not
he take
did not anytake
advantage
any advantage
from thefrom disorders
the disorders
of the of the
As just As saidjustabove,
said this
above, governmental
this governmental line wasline firmly
was firmly
neighbouring
neighbouringEmiratesEmiratesof Multān of Multān(linked (linked
to the to the
followedfollowed
by ‘Umar’s by ‘Umar’s
son andson successor’,
and successor’,
‘Abdullāh ‘Abdullāh
ibn ibn
Fātimids),
Fātimids),
Tūrān and Tūrān
Makrān
and Makrān
(this latter (thiswaslatter
once wasagain
once again
‘Umar al-Habbārī
‘Umar al-Habbārī (883-913 (883-913
c.), whoc.), greatly
who invested
greatly invested
in in
heavily heavily
disturbed disturbed
by the by Balūč/Balūs
the Balūč/Balūs peoples,peoples,
local local
petty dynasties
petty dynasties
and the and risingtheBūyid
risingaspirations).
Būyid aspirations).On the On thetherestoration
the restoration
of the Mosqueof the Mosque of Daybul of Daybul
and other and other
other hand,
other ‘Umarhand, ‘Umaribn ‘Abdulazīz
ibn ‘Abdulazīz was essentially
was essentiallybuildings buildings
after the after
893 the
earthquake
893 earthquake
– (Endnote – (Endnote
21), and 21), and
concernedconcerned
to consolidate
to consolidatethe frontiersthe frontiers
of his of by
ownhis own this latter’s
by this son
latter’s
and son
successor,
and successor,
‘Umar ibn
‘Umar ‘Abdullāh
ibn ‘Abdullāh
EmirateEmirate
reducedreducedand limitedand to limited
Mansūrah to Mansūrah
and Daybul. al-Habbārī.
and Daybul. Both areBoth
al-Habbārī. depicted
are depicted
by the chronicles
by the chronicles of the of the
Thus, he Thus,allowed
he allowed
the Emirate the Emirate
to hold toitshold territorial time
its territorial as firm,
time as
judicious
firm, judicious
personalities, personalities,
essentially essentially
focused focused
integrityintegrity
and autonomy,
and autonomy, and prosper and prosper within withinthe on thethe on
welfare
the welfare
and orderand inside
order the
inside Emirate,
the Emirate,
more more
international
international
stage ofstagethe time.
of the time. interested interested
to support to support
its world-wide its world-widerange ofrange business of business
than tothan personalto personal
interventions interventionsin the in neighbouring
the neighbouring
His sonHisandson his and
successors
his successors
would strictly
would strictly this topotentates
stick to stick this potentates
and their andstruggles
their strugglesand intrigues.and intrigues.
All in all, All in all,
politicalpolitical
line forline the for
following
the followingdecades,decades,
allowingallowingthe theythe gave
theythe gave
town theof town
Mansūrah of Mansūrah
a strong, a strong,
centralised centralised
EmirateEmirate
of Mansūrah of Mansūrah
a century a century
of political-institutional
of political-institutional power power based based on a on well-articulated
a well-articulated bureaucratic bureaucratic
order andorder
unparalleled
and unparalleled
economic economic
prosperity. prosperity. apparatus, apparatus,
supported supported
by a solid by social
a solidmercantile
social mercantile class class
and a wealthy
and a wealthy
group ofgroup landowners.of landowners.
Daybul Daybul retainedretained
its its
3.2. Apex 3.2.
andApexWaning
and Waning
of the Arab of the Emirate
Arab Emirate
of role
of of Mansūrah’s
role of Mansūrah’s
outlet to outlet
the sea,
to the
favourite
sea, favourite
seat of the
seat of the
Mansūrah Mansūrah Emirs, majorEmirs,harbour-town
major harbour-town of the Emirate,
of the Emirate,
hub of the hub of the
whirlingwhirling
sea and sea landandnetwork
land networkof the Silk of the
Route SilkinRoutethese in these
ThoughThough
‘Umar ibn ‘Umar ‘Abdulazīz
ibn ‘Abdulazīzal-Habbārī al-Habbārī to Eastern
accededacceded to Eastern
Regions.Regions.
Ten successors
Ten successors assumedassumed the reins theofreins of
power through
power through
a coup d’état
a coupand d’état
the and
assassination
the assassination
of the of government,
the government, and it seemsand itthat seems theythatdidtheynot didchange not change
this this
last Governor,
last Governor, once inonce power in power
he behaved he behavedas an as ancourse of
course
governing,
of governing,
at least up
at least
to the upfirst
to the
decades
first decades
of the of the
illuminated
illuminated
prince, without
prince, without
any sharp anypolitical
sharp political eleventheleventh
reversal.reversal. century,century,
preserving preserving
the unitythe of unity
the Emirate
of the Emirate
and and
He run He his runownhisaffairs
own fromaffairsMansūrah,
from Mansūrah, by nowbythenowitsthe cultural
its cultural
and economic and economicprimacyprimacy and influenceand influencein the in the
magnificent
magnificent
capital-city
capital-city
of the Emirate:
of the Emirate:
“a great“a (‘azīm) surrounding
great (‘azīm) surrounding
world. In world.
this In way, thisweway, are we reported
are reported
that that
town, situated
town, situated
like an likeisland aninisland
the middle
in the of middle of the progress
the river river progress was widespread,
was widespread, trade links trade were links firmlywere firmly
Mihrān.Mihrān.
It is very It ispleasant
very pleasant
and prosperous,
and prosperous, and is aandestablished
is a established and consolidated
and consolidated with neighbouring
with neighbouring and and
resort ofresort
merchants.
of merchants.
Its inhabitants
Its inhabitants
are Muslim are Muslim
and the and outlying
the outlying
regions regions
(the Levant, (the Levant,
the Eurasian the Eurasian
steppes,steppes,the the
king a Qurayshite”.
king a Qurayshite”. And it is And within
it is the
withinjust the
depicted Far EastFar
just depicted andEastHind)andand Hind)withand no with
less profitable
no less profitableoverseasoverseas
Sindh Antiquities Journal
countries through the Indian Ocean’s monsoon-routes
up to Arabia, East Africa and the lands of the Zanjis.
Here, we have valuable scraps of information from
geographies (Istakhrī, Muqaddasī and the Ḥudūd
al-‘Ālam in particular) and chronicles (Gardīzī,
Bayhaqī, al-‘Utbī, Ibn al-Athīr especially), which report
about the administrative skill of the first Emirs and their
political ability when confronted with internal strife and
international disputes. They also attest how, at the base
of all Habbārid international relationships, was always a
stable though impartial policy between the main powers
of the time fighting for having an upper hand on Sind
and control over the riches of this region. In this respect,
particularly sought-after by these ‘continental’ powers
was Daybul, ‘outlet to the sea’, major market of
production and redistribution, junction of all maritime,
fluvial and land trades of the time. Like the founder of
the Emirate, his successors avoided any direct
confrontation with their neighbours. Like the epigone of
the dynasty, rather than fighting for the acquisition of
new territories while the neighbouring emirates were
pushed and under the pressure of Saffārid and
Ghaznavid forces, or the Fātimid expansionist policy
and competition for control over the maritime routes to
the Indian Ocean, they privileged diplomatic dealings
and business. In this regard, the Egyptian Shī‘ī rulers
had got the allegiance of Multān, whilst Mansūrah,
though oriented towards an official Sunnī political line,
bent to the Shī‘ī Būyid patronage aimed at favouring the
Persian Gulf maritime route, a Būyid patronage that did
not hamper the volume of business and trade taking
place at Daybul, but strongly supported it also with an
occulated Arab policy in Oman (militarization of the
Omani seaboards, prominence of Sohar). Like the
founder of the Emirate, they ‘negotiated’ with their
neighbours and were essentially concerned to secure the
land routes to Khurāsān and Inner Asia (via Sīwistān
and/or Multān), and the land route to Makrān-Kirmān
up to Yazd and Shīrāz. Thus, they ‘sealed’ that “Bahr
al-Fārs”, as it would be recorded and defined in all its
geo-political features by Istakhrī and Ibn Hawqal.
(Endnote 22)
By the mid-second half of the 10th Century CE, the
Emirate of Mansūrah was at the apex of its glory. It was
de facto independent and autonomous of the caliphs in
Iraq, and, as reported by contemporary written sources,
it “had excellent diplomatic relationships with its two
neighbour-Emirates of Makrān and Multān, and with
sovereigns of the World of Islam and the World of the
Infidels”. A cultural renaissance enlivened the Emirate,
and – despite Arabic was still the official language –
Sindi began to be commonly used. Mansūrah and
Daybul were the splendid ‘jewels’ of the Emirate,
magnificent and sumptuously adorned (sic). Daybul was
surrounded by well-cultivated fields, villages and other
settled areas where lively craft-activities did not affect
24
with their fumes the ‘urban’ centre. A lovely artificial
lake with artificial islands embellished the environment
at the foot of the majestic rampart of its citadel [it is the
first time that written sources mention the existence of a
lake] (see Figure 5, page no. 36). A marked ‘indianisation’
in the urban planning and local costumes is unanimously
recorded by the literature of the time: the Emirs and the
upper class were in the habit of wear regal dresses and
turbans studded with pearls and precious stones, in a
style very similar to the dress worn by contemporary
Maharajas in other South-Asian regions. We are also
reported about Emirs and High Personalities circulating
in chariots driven by finely decorated elephants.
Elephants were also introduced in the army, and used as
beasts of burden in agriculture. All in all, during this
period, in Lower Sind lived and prospered a
cosmopolitan, open society. (Endnote 23)
By the second half-end of the 10th Century CE, the
endless fighting between Sāmānids (already on the
wane), Saffārids (still firmly attested in Sīstān), Būyids
(then already articulating a strong eastwards
expansionist policy, which took them to Daybul) and the
mounting power of the Turkish dynasty of the
Ghaznavids for the acquisition of an outlet to the sea
was diverted from Sind towards Quzdar (Emirate of
Tūrān) and Kij/Keč – Tīz (Emirate of Makrān).
(Endnote 24) This turnover permitted to the Governors
of Mansūrah some years of peace to reorganise their
emirate and the continuity in power of the governors did
certainly favour the survival of the Emirate. When in
393/1003 Mahmūd of Ghazna overrun Sīstān and
incorporated it into his reign, we have the peak of these
struggles. Yet, once more the Saffārids held on, giving
life to new fights.
By the end of the 10th Century CE, the local ruler of
Quzdar bent and paid tribute to the Ghaznavids, forcing
the ruler of Makrān to pay in his turn tribute to Ghazna,
letting them free passage to Tīz, outlet to the sea of
Kij/Keč (capital-city of Makrān). It was not a
long-lasting agreement, and further feud would follow.
Al-‘Utbī reports that in 402/1011-12, after a last revolt,
Quzdar was definitely subdued by Mahmūd of Ghazna
and the local ruler remained a docile vassal (sic). For
Mansūrah this arrangement was not at all endurable
insofar it heavily damaged its economic life, made the
land route via Makrān unsecure, and diverted a large
part of the wealth that, heading to Daybul, had
circulated through the Emirate of Mansūrah; now,
caravans were encouraged to move towards other and
safer harbours like Tīz and Hormuz, and the ports of
Fārs and ‘Umān. (Endnote 25)
Yet, according to Agnese Fusaro’s notes, the
archaeological data brought to light at Banbhore show
some evidence of this new strong political influence of
Sindh Antiquities Journal
the Innerl-Asian powers in Sind. Indeed, since the 10th
Century the pottery’s study testifies the arrival at
Banbhore of ceramic productions typical of Central
Asia, such as a beautiful glazed slip-painted bowl with
an epigraphic band [(Figure 10) see page no. 38], and
sherds related to a peculiar ware characterized by
sgraffiato and under glaze dotted painted decoration
[(Figure 11) see page no. 38], which was widespread
especially in the regions controlled by the Ghaznavids,
such as Afghan Sīstān.
And to sum up. In the preceding paragraphs, the
information by geographies and chronicles has provided
a clear picture about the material culture of Lower Sind,
its social-religious fragmentation after the Arab
conquest and during the Arab-Islamic political and
military supremacy, its political-institutional
reorganisation on the territory in the course of the
8th-early 9th Century, the evocative aspects and the
mimeses it gave life during the Habbārī dominion, hub
and crossroad of the imperatives of the Silk Route.
These same historical flashes depict the apex of the
Emirate of Mansūrah as characterised by the expansion
of activities in all directions and a lively cultural life
encouraged by its vast network of links and interlinks on
the sea and in the hinterland. At the same time, they
allow to perceive also the deep roots of the decay of this
Emirate. Undoubtedly, Mansūrah’s waning was
accelerated by new international governmental policies,
continuous fights for direct outlets to the sea, and,
finally, the disruption of the network of whirling roads
that had made the Silk Route of the 10th Century CE.
This last event was the decisive blow. It highly
weakened the social-religious classes that had so far
directed and politically supported the Emirate’s cultural
dominance, provoking the re-routing of the immense
volume of wealth once transiting through Mansūrah.
This deprived Daybul of its hinterland and, with it, it
probably also caused its decay and the gradual migration
of the mercantile and artisanal social classes that had
represented the backbone of this port and, with this last
phase, inevitably followed its cutting out from the great
network of international long-distance trade based on
the monsoon winds, and its end.
4. A Material and Cultural Progress
Favoured by the Silk Route. The
‘Underworld’ and the Deep Forces of the
Sea. The Ibādī Dynamic Impact.
4.1. A Cosmopolitan Mobile Society and the Active
Underground World of the Liquid Spaces.
As flashed in these paragraphs, geographies and
chronicles provide a wealth of information. The
25
archaeological evidence unearthed during the
campaigns of the Catholic University of the Sacred
Heart of Milan at Banbhore (2017-2019) agrees with the
data provided by F.A. Khan’s excavations, and links up
with the Pakistani and French indications and material
evidence brought to light during these last ten years (see
below paragraph 5, and literature in reference). But,
above all, it matches the side views given by the literary
sources, and complements the data unearthed during the
2011-2012 and 2014-2015 field-seasons. Not only this.
Its material evidence depicts the ‘liquid spaces’ as open
spaces, that have never been a barrier to the mobility of
the societies settled on their seaboards or to the goods
circulating on their waters. Archaeological evidence and
literary sources unanimously maintain this image.
Political and military upheavals did not hamper the
crossing of the seas nor the traditional movements of the
local peoples with their individual, traditional costumes
and activities. Urban centres flourished and decayed
along the whirling roads of the Silk Route. Yet, personal
relations and even marriages and cultural links did not
come to an end. They went on following different
routes, recreating the open spaces of the Sea through
different balances of power and new political structures.
We are confronted with an ‘underground world’ and an
open cosmopolitan society that, for centuries if not
millennia, counterbalanced the Great Powers of the
moment without losing its identity and, despite
political-institutional developments, preserved its
pre-existing cultural forms. (Endnote 26) The 9th-10th
Centuries are a wonderful mirror of this cultural unicum.
The Barmakids put the bases and practicalities, the
Habbārī Emirate of Mansūrah built it on the intrinsic
forces of the region, Daybul was the gate and threshold
to the sea, glorious outlet of the Silk Route of its time,
centre of political-economic power, too, core of
religious learning (see Figures 3, 8, 9, page no. 35, 37 & 38),
centre of production, distribution and re-distribution of
luxury goods. Then, one is tempted to compare the
historical information with the evidence brought to light
at Banbhore. There, it is possible to visualise such
features. Within the mighty towering bastions of the
citadel, highly refined crafts were practised by
experienced craftsmen and precious goods stored,
metallurgic activity was practised, too. [(Figures 12-18)
see page no. 39-42].
On the vast plain at the foot of the rampart, other
activities were practised, like farming, dying cotton
cloths and silks, or manufacturing bricks and ceramic
vessels. Unquestionably, at Banbhore we are confronted
with the traditional model of the Indo-Iranian
shahristān, with its well-planned organisation of the
territory surrounding the citadel, an accurate water
management system, a pretty artificial lake with four
lovely artificial islands, a lagoon, and, farther on,
Sindh Antiquities Journal
dwellings, villages, funerary areas, ‘industrial’ quarters,
well cultivated and irrigated farms [(Figures 19, 20,
see page no. 42-43, see also Figure 5, page no. 36; see also
Mantellini, Survey, infra)]. As just said above, this is
also the image of a complex society, that reflects a
cosmopolitan and multi-religious society with its own
rules, arts, crafts and cultural roots. A complex society
that did not fail to give life to social upheavals and
internal turmoil – as briefly hinted in this paper – a
complex society that endured the succession of
governors sent out from Baghdad (residence of the
Vizier who appointed them) during the Umayyad epoch,
who had little concern for the prosperity of the province
and high temptations to exploit the rich incomes from
exacting taxes and tributes to be sent to Damascus. A
complex society that, however and despite all, under the
firm and generally just rule of Barmakid governors and
the following Habbārī Emirs managed to organise itself
and its governmental policies following the indigenous,
older tradition, and to overcome the impact of the Arab
dominance and the Islamic order without dramatic
breaks. Conversely, this same society favoured and gave
great impulse to a cultural mimesis and material
progress. Literary sources minutely inform about rules
and administrative/institutional features. The practical
effects can be seen in the archaeological evidence come
to light from the trenches dug during these ten years of
hard field-work and from the evidences and
architectural structures uncovered during the surveys
carried out in the territory surrounding the rampart (as
minutely described in the yearly Reports delivered to the
competent Pakistani and Italian Authorities). (Endnote
27)
However, recently this evocative panorama has been
enriched by new important tassels, that give a new
realistic image, that of the underworld that, during the
9th and 10th Centuries CE, animated the maritime and
terrestrial trade-routes: the Ibādī dynamic presence and
the mobile, well-organised world that thrived and
moved on the seas following precise rules fixed in its
commercial and maritime codes.
4.2. The ‘Deep Forces’ of the Sea and the Ibādī
Dynamic Presence.
Virtually nothing was known about the Ibādī presence
and its dynamic role within the aforesaid context and for
the span of time here under consideration until new
precious information was recently provided by Dr
Abdulrahman Al-Salimi from some manuscripts in the
Sālimī Library.
Information from chronicles allows a reasonable
assumption that the new faith brought by the Arabs at
the start of the 8th Century CE in Sind followed a
‘gradual’ process of Islamisation that did not exclude
26
pre-existing cults and even heterodox Islamic forms
(Khārigism, Mu‘tazilism, Ibādīsm and others). Leaving
aside Mu‘tazilism and Khārijism, well recorded by
literary sources for the endless fights and turmoil they
gave life in Sind, too, a special religious component
stems out, the Ibādī presence, so far little known if not
completely un-known in these Asian lands. Balādhurī
and Ibn Khurdādhbih report about Ibādī communities
that had settled in lower Sind since the very early times
of Islam. Two brisk notes that are nearly all we had until
the discovery of three Ibādī siyar (sing. sīrah) to the
people of Khurāsān, Mansūrah and Khwārizm in the
10th and 11th Century. And as just hinted above, these
siyar, when related to the rigorous commercial and
maritime codes of the time, put the last touches to the
evocative fresco provided by archaeological and
historical evidence, and give a practical image of the
mobile, dynamic world revolving at land and on the
seas, which also headed to the Emirate of Mansūrah and
its harbour-town Daybul.
The siyar are precious Omani manuscripts from the
Sālimī Library, studied and published by Dr
Abdulrahman Al-Salimi (Al-Salimi 2016), which
provide a minute picture of the ‘intellectual and
religious life’ of Oman and Ibādīsm during these two
centuries. But not only this. They also give a vivid
image of the effective Omani relations with three major
Asian regions of the time dealt with in this paper.
Without entering a difficult discourse about any
pre-Islamic cult surviving or still-existing in the Emirate
of Mansūrah, here I wish to enhance a special feature as
it stands out through the words of the Imam. Despite the
official religious position of the Habbarī rulers to keep
firmly to a Sunni Islam, the siyar to Khurāsān and
Mansūrah allow to feel a multi-religious atmosphere
and, within it, to read the role played also by Ibādī
communities settled there since the very beginning of
Islam (Balādhurī and Ibn Khurdādhbih). At the same
time, they provide precious scraps of information on
their social-economic organisation and dealings. In
particular, they endow a realistic picture of their cultural
role within that extraordinary underground world, which
thrived and freely moved along the Silk Route, intrinsic
part of it. It has been stressed more than once how
during the 9th and 10th Centuries we witness the
revitalisation of the ancient network of land and
sea-routes, and the cultural-intellectual-religious role
played by Daybul during this same period, with its
“beautiful temples, centres of religious learning”. The
Ibādī sīrah to the people of Mansūrah provides a major
side-view upon this world, from the capital-town of the
Emirate to its surrounding areas and the seaboards,
special focus on minor centres, villages and dwellings
where agricultural activity was particularly alive and
Ibādism was present since at least three centuries. It is a
telling evidence of that special open society that freely
Sindh Antiquities Journal 27

circulated
circulated
along the along
fluvial,
the land
fluvial,
andland
maritime
and maritime
routes ofroutes Silkof Route
Silk and Routediverted
and diverted
businessbusiness
and commercial
and commercial
the time,thethe time,
regional
the regional
mechanismsmechanisms
of power of andpower theandtrafficking
the trafficking
towardstowards
other trails
otherand trails
other
andregions,
other regions,
the the
forces behind
forces it.behind
An underground
it. An underground
world thatworldexisted
that not
existed not
merchantsmerchants
and theirand wealth
their shifted
wealth as shifted
well towards
as well towards
new new
only within
only within crowdedcrowded towns, towns,
busy markets
busy markets or niches or ofniches
wealth of and
wealthpower.
and Andpower. with
And thewith
merchants,
the merchants,
well-fortified
well-fortified
citadels.citadels.
It also Itthrived
also thrived
with itswith ownits alsoownshifted
also their
shifted families,
their families,
capitals,capitals,
clients … clients
craftsmen
… craftsmen
identity identity
in the countryside
in the countryside and villages,
and villages,
in the open in the and openartisans.
and artisans.
The commercial
The commercial codes of codesSohar of are
Sohar are
spaces spaces
of the of desert
the and deserton and
the on sea.the
A sea.
world, or emblematic
A world, or emblematic of a of wella organised
well organised ‘international’
‘international’
“underworld”
“underworld”
as C.E. as Bosworth
C.E. Bosworth
also calls also
it, calls
of which mercantile
it, of which mercantile
milieu milieu
based on baseda written
on a written
bureaucratic
bureaucratic
we havewenews haveinnewswritten in written
sources sources
and oraland tradition. A apparatus,
oral tradition. A apparatus,
as it was as init was
Sind,intoo,Sind, at too,
the time
at theof time
the of the
world with
worlditswith special
its special
featuresfeatures
and dimension,
and dimension, that Barmakī
that Barmakī
governorshipgovernorship
and theandMansūrah the MansūrahEmirate.Emirate.
constituted
constituted
(and still(and
constitutes)
still constitutes)
the deepthe force
deepofforce
the of Likewise,
the Likewise,
these codesthese are codesemblematic
are emblematicof human of human
Gulf and Gulf adjoining
and adjoining
seas behind seas behind
all official
all official a movements
façades,façades, a movements that animated
that animated
the lifethe of life
liquidof spaces
liquid spaces
world where
world merchants,
where merchants, land-owners,
land-owners,
bureaucrats and and
bureaucrats andtheir
andseaboards.
their seaboards.
For this,For eventhis,
more
evensignificant
more significant
is is
‘men of‘men pen’,ofartists,
pen’, artists,
scientists,
scientists,
poets and poets ‘menand of‘men the ofmaritime
the maritime
code from codethefromSālimī
the Library.
Sālimī Library.
When we When we
religion’religion’
were (and werestill(and
are)still
highly
are) influential not onlynotconsider
highly influential only consider
the Emirate the Emirate
of Mansūrahof Mansūrah
and the and
explosion
the explosion
of of
at court atbutcourt
alsobut
amongst
also amongst
the commonthe common
people. people.
A worldA world its activities
its activities
in all directions,
in all directions,
as just described
as just described
above, above,
where storytellers
where storytellers
and religiousand religious
men, popular
men, popular
preachers, then it then
preachers, has beenit hasunderlined
been underlinedthat it wasthat it
thewasskilled,
the skilled,
pīrs and pīrssellers
and sellers
of relics, of ascetics
relics, ascetics
and mystics of farsighted,
and mystics of farsighted,
judicious judicious
rule of theruleEmirs
of thewho Emirscreated
who created
the the
differentdifferent
religiousreligious
creeds and creeds
cultsand
hadcults
(andhadstill(and
have) political
stilla have) a political
and social conditions
and social conditions
for theforEmirate’s
the Emirate’s
role to play.
role to Theplay.
wordsTheofwordsImamofRāshid
Imam ibn Rāshid
Sa‘īd ibn
toSa‘īd
the to prosperity.
the prosperity.
Actually, Actually,
despite effective
despite effective
combined combined
warfare warfare
people ofpeople
Mansūrah
of Mansūrah
offer a vivid
offer apicture
vivid ofpicture
a world of aofworld surrounding
of surrounding
its territory,
its territory,
mercantile mercantile
activity activity
never came never came
peasants,peasants,
fishermen fishermen
and sailors.and (Endnote
sailors. (Endnote
28) 28) to an end.
to an end.

We are confronted
We are confronted
with a precise
with a social
precisebody socialthat,
bodyat the Movements
that, at the Movementson the sea, on the
across
sea,theacross
liquidthespaces
liquidallowed
spaces allowed
time, represented
time, represented
the dynamicthe dynamic
backbone backbone
of the mobile a considerable
of the mobile a considerable
freedomfreedomof action of inaction
termsinofterms men of andmen and
open society
open society
of the of Indus
the deltaic
Indus deltaic
region. region.
It is not capitals.
It is not capitals.
As also As
justalso
saidjust
above,
said Daybul
above, Daybul
and its system
and its system
surprising
surprising
that thisthatis also
this the
is also
worldthethat
world is emerging
that is emergingwere theweregatetheandgatethreshold
and threshold
of the Emirate’s
of the Emirate’s
mercantile mercantile
from our from
excavations
our excavations
and surveysand surveys
at Banbhore at Banbhore
and its and activity
its activity
at land and at land
on theandsea.
on the
Even sea.aboard
Even–aboard
as Sālimī’s
– as Sālimī’s
surrounding
surrounding
and outlying
and outlying
territories,
territories,
a worlda that world manuscript
that manuscript
informsinformsus – merchants
us – merchants
could practice
could practice
their their
survivedsurvivedmilitarymilitarydebacles, debacles,
frontier frontier art of business
warfare,warfare, art of business
and trade andunder
trade legal
underrules legaland rulestheand the
governmental
governmental
turnovers turnovers
and regenerated
and regenerated itself fromitself powers
from powers
given togiven the chieftain
to the chieftain
of the ship.of the And ship.
hereAndwehere we
within. within. have another
have another
feature. feature.
ThroughThrough
this latterthismanuscript’s
latter manuscript’s
minute minute
regulations,regulations,
it is possible
it is possible
to sensetoallsense through
all through
AgainstAgainst
this backstage,
this backstage,
other noother
less nosignificant
less significant these two
tassels tassels these
centuries,
two centuries,
and beyond and beyond
the militarythe military
aspects aspects
of of
of this same
of thisworld
sameare world
two are
othertwoOmani
othermanuscripts:
Omani manuscripts:the thethetime, thethetime,
existence
the existence
of peacefulof peaceful
intercoursesintercourses
and and
commercial
commercial
codes of codes
Sohar of (well-known,
Sohar (well-known, and about diplomatic,
and about diplomatic,
cultural cultural
and commercial
and commercial contacts.contacts.
As it isAs it is
which J.C.
whichWilkinson…and
J.C. Wilkinson…and the undersigned…
the undersigned… have also have possible
also possible
to senseto the senseactive
the presence
active presence of that of that
publishedpublished
some reflections),
some reflections),
and a maritime
and a maritime
Omani code Omanimaritime
code maritime
underground underground
world, thatworld, mobile
that open
mobile society
open society
of the 9th/10th
of the 9th/10th
CenturyCentury
CE from CEthefrom Sālimī
the Library, that,
Sālimī Library, freely
that,moving
freely moving
along the
along
whirling
the whirling
roads of roads
the Silk
of the Silk
presentedpresented
by Dr byAbdulrahman
Dr Abdulrahman Al-Salimi at the at Route,
Al-Salimi the gave
Route,it agave
special
it a facet,
specialthat
facet,
went that
farwent
beyond far beyond
liquid liquid
International
International
Peking Peking
Conference Conference
on Ibādī on Studies spaces, spaces,
Ibādī Studies the rocky, the indented
rocky, indented
steep rangessteep of ranges
Makrān of Makrān
or or
(17-19 September,
(17-19 September,
2018) –2018)presently in press.in(endnote
– presently the
press. (endnote harshthe
burning
harsh burning
sands ofsands
the Garmsīrat
of the Garmsīrat
and Arabia.
and Arabia.
29) Both 29)enhance
Both enhance
the dynamism
the dynamism
of well-defined
of well-defined
deep deep
forces offorces
the society
of the society
of the time,
of thethetime,
samethedeepsame deep forces 5. History
forces 5. History
Through Through
Archaeology Archaeology
that alsothat
standalsoout
stand
through
out through
archaeological
archaeological
evidenceevidence
and and
other written
other written
sources.sources.
Commercial Commercial
and maritimeand maritime
codes codes
Just a Justfew anotes few fromnotes a fromnon-archaeologist,
a non-archaeologist, when when
integrateintegrate
this evidence
this evidence
with a no withlessa nosignificant
less significant
side archaeological
side archaeologicalevidenceevidence
becomesbecomesa precious a precious
guideline guideline
view uponviewtheuponfavourable
the favourable
atmosphere atmosphere
that, at thethat,time,
at the to
time,
the re-reading
to the re-reading
and sifting and ofsifting
the available
of the available
written written
reigned reigned
in the deltaic
in the region,
deltaic too,
region,
andtoo, heighten
and heighten
a major a major
sources.sources.
componentcomponent
of its underworld:
of its underworld:
the mercantile
the mercantile
dimension. dimension.
As just As saidjust
above,
said at above,
this point
at thisthe point
site theof Banbhore
site of Banbhore
A ‘mobileA ‘mobile
mercantile mercantile
world’, world’,
that represented
that represented
(and still(andstands
still out
stands
as a out
complex
as a complex
‘Fluvial‘Fluvial
System’System’
at the mouth at theofmouth of
represents)
represents)
a prime aactor
prime within
actorthe
within
underworld
the underworld
of liquidof liquid
the Indus theDelta,
Indusoutlet
Delta,tooutlet
the seato of
thetheseacapital-city
of the capital-city
of its of its
spaces (either
spaces maritime
(either maritime
or fluvial),
or fluvial),
a precious a precious
cultural cultural
age, and,age,
at the
and,sameat thetime,
same a major
time, acentre
majorofcentre
production,
of production,
legacy legacy
destineddestined
to survive to survive
periods periodsof politicalof political
distribution
distribution
and redistribution
and redistribution
of precious of precious
goods, main goods, main
disruption.
disruption.
A mercantile
A mercantile
dimension dimension
and a powerful
and a powerful participant
participant
within the withinnetwork
the network
of long-distance
of long-distancetrades trades
social class:
socialthe class:
merchants.
the merchants.
When turmoil
When turmoil
disrupted disrupted
the onthe land on
andland
on sea,
and on these
sea,latter
thesebasedlatteronbased
the monsoon
on the monsoon
Sindh Antiquities Journal
winds which connect the eastern rims of the Indian
Ocean and south/south-east Asia.
At this moment, the historical backstage with the
situations it has neatly depicted has induced us to take
into closer consideration the site of Banbhore at the
mouth of the Indus Delta not only as one of the major
stages along the sea routes of the Indian Ocean and its
liquid spaces (Gulf and Red Sea, monsoon winds and
cabotage), but also as terminal of the network of fluvial
and land routes that can properly be defined ‘the Silk
Route of the Past’.
As also just said above, we have started our historical
and archaeological research-work from F.A. Khan’s
excavations during the ‘50s of the previous century,
well-complemented by Dr Monique Kervran’s notes and
archaeological surveys in the Indus deltaic region
carried out during the eighties-nineties of the previous
century in collaboration with Dr Kaleemullah Lashari
and Dr Asma Ibrahim, and, lastly, the resuming of
surveys and archaeological researches in 2010 within
the framework of a Pak-French-Italian Historical and
Archaeological Research Project at Banbhore
(2010-2015), continued by the Italian Team – after a
long silence – under the formal framework of a
Memorandum of Understanding between the General
Directorate of Antiquities and Archaeology of Sindh and
the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart of
Milan/Italy, signed on the 15th November 2017. These
final years in particular have provided some new
evidence that allows to state that the site of Banbhore
cannot any longer be identified ‘only’ with the bastioned
‘citadel’. We are confronted with a positive ‘fluvial
system’, possibly a fluvial shahristān, in any case a
unique structure and system ‘to be considered in all its
spaces’ (“private and public” – a warm thanks goes to Dr
Hameed Haroon, who has suggested this line of
research).
A system, then, which means:
(a) the spaces encased by powerful towered ramparts
(the so called ‘citadel’);
(b) the outside surrounding territory, where surface
surveys have allowed to establish a well-planned
management of the territory: funerary areas, urban
structures, dwellings, ‘industrial’ areas, hydraulic
systems, and other structures likely destined to farming
based on the organisation of the territory through
anthropic interventions destinated to intensive farming
also around Banbhore.
But not only this.
(c) Further investigations have induced to focus also
28
the outlying territory, that is the “multiple harbours on
the mouth of the river Indus” and other monuments in
the immediate hinterland, already investigated by Dr
Monique Kervran, Dr Kaleemullah Lashari and Dr
Asma Ibrahim in the eighties-nineties of the previous
century (Kervran 1992, 1993-96, 1998-1999, 1999).
Some prospections carried out during our 2018 and
2019 field-seasons have allowed to estsblish clear links
with the material evidence already unearthed in
stratigraphic sequence during the 2014 and 2015
campaigns.
A system, then, a well-planned system. But: which
system? Defensive? Mercantile? Outer bases for
sheltering during phases critical for the walled area? Or
outposts and landings for some secondary mercantile
activity that could be carried out on a safer insular
position? Or all of them? These are yet unanswered
questions, that do deserve further investigation.
Yet, at this very headline, one question still stands out:
can we identify such well-structured and articulated
system with Daybul? This is a thorny issue that has
enlivened scholarly debates from all corners of the
world since at least two centuries. In our view-point, the
archaeological evidence so far come to light does not
contradict the historical research-work. Albeit, it
complements and integrates it, pointing to a positive
conclusion.
Briefly, the excavations systematically carried out in the
fifties of the previous century by F.A. Khan with the
historical support of N.A. Baloch, the precious notes by
R. Mughal and other Pakistani scholars, the exploration
and soundings carried out by the French team in the
eighties-nineties of the previous century in collaboration
with Drs Lashari and Ibrahim, and, lastly, the
research-work bravely carried out during these last ten
years in collaboration with Pakistani and French
scholars and the support of the Government of Sindh,
solidly point to the conclusion that there is no reason to
deny the identification of the site of Banbhore, ‘if’ and
‘whether’ considered in all its spaces, with the historic
town of Daybul/Debol (and, possibly, also with the
Dib/Deb or the Barbarikon of previous historical and
pre-Islamic ages, or even the beautiful port of Alexander
the Macedon; see Bearzot, infra), as minutely described
by contemporary written sources. That is: a complex
‘Fluvial System’ at the mouth of the Indus Delta.
Namely: both archaeological data and historical
information outline a precise landscape, that of an
impressive harbour-town with a bastioned citadel at its
core, outlet to the sea of the capital-city of its epoch,
and, at the same time, centre of production, distribution
and redistribution of common and more precious goods,
a harbour-town well-integrated in the intra-regional
Sindh Antiquities Journal 29

relationships
relationships
but alsobutmain also participant
main participant the 6.the
within within Some 6. Archaeological
Some Archaeological DetailsDetails
Referring Referring
to to
networknetwork
of long-distance
of long-distancetrades carried
trades carried
out on out land,on land,Banbhore Banbhoreand the and 9th-10th
the 9th-10thCenturies Centuries
CE CE
throughthrough
an articulated
an articulated
networknetworkof routesofand routes
sub-routes,
and sub-routes, (with the collaboration
(with the collaboration
of A. Fusaro
of A.– Fusaro
S. Mantellini
– S. Mantellini
– A. Tilia)– A. Tilia)
and on sea
and following
on sea following
the liquid theroutes
liquidofroutes
the monsoon
of the monsoon
winds. winds.
Both archaeological
Both archaeological evidenceevidenceand historical By the end
and historical By the
of theend9thof Century
the 9th Century
and throughout
and throughout
the 10ththe 10th
written written
sources sources
outline outlinean articulated
an articulated CenturyCentury
system, system, CE, archaeological
CE, archaeological
data show dataanshow an ‘explosion’
‘explosion’ of of
well-planned
well-planned
by a central
by a Authority
central Authority
ready toready investtoininvestcrafts
in activity
crafts activity
of luxuryofgoods
luxurydestined
goods destined
to a richtomarket
a rich market
infrastructures,
infrastructures,
organisation
organisation
and management
and management of the ofof the distribution
of distribution
and re-distribution
and re-distribution
on longondistances,
long distances,
spaces, spaces, architectonic
architectonic embellishments,
embellishments, and whose and chronology
whose chronology is well isestablished
well established
by the by pottery
the pottery
cultural-economic-religious
cultural-economic-religious activities. activities.
A central A centralassemblages
assemblages
in layersininlayers
stratigraphy
in stratigraphy
(Trench(Trench
9 and its9 and its
AuthorityAuthority
also prepared
also prepared
to re-investto re-invest
the revenues in extension,
the revenues in extension,
see Mantellini,
see Mantellini,
Excavation,Excavation,
infra, and infra,
Fusaro,
and Fusaro,
repairs repairs
and rebuilding
and rebuilding
in case inofcase human of human
or natural Pottery Pottery
or natural from from Excavation,Excavation, These These
infra). infra). finds finds
ravages ravages
(floods, (floods,
earthquakes).
earthquakes).
For the epochs
For the here
epochs under complement
here under complement
the finds the from
finds thefrom 2015 the field-season
2015 field-season
consideration,
consideration,
our surveysour surveys
in written in written have (Trenches
sources sources have (Trenches
7, 8 and7,9,8and andthe9, and
Pak-French
the Pak-French
Trench 1), Trench
and 1), and
providedprovided
a wealtha ofwealth
information
of information
in this regard
in this‘only’ F.A.à Khan’s
regardà ‘only’ F.A. Khan’s
notes (the notesso(the called
so “market
called “market street”, street”,
propos ofpropos
Daybul.of Daybul.
Unambiguously
Unambiguouslythey report theyabout
report“an bordering
about “an bordering
an imposing
an imposing
palatial palatial
structure structure
in the in the
importantimportant
port” (bandar)
port” (bandar)
named Daybulnamed Daybul
(in Arabic,(in Arabic,
and north-eastern
and north-eastern
area of area
the ‘citadel’).
of the ‘citadel’).
So far, ivory
So far,
items
ivory items
Debol inDebol
Persian),
in Persian),
major outletmajortooutlet
the sea to of
thetheseaAbbasid are the are
of the Abbasid mosttheremarkable
most remarkable
ones: they ones:weretheyproduced
were producedat at
ProvinceProvince
of Sind ofandSind
its capital-town
and its capital-townof Mansūrah,of Mansūrah,
laid least
laid during
least the
during11th-early
the 11th-early
12th Century.
12th Century.
A specialized
A specialized
waste by waste
the first
by theearthquake
first earthquake
around around
the 800 the CE,800 andCE,workshop
and workshop
has beenhas unearthed,
been unearthed,
located in located
the central
in thearea
central area
rebuilt rebuilt
thanks thanks
to the to generous
the generous
intervention of the ofof the
intervention the citadel,
of the citadel,
along analong important
an important
east-west east-west
street; thisstreet; this
AbbasidAbbasid
Crown-Prince,
Crown-Prince, Hārūn Hārūn al-Rashid, al-Rashid,
and theand the can becan considered
be considered
a uniquea unique
and exceptional
and exceptional
Governor Governor
of Sind.ofThe Sind.
same Theis same
reportedis reported
for otherfortwo otherarchaeological
two archaeological discovery, discovery,
to be further
to be further
investigated,
investigated,
devastating
devastating
events. The
events.epigraphic
The epigraphic
evidenceevidence
unearthed since written
unearthed since written
sources sources
point topoint
this craft-activity
to this craft-activity
in Sind in Sind
by F.A. by
KhanF.A.atKhan
Banbhoreat Banbhore
under the under
Mosquethe Mosque
(not found since
(not found the
since
first the
century
first century
CE and CE
during
and the
during
Habbarī
the Habbarī
Age Age
in stratigraphy)
in stratigraphy)
points topoints
the restauration
to the restauration
and rebuilding (with regard
and rebuilding (with to regard
this craft
to thisand craft
workshop,
and workshop,see Affanni,see Affanni,
of given of givenmonuments monuments following following
some some infra).
natural natural infra).
catastrophes.
catastrophes.
BesidesBesides
being an being
important
an importantmanufacturing
manufacturing
centre of centre of
Additionally,
Additionally,
another another
fact is fact particularly
is particularly
interesting. high-quality
interesting. high-quality
items, Banbhore
items, Banbhoreplayed an played
essential
an essential
role as role as
LiteraryLiterary
sources sources
unambiguously
unambiguouslygive thatgivetrade that
wastrade trade
thenwas then centre,
trade where
centre, imported
where imported
goods arrived,
goods arrived,
circulated circulated
centralised
centralised
‘on one‘on port’,
onewhere
port’, itwhere
coulditbecould taxedbeand and
taxed and from
and it from
they it
werethey redistributed
were redistributed
along the
along
main the main
routes. “The
routes. assemblage
“The assemblageof SU 153 of SU
in particular
153 in particular
– states – states
controlledcontrolled
by means byofmeans
the traditional
of the traditional
local bureaucratic
local bureaucratic
NiccolòNiccolò
Manassero Manassero
in his 2015 in hisReport
2015–Report
is composed
– is composed
by by
apparatus apparatus
and tight andlinks
tightbetween
links between
this portthisandport theand the
particularly
particularly
diagnostic diagnostic
specimen”. specimen”.
Pottery Pottery
study carried
study carried
capital-city
capital-city
of the time.
of the This
time.
latter
Thiscould
latterprovide
could provide
a safe a safe
out by Agnese
out by Agnese
Fusaro Fusaro
confirmsconfirmsthis scenario.
this scenario.
Indeed, Indeed,
hinterlandhinterland
for the for port,the friendly
port, friendly
relationships
relationships
with with
new ceramic
new ceramic
imports imports
began to began
circulate
to circulate
at Banbhoreat Banbhore
neighbouring
neighbouring
and outlying
and outlyingdominions, dominions,
and securityand security
since the since
9th the
Century.
9th Century.
As saidAs above
said àabove
proposà propos
of the of the
along the along
roadsthethrough
roads through
which circulated
which circulated
the goods thetogoods to
Barmakid Barmakidperiod, period,they clearly they clearly testify testify
strong strong
and from andthe fromharbour,
the harbour,
and, with and,them,with elements
them, elements
of relationships
of relationships
with Iraqi withand Iraqi
Iranian
and Iranian
regions:regions:
unglazedunglazed
culture, culture,
wealth and wealth
richandincomes.
rich incomes. eggshelleggshell
fine jugs,fineglazed
jugs, monochrome
glazed monochrome turquoise turquoise
jars jars
21) see page
[(Figure[(Figure 21) no.see 43 ], opaque
page no. 43], opaque
white glazedwhite wares
glazed wares
Within theWithin
archaeological
the archaeological
panorama panorama
of the Indusof thedeltaic
Indus deltaic 22) see page
[(Figure[(Figure 22) see 44], no.
no. page luxurious
44], luxurious
lustred lustred
painted painted
region, there
region, arethere
otherareminor
otherports,
minorbut ports,
theybut rather
theylook
ratherwares
look [(Figure 23) see page
wares [(Figure 23) see 44], no.
no. page splashed
44], splashed
sgraffiato sgraffiato
like secondary
like secondary
and/or laterand/or anchorages
later anchorages
for some forlocal
some dishes
local [(Figure 24) see page
dishes [(Figure 24) no.see 44 ], and
page bowls
no. 44 ], andandbowls
other and other
business. business.
However, However,
they never theyappear
never in appear
the literature
in the literature
underglazed
underglazed
vessels. vessels.
Other high-quality
Other high-quality
glazed ceramic
glazed ceramic
‘for the ‘for
spantheof span
time of heretimedealt
herewith’.
dealtForwith’.
our Forperiod,
our period,
imports imports
arrived arrived
from China from [likely,
China [likely,
throughthroughthe wellthe well
this latter
thismentions
latter mentions
and depicts and depicts
only one only mainoneport
mainsecured
port secured
SāmānidSāmānidland-routes, land-routes,
and theand closethepolitical
close political
(Daybul), (Daybul),
outlet ofoutlet
the capital-city
of the capital-city
(Mansūrah), (Mansūrah),
centre ofcentre of relationships
relationships betweenbetween the firsttheHabbarids
first Habbaridsand theand the
productionproduction
of precious
of precious
items, pivotitems, ofpivot
traditional
of traditional
culture culture
Sāmānids, Sāmānids,
or through or through
the Indian the Indian
Ocean’sOcean’seast-west east-west
and religious
and religious
learning,learning,
store and store
market
and ofmarket
a prosperous
of a prosperous
southernsouthernmonsoon-routes,
monsoon-routes, as theas lotus-shaped
the lotus-shaped
trade totrade
and from
to andCentral/Inner
from Central/InnerAsia, Iraq, Asia, theIraq,
Iranian
the Iranian
proto-porcelain
proto-porcelain
bowls [(Figure
bowls [(Figure25) see page
25) see 45], the
no. page no. 45], the
world and world
the and
IndiantheOcean.
Indian Ocean. qingpai qingpai
porcelain porcelain 26) see page
[(Figure[(Figure 26) no.
see 45 ], and
page a ],few
no. 45 and a few
celadonceladon
items, along
items,with alonglesswithluxurious
less luxurious
ChineseChinese
items, items,
So far, noSoother
far, no
site
other
has site
thesehasfeatures
these features
with thewith exception
the exception
such assuch the as so-called
the so-called
Changsha Changsha
underglaze underglaze
painted painted
of Banbhore
of Banbhore
‘when and ‘when whenever’
and whenever’
the site is theconsidered
site is considered
specimens.specimens.
As also As already
also already
said above, saidthe
above,
10ththe Century
10th Century
in all itsininterconnected
all its interconnected
spaces. spaces. cultural cultural
influence influence
and close and connections
close connections betweenbetween
Sindh Antiquities Journal
Central Asian potentates and Sind, can be partially
inferred by a beautiful glazed slip-painted bowl with an
epigraphic band recognizable as the typical Central
Asian slip-painted ware (see Figure 10, page no. 38), and
sherds related to a peculiar ware characterised by
sgraffiato and underglaze dotted painted decoration (see
Figure 11, page no. 38), which was widespread especially
in the regions controlled by the Ghaznavids, such as
Afghan Sistan (Felici et al. 2016).
For the time here dealt with, it is also noticeable an
evolution in the urban organisation of the site, which
shows a marked Indianisation (see also Trench 11) as
also well attested by contemporary written sources for
the whole region, which reflects a definite change in the
local culture and tastes (2014-2015 Reports). This latter
is clearly attested by the pottery’s specimens found in
stratigraphy. With regard to the urban organisation, for
example, the artificial lake with its four artificial islands
is a typical feature of Indian towns. With the words of
Manassero referring to Trench 9 (2015 Field-Season),
“the previous campaigns had provided solid evidence in
stratigraphy of massive buildings and accurate urban
planning also in the hydraulic system and structures.
Pottery, little objects and other elements show a marked
evolution in shapes, quality and decorative motives, and
a diversification likely due to the markets gravitating on
the Emirate… For the upper levels, it had been possible
to propose preliminary chronological attributions for
two main occupational phases.” …
“the assemblage of SU 153 in particular – he states – is
composed by particularly diagnostic specimen”.
This material archaeological evidence complements and
confirms chronologies and events stated in the written
sources, especially when these latter report about urban
rebuilding, trade and routes, local costumes (see just
above). The introduction of elephants within different
spheres of ordinary life is another no less notable
element in this regard [(Figure 5) see page no. 36]
Banbhore. To the north-eastern corner of the rampart,
the artificial lake with its four artificial islands
(kite-view 2011).
Artefacts and abandoned (?) shops/workshops
uncovered all along the northern side of the road
running east-west parallel to the northern wall of the so
called “palatial” structure” (Trench 9 dug during the
2015 Field-Season – see N. Manassero’s report and
“proposed” dating; during the 2017-2018 Field-Season,
these shops/workshops have been cleaned and
graphically/topographically documented - extension of
Trench 9. See also the Pakistani Report). The dating of
the ivory “shop/workshop” seems to precede the
re-occupation and restauration of the palatial structure;
the refusals have evidently been used as infilling of the
internal coating of this building (see Mantellini,
30
Excavation, infra; Affanni, infra; and, M. Piacentini,
infra).
(4) Surface surveys in the territory surrounding the
bastioned town (regularly documented: see Mantellini,
Survey, and Figure 20, see page no. 43) have proved an
explosion of crafts activity in all directions. The surface
surveys have located minor “industrial areas”; the
collected sherds and other objects point to a close
correlation with the intra-moenia material in
stratigraphy, thus allowing chronological definitions
(Barmakid, but mainly the Habbarid period).there have
also been located (and documented) urban quarters
(outside, along the eastern side of the walls), dwellings,
settlements and funerary areas (on the sand dunes
running north-south on the other side of the lake), and
what F.A. Khan calls “ the Industrial Quarter” par
excellence along the northern area outside the rampart.
No less interesting are traces of a bridge, possibly
serving also as a barrage (in 2012 it was still intact). In
any case an imposing structure, whose nature, dating
and usages are not yet clear and deserve further accurate
investigation linked with the geomorphological study of
the area.
All in all: Recalling the just above described “Islamic
period” as a period of intense cultural vitality in all
directions (see above paragraphs 2 - 4), the
archaeological evidence undoubtedly confirms this
assumption and tells us that, at Banbhore, “we are
confronted with a period of great vitality in all
directions”.
Indeed, pottery evidence testifies that Banbhore was a
very active ceramic manufacturing centre since the
8th-9th Century and until the end of its lifetime,
producing an impressive quantity and a large variety of
unglazed vessels, some of them were very high-quality
items. The local artisanal activities of Banbhore were
not limited to pottery production, a wide range of other
artefacts were produced here: items made of shells and
ivory objects were the most high-quality productions;
the manufacturing of glasses and stone objects seems
probable but it still needs to be proved. At least in the
later period there were workshops of blacksmiths
producing many iron items and even a mintage activity
produced coins for local transactions (see M. Piacentini,
infra).
At the same time, the presence of abundant imports
coming from distant regions proves the importance of
the citadel as a trading post, connected with Iraqi and
Iranian regions, Central Asian sites and Chinese ports.
Moreover, the finding of items possibly coming from
other important cities of the Sindh region such as
Sehwan Sharif, Mansura or Tulamba, as well as the
Sindh Antiquities Journal
strong similarities of the vessels produced at Banbhore
with those from the sites just mentioned, prove that this
centre was strongly connected with other regional
centres, thus testifying to intense intra-regional
relationships (see Fusaro, infra).
The urban planning of the citadel is marked by a dense
aggregation of buildings arranged along streets. The
vital life of Banbhore also extended outside the fortified
citadel with a clear separation between activities
producing unhealthy fumes (dyeing factories, pottery
kilns, possibly metallurgic workshops) at North and
West, and farming, possibly pastoralism, and
graveyards/ritual places at East. According to the
archaeological data, the area around the citadel was
occupied and used at least since the 8th-9th Century and
for a much longer time than the citadel lifetime.
Especially during the early Islamic period, the farther
spots of land were well connected with the citadel by the
construction of infrastructures, such as the bridge found
east of the citadel, that allowed people to reach the
citadel even when the sea/river level was very grew and
during the rainy monsoon season (see Mantellini,
Survey, infra).
Endnotes
Endonote 0. All the kite photos (Figures 3, 4, 7-9) have been
acquired and processed by Y. Ubelmann in February-March
2011; Pictures of pottery are by Dr A. Fusaro (Figures 10, 11,
17-21, 23-26) and Mr S. Hussein (Figure 22); Pictures of
other finds (Figures 12-16) are by Dr N. Manassero); Figures
on the territory of Banbhore are by Dr M. Kervran (Figure
19) and Dr S. Mantellini (Figure 20).
Endnote 1. With regard to the span of time here under study,
are specifically relevant the chronicles by Tabarī (as far as the
Iranian north-eastern world is concerned and the war-theatre
at the time of the military campaigns of the Islamic Army),
Balādhurī (for the south-eastern world and military
campaigns of the Army of Islam and following events), and the
Fatḥnamāh-y-Sind (with specific reference to this latter,
Fiorani Piacentini 2008).
Then Ibn al-Athīr, that, though an abridged version of
Tabarī’s chronicle, has however some interesting information
to add. For the 10th-11th Centuries CE, Gardīzī, Bayhaqī,
al-‘Utbī, Ibn Miskawayh and others. With regard to
geographies, for the second half of the 9th and the 10th
Century CE, Ibn Khurdādhbiḥ, Istakhrī, Ibn Hawqal,
Muqaddasī, the Anonimous Author of the Ḥudūd
al-‘Ālam…and even the Venetian enterprising traveller
Marco Polo, who, by the 13th Century CE was there, provide
informative flashes on the life and pattern of settlement of the
Mansūrah Emirate and its outlet to the sea, Daybul.
Endnote 2. The identification of the site of Banbhore with the
historic towns of Barbarikon/Barbarike – Deb/Dib and
Daybul has been at the core of a lively debate since the end of
the 19th century CE. See Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 35 sqq.
31
Endnote 2a. The large amount of iron, copper, bronze and
brass items, glass, ivory and bones, clay moulds and many
other finds discovered in the Trench 9, Building 1 during the
2017-2018 and 2019 seasons testify to the presence of an
important economic trade centre. Althought they were found
in the filling of the three rooms, hence in a clear secondary
context, their provenaince would be identified in a place near
the Building 1 itself. Future investigations will establish
whtether this material came either from shops selling these
products or workshops manufacturing them. An ivory
workshop (or even more) was certainly located in this area.
As well, the thousands of clay moulds (?) found in the filling
of the Building 1 and scattered on the surface nearby might
suggest minor smelting activities connected with the minting
of local coins and other (see M. Piacentini, infra). However,
it cannot be excluded that even more complex smelting
activities were done intra-moenia during specific
occupational phases of Banbhore, possibly linked to a first
settlement reduction (S. Mantellini).
Endnote 3. Kervran 1992, 1994, 1999; Seland 2010;
Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 35-80; Idem 2017-2018 Thorough
Reports on the Research-Work Carried out at Banbhore.
Endnote 4. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 436-7; Fatḥnāmah-i-Sind:
74-8; Ya‘qūbī, Tā’rīkh vol II:146. Piacentini Fiorani 2014:
46-56 et infra. According to some scholars, the “quarter”
where Muhammad ibn al-Qāsim left his garrison of 4.000 men
before departing from Daybul was ‘inside’ the citadel. Dr
Monique Kervran has put forward the working hypothesis
that the defence force of four thousand men left behind by
Muhammad to protect the access to Daybul, garrison the
place and provide – when needed – the necessary provisions
was not located inside the walled citadel but on a small islet
that, at the time, might have been located nearby at the mouth
of one of the access branches of the Indus river to the
hinterland. This islet, presently named Ratto Kot (see Fig. 2),
has been explored by Dr Kervran in the last eighties of the
previous century, who also dug some test trenches: Kervran
1992. With regard to the Mosque, see Figs. 3, 4 and 9. Cfr.
also Khan 1960 and Ashfaque 1969.
Endnote 5. Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 54 on Balādhurī reports
about incursions and continuous wars of the “Muslims” with
the “Indians”, which provided the Governors and Emirs of
Sind rich booties. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 440 ff.
Endnote 6. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 447 ff.
Endnote 7. Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 58-60 and herewith
given bibliographical references and sources. About the
reforms introduced by Hārūn al-Rashīd see also Mottahedeh,
R.: The ‘Abbāsid Caliphate in Iran. In: CHI/4, pp. 68 ff.;
Bosworth: 1973a and 1982.
Endnote 8. Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 58 -59; Pervin T. Nasir
1969.
Endnote 9. See also above endnote 7. About the Barmakid
period specifically, noteworthy are Ibn Khurdādhbih and his
Kitāb – this latter completed around the fifties of the 9th
Century CE. Exponent of that class of bureaucrats inherited
from the Umayyad/Iranian administration and still running
Sindh Antiquities Journal
the Abbasid empire, Ibn Khurdādhbih was from an Iranian
family, as his name indicates, though converted to Islam.
Superintendent of the Caliphal Barīd (postal service) in the
Jibāl Province, office that had also political implications since
such officers were concerned with security issues, too, and were
– at the time – directly appointed by the Caliph himself, he
could have a precise vision of the empire and its structures. His
book is part of a larger plan mostly lost. What is left is a mirror
of provinces and districts, routes, distances, towns and incomes
of the Arab empire, an accurate map of the administration and
its apparatus. Sind and its towns are punctually noted (Ibn
Khurdādhbih, Kitāb al-masālik: 278 et infra), and Daybul is
depicted as “a town 2 farsākh [that is 12 km circa] distant from
the mouth of the Mihrān river” (Ibn Khurdādhbih, Kitāb
al-masālik: 283). With regard to the Sind Province, precious
source on the institution of “delegation of powers” to
exponents of the local administration, which would perpetuate
the preceding bureaucratic class, is the Fatḥnāmah-i-Sind,
when it deals with the conquest of Sind by Muhammad ibn
al-Qāsim. Once a town came to pacts with the victorious Army
of Islam, the Arab General used to leave behind an Arab
military garrison chosen amongst his most loyal tribes,
delegating civil and fiscal powers to the local bureaucracy. See
for example Fatḥnāmah-i-Sind: (Daybul), 85 (Nirun); 10, 32,
81 (Brahmanābād), 38 (Rawār), 88 (Siwīstān/Sehwan) and
others.
Endnote 10. Piacentini Fiorani 2014: 57-60. See also
Mottahedeh, R. 1975: 68-71 et infra.
Endnote 11.Tabarī, Kitāb al-rusul vol.3: 675 et infra.
Endnote 12. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 437.
Endnote 13. Ibn Khurdādhbih, Kitāb al-masālik: 283.
Endnote 14. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 440; Istakhrī, Kitāb: 171, 175;
Ya‘qūbī, Tā’rīkh vol. 2: 146.
Endnote 15. In Transoxiana, during the first decades of the 9th
Century CE, the Tāhirids were undisputed masters; their efforts
were devoted to strengthening the position of their Sāmānid
vassals, in order to complete the Islamisation of that Province
and contrast the attacks of pagan Turks (Oghuz tribes). Under
the Tāhirid umbrella, the Sāmānids were thus capable of laying
down the foundations of their later and powerful Emirate in
Transoxiana and Khurāsān. The Barmakids had a significant
role within this operation, also aimed to create and enforce
commercial links between Transoxiana and Baghdad, despite
the great distance involved. Although the greatest commercial
interest stood in Turkish slaves, also other goods transited
through the rehabilitated network of roads ending up at Daybul
(Tabarī, Kitāb al-rusul vol. 3: 1326, 1338-9; Ibn al-Athīr,
Al-Kāmil vol. 7: 9; Mas‘ūdī, Murūj vol. 7: 281). With regard to
“occasional contacts with Chinese emperors”, Trench 9 has
provided excellent Chinese porcelain sherds (AA.VV. Parthica
2016. See also 2014-2015 Thorough Report, Agnese Fusaro’s
documentation about a glazed painted Changsha specimen
form China usually attributed to the first half of the 9th Century
CE, and others). Thence, trying to combine archaeological
evidence with written sources, it would be possible to argue that
whether “direct ‘political’ contacts” with China were not
carried out, nonetheless Chinese goods could arrive on
Daybul’s market either via the East-West Southern Monsoon
32
route (Horton 2018; Power 2019) or via Inner-Central Asia
and the rehabilitated road-network (via Transoxiana and
Khurāsān). See also Lucidi 1994.
Endnote 16. Ibn al-Athīr, Al-Kāmil vol. 10: 323. See also
Ashfaque 1969. In this respect, it is interesting to cite an article
by Abdul Ghafur about fourteen inscriptions dug out by F.A.
Khan under the Mosque’s later levels, hurriedly thrown there.
Some inscriptions are particularly significant, insofar they
report about the building activity of the Habbārī rulers. One
specifically hints to ‘Abdullāh ibn ‘Umar’s intervention in
restoring the Mosque struck by an earthquake. Ghafur 1966:
81-4.
Endnote 16a. As Agnese Fusaro states, “especially the
stratigraphic sequences and the related pottery assemblages
unearthed in Trench 9 during the 2015 field season testify to an
evolution in local pottery’s forms and decoration, which was
progressive and slow, thus indicating that there was no clear
rupture with the previous tradition; nonetheless, at the same
time the finding of brand new imported items, especially
opaque glazed wares, both painted and plain, high-quality
lustre painted vessels, but also monochrome turquoise jars,
sgraffiato and splashed sgraffiato wares, clearly points to
stronger relationships established by Banbhore with the Iraqi
regions, but also with Iran, that in previous periods are not so
well testified”. No less meaningful is Mantellini’s comment.
“Although the results from the Building 1 are yet far for
establishing its chronology and function, its size claims for a
sort of ‘monumental’ building, which was located almost in the
middle of the town. It experienced different changes and
refurbishments during the 12th and early 13th Centuries. It is
well attested by the orientation of the tiles pavements found in
Room 1 and Room 2 that differs from the two longitudinal walls
dividing the building into the three rooms. After the tiles
pavements were broken by something heavy, collapsed from
above, the following floors were all made by beaten mud.
Different stages of construction are also attested in the
northern wall, the largest exposed until now, where the stones
were arranged according to a different construction pattern. A
further peculiar feature of the Building 1 is the lack of any
opening, although a possible explanation can be seen in their
filling during the later periods (see for example Mantellini,
Excavation, infra, for the presence of a likely door in the
Building 1, Room 1).
Endnote 17. Balādhurī, Kitāb: 440, 447 ff.; Istakhrī, Kitāb:
171, 175; Ya‘qūbī: Tā’rīkh vol 2: 146 ff.. See also Piacentini
Fiorani 2014: 63-80 and Kashfa Samad 2008. Classical Arabic
literature gives a clear picture of the city of Mansūrah in Sind,
the origin of its name and the two centuries here under
consideration: Ibn Khurdādhbih, Kitāb al-masālik : 477;
Yāqūt, Mu‘jam, 4: 211; Muqaddasī, Aḥsan al-taqāsīm: 479;
Mas‘ūdī, Murūj vol. 3: 379; Ḥudūd al- ‘Ālam: 122, et alia.
However, Mansūrah‘s geography and place are still at the core
of lively debates; for this, see Al-Salimi 2016: 86 -8. With
regard to political-religious dissensions and strife between the
Tamīm of Hijaz and Yemenite communities, contacts and links
with the Arab community settled at Daybul, see also Wilkinson,
J.C. 2010: 91 ff. About Tāhirid, Saffārid and Sāmānid endless
fights for these south-eastern lands of the Caliphate and their
individual political-economic interests, see below endnote 19
and following paragraph 3.1.
Endnote 18. AA.VV. Parthica 2016. About ‘diagnostic’
Sindh Antiquities Journal 33

fragmentsfragments
of local of pottery
local production
pottery production and exportation
and exportation(also Field-Season),
(also Field-Season), “the assemblage
“the assemblage
of SU 153 of in
SUparticular
153 in particular
– he – he
proved through
proved technological
through technological and archaeometric
and archaeometric see states
analysis)analysis) see – is
states
composed
– is composed
by particularlyby particularly
diagnostic diagnostic
specimen”. specimen”.
A. A.
specifically
specifically
Kervran Kervran1996 and1996 Id. 2004;
and Id. Kennet
2004;&Kennet Krahl & Krahl Fusaro’s
2004, 2004, Fusaro’s notes perfectly
notes perfectly complement complement
and confirm and confirmthe the
and communications
and communications in PSAS.inNo PSAS.
less No interesting are someare archaeologist’s
less interesting some archaeologist’s analysis analysis
and our and historical
our historical
flashes: flashes:
“indeed, “indeed,
‘ostraka’‘ostraka’
found in foundTrenchin9,Trenchactually 9, under
actually study.
under study. since thesince
9th Century,
the 9th Century,
new ceramic new imports
ceramic beganimports tobegan
circulate to circulate
at Banbhore.
at Banbhore.
As said above As said à propos
above àofproposthe Barmakid
of the Barmakid
period, period,
EndnoteEndnote
19. Piacentini19. Piacentini
Fiorani 2013; FioraniId.2013; 2014:Id.67, 2014:
83-98; they clearly
67, 83-98; theytestify
clearly strong
testifyrelationships
strong relationships
with Iraqiwith andIraqi
Iranian
and Iranian
MottahedehMottahedeh
1975; Bosworth1975; Bosworth
1968; Id.1968; 1973 (Turks
Id. 1973 and (Turks
Turkish regions: regions:
and Turkish unglazedunglazedeggshell eggshellfine jugs,fineglazed jugs, monochrome
glazed monochrome
pressurespressures
on the easternon theborders
eastern of borders
the caliphate);
of the caliphate);
Id. 1973 Id. turquoise
a, 1973 a, turquoise
jars, opaque jars, white
opaque glazed
whitewares,
glazedluxurious
wares, luxurious
lustred lustred
1977, 19821977, and19821996and (with
1996 specific
(with regard
specifictoregard Early toIslamic painted wares,
Early Islamic paintedsplashed
wares, splashed
sgraffiatosgraffiato
dishes and dishes
bowls andandbowls
otherand other
Iran andIran
the search
and theofsearchdynastic of dynastic
connections connections
with an Arab with an Past Arabunderglazed
Past underglazed vessels. vessels.
Other high-quality
Other high-quality glazed ceramic
glazed ceramic
that couldthat
legitimate
could legitimate
the seizure theofseizure
power); of Id.
power);
1975 and Id. 1975
1975a. imports arrived
and 1975a. imports from arrivedChina from[likely,
Chinathrough
[likely, thethrough
well thesecured
well secured
For the Sāmānids,
For the Sāmānids,see Frye see 1975.Frye 1975. SāmānidSāmānidland routes, land and routes, the andclosethepolitical
close political
relationshipsrelationships
between between
the firstthe Habbārids
first Habbāridsand the and Sāmānids],
the Sāmānids],
as the as the
EndnoteEndnote
20. Ḥudūd 20. al-‘Ālam:
Ḥudūd al-‘Ālam: 122, 123;122, Muqaddasī,
123; Muqaddasī,Ahsan Ahsan lotus-shaped
lotus-shaped
proto-porcelain
proto-porcelain
bowls, the bowls,
qingpai theporcelain,
qingpai porcelain,
and and
al-taqāsīm::
al-taqāsīm::
485; Istakhrī, Kitāb: 170-80,
485; Istakhrī, Kitāb:spec. 170-80, 173.spec.Istakhrī
173.‘s a few
Istakhrī ‘s celadon
a few items,celadon along
items, withalong
lesswith
luxurious
less luxurious
Chinese Chinese
items, items,
account ofaccount
Sind isofvery Sinddetailed
is very and detailedpunctual,
and punctual, when such
especiallyespecially whenas thesuch so-called
as the so-called
Changsha Changsha
underglaze underglaze
painted specimens.
painted specimens.
he reportsheplace-names,
reports place-names,distances,distances,
goods to goods be found to bein Sind
foundorin Sind Theor10thThe Century
10th Century
cultural cultural
influenceinfluence
and close andconnections
close connections
traded through
traded its throughmarkets its markets
and roads-network.
and roads-network. Ibn Hawqal’s between between
Ibn Hawqal’s Central Asian Centralpotentates
Asian potentates
and Sind,and canSind,
be partially
can be partially
report largely
report draws
largelyfrom draws Istakhrī.
from Istakhrī.
According According
to Muqaddasī to Muqaddasīinferred inferred
by a beautifulby a beautiful
glazed slip-painted
glazed slip-painted bowl with bowl an with an
(who wrote(who hiswrote
book his at the
bookend at ofthethe end10th of the
Century
10th Century
CE), the CE), epigraphic
the epigraphicband, and band, sherds
and related
sherds to related
a Peculiar
to a Peculiar
ware ware
ruling family
rulingoffamily Mansūrah of Mansūrah
recognised recognised
the Abbasid the Abbasid characterised
caliphs, caliphs, characterised
by sgraffiatoby sgraffiato
and underglaze
and underglaze
dotted painted
dotted painted
whilst thewhilst
rulerthe of ruler
Multān of recognised
Multān recognised the Fātimid the Fātimid
caliphs in decoration,
caliphs in decoration,
which was whichwidespread
was widespreadespeciallyespecially
in the regions
in the regions
Egypt (sic).
Egypt The(sic).
ruinsThe of ruins
Mansūrah of Mansūrah
have been haveexcavated by controlled
been excavated by controlled
by the Ghaznavids,
by the Ghaznavids, such as such Afghan-Sistan
as Afghan-Sistan
(see (see
Ahmad NabiAhmad Khan Nabi at Khan
the end at of
thethe endtwentieth
of the twentieth Nabi Italian
century: century: Nabi 2014-2015
Italian 2014-2015 Thorough Thorough
Report and Report thereandannexed
there annexed
Khan1999.With
Khan1999.With
regard toregard the “Fārs to theSea” “Fārs or Sea”
“Bahroral-Fārs”
“Bahr al-Fārs” photographic
photographic
documentation).
documentation).
see Piacentini
see Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani2014: Behind 2014: Behind Ibn Hawqal’s Ibn Hawqal’sBahr Bahr
al-Fārs…specie:
al-Fārs…specie:
83-98 et 83-98 infra. et For infra.
this span
For thisof time
spancfr. time cfr.Endnote
of also also Endnote
24. Al-‘Utbī, 24. Al-‘Utbī,
Ta’rīkh Ta’rīkh
al-Yamīnī, al-Yamīnī,
Cairo ed.Cairo vol. ed.2: vol. 2:
Löwick 1974,
Löwick1985; 1974,Tampoe 1985; Tampoe
1989; Whitehouse1989; Whitehouse 1968-1974, 132-3 et 132-3
1968-1974, infra; et Nāzim:
infra; 74,Nāzim:
79-80; 74,Ibn79-80;
al-Athīr, Al-KāmilAl-Kāmil
Ibn al-Athīr, vol. vol.
1975, 1979,
1975, 1979a,
1979, 1979b, 1979a, 1987; 1979b, Wilkinson,
1987; Wilkinson, J.C 1976, J.C 12:1976,41212: infra;et Bayhaqī,
et 412 infra; Bayhaqī, Tā’rīkh:Tā’rīkh:69-70, 242-5,69-70, 273. 242-5, 273.
1978,1979,1978,1979,
1979a, 2009; 1979a, Williamson
2009; Williamson1973; Kennet 1973;2004..and
Kennet 2004..and According According
to this latter
to thischronicler,
latter chronicler,
it seems itthat seemsGhaznavid
that Ghaznavid
many othermany valuable
other valuable
studies and studiesresearches
and researches
referringreferring
to the to operations
the operations
towards towards
Quzdar were Quzdar essentially
were essentially
aimed toaimed exact to exact
Gulf andGulf
the western
and the waters
westernofwatersthe Indian of theOcean.
Indian Ocean. tributes tributes
from thefrom rich thetraffics
rich in traffics
the region;
in the however,
region; however,
the the
harbour of harbour
Tīz (near of Tīz
the(near
present theharbour-town
present harbour-town of Chāhbahārof Chāhbahār
in in
EndnoteEndnote
21. Ibn al-Athīr
21. Ibn al-Athīr
records that records in 270/893
that in 270/893 the Islamic
a terriblea terrible theRepublic
Islamic Republic
of Iran) soon of Iran)
later soon
wouldlaterbewould
the starting
be the starting
earthquakeearthquake
had struck hadDaybul
struck during
Daybul‘Abdullāhduring ‘Abdullāh
ibn ‘Umar’s point ofpoint
ibn ‘Umar’s a Ghaznavid
of a Ghaznavid expedition expedition
to Oman, to where
Oman, the where the
emirate, emirate,
heavily damaging
heavily damaging the townthe (likely,
townit(likely,
was the samethe Ghaznavids
it was same Ghaznavids stood forstood nearly forforty
nearly
yearsfortylevying
years tributes
levying until
tributes until
catastrophic
catastrophic
event recordedevent recorded
by Yāqūtbythat Yāqūtheavily
that damaged
heavily damaged the Būyid theprinceBūyid Abū prince Kālijār’s
Abū Kālijār’s
expedition, expedition,
that definitely
that definitely
Sīrāf, too).
Sīrāf, The too). chronicler
The chronicler gives information
gives information about expelledabout expelled
them from themOman from(Piacentini
Oman (PiacentiniFiorani 2014:Fiorani 107-110;
2014: 107-110;
interventions
interventions
aimed ataimed the restoration
at the restoration
of the main of the
buildings. It see also
main buildings. It Timothy
see also Power’s
Timothy excavations).
Power’s excavations).
would seemwould thatseem
the Governor
that the Governorhimself, ‘Abdullāh
himself, ‘Abdullāhibn ‘Umar, ibn ‘Umar,
gave ordergave to order
proceed to to
proceed
the restoration
to the restoration
of the Mosque,of the Mosque,
which which EndnoteEndnote
25. Piacentini25. Piacentini
Fiorani 2013 Fiorani a; Id.
2013 2014:a; Id.
99-119.
2014: See 99-119. See
was completed
was completed
fourteen fourteen
years later. years
Ibnlater.
al-Athīr, Al-KāmilAl-Kāmil
Ibn al-Athīr, vol. also vol.Bosworth
also Bosworth
1996: 199-209.
1996: 199-209.
10: 323. 10:
Cfr. 323.
Ghafur Cfr.1966:
Ghafur 81-4.
1966: 81-4.
EndnoteEndnote26. Particularly
26. Particularly
telling intellingthis regard
in this isregard
a book is a book
EndnoteEndnote
22. See above 22. See noteabove
20. note 20. recently recently
edited byedited Allen by Fromherz:
Allen Fromherz:
Fromherz, Fromherz,
A.J. (ed.): The
A.J. (ed.): The
Gulf in World
Gulf in History…2018.
World History…2018.
EndnoteEndnote
23. See above 23. Seenote above20. note
Are specifically
20. Are specifically
significant significant
a a
few ‘archaeological
few ‘archaeological remarks’remarks’
from the from Reports the ofReports
the Italian EndnoteEndnote
of the Italian 27. With specific
27. Withregardspecifictoregard
the archaeological
to the archaeological
work so work so
Team carrying
Team carrying out research-work
out research-work at Banbhore: at Banbhore:Italian Italianfar carriedfarout carried
at Banbhore,
out at Banbhore,
see Manassero,see Manassero,
Piacentini Piacentini
Fiorani Fiorani
2014-2015 2014-2015
Thorough Thorough
Report and Reportthereand annexed
there annexed
photographic 2015; Felici
photographic 2015; et Felici
al. 2016,et al.and 2016,
the Thorough
and the ThoroughReports regularly
Reports regularly
documentation.
documentation.
With regard With toregard the urbanto theorganisation,
urban organisation, for deliveredfor delivered
to the competent
to the competentlocal Authorities:
local Authorities:
(1) 2013(1) Joint
2013 Joint
example,example,
the artificialthe artificial
lake withlake its four
with artificial
its four artificial
islands isislands a Pak-French-Italian
is a Pak-French-Italian Report onReport the first
ontriennium
the first triennium
of field-workof field-work
/ /
typical feature
typical of feature
Indian of towns.
Indian With towns.theWith words the ofwords N. of copyN.to the
copy Consulates
to the Consulates
and Embassies and Embassies
of Franceofand France
Italy;and(2)Italy; (2)
Manassero,Manassero,
archaeologist archaeologist
and field-director
and field-director
for the 2014 for the and2014 2014-2015
and 2014-2015Italian Thorough
Italian Thorough
Report / copyReport to /the
copyConsulate
to the Consulate
and and
2015 seasons
2015 seasons
– the previous– the previous
campaigns campaigns
had provided solid Embassy
had provided solid Embassy
of Italy; of(3)Italy;2017-2018
(3) 2017-2018
Italian Thorough
Italian Thorough
Report / Report /
evidenceevidence
in stratigraphy
in stratigraphy
“of massive “of massive
buildingsbuildings
and accurate copy to the
and accurate copy Consulate
to the Consulate
and Embassy and Embassy
of Italy. of Italy.
urban planning
urban planning
also in the alsohydraulic
in the hydraulicsystem and system structures.
and structures.
Pottery, Pottery,
little objectslittle andobjects otherandelements
other elementsshow a show marked EndnoteEndnote
a marked 28. Abdulraman28. AbdulramanAl-SalimiAl-Salimi
2016. Ibid.: 2016.The Ibid.:
SīrahThe of Sīrah of
evolutionevolution
in shapes, in quality
shapes, and qualitydecorative
and decorative
motives, motives,
and a and Imama Rāshid
Imamb.Rāshid Sa‘īd to b. the
Sa‘īdPeople
to theofPeople
Mansūrah: of Mansūrah:
83-137. 83-137.
diversification
diversification
likely due likely
to theduemarkets
to the markets
gravitating gravitating
on the on the
Emirate… Emirate…
For the upper For the levels,
upper it had
levels,been it had
possible
been to possible
propose EndnoteEndnote
to propose 29. Fiorani 29. Piacentini
Fiorani Piacentini2005; Wilkinson
2005; Wilkinson
1978, 1979, 1978, 1979,
preliminary
preliminary
chronological chronological
attributions attributions
for twofor main two 1979a.
main See 1979a. also See
Abdulrahman
also Abdulrahman Al-Salimi’s Al-Salimi’s
paper read paperat the
read at the
occupational
occupational
phases. phases. ReferringReferring to Trench to Trench
9 (20159 Beijing
(2015 Conference
Beijing Conferenceon Ibādīsm on 2018.
Ibādīsm 2018.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 34

Figure 1. Present geographic location of Banbhore/Daybul

Figure 2. The Indus deltaic region and the site of Banbhore/Daybull

Sindh Antiquities Journal 35

Figure 3. The bastioned citadel from the southern gate to the lower town up to the
Mosque and the Indus Temple (kite view, 2011)

Figure 4. Banbhore: the bastioned area from North to South, the Mosque in the
middle and the Gharo creek on the background (kite view, 2011).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 36

Figure 5. The site of Banbhore, including the artificial lake on the

north-eastern corner of the rampart, on a Google Earth satellite image (2010).

Figure 6. The bastioned area behind the artificial lake: North-Eastern façade, 2014.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 37

Figure 7. The Southern Gate (kite view, 2011).

Figure 8. The palace and the market – north-eastern corner within the
bastioned area –
Sindh Antiquities Journal 38

Figure 9. The Mosque, after the excavation and consolidation by F.A. Khan
(kite view, 2011).

Figure 10. Slip-painted bowl with epigraphic band painted in black.

Figure 11. Fragments of sgraffiato dotted painted bowl.

Sindh Antiquities Journal 39

Figure 12. Craftsmanship: metalworking

Figure 13. Craftsmanship: metal-working.

Sindh Antiquities Journal 40

Figure 14. Craftsmanship: semi-manufactured shells.

Figure 15. Craftsmanship: glass.

Sindh Antiquities Journal 41

Figure 16. Craftsmanship: bones and ivory.

Figure 17. Pottery (courtesy the Museum of Banbhore): moulded

relief decorated sprinkler, Sasanian/Indo-Sasanian period (left); miniaturised basket with Kufic
inscriptions, 8th – 9th Century CE (right).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 42

Figure 18. Pre-Islamic ceramics from the deepest level

of Trench 9: moulded ware, Sasanian period.

Figure 19. The ‘shahristān’ system. Sketch-map of the citadel

and surrounding quarters (by M. Kervran, 2011)
Sindh Antiquities Journal 43

Figure 20. The out-of-moenia territory and the areas surveyed by the research-team
of the Catholic University of the Sacred Heart (2017-2018).

Figure 21. Glazed monochrome turquoise Sasanian-Islamic

jar with applied and carved decoration, Inv.no. 549
(Trench 4, SU 3, 2012).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 44

Figure 22. Small bowl of white opaque glazed ware blue painted decoration,
Inv.no.334 (Trench 1, SU 1029, 2012).

Figure 24. Splashed sgraffiato

bowl with pseudo-epigraphic band,
Inv.no. 522 (Trench 4, SU 2, 2012).

Figure 23. Small fragment of monochrome

lusterware (Trench 7, SU 46, 2013-2014).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 45

Figure 25. Fragment of a lotus-shaped proto-porcelain bowl.

Figure 26. Specimen of a qingpai porcelain bowl.

Sindh Antiquities Journal 46

Historical Note & Archaeology

Once more on Alexander the Macedonian in Sindh

Prof. Dr. Cinzia Bearzot

Università Cattolica di Milano
Istituto Lombardo di Scienze e Lettere

Cinzia Bearzot is professor of Greek History at the Catholic University of Milan. She
deals with history of Greek political thought, history of institutions and law of Greek
poleis, history of ancient historiography. He has published several monographs and
about two hundred minor essays.

Abstract:
The exploration of the mouth of the Indus led by Alexander the Great and his Admiral
Nearchus in 325 B.C. has aroused great interest among scholars. Attempts have been
made, with often contradictory results, to reconstruct the itineraries followed and to
identify the sites remembered by the sources. Reconstruction has been made very
difficult by changes in the landscape over time and, above all, by the absence of
archaeological finds dating back to the time of Alexander.
This paper reconsiders the information provided by the sources on the exploration of
the lower course of the Indus by Alexander and Nearchus; then discusses possible
identifications of the best preserved archaeological site in the area, that of Banbhore,
with the places designated by ancient place names (Barbarikon, Barce, Daybul);
finally, it poses the problem of the "port of Alexander" mentioned by Arrianus in the
Indiké.

Keywords: Alexander - Nearchus - Indus - Banbhore - archaeology - topography

Introduction
The exploration of Indus’ mouth conducted by Alexander the
Macedonian and by his admiral Nearchus in 325 a.C. has aroused a
great deal of studies, that, on the base of the ancient literary sources
and of the modern ones, both literary and cartographic, tried to
reconstruct the itineraries followed and to identify the sites mentioned
by the tradition. An operation made very difficult by the changes in
the landscape over time and, above all, by the lack of chronologically
compatible archaeological findings (Wilhelmy 1968 a; Kervran 1995,
259; Kervran 1999, 75-82, 128-129, 137-53; Biagi 2017, 256).
Here my aim is to retrace information supplied by the sources on the
exploration of Indus’ lower course by Alexander and by Nearchus (1),
and then to discuss the possible identifications of the best preserved
archaeological site in the area, the one of Banbhore, with the places
designated by the ancient toponyms (Barbarikon, Barce, Daybul)
(2-3), and finally to pose the problem of the “Alexander’s harbour” to
which Arrian refers in the Indiké (4).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 47

1. Alexander,
1. Alexander,
Nearchus
Nearchus
and the
and
exploration
the exploration
Muhammad
Muhammad
Ibn Qasim
IbninQasim
712-713in 712-713
(Kervran(Kervran
1995, 261).
1995, 261).
of Indus
of Indus KervranKervran
thinks that
thinks
a reference
that a reference
to this same
to this
foundation
same foundation
can be found
can beinfound
Curtius in Curtius
Rufus (IX, Rufus 8, 8),(IX,who8, 8),
adds whoto his
adds to his
After deciding,
After deciding,
regretfully, regretfully,
to go back to gohome,
backAlexander
home, Alexandershort account
short account
the name the of name the ofnew thecolony,
new colony,not not
organisedorganised
the descent the descent
of the army of theand army
of the
andfleet
of the
along mentioned
fleet along mentioned
by Arrian:by Arrian:
Indus’ course,
Indus’ followed
course, followed by the exploration
by the exploration
of the delta.
of the delta.
The sources
The sources
enable us enableto stateus to that
state
during
that Alexander’s
during Alexander’s“Here, after
“Here,founding
after founding
a city (oppido
a city (oppido he ordered
condito)condito) he ordered
age Indus’
age mouth
Indus’ had mouth twohad main twobranches,
main branches,
the western to
the western be called
to be Alexandria,
called Alexandria,
he entered he entered
the territory
the territory
of the of the
and the andeastern
the eastern
ones (information
ones (information about itaboutcomeitfrom Musicani”
come from Musicani”
(Kervran (Kervran
1995, 260-261).
1995, 260-261).
Strabo, Pliny
Strabo, andPlinyArrian) ; while1 in
and 1Arrian) ; while
the I century
in the I century
A.D., A.D.,
the age in
thewhich
age inthe which
author theof author
the Periplus
of the Periplus
of the of the I don’t Ithinkdon’thowever
think however that these thattwo theseplaces
two places
Erythrean sea (§ 38)
Erythrean sea was
2
(§ 38) writing,
2
was writing,
the mouths the mouths refer to refer
the same
to thefoundation.
same foundation.
Arrian Arrian
were seven;
werethe seven;
piecethe ofpiece
information
of information
is is speaks of speaks
a polis ofthata polis
wasthatexpected
was expected
to to
resumedresumed
by Ptolemy by Ptolemy
(VII, 1, (VII, 2). 1, 2). be great be
and great
famous,
and famous,
Curtius Curtius
of an of an
AlexanderAlexander
exploredexplored
both branches, both branches, oppidum, which iswhich
oppidum, ratherisa rather
fortifieda fortified
the western
the western
and the and eastern;the eastern; citadel (Zambrini
citadel (Zambrini
2004, 2004,
Nearchus Nearchus
descended descended
on the on the 540-541). 540-541).
But what Butis more
what is more
contrarycontrary
only along onlyone along
of one of relevant relevant
is that the
is that
foundation
the foundation
them, andthem,the and
identification
the identification referred referred
to by Curtius
to by Curtius
Rufus isRufus is
of the chosen
of the way,chosen as way,
we will as we will placed immediately
placed immediately before before
see, is not
see,certain
is not .certain .
3 3 Alexander’s Alexander’s
entry in entry
Musicanus’
in Musicanus’
kingdom: kingdom:
this leads thisto leads to
During the
During descent
the descent
and the and the identifying identifying
it more probably
it more probably
with with
exploration,
exploration,
Alexander Alexander a foundation
a foundation
following following
the one the
of one of
completedcompleted
the foundation
the foundationof of the polis the at polis
the confluence,
at the confluence,
and and
cities, the
cities,
fortification
the fortification
of of preciselyprecisely
with thewith city thein thecityterritory
in the territory
of of
citadels citadels
and the and installation
the installation
of of the Sogdi, thefounded
Sogdi, founded by Alexander by Alexander
indeed indeed
harbours.harbours.
As it hasAsbeen it has noticed
been noticed
by by before entering
before entering Musicanus’ Musicanus’
territoryterritory
Hauben,Hauben,
the aim the of thisaimintense
of this intense according according
to Arrian to andArrian Diodorus,
and Diodorus,
activity activity
was to construct
was to constructa network a network
of of and called andAlexandria
called Alexandria by the latterby the too.
latter too.
fortifiedfortified
harbourharbour
centres for centres
the purpose
for the purpose This city,
This
with city,
regard
with to
regard
which toArrian
which Arrian
of road and
of roadnaval andconnection,
naval connection, with with (VI, 15, (VI,
4) refers
15, 4) not
refers
as much
not as tomuch
the to the
militarymilitary
and exchangeand exchangeobjectives objectives foundation foundation
as to the as fortification
to the fortification(and (and
(Hauben(Hauben
1976, 911976, ff). 91 ff). this couldthis explain
could explain
the use the
of use
oppidum of by
oppidum by
Curtius Curtius
Rufus), Rufus),
was indeed wasin indeed
the territory
in the territory
of of
1.1. Alexander
1.1. Alexanderfor the for the the Sogdi: the Sogdi:
Indus/Acesines’
Indus/Acesines’
confluence confluence
to Pattala to Pattala
“In that “In place that place he fortified he fortified
The firstThe foundation
first foundation
mentioned mentioned
by the by the (eteichizen)(eteichizen)
another another city (polis),city (polis),
sources sources
is the one is the of theone cities
of theatcities
the at the ordered ordered
to construct to construct
more shipyards
more shipyards
confluence
confluence
betweenbetween AcesinesAcesines (today’s(today’s and repairedand repaired
the damaged the damaged
ships”; ships”;
Chenab)Chenab)
and Indus, andperhaps
Indus, perhapsAlexandria Alexandria
of Opianeof Opiane
(one of (one the eighteen
of the eighteen Later Alexander
Later Alexander moved towardsmoved towards
Alexandriae
Alexandriae
listed by listed
Stephenby Stephen Figure 1. Head of Alexander the Macedonian, Musicanus’ Musicanus’kingdom kingdom
(VI, 15,(VI, 15,
by4Lysippos, from Pergamon, 3rd century BC (Ny 5). 5).
of Bisance,
of Bisance,
s.v. Ἀλεξάνδρειαι)
s.v. Ἀλεξάνδρειαι) 4
Carlsberg Glyptotek, Copenhagen).
. This .city Thisis citymentionedis mentioned by by Diodorus Diodorus
(XVII, 102, (XVII, 4)5 102, 4)5 refers,
refers,
Arrian (VI,
Arrian 15,(VI,
2), who15, 2), expresses
who expresses like this:like this:on the on
himself himself contrary,
the contrary,
that in that the in territory
the territory
of the of Sodri
the Sodri
(Arrian’s(Arrian’s
Sogdi?)(Sogdi?)(
Goukowski Goukowski
1976, 259), 1976,once 259),moreonce more
“He ordered
“He ordered
then to then foundto(ktisai)
found (ktisai)
a city (polis)
a city at
(polis)
the at before
the before
enteringentering
Musicanus’ Musicanus’ kingdom, kingdom,
Alexander Alexander
confluence
confluence
of the two of the
rivers two(he rivers
hoped (heithoped
woulditbe greatbe founded
would great founded
a great city
a great
along citythealong
river: the river:
and famous
and famous
among people)among people) and to construct
and to construct
shipyards shipyards
for the ships”.
for the ships”.
1. See Strab.
1. V,
See44-45;
Strab.Plin.
V, 44-45;
NH VI, Plin.
71 NH
e VI,81; 71
Arr.e VI,81;
18-20.
Arr. VI,
It is18-20.
generally
It is generally
consideredconsidered
that these that
sources
thesereflect
sources
information
reflect information
supplied by supplied
Alexander’s
by Alexander’s
For the For
location
the location
of this foundation,
of this foundation,
whose name
whoseisname
not ishystorians
not hystorians
(Kervran 1995,
(Kervran
264 ff.;
1995,Kervran
264 ff.;
1996,
Kervran
48-49).
1996, 48-49).
mentioned
mentioned
by Arrian,
by different
Arrian, different
sites have
sites
been
have
proposed,
been proposed,
2. On Periplus
2. Onsee
Periplus
Schoff see
1912,
Schoff
19742;
1912,
Casson
19742;
1989;
Casson
Belfiore
1989;2004
Belfiore
e 2013.
2004 e 2013.
3. See the 3.
terms
Seeofthetheterms
problem
of theinproblem
Bucciantini
in Bucciantini
2015, 40-41. 2015, 40-41.
including
including
Chacar Chacar
and Uch; andit Uch;
has been
it hasassumed
been assumed
that 4. that
But see 4.
Zambrini
But see2004,
Zambrini
539, 2004,
who considers
539, whoproblematic
considers problematic
the identification.
the identification.
it couldit be
could
the be
Ashkandra/Sekandra
the Ashkandra/Sekandra conquered
conquered
by 5. Forbya commentary
5. For a commentary
on XVII, 102 on XVII,
see Prandi
102 see
2013,
Prandi
168 ff.
2013, 168 ff.
Sindh Antiquities Journal
“In these places founded (ektise), along the river, a great
city (polis) called Alexandria, after gathering ten
thousand inhabitants”.
Curtius Rufus’ Alexandria, founded in turn before
entering Musicanus’ territory, is probably identical to
the city of the Sogdi of Arrian and to the Alexandria of
Diodorus (Zambrini 2004, 539). Various arguments lead
to this conclusion: the name of Alexandria, that can be
found in Diodorus and in Curtius; the topography and
the chronology, which put the foundation in the territory
of the Sogdi/Sodri (Arrian, Diodorus) and before the
entry into Musicanus’ territory (Arrian, Diodorus,
Curtius Rufus). It can be added that the sequence and the
details of the account in Diodorus XVII, 102 and in
Curtius IX, 8 are absolutely identical: arrival between
the Sambasti/Sabarcae/Sambagrae, holding in a
democracy; consistency of their army (60000
infrantrymen, 6000 knights, 500 carts); peace
agreement; foundation of Alexandria; entry into
Musicanus’ territory. After saying so, it is in any case
difficult the identification with posterior sites (Kervran
1995, 261-262).
In Musicanus’ kingdom, Alexander fortified another
city, according to Arrian (VI, 15, 7):
“Craterus received the order to fortify the citadel (ten
akran ekteichisai) within the city; these works were
done while Alexander was still present, and a garrison
was placed in the citadel”.
To the same fact refers, probably, Curt. IX, 8, 11,
according to whom Alexander left a garrison in the city
of the Musicani. The possible location is still uncertain
(Kervran 1995, 262-2).
Finally, Arrian (VI, 16, 4) reminds Sindimana, capital of
the province of Sambus, which opened the gates to him;
identifiable with the today’s Sehwan (Kervran 1995,
262), was situated in a strategic position and preserves
the ruins of a citadel. Indeed, while referring to
Sindimana, Arrian does not speak of foundations or
fortifications; Curtius Rufus (IX, 8, 11) says that
Alexander, through a tunnel, he captured the most
powerful city of Sambus’ kingdom. We cannot say,
however, that the two sources refer to the same city,
since the conquest modalities seem to be different6.
Arrian refers then to the fortification of other cities in
Musicanus kingdom (VI, 17, 1) and to the order given to
Hephaestion to gather inhabitants for the fortified cities
(VI, 17, 4):
“He advanced against the cities (poleis) subject to
Musicanus: he razed to the ground some of them, after
enslaving the inhabitants; in others he introduced
garrisons and fortified their citadels (akras eteichise)”
… “he ordered to gather inhabitants for the already
fortified cities, ekteteichismenas poleis”.
48
Later Alexander reached Pattala, a city that is well
known to the sources, situated in the place where Indus
splits into two branches, perhaps identifiable with
Hyderabad (Arr. VI, 17, 5)( Kervran 1995, 283 ff.;
Kervran 1996, 50 e 73)7. Here he ordered to
Hephaestion to fortify the citadel (teichizein…akran)
and to construct a harbour and some shipyards (VI, 18,
1-2); later he started exploring Indus’ mouth, which is
worth dwelling on for a while.
1.2. Alexander in Indus’ delta
Alexander’s descent along the western branch covers
chapters 18-19 of Arrian’s book VI (see Curt. IX, 9).
Alexander faced many difficulties, due to the winds, to
the tides and to the absence of guides. Once back to
Pattala, Alexander found the citadel already fortified
(ten akran teteichismenen) and entrusted Hephaestion to
take care of fortifying the harbour and of constructing
shipyards, because he wanted to leave a fleet in Pattala.
Hence Alexander descended along Indus’ western
branch: the journey covers chapter 20 Arrian’s book VI
(see Curt. IX, 10). Along this branch Alexander found
an easier way; once arrived to a great lake, in which sea
fish were already found, he ordered to construct another
harbour and other shipyards (VI, 20, 5) and went back to
Pattala. Later moved towards to the territory of the
Arabitai (who fled into the desert) and of the Oritai (he
defeated them); after reaching Rambakia, the largest
village of Oritai,
“He admired the place and thought that a city founded
there by him (polis xynoikistheisa) would have been
great and prosperous”, and left the task to Hephaestion
(VI, 21, 5). Afterwards, the story of the dramatic return
to Babylon through the Gedrosia desert begins.
Curtius Rufus (IX, 10, 3) says that Alexander “founded
a number of cities” during the course of the descent
along the eastern branch, adding an interesting datum to
Arrian, who speaks only of the construction of a
harbour. Diodorus, on the contrary, does not dwell on
the exploration of the delta. No useful pieces of
information can be found in Alexander’s Life by
Plutarch.
1.3. Nearchus’s journey
Nearchus left, probably from Pattala (Kervran 1995,
288; Biagi 2017, 259)8, at the beginning of the autumn
6. See Atkinson 2000, 546.
7. However, the identification is far from being certain (Biagi 2017, 257-258).
The various hypotheses are presented in Wilhelmy 1968 b, 258 ff. (who
thinks of Bahmanabad).
8. Nearchus probably departed from the naustathmon constructed close to
Pattala by order of Alexander. This place could correspond to the Xylinepolis
of Plin. NH VI, 96 = FGrHist 134 Onesicr. F 28 (Onesicriti et Nearchi
navigatio nec nomina habet mansionum nec spatia, primumque Xylinepolis
ab Alexandro condita, unde ceperunt exordium, iuxta quod flumen aut ubi
fuerit non satis explanatur): see Biffi 2000, 185; Whitby 2016 b. Pattala
could be the Potana of Diod. XIII, 47, 9, “that Alexander founded along the
river Indus, willing to have a naval base for the coastal navigation along the
Ocean” (Kervran 1996, 73). Uncertain on the possibility to identify
Xylinepolis Kervran 1996, 51, who, however, thinks that the wood to which
the name of the settlement alludes is the one of the mangroves, which can be
found in the lower part of the delta.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 49

of the year
of the 326 yearor 326
325 or B.C. 325His B.C.
account
His account
is partially is partially
Nearchus’ Nearchus’
journey journey
proceedsproceeds
later westward
later westward
along the along the
preservedpreserved
by Arrian’s by Arrian’s
Indiké9 Indiké: we 9are : weinterested in territory
are interested in territory
of the Arabitai
of the Arabitai
and the andOritai,
the already
Oritai, already
outside outside
particular
particular
in chapter in chapter
21, which 21,refers
whichtorefers
our area
to our andarea Indus’
in and in delta
Indus’ ondelta
which on our
whichsurvey
our focuses.
survey focuses.
I think Ithatthink that
which arewhich
described
are described
in detailinthe detail
many thestages
manyfollowed from this
stages followed fromshort this reconsideration
short reconsideration we could we takecouldtwo take two
by Nearchus’
by Nearchus’
fleet, with fleet,
thewithindication
the indication
of the different elements
of the different elements
as acquired:
as acquired:
toponyms toponyms
and of and the ofdifferent
the different
geographical and 1.and
geographical The Alexandria
1. The Alexandria
of Curt.of IX,Curt.
8, 8,IX,called
8, 8,oppidum,
called oppidum,
has has
topographical
topographical
features.features.
The source The source
does not doesspecify, nothing nothing
not specify, to do with to do thewith
polisthe
founded
polis founded
at the confluence
at the confluence
betweenbetween
AcesinesAcesines
and Indus, andbutIndus,
it rather
but itcorresponds
rather corresponds
unfortunately,
unfortunately,
throughthrough which Indus’ which branch
Indus’ branch
Nearchus Nearchus
to the Alexandria
to the Alexandria
of Diod.ofXVII, Diod.102, XVII, 4, 102,
the fortified
4, the fortified
descended.
descended.
Since Alexander
Since Alexander had found had difficulties
found difficulties
on on
city in the
cityterritory
in the territory
of the Sogdiof thediSogdi
Arr. VI,di Arr.
15, 4.VI, 15, 4.
the western
the western
branch, branch, many believe many believethat Nearchus
that Nearchus2. Nearchus
2. Nearchus
choose choose
quite probably
quite probably
the rightthe branch
right of
branch of
preferredpreferred
the eastern the eastern
branch (Eggermont
branch (Eggermont 1975, 33 1975,
ff.; 33 ff.; mouth,
Indus’ Indus’ the mouth,
westernthe western
one, forone,his descent
for his descent
towardstowards
Biagi 2017,
Biagi259 2017, ff );259butffthe ); but
thingtheis thing
not atisallnotcertain,
at all certain,
the sea. the sea.
since thesince
problems
the problems
faced byfaced Alexander
by Alexander
were due wereto the
due to the data
These These could
databecould
useful befor
useful
us toforclarify
us to atclarify
least at
in least in
monsoons,monsoons,
whose season whose was season overwasat over
the moment
at the moment of partofthe part
issuethe related
issue to related
the identification
to the identification
of the sites
of the
to sites to
Nearchus’Nearchus’
departure, departure,
on 20thon Boedromion
20th Boedromion of 326/5of10;326/5 10
which ; we
which
are interested.
we are interested.
which could
whichhave couldledhave the ledadmiral,
the admiral,
upon adviceupon of advice
the of the
local guides,
local guides,
to prefertothe prefer
westernthe western
branch, branch, him Before
leading leading him proceeding,
Before proceeding,I would Ilikewouldto indicate
like to indicate
a place of a place
the of the
more quickly
more quickly
along the along
routethe towards
route towards
the Persianthe Persian Periplus
Gulf11. Gulf 11
. Periplus
of the Erythrean
of the Erythreansea (§ 41),sea (§whose
41), author,
whose author,
a a
Thus weThus are not
we are in thenotcondition
in the conditionto say withto say absolute good
with absolute connoisseur
good connoisseur
of Indus’ of delta’s
Indus’ area,
delta’s most
area,probably
most probably
certaintycertainty
which way which wasway chosen
was by chosen
Nearchus, and thisandonthis
by Nearchus, the ground
on the ground
of autopsy of autopsy
experience,experience,
while describing
while describing
fact naturally
fact naturally
creates many createsproblems
many problemsfor us withfor regards the
us with regards way the
from waythe from
commercial
the commercial
harbour harbour
of Barbarikon
of Barbarikon
(we (we
to the identification
to the identification
of the sites of thementioned
sites mentioned
by Arrian, by an leave
Arrian, an at
leavethe atmoment
the moment
pending pending
the issue
the of
issuethe of the
identification)
identification)
to the gulf to theof Barygaza
gulf of Barygaza
(Broach), (Broach),
in the in the
issue already
issue already
complicated complicated
by the modification
by the modification of the of the
interlandinterland
of which ofwaswhich located
was located
the Scythianthe Scythian
capital ofcapital of
landscape.
landscape.
Minnagara Minnagara
(Badora?) , refers16what
(Badora?)
16
, refersfollows:
what follows:
ThroughThrough
differentdifferent
stages (Stura,
stages (Stura,
Caumara, Caumara,
Coreestis) Coreestis)
Nearchus’Nearchus’
fleet arrivedfleet toarrived
the sandyto theisland
sandyofisland
Crocala,of Crocala,
in “Capital
in “Capital
of the region
of theisregion
Minnagara,
is Minnagara,
from where fromawhere
lot of a lot of
the territory
the territory
of the Indians
of the Indians
called Arabi,called onArabi,
the river
on the fabric
river isfabric
brought is brought
down todown Barygaza.
to Barygaza.
In the surroundings
In the surroundings
Arabis (in
Arabis (in Anabasis,
Anabasis, VI, 21, 4, VI,to21, which
4, tothis
which
passage
this passage
of survive
of survive
until nowadays
until nowadays evidences evidences
(semeia)(semeia)of of
the Indiké
the refers
Indiké espressely,
refers espressely, population population
and river andareriverAlexander’s
are Alexander’scampaign: campaign:
ancient ancient
templestemples
(archaia(archaia
hiera), hiera),
called called
respectively
respectively
ArabitaiArabitai and Arabius)
and Arabius)
12
. This12. foundation
This foundation of camps of camps
(themelioi (themelioi
parembolôn) and
parembolôn) and
notationnotation
can perhaps can perhaps
help us to helpdefine
us tothedefine
routethefollowed
route followed
enormous enormous
wells (phreata
wells (phreata
meghista)”.
meghista)”.
by Nearchus:
by Nearchus:
on the base on the of base of Anabasis,
Anabasis, as a matter as a ofmatter of
fact, wefact,
can we locatecan thelocateArabitai
the Arabitai
and their andneighbours The region,
their neighbours The region,
still in Istill
century
in I century
A.D., was A.D.,
indeed
was deeply
indeed deeply
Oritai, with
Oritai,
whom withAlexander
whom Alexander clashed clashed
before facing
beforethe signed
facing the by
signed
Alexander’s
by Alexander’s
passage passage
and preserving
and preserving
a series a series
desert, westward,
desert, westward,in the area in theinhabited
area inhabited
by Gedrosiiby Gedrosii
too of remains
too of remains
of it characterizing
of it characterizing
the landscape:
the landscape:
temples temples
(Arr. VI,(Arr.
22, VI,
1; see 22, Strab.
1; see XV, Strab. 2, XV,
1)13. 2,
From1)13.Crocala (indicating
From Crocala (indicating
a more astable moresettlement),
stable settlement),
camps and camps wells
and wells
Nearchus Nearchus
restartedrestarted
keepingkeepingmount Eiron mountonEironhis right
on his (which
andright and indicate
(which indicate
on the contrary
on the contrary
military military
settlementssettlements
of a of a
more temporary
more temporarynature). nature).
on his left
on ahis
low leftisland
a lowwhichislandformed
which formed
a channel: a channel:

“After passing
“After passing
it, the moored
it, the moored
in a harbour
in a harbour
with a goodwith a 9.good
On which9. see
On Bucciantini
which see Bucciantini
2015; Biffi2015;
2000;Biffi
Dognini2000;2000;
Dognini
Whitby
2000;
2016 Whitby
a. 2016 a.
10. Thus in10.autumn
Thus in 326,
autumn
according
326, to
according
Arrian, butto Arrian,
more probably
but moreinprobably
that of in that of
anchorage.
anchorage.
Since this Since
wasthislargewasandlarge
beautiful,
and beautiful,
Nearchus Nearchus
325. For chronological
325. For chronological
problems see problems
Biffi 2000,
see Biffi
184;2000,
Bucciantini
184; Bucciantini
2015, 36 ff.2015, 36 ff.
decide todecide
call ittoAlexander’s
call it Alexander’s
harbourharbour
14
. At the .mouth
14
At theofmouth of 11.
11. Strabo (XV, Strabo
2, 5),(XV,
unlike2, Arrian
5), unlike
(VIII,
Arrian
21, (VIII,
1), says21,that
1), Nearchus
says that left
Nearchus left
the harbour
the harbour
there is there
an island
is an about
islandtwo aboutstadia
twoaway, despite thedespite
stadia away, winds werethe winds
not yet were
favourable,
not yet favourable,
as he fearedasattacks
he feared
by the
attacks
sideby of the side of
the barbarians;
the barbarians;
it must however
it mustbehowever
a confusion,
be a confusion,
since thesesince
samethese
difficulties
same difficulties
which iswhich
calledis Bibacta,
called Bibacta,
while the while
areathe as area
a whole as a iswhole is are
are placed by Arrian
placed not
by Arrian
at the moment
not at theofmoment
the departure,
of the but
departure,
after the
butarrival
after the arrival
called Sangada
called Sangada
15
. It is 15
the
. Itisland
is theitself
islandthat,itself
situated
that, situated
in to Alexander’s
in to Alexander’s
harbour, whereharbour,
the fleet
where stopped
the fleetforstopped
24 daysfordue24todays
the strong
due to the strong
winds and the
windsplace
andwas
thefortified
place was byfortified
the fear byof attacks
the fearbyof the
attacks
indigenous.
by the indigenous.
See See
front offront
the ofsea,theformssea, the formsharbour.
the harbour.Strong Strong
and Leroy and2016,Leroy
240-241.
2016, 240-241.
continuous
continuous
winds winds blow there blow from there the fromsea,theand sea, 12.and
See Biffi
12.2000,
See Biffi
187. 2000, 187.
Nearchus,Nearchus,
fearing fearing
that some thatbarbarians
some barbarianscould gather 13.
couldtogather toStrabo,13.
basedStrabo,
on Nearchus
based on(FGrHist
NearchusF(FGrHist
24), callsFArbeis
24), calls
the population
Arbeis the population
and and
Arbys the Arbys
river separating
the river separating
it from theit Oritai;
from the he Oritai;
states moreover
he states that
moreover
the that the
sack thesack
camp,the hecamp,
orderedhe ordered
to fortify to thefortify
place thewith
placea with
regionaof the
region
Arabitai
of the
wasArabitai
situatedwasonsituated
the boundary
on thebetween
boundaryIndiabetween
and Ariana.
India and Ariana.
stone wall.
stone They
wall. remained
They remained there twentyfour
there twentyfour days; days;
14. Dognini14.2000,
Dognini
133,2000,
proposes
133,toproposes
identify to it identify
with the itportus
with the
Macedonum
portus Macedonum
quoted by quoted
Plin. NH by VI,
Plin.110,
NHsituated
VI, 110,close
situated
to theclose
Arabius
to theriver
Arabius
(ibi portus
river (ibi portus
Nearchus Nearchus
narratesnarrates
that thethat soldiers
the soldiers
fished mussels,
fished mussels,
Macedonum Macedonum
et arae Alexandri
et arae in
Alexandri
promunturio).
in promunturio).
oysters, oysters,
and the and so-called
the so-called
solenes,solenes,
of an extraordinary
of an extraordinary15. On this15.toponym
On thisand toponym
on otherandsimilar
on other toponyms
similar toponyms
(Sagara, Sagapa)
(Sagara,thatSagapa) that
size compared
size compared
to thosetoofthose our sea,
of ourandsea,moreover that take
and moreover us back
that take
16. For the16.
to us
Indus’
backwestern
identifications
to Indus’branch,
For the identifications
western
see Belfiore
seebranch,
Kervran
see2004,
Belfiore
see
1995,
181-182,
Kervran
276. 1995, 276.
2004,n.181-182,
251, andn.Belfiore
251, and Belfiore
they drank
theysea
drank
water”sea (VI,
water” 21,(VI,
10-12).
21, 10-12). 2013. 2013.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 50

2. Banbhore origin, the greatest of the rivers of the Erythrean Sea.

The river pours into the sea a lot of water, so that for a
The site of Banbhore, situated at Indus’ mouth, on Gharo large stretch and before approaching the earth you
Creek’s northern bank (which probably has to be encounter clear water offshore. A sign of the approach to
identified with the most western between the ancient the earth coming from high seas are the sea snakes
mouths of the river)17, 30 km from the current coastline, coming up from the bottom; thus like before and in the
in a middle position between Karachi and Thatta, a surroundings of Persia the signs are the so-called graai.
fortified citadel, surrounded by a wide area of ruins This river has seven mouths, narrow and marshy, and no
(including port facilities, urban and suburban one of them is navigable except from the central one,
neighborhoods, warehouses, workshops, artificial where is the coastal trade centre of Barbarikon. In front
barriers), attesting a very large settlement (about 65 there is a little island and in the inland behind it the
km2). The excavations in the site, who had already metropolis of Scythia, Minnagar; it is ruled by
attracted the attention of the scholars at the end of the Parthians, who are constantly in conflict between them.
nineteenth century, were started in a systematic way at The ships more safely at Barbarike and all the goods are
the end of the 50s by F.A. Khan, but were continued transported
during the last few years first thanks to the along the
Pakistan-Italian-French mission directed by A. Ibrahim, river to the
M. Kervran and V. Piacentini (2011-2013), later thanks capital, to the
to the Italian mission, that is still active, directed by V. king. In this
Piacentini18. commercial
centre simple
The excavations reports and the publications available clothes in
today19 enable us to highlight some very significant fair quantity,
aspects. First of all, the site presents a significant and a little of
residential continuity since I century B.C. until XII-XIII those of
century A.D. (from Parthian age to the Islamic one), imitation,
with subsequent reconstructions; despite the technical multicolored
impossibility to proceed with systematic excavations embroidered
more in deep, corings pointed out at least two meters of dresses,
stratigraphic level still to be explored. Moreover, the chrysolites,
finds returned by the site (quality artifacts in metal, coral, storax,
stone, glass, shells, bone, ivory, terracotta, ceramic, to incense,
which we have to add coins and coinages of Islamic age) glassware,
make us think to a lively centre of production and silver and
market. Kervran writes that “aucun site de cette gold plate,
importance n’est connu dans le delta de l’Indus” and not much
(Kervran 1996, 75). wine have
market. In
The extraordinary features of this site raised a lively exchange,
debate about its identification with the known c o s t u s ,
Figure 2. The Lower Indus Valley,
settlements. Its very long life, in particular, leads to bdellium, ca. 325 BC (from Eggermont 1975,
suspect that Banbhore could have something to do with lycium, nard, Map 1).
one of Alexander’s foundations, even it for the time turquoise,
being archaeology is not able to provide us confirmation lapis lazuli, Seric skins, cotton cloth, silk yarn, and
of what remains only a suggestive working hypothesis. indigo. The ones who navigate with the Indian winds
take the sea around the month of July, that is Epiphi;
3. Barbarikon navigation is dangerous, but with a quite favourable
wind and shorter”.
The literary tradition preserves the memory of a site
providing remarkable affinities with Banbhore. It is What are the features emerging from the Periplus?
Barbarikon, presented in this way in the Periplus of the Barbarikon is shown as a trade centre on the sea
Erythrean sea (§§ 38-39): (emporion parathalassion) which refers to the capital of
17. See infra, n. 38.
“Beyond this region, the continent makes a wide curve 18. More detailed information in Piacentini 2016, 125-128.
from the east across the depths of the bays. The low 19. Piacentini-Manassero 2015 (for the period 2011-2015); Piacentini 2016
(for the campaigns 2013-2015). Thanks to Prof Piacentini I had the
coastal regions of Scythia follow, extending towards the possibility to read also the still unpublished report Dr by S. Mantellini for the
north. From them the river Sinthos (= Indus) takes campaigns 2017-2018.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 51

the inland,
the inland,Minnagar Minnagar
(not to(not be to confused
be confusedwith difficulties
with difficultiesinvolved. involved.
Minnagara,
Minnagara,
to whichtohas whichbeenhas already
been already
made reference).
made reference).
Wilhelmy Wilhelmy
and Kervranand Kervran
assume assume
that Minnagar,
that Minnagar,
the “citythe “city 4. “Alexander’s
4. “Alexander’s harbour” harbour”
of the Min”
of the orMin”
“of theor Saka”,
“of themustSaka”, bemust
identified
be identified
with thewith the
ancient ancient
Pattala (Wilhelmy
Pattala (Wilhelmy
1968 b, 1968 258 ff.,
b, 258
265;ff.,
Kervran
265; Kervran At this Atpoint this we pointneed we toneed resume to resume
the problem the problemof of
1996, 75)1996,
20
. Minnagar
75)20. Minnagar
is subject is to
subject
Parthians’s
to Parthians’s
control in control“Alexander’s
in “Alexander’s harbour”harbour” referredreferred
to in Nearchus’
to in Nearchus’ Indike, Indike,
the age of
thethe agePeriplus:
of the Periplus:
we mustwe consider
must consider
that a Parthian
that a Parthianfoundedfoundedby this latterby this during
latterhis during
descenthis descent
towardstowards the sea. the sea.
level, forlevel,
the same
for the
age,sameis present
age, is present
at Banbhore.
at Banbhore. But on the
But western
on the western
or on theor eastern
on the eastern
branch of
branchIndus’sof Indus’s
mouth? mouth?In general, In general,
as we have as we already
have already
said, it issaid, thought
it is thought
that he camethat he downcamealong downthe along
easternthe one
eastern(Kervran
one (Kervran
1995, 1995,
In Barbarikon
In Barbarikon are exchanged
are exchanged goods of goods
any ofkind, any kind,
262-263), 262-263),
since Alexander,
since Alexander, during his during
exploration,
his exploration,
had had
valuablevaluable
too: andtoo: thisandtoo this
is antooimportant
is an important
contact contact
point found point great found difficulties
great difficulties
on the westernon the western
branch due branch to thedue to the
with Banbhore.
with Banbhore.The position
The position
indicated indicated
by the Periplus,
by the Periplus, winds and winds to theandtides,
to thewhile tides,alongwhilethe along
eastern the eastern
one he one he
however, however,
is different:
is different:
Barbarikon Barbarikon
was on was the oncentral
the central
had gone haddowngonemore down easily
moreand easily
he hadandalsohe had constructed
also constructed
mouth, mouth,
the onlythe navigable
only navigable
one, betweenone, between
seven Indus’
seven Indus’a harbour a harbour
(about (about which, which, however, however,
we don’t we heardon’t hear
mouths mouths
(as we (as have we seen,
have the seen,mouths
the mouths
were two were anymore:
two anymore: and we and could we alsocould wonder
also wonderwhy Nearchus, why Nearchus,
accordingaccording
to the tradition
to the tradition
going back goingtobackAlexander’s
to Alexander’s being aware beingthat awarealready
that already
existed the existed
harbourthe harbour
constructed constructed
age). age). by Alexander
by Alexander
on the eastern
on the branch,
eastern branch,
should have
should set have
up set up
another another
one giving one thegiving
king’s thename
king’stoname it). But to it).
we Buthavewe have
The name TheBarbarikon,
name Barbarikon,
which has whichnothing
has nothing
to do withto dothewith already
the already
said thatsaid Nearchus,
that Nearchus,at the end at the of theend summer
of the summer
barbarians 21
, can find
barbarians 21
, can
various
find various
explanations.
explanations.
It couldItbecould monsoon,
be monsoon, could have coulddecidedhave decidedto descend to descend
along the along the
referredreferred
to the Arabitai
to the Arabitai
22
; or, perhaps
22
; or, perhaps
more probably,
more probably,
it westernit western
branch, branch,
being aware
being ofaware
the fact
of the
that fact
there that
would
there would
could becould
the result
be theofresult
the hellenization
of the hellenization
of an indigenous
of an indigenous have been
have no beenmore no danger
more danger
(Kervran (Kervran
1995, 287
1995, ff.; 287 ff.;
KervranKervran1996, 50). 1996, 50).
name, like
name, the like
Dravidian
the Dravidian
BarbaraBarbaraor Varvara (Belfiore(Belfiore
or Varvara
2013). The
2013). tradition
The tradition
offers usoffers
someusvariants:
some variants:
Barbarike Barbarike
20. See Belfiore
20. See 2004,
Belfiore
180, 2004,
n. 229180,
and n.
Belfiore
229 and 2013.
Belfiore 2013.
in the Periplus
in the Periplus
of the Erythrean sea, § 39;
of the Erythrean § 39; Barbarei
sea,Barbarei in 21. As, in on 21.
the As,
contrary,
on thethinks
contrary,
Eggermont
thinks Eggermont
1975, 39. 1975, 39.
PtolomyPtolomy
(VII, 1,(VII,59 and 1, 59 VIII,
and26, VIII,
11);26,according to 22.
11); according Theophylact
to 22.
Cosroes I sent
Theophylact
Cosroes
Simocatta Simocatta
to theI emperor
(Hist. V, 13,
sent to the
Maurice
emperor
(Hist.
3) V,
a precious
writes
Maurice gift
13, that
3) writes
a precious
the Sasanid
accompanied
that theking
gift accompanied
Sasanid king
by a letter, by a letter,
someone, someone,
a varianta would
variantbe would
also thebe also
Barce thefounded
Barce founded
by which bywerewhich
sent “to
werethesent
so-called
“to theBarbarikon”
so-called Barbarikon”
(ἐς τὸ λεγόμενον
(ἐς τὸ λεγόμενον
ΒαρβαρικὸΒαρβαρικὸ
AlexanderAlexander
on Indus’ onmouth
Indus’according
mouth according
to Iust. XII,
to Iust.10,XII,
6 ν). 10,It was
6 probably
ν). It wasa probably
sanctuary,a where
sanctuary,
werewhere
put the
were
offerings
put theofofferings
the Arabs of of
the Arabs of
the desert, the
whodesert,
in VI century
who in VIA.D.century
were A.D.
calledwere
“Barbarians”
called “Barbarians”
(Schreiner (Schreiner
1985, 1985,
(ibi – sc.(ibi
ostium
– sc.fluminis
ostium fluminis
Indi - inIndimonumenta
- in monumenta
a se rerum a se rerum
316). 316).
gestarum gestarum
urbem Barcem
urbem Barcemcondiditcondidit
arasquearasque
statuit relicto
statuit relicto
23. Secondo 23.Wilhelmy
Secondo 1968Wilhelmy
b, 258,1968
referring
b, 258,toreferring
Cunningham,
to Cunningham,
Barce could Barce
be could be
23 Barbarikon; Barbarikon;
contra Kervran
contra1996,
Kervran
52. The
1996, 52. The
Periplus preserves
Periplus the
preserves
toponym the toponym
ex numeroex numero
amicorum amicorum
litoralibuslitoralibus
Indis praefecto) .
Indis praefecto)
23
.
Barakes (§Barakes
40): according
(§ 40): to
according
Eggermont to Eggermont
1975, 40-41, 1975,
Barbarikon
40-41, Barbarikon
has to be has to be
identified identified
with Barace/Babace,
with Barace/Babace,
from which fromBarbara/Barbarikon
which Barbara/Barbarikon
and and
The possibility
The possibility
to identify
to identify
Barbarikon
Barbarikon
with Banbhore
with Banbhore
is Bibacta/Bibaga.
is Bibacta/Bibaga.
taken into
takenconsideration
into consideration
by many by scholars, from 24.
many scholars, fromWhile24.saying
Whilecrearly
chronologiquement,
saying that
chronologiquement,
crearly
“Banbhore/Daybul
pourrait pourrait
that “Banbhore/Daybul
parfaitement
est un site
parfaitement
correspondre
est qui,
un site qui,
correspondre
à à
Wilhelmy Wilhelmy
to Kervran;to Kervran;
while the
while
firstthe
appears
first appears
certain certain
Barbarei/Barbarike”
Barbarei/Barbarike”
(Kervran 1996,
(Kervran
74; see
1996,
75).74; see 75).
about theabout
identification
the identification
(Wilhelmy
(Wilhelmy
1968 b,1968258, b,
266),
258, 25.
266),
See also
25.Wilhelmy
See also 1968
Wilhelmy
b, 2711968
ff., 279
b, 271
(271,
ff., n.
2794 for
(271,then.variants
4 for the
ofvariants
the of the
name). name).
the latterthe
prefers
latter to
prefers
be prudent
to be prudent
on this point
on this and
24
pointinsists
24
and insists
26. Also Schoff
26. Also
1912,
Schoff
165 thinks
1912, 165
of Bahardipur.
thinks of Bahardipur.
rather inrather
favourin of
favour
the identification
of the identification
with subsequent
with subsequent
harbourharbour
of Debal/Daybul,
of Debal/Daybul,
flourishing
flourishing
until X until
century
X century
and at the
andend
at the
substituted
end substituted
by Lahoriby Bandar
Lahori Bandar
(Kervran(Kervran
1996, 52-53) . Belfiore
1996,2552-53) 25
. Belfiore
prefers prefers
to identify
to identify
Barbarikon
Barbarikon
with Bahardipur,
with Bahardipur,
also duealsoto linguistic
due to linguistic
reasons reasons
(Belfiore(Belfiore
2004, 180,
2004, n.180,
228;n. Belfiore 2013)26.2013)
228; Belfiore Many26
. other
Many other
hypotheses
hypotheses
have been have advanced,
been advanced,
includingincluding
the one the
thatone that
Barbarikon
Barbarikon
is now buried
is nowinburied
the delta.
in the delta.

It is notIt is
certain,
not certain,
therefore,therefore,
that Banbhore
that Banbhore
can be can be
identified
identified
with Barbarikon,
with Barbarikon, despite despite
the affinities
the affinities
betweenbetween
the feature
the feature
of the archaeological
of the archaeological
site andsite
the and the
presentation
presentation
offered offered
in the Periplus.
in the Periplus.
But the But
temptation
the temptation
is strong,
is also
strong,
because
also because
the areathein question,
area in question,
despite despite
the the
great changes
great changes
of the of landscape,
the landscape,
is considered
is considered
by by
KervranKervran
to be still
tonow
be still
close
nowto close
the ancient
to the situation,
ancient situation,
due due
indeed indeed
to the tonumberthe number
of archaeological
of archaeological
findingsfindings
returnedreturned
by it, including
by it, including
the fortress
the fortress
of Rattoof KotRatto Kot
(Kervran(Kervran
1995, 2721995,ff.).272
A ff.).
temptation
A temptation
to which to for
which for Figure 3. The Indus Delta, ca. 325 BC (from
Eggermont 1975, Map 2).
KervranKervran
herself herself
is hard istohard resist,
to even
resist,noticing
even noticing
the the
Sindh Antiquities Journal
What possibilities are there to identify Alexander’s
harbour with Barbarikon and in case with Banbhore?
On this point too scholars are divided. Biagi, based on
Eggermont, proposes to identify Alexander’s harbour
with Barbarikon (Eggermont 1975, 38 ff.; Biagi 2017,
259 ff.). According to him Nearchus, after descending
along the eastern branch, crossed the delta; once arrived
to the central mouth, he found the good harbour later
called “Alexander’s”; this was the future Barbarikon,
with regard to which Biagi accepts the location on the
central mouth proposed by the Periplus and by Ptolemy.
This recostruction excludes the identification of
Barbarikon/Alexander’s harbour with Banbhore, which
is situated on the Gharo Creek, on the western branch of
the delta. For her part Kervran (Kervran 1996, 295 ff.),
though tempted, as we have seen, to accept the
identification of Barbarikon with Banbhore, excludes
the one with Alexander’s harbour, that she locates at
Tharro Hill. I just observe that, according to Arrian’s
Indike, Nearchus arrives to Alexander’s harbour not
through the delta, but through the territory of the
Arabitai, whose name, as we said, could be connected
with the toponym Barbarikon: this population was
settled west of the delta, like it is clearly revealed by
Arrian’s account, both in the Anabasis and in the Indike,
and by the one of Strabo. This consideration could be an
argument in favor of a possible identification of
Barbarikon (whose name seems connected with the
Arabitai)/ Alexander’s harbour (located in the territory
of the Arabitai) with Banbhore. It must also be observed
that after Nearchus’s departure from Alexander’s
harbour the landscape remains a lagoon, while west of
Karachi the cost is uniform; therefore the harbour was
probably east of Karachi, though not very far from it
(Dognini 2000, 133).
The triple identification Barbarikon-Daybul/
Alexander’s harbour/Banbhore is not so fanciful as it
could seem at a first glance. Wilhelmy (Wilhelmy 1968
b, 270) expressed himself with conviction in favour of
it. Such an identifiction could be confirmed by the fact
that Indus’ western branch in Alexander’s age could be
identified with Gharo Creek, on which indeed Banbhore
overlooks (Kervran 1995 , 272 ff.; 1996, 72). The
difficulty created by the location of Barbarikon, in the
Periplus and in Ptolemy, on Indus’ central mouth is
overcome by Wilhelmy with the hypothesis that such a
location could result from an error (Wilhelmy 1968 b,
266)27.
In short the question is very complex and it remains, at
present, open. But Barbarikon has certainly much in
common with Banbhore; and if Barbarikon is
Alexander’s harbour, as someone think, under the ruins
of Banbhore of Sassanid age (the oldest level of the
excavation) could exist something of chronologically
foregoing. Only the continuation of the research could
provide the elements to confirm the hypotheses put
forward on the ground of literary sources and
cartography. This is not valid for Banbhore only:
27. See also Kervran 1996, 74.
52
Periplus of the Erythrean sea (§ 41) ensure us, as a
matter of fact, that Alexander’s remains were very
numerous in Sindh.
Bibliography
Atkinson 2000 = G.E. Atkinson, Curzio Rufo, Storie di
Alessandro Magno, II, Milano 2000.
Belfiore 2004 = S. Belfiore, Il Periplo del mare Eritreo di
anonimo del I sec. d.C. e altri testi sul commercio tra Roma
e l’Oriente attraverso l’Oceano Indiano e la via della seta
(Memorie della Società geografica italiana, 73), Roma 2004.
Belfiore 2013 = S. Belfiore, “Periplus maris Erythraei
(2036)”, in Die Fragmente der Griechischen Historiker Part
V, General Editors: Hans-Joachim Gehrke, Felix Maier,
2013.
Biagi 2017 = P. Biagi, Uneasy Riders: With Alexander and
Nearchus from Pattala to Rhambakia, in C. Antonetti, P.
Biagi, With Alexander in India and Central Asia. Moving
East and Back to West, Oxford 2017, 255-278.
Biffi 2000 = N. Biffi, L’Indike di Arriano, Bari 2000.
Bucciantini 2015 = V. Bucciantini, Studio su Nearco di
Creta: dalla descrizione geografica alla narrazione storica,
Alessandria 2015.
Casson 1989 = L. Casson, The Periplus Maris Erythraei,
Princeton 1989.
Dognini 2000 = C. Dognini, L’Indiké di Arriano. Commento
storico, Alessandria 2000.
Eggermont = P.H.L. Eggermont, Alexander’s Campaigns in
Sind and Baluchistan and the Siege of the Brahmin Town of
Harmatelia, Leuven 1975.
Goukowski 1976 = P. Goukowski, Diodore de Sicile,
Bibliothèque. Livre XVII, Paris 1976.
Hauben 1976 = H. Hauben, The Expansion of Macedonian
Sea-Power under Alexander the Great, AncSoc 7, 1976,
79-105.
Kervran 1995 = M. Kervran, Le delta de l'Indus au temps
d'Alexandre. Quelques éléments nouveaux pour
l'interprétation des sources narratives, CRAI 139, 1995,
259-312.
Kervran 1996 = M. Kervran, Le port multiple des bouches de
l’Indus: Barbariké, Deb, Daybul, Lahori Bandar, Diul
Sinde, in R. Gyselen (ed.), Sites et monuments disparus
d’après les témoignages de voyageurs (Res Orientales, 8),
Louvain 1996, 45-92.
Kervran 1999 = M. Kervran, Multiple Ports at the Mouth of
the River Indus: Barbarike, Deb, Daybul, Lahori Bandar,
Diul Sinde, in H. P. Ray, Archaeology of Seafaring: the
Indian Ocean in the Ancient Period, Dehli 1999, 70-153.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 53

Leroy 2016
Leroy
= 2016
P.O. Leroy,
= P.O.Strabon, Géographie,
Leroy, Strabon, Géographie,
Livre XV. Livre XV.
L'Indie, L'Indie,
l'Ariane l'Ariane
et la Perse,
et laParis
Perse,
2016.
Paris 2016.
Piacentini
Piacentini
2016 = V. 2016
Piacentini,
= V. Piacentini,
in A.C. Felici,
in A.C.A.Felici,
Fusaro,A. A.
Fusaro, A.
Ibrahim,Ibrahim,
K. Lashari,
K. Lashari,
N. Manassero,
N. Manassero,
M. Piacentini,
M. Piacentini,
V. V.
Piacentinii, A. Tilia,A. Archaeological
Piacentinii, Tilia, Archaeological
Excavations
Excavations
at at
Banbhore,Banbhore,
Sindh. Sindh.
Preliminary
Preliminary
Report Report
of theof the
Pakistani-Italian
Pakistani-Italian
2014 and2014
2015and
Field
2015
Seasons,
Field Seasons,
ParthicaParthica
18, 18,
2016, 125-173.
2016, 125-173.

Piacentini
Piacentini
– Manassero
– Manassero
2015 = V.
2015
Piacentini,
= V. Piacentini,
N. Manassero,
N. Manassero,
Scavi della
Scavi
Missione
della Missione
dell’Università
dell’Università
CattolicaCattolica
di Milanodialla
Milano alla
foce dell’Indo:
foce dell’Indo:
archeologia
archeologia
e storia,e AAST
storia, 149,
AAST2015,
149, 2015,
155-179.155-179.

Prandi 2013
Prandi
= L.
2013
Prandi,
= L. Diodoro Diculo, Biblioteca.
Prandi, Diodoro Diculo, Biblioteca.
Libro Libro
XVII. Commento
XVII. Commento
storico, Milano
storico,2013.
Milano 2013.

Schoff 1912
Schoff
= W.H. = W.H.The
1912Schoff, Periplus
Schoff, The Periplus
of the Erythraean
of the Erythraean
Sea. Travel
Sea.and
Travel
Ttrade
andin
Ttrade
the Indian
in theOcean
Indianby
Ocean
a Merchant
by a Merchant
of the 1stofCentury,
the 1st Century,
London, London,
1912 (= 1912
New Dehli
(= New19742).
Dehli 19742).

SchreinerSchreiner
1985 = 1985
P. Schreiner,
= P. Schreiner,
Theophylaktos
Theophylaktos
Simokates,
Simokates,
Geschichte,
Geschichte,
StuttgartStuttgart
1985. 1985.

Whitby 2016
Whitby
a =
2016
M. aWhitby,
= M. Whitby,
“Nearchos “Nearchos
(133)”, in Brill’sin Brill’s
(133)”,
New Jacoby,
New General
Jacoby, General
Editor: I.Editor:
Worthington,
I. Worthington,
2016. 2016.

Whitby 2016
Whitby
b =2016
M. Whitby,
b = M. “Onesikritos
Whitby, “Onesikritos
(134)”, in
(134)”,
Brill’sin Brill’s
NewJacoby,
NewJacoby,
General General
Editor: I.Editor:
Worthington,
I. Worthington,
2016. 2016.

WilhelmyWilhelmy
1968 a =1968
H. Wilhelmy, Indusdelta
a = H. Wilhelmy, Indusdelta
und Rann
undofRann of
Kutch, Erdkunde
Kutch, Erdkunde
22, 2, 177–191.
22, 2, 177–191.

WilhelmyWilhelmy
1968 b 1968
= H. bWilhelmy, Verschollene
= H. Wilhelmy, Verschollene
Städte im
Städte im
Indusdelta,
Indusdelta,
Geographische
Geographische
Zeitschrift
Zeitschrift
56, 4, 1968,
56, 4,
256-294.
1968, 256-294.

ZambriniZambrini
2004 = F.2004
Sisit,
= A.
F. Sisit,
Zambrini,
A. Zambrini,
Arriano,Arriano, di
Anabasi Anabasi di
Alessandro,
Alessandro,
II, Milano
II,2004.
Milano 2004.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 54

Historical Note & Archaeology

Identification of Debal, and Banbhore on the bases of
Historical Texts, and the Study of Excavations of 1957-63

Dr. Kaleemullah Lashari

PhD; Post Doc Fellowship, UW (USA);(DAAD) Fellow,
Germany; S I (Pak)

He is an expert of cultural heritage and scholar of Applied Archaeology. He is a

Chairman, Technical Consultative Committee for Mohenjo Daro; Chairman,
Management Board for Antiquities; and the Member of the Advisory Committee for
Cultural Heritage, Government of Sindh. He has established the Department of
Antiquities in Government of Sindh to serve the cause of culture in Sindh. His extensive
work in the field of archaeology , conservation and preservations includes Mukhi House,
Hyderabad; Old Principal House, DJ College, Karachi; Edward House, Karachi; Varun
Dev Mandir, Manora; Rumi Graveyard, Karachi; Baloch Tombs, Karachi; Pir Lakho
Graveyard, Thatta; Free Masons’ Lodge, Karachi, Historical Remains at Gujo and
dozens of heritage buildings, and museums of various themes. Recently he has
established Central Record Office, in Government of Sindh. He has a vast experience of
research on the Islamic collections of Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Metropolitan Museum, New York; University Museum, Philadelphia
and Islamic Arts Museum, Berlin. His work on Epigraphy of Makli is highly valuable which published by Government of Sindh in 2018. His
further publication includes, “Biographic Elements in the Letters: translated into other languages as well, a collection is published under
the title “Unvehsautiasee (1983),” translated in Urdu and published as “UneessauTirrasse.” “Study of Stone Carved Graves”, “Chaukandi
aur Qabaili Qabreen.” “The Study of Mural Ceramics of Sukkur”.

Abstract:
The Port town of Debal looms very high in the historic narratives in early centuries
of Islam in South Asia. Its identification with the site of Banbhore, in lower Indus
delta is presently very strong and well rooted presumption. The site of Banbhore was
excavated by the Department of Archaeology, Pakistan from 1957 to 1963, the
excavators assigned the site the period of active occupation from first century BCE to
thirteenth century CE. It confirms to the historic account of the destruction of Debal
by frustrated Khwarzemshah, in the earlier part of the 13th C. The writer of this
paper re-studied the excavated pottery, compared it with the pottery from other
destinations connected through Indian Ocean maritime trade, the pottery which was
proudly traded. The study brought very interesting results, confirming to the research
carried out in the nearby deltaic ancient remains, and brought back the conclusion of
possibility of the Banbhore being abandoned in the early 12th C, and coming to
prominence another port, which later received the attention of the Khwarzemshah,
who after his failure to allure the local chiefs to raise a big army to fight the Mongols,
sacked the Port town, which in succession to Debal continued to be called Debal; as
all other subsequent ports continued to be called, and labelled on the maps until very
late, despite their original strong identification, as was the case of Lahori Bunder.

I acknowledge the support of Dr. Asma Ibrahim for her unfailing support in the
present research that is spread over to long time. Her role in the Exploration Branch
of the Department of Archaeology and Museum, Government of Pakistan was pivotal.
I acknowledge the support received from DAAD, Germany, and later from the
Fulbright Fund, as they assisted me to visit the relevant museum collections in the
major museums in Germany and USA. The fisher folks and friends whose support
was crucial in the field deserve due acknowledgement, some are being missed, as they
are no more with us today, especially Faqir Muhammed Ibrahim Kalmati.

Keywords: Debal, Banbhore, Glazed Pottery, Maritime links, trade,

Khwarzemshah
Sindh Antiquities Journal 55

Introduction
Introduction excavations
excavations is the pottery,
is the pottery, and theand the contemporaneous
contemporaneous
towns, towns,having having undergone undergone the archaeological
the archaeological
The interest
The interest
in the site
in of
theBanbhore
site of Banbhore
goes back goes
to back
several
to several investigations
investigations were Siraf,were Susa,Siraf, Suhur,
Susa, Suhur,
Samarra,Samarra,
decades,decades,
in the year
in the
1990,
yearan1990,
exploratory
an exploratory
project named Nishapur,
project named Nishapur, Rayy, Lashkari
Rayy, Lashkari Bazar, Mansuara,
Bazar, Mansuara, SehwanSehwan
etc. etc.
Debalofwas
In QuestInofQuest launched
Debal was launched
by SindhbyExploration & and&all these
Sindh Exploration and all these
sites sites revealed
revealed a range
a range of of the that
the pottery pottery
has that has
Adventure
Adventure
Society Society
(SEAS);(SEAS);
it was designed to haveto much
it was designed have inmuchcommon.in common.
The early TheIslamic
early Islamic period pottery
period pottery is is
physicalphysical
survey survey
of the western
of the western
extremities
extremities
of lowerof lowerrightly rightly
labeled labeled
as as
diagnostic, diagnostic,
asthe asthe
processes processes
of its of its
Indus Delta.
IndusDuring
Delta. During
the nextthe three
nextyears
threemany
yearsancient
many ancient production
production and its and its development
development throughthrough the centuries
the centuries
settlements
settlements
were spotted,
were spotted, where where the highthe tidehigh are wellare
tide well understood
understood by the scholars.
by the scholars.
reaches,reaches,
and wash and away
wash the away potshards
the potshards
twice every
twice every
day. day. The opportunity
The opportunity to studyto the study the pottery
pottery from this fromvastthis vast
regionvery
region came came very when
handy handythewhen the present
present writer hadwriter had
The known
The and
knownunknown
and unknown
sites were sitesexplored,
were explored, occasionoccasion
surface surface to carry to outcarry out the
the post post doctoral
doctoral studies atstudies
Islamic at Islamic
materialmaterial
and the and
physical
the physical
remainsremains
were studied,
were studied,
it led to it led Arts Museum,
ArtstoMuseum, Berlin. Berlin.
an assessment
an assessment
of the area,
of the
andarea,
the and
timeframe
the timeframe
relevantrelevant
to to
these. these. The wide The wideofrange
range glazed of pottery
glazed pottery
from thefrom the pre-Islamic
pre-Islamic
and earlyandIslamic
early Islamic
period has period
an has an intriguing
intriguing range and range and
variety, variety, it is captivating
it is captivating for any for any attentive
attentive onlookeronlooker
as as
well as scholars
well as scholars interested interested to see A
to see deeper. deeper. A good
good range ofrange of
literatureliterature
has alsohasbeen alsoproduced,
been produced, documenting
documenting the the
studieslast
studies during during
twolast
andtwo anddecades
a half a half decades specifically.
specifically.

Once
Once back back
from from Germany
Germany it was
it was felt felt important
important to have to have
the lookthe
at look at the pottery
the pottery excavated excavated from Banbhore.
from Banbhore. The The
site museum
site museum at Banbhore
at Banbhore has a has a representative
representative
collection,
collection, but it wasbut itconsidered
was considered
necessarynecessary
to haveto have
wider samplesize.
wider samplesize. Thus theThus the Department
Department of Archaeology
of Archaeology
was approached
was approached for accessfor to
access to theatstores
the stores at Banbhore,
Banbhore,
where
where the the excavated
excavated materialmaterial was kept.
was kept.

Illustration 1. The position of various ancient

sites in the lower Indus Delta

One of One
the newof the newsites
found foundJamsites Goth was
Jam Jaskaran’s
Jaskaran’s Goth was
especially
especially of immenseof immense
interest interest as its material
as its material led to led to
makefar-reaching
make some some far-reaching conclusions.
conclusions. But it was But not
it was not
possiblepossible to be about
to be certain certainmany
aboutthings
manyrelated
things torelated
the to the
site, was
site, which which was visibly
visibly part of part of the maritime
the maritime system, system,
spread
spread over over toOcean,
to Indian Indian possibly
Ocean, possibly
beyond beyond
(Ibrahim,(Ibrahim,
Asma & Asma & Lashari,
Lashari, Kaleem,Kaleem,
‘Recent‘Recent Archaeological
Archaeological
Illustration 2. The large scale excavation
Discoveries
Discoveries in Indusin Delta,’
Indus Delta,’
in Journalin Journal of Pakistan carried out at Banbhore 1957-1963, the excavation
of Pakistan
Archaeologists’
Archaeologists’ vol. 2 (I,vol.
Forum, Forum, II),21993,
(I, II),pp.1-44).
1993, pp.1-44). area is shown in color

The during
The region region during
the earlytheIslamic
early Islamic period
period had an hadIt was It wasluck
an good good
to luck
have to nothave
onlynottheonly the granted;
access access granted;
extensive
extensive networknetwork of thedependent
of the trade, trade, dependent on a loosely
on a loosely additionally
additionally the team the
of team of Exploration
Exploration Branch Branch
assisted assisted
the the
wovenoffabric
woven fabric of socio-economic
socio-economic relationship,
relationship, process.process.
constantly
constantly The condition
The condition there was therenotwassuchnotthat
suchthethat the
being by
being shaped shaped by the dynamics
the dynamics of political
of political aspirations
aspirations of pottery
of pottery could becould
seen.beWeseen.
came Weupon
came theupon the dump
virtual virtual dump
major with
major actors actorsin with in the region[Rashid
the region[Rashid ad-Din, ad-Din, of the bags,
of the pottery
Jami’ Jami’ potteryforming
bags, forming a heap resembling
a heap resembling a hill ofa hill of
].
at-twarikh,
at-twarikh, ]. the bags,
the pottery pottery bags,
these these
were in were
tattersinand
tatters
were and
so were
fusedso fused
togethertogether
that it that
was it not wasphysically
not physically
possiblepossible
to to
The mostThedurable
most durable
materialmaterial
availableavailable
from thefrom the surface
surface differentiate
differentiate the potshards
the potshards coming coming
out of oneout of
or one
the or the
and moreand precisely
more precisely unearthed
unearthed in the inscientific
the scientific other bag.
other bag.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 56

Its identity has posed difficulties for the historians and

also for the archaeologists, who had been keenly
following the historical narratives, and had tried their
hand at identifying the port named Debal on ground.
The earlier references to it are found in a historical
account named Fatehnama e Sind [Baloch, N A,
Illustration 3. Fatehnama e Sind], while referring to the extent of the
one of the heaps realm of Rai Sahasi described the southern most limits
of pottery bags as far as “the seacoast and Debal” (Daudpota, U M,
lying in the stores
at Banbhore, seen during the exercise in the year 2004 ‘Fatehnama e Sind,’ Dairat al Maarif, Hyderabad
Deccan, p.15).

It was a labor of five months that the systematic picking, It is quite interesting to note that the Indian Ocean
cleaning and separating the potshards supposedly Maritime trade, barring few exceptions, was a regular
belonging to one or the other bag, as many of the shards seafaring route that also linked the Arab-Persian World
were not numbered. Thus the bags were prepared anew, in early historic period to Indian sub-continent. Many
numbered and placed on the newly installed shelves, ports and inland trading towns were connected
having lists attached to each shelf. throughout, and the artifacts were exchanged with
frequency.
It was the summer of the year 2004, when this job was
completed, and the study began. The interest deepened Periplus of The Erythraean Sea[Periplus of The
and the need was felt to have access to more material Erythraean Sea, Wilfred H Schoff (ed.), pp.37, 39]a
from the other Islamic sites. At that moment the grant of Roman source described some of the maritime routes,
Fulbright Scholarship for Post Doc Fellowship in USA busy in moving items eagerly traded; one of the ports
brought a long awaited chance. It opened the way for resembling description of the present day Banbhore,
study reserve collections in the Metropolitan Museum, was present among the elaborate list.
New York; Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; University of
Pennsylvania Museum, Philadelphia etc. An easterly port of call Barygazais identified with
modern day Broach, in Gujarat, while another port
The study of the Banbhore Pottery was undertaken, the Barbaricon/Barbaricom is described, which is
information base by now made it very clear that the site supposedly situated near, where the present day
of Banbhore and the newly found site near Jam Banbhore, a famous ruined fortressin Thatta district
Jaskaran’s Goth have to be viewed much differently stands.
than what one conventionally think about the old ports’ The Arab geographers and chroniclers had mentioned
sites in the lower Indus Delta. the port of Debal frequently; the references are spread
over to the larger period, and are not really giving exact
The findings are presented in this paper, it shall geographic reference points. The area and region as
comprise of two parts, the part one shall make a discerned is the same locality that is the lower Indus
narrative of facts, and discuss these to reveal the new Delta and situation of the port is on the western most
understanding of the problem and the answer to the arm of Indus [Al Baladhuri, Futuh al Buldan, p.91; Al
question of the identity of two major sites, awaiting to Yaqubi, II, p.407; Al Suyuti, tarikh al Khulfa, cairo,
pp.246-7; Ibn Khurdazbeh, al masalim walmamalik, ;
be named.
Ibn Hauqal, Ashkal al Bilad; Mujam al Buldan, Lipzig,
III/357-8; Al Idrisi, ;Raverty, p.224; Al Samani, Ansabal
The Facts Sarb; Tabqat e Nasiri, Raverty (ed.) p.294; Jamiaul
Hikayat, London, p.1929; Haig, p. 46n, 64, 79;]
The port town of Debal was famously associated with
Sindh [Ibn e Khurdadhbih,‘Kitab al Some of the scholars have fondly described Banbhore as
MasalikwalMumalik’VI, Bibliotheca Geographorum the port of Debal, related to the Arab conquest (Aka
Arabicorum, ed. M. J. de. Goeje; Baladhri, Patel, ‘The Mosque in South Asia,’ in Piety and Politics
FutuhulBaldan; Al Masudi, Marvaj u Dahab; Abu in the Early Indian Mosque (ed.)Finbarr Barry Flood,
Ishaq, Kitab u Aqalim; Ibn e Hauqal, Ashkalalbilad Oxford, 2008, p.8, & Plate 17). The main force behind
etc.]; so much so that some of the Arabic sources even such assertion was Dr. F. A.Khan, of the Department of
called it Deval e Sind. Despite it ‘the history of this Pakistan, when the results of the excavations were
otherwise famous and historical port is most obscure’ discussed (‘Excavations of Banbhore 1957-63,’ in
(Baloch, N A, 1996, p. 55). Pakistan Archaeology No 1, 1964).
Sindh Antiquities Journal 57

The excavations
The excavations of the of Department
the Department of Archaeology,
of Archaeology, Debal isDebalquite isconvenient,
quite convenient,for many fortomanyfollow, to when
follow,Dr. when Dr.
spread over
spread to over
eighttoyears eightproduced
years produced
a very briefa veryand briefF and
A Khan F Adeclares
Khan declares
that the thatsite the
of Banbhore
site of Banbhore came tocame an to an
crisp report,
crispwhich
report,does which notdoesspecifically
not specifically
cite reasonscite reasons
for end forin the
endearlier
in thepartearlier
of 13th
part century.
of 13th century.
the Banbhore
the Banbhore
to be Debal to bebut Debalhelpedbut carry
helpedthat carry
feeling
that feeling
(Khan, F.(Khan,
A., Banbhore,
F. A., Banbhore,Karachi,Karachi,1969). 1969). It looks Itvery
looksstraight
very straight
forwardforwardand quite and logical,
quite logical,
if Debalif Debal
was destroyed
was destroyed
in earlyin13th earlycentury,
13th century, and theand site the
of site of
Such impression
Such impression has beenhas further
been deepened
further deepened
when every when everyBanbhore Banbhore
came tocame extinction
to extinction
at the same at the time
same then time
there
then there
other paper,
other paper, not necessarily
not necessarily based based on concrete on concrete is no difficulty
is no difficulty
in presuming in presuming
that boththat arebothin factareone in fact
and one and
investigations,
investigations,
conveniently convenientlyfelt likefelt towing
like towing
the linethethe line
samethesite.
same site.
taken bytaken
late by Dr. late
F. A.Dr.Khan. F. A.Despite
Khan. Despite
the fact the thatfactthe that the
early reports
early of reports
Archaeological
of Archaeological Survey Survey
of Indiaofdid India
not did It not
was aItsufficient
was a sufficient
reason for reason
anyonefor anyone
to just go to back
just go andback and
readily subscribe
readily subscribe
to the idea to the
[Cousens,
idea [Cousens,
Henry. 1929,Henry.The 1929,relax,
The a relax,
historical
a historical
riddle solved.
riddle solved.
Antiquities
Antiquities
Of Sind,Of Oxford,
Sind, Oxford,
p.80] p.80]
But it was Butdifficult
it was difficult
to buy this to buy
idea, thiswhen idea,the when
material,
the material,
There areTherenumerous
are numerousreferences references
to the portto theof port
SindhofasSindh as specifically
specifically the pottery the pottery
that could thatbecould seenbein seen the site
in the site
Deval eDeval Sind,e constantly
Sind, constantly appearing appearing
in the in sources
the sourcesmuseummuseum of Banbhore of Banbhore
was examined;
was examined; it pointed it pointed
out to out to
oriental oriental
as well asas well occidental,
as occidental,
as late as late seventeenth
as seventeenth some anomalies.
some anomalies.
century.century.
The importantThe important European European
maps too mapshave too have
identified
identified
the lower thedeltaic
lower port deltaic as port as Deval/Debal.
Deval/Debal. Even Let Evenit be Letexplained
it be explainedthat thethat pottery
the pottery
that is that proudly is proudly
the Ain the
e Akbari
Ain e is Akbari
describing
is describing
the portthe of Debal
port ofstill
Debal in still in displayed
displayed in the museum
in the museum comprises comprises
the mostthewidely most widely
existence,
existence,
much later much than lateritsthan earlyits 13th
early century
13th century circulated circulated
glazed glazed pottery, pottery,
during during the early the Islamic
early Islamic
destruction,
destruction, appearing appearing in authenticin authentic historical historical
period, period,
comprising comprising
of a wide of variety.
a wide variety.
The pottery The pottery
is of is of
accounts[Masumi,
accounts[Masumi, p.6; Ainp.6; e Akbari,
Ain e Akbari,p.556; p.556; Qan’i, Qan’i,much interest
much interest
for the for students
the students
of archaeology of archaeology and and
Tuhfatu Tuhfatu
KiramIII, p.245, 247,
KiramIII, p.245, 252, 247,
253-4;]
252, 253-4;] history.Excavated
history.Excavatedin all the in early
all theIslamic
early Islamic
period sites period sites
throughout throughout
the region the (Indian
region (Indian
Ocean linked/associated
Ocean linked/associated
This matter
Thisismatter
shrouded is shrouded
in the mist in the
of history,
mist of history,
but at least but atsites).
least sites).
it provesit one
provesthing onethat thingsome thatofsometheseofreferences
these references
to the to the
sind are
Deval eDeval not are
e sind necessarily
not necessarily
to the town to theoftown Debalof DebalThis pottery
This comprises
pottery comprisesof the blue of the
glazedblueheavyglazedjars, heavythejars, the
that was thattakenwas over takenbyover the by ArabtheInvaders
Arab Invaders in 8th inlusterware,
8th lusterware,
the opaque the ware,
opaquethe ware,
sgraffiato,
the sgraffiato,
the moulded the moulded
century;Debal
century;Debal
remained remained
chief port chief
of Sindh
port ofduring
Sindh the during and thestamped
and stamped
pottery, pottery,
and theand famousthe famousblack onblack whiteon white
next fewnextcenturies,
few centuries,
and accordingand according
to the historic
to the historic
sources sources underglazedunderglazed
pottery. pottery.
was destroyed
was destroyed by Jalaluddin by Jalaluddin Khwarzem Khwarzem Shah, Shah,
subsequent
subsequent
to his arrivalto his arrival
in Sindhinsometimes
Sindh sometimes around around The introduction
The introduction
of the Lusterware
of the Lusterware in Persian in Persian
Gulf andGulf and
1223 (Boyle,
1223 (Boyle,John Andrew, John Andrew, ‘Jalal al‘JalalDin al Khwarzem
Din Khwarzem applicationapplication
of luster of tiles
lusterin tilesNorth in Africa
North Africa
have anhave an
Shah inShahIndusinValley,’
Indus Valley,’
Sindh Through Sindh Through
Centuries (ed.) established
Centuries (ed.) establishedprovenance. provenance.
It has been It hasassociated
been associated with with
Hameeda Hameeda
Khuhro,Khuhro, KarachiKarachi 1981, p.125).1981, p.125). SamarraSamarra
ensemble ensemble
along with alongthewith
earlythe opaque
early opaque
ware[Byware[By
Friedrich Friedrich
Sarre, 1925,Sarre, Die 1925,Keramik
Die Keramik von Samarra, von Samarra,
If DebalIfwas Debal destroyed
was destroyed in earlier in part
earlier
of 13th
part of century,
13th century,Berlin]. Berlin].
then anythenreference
any reference
to it in to subsequent
it in subsequent
centuriescenturies
is not is not
called for.
called for. This and Thisother
andsuch otherglazedsuch wares,
glazed having wares, having a distinct a distinct
glaze, and glaze,
some andofsome theseofhavingthese inscriptions
having inscriptions on these, on these,
The emergence
The emergence of another of another
port famous port famous
in SindhinisSindh again is again
have been havetermed
been by termed
this writer
by thisaswriter
luxury aspottery. Most Most
luxury pottery.
testifiedtestified
in the in historical
the historicalaccounts, accounts,
which which became became probablyprobably
these were theseneither
were neither
used in used kitchen in kitchen
nor were nor were
famous famous
as Lahori/LahriBunder.
as Lahori/LahriBunder. The texts Theexplain
texts explain
that used thaton used
table/board.
on table/board.
new portnew wasport established
was established in the lower in thedelta
lower of delta
SindhofinSindh in
14th century,
14th century,
but Al Biruni but Al has Biruni already
has already
mentioned mentioned
it in The it inso-called
The so-called
luxury pottery
luxury was pottery
a precious
was a precious
item, as item,can as can
11th Century
11th Century
CE. CE. be ascertained
be ascertained
from sofrom many so ofmany the of shardsthe having
shards having
postproduction
postproduction
holes inholes these.in Thethese. presence
The presenceof theseof these
The European
The European references references
to Devalto eDeval Sind in e Sind
fifteenthin fifteenth
carefullycarefully
drilled holes
drilledaroundholes thearoundbroken the edges,
brokenclearly edges, clearly
and sixteenth
and sixteenth
century century
are mostareprobably most probably
to this Lahri
to this Lahri
indicateindicate
at the efforts
at theundertaken
efforts undertaken
to repairtopottery, repair pottery,
when when
Bunder Bunder
and notand to thenot Debal,
to the Debal,as it was as specifically
it was specifically those got those
broken.
got broken.
It may be It may
takenbeastaken the preciousness,
as the preciousness,
mentionedmentioned
in the historical
in the historical accountsaccounts
that Jalaluddin
that Jalaluddin and mayand alsomaypointalsooutpoint
to the outscarcity
to the scarcity
of such of pottery,
such pottery,
at at
Khwarzem Khwarzem
Shah destroyedShah destroyed it. ‘Subsequent
it. ‘Subsequent
references references
any given anyperiod.Its
given period.Its
importance importance
for the owner for theisowner clearly is clearly
are either
arereferring
either referring
to the information
to the information
earlier available
earlier available
or demonstrated,
or demonstrated,and alsoand it testifies
also it testifies
to the fact to thethatfactthese
that these
pertain pertain
to the name to the Debal,name Debal, which was which subsequently
was subsequently repairs couldn’t
repairs couldn’t
make these makeuseable
these useable
for drinking/eating
for drinking/eating
transferred
transferred
to new to ports
newofports the Indus
of theDelta’
Indus [Baloch,
Delta’ [Baloch, or cooking.or cooking.
Thus any Thus
other any useother
could usebecould considered
be considered
for for
p.76n(26)].
p.76n(26)]. such items.suchThe items.factThethatfactit has
thatbeen
it has repaired
been repaired
with thewith the
thread / thread
wire passed
/ wire through
passed through
the holesthe/ apertures
holes / aperturesmade made
The identification
The identificationof Banbhore of Banbhore
with thewithold port
the oldtown port town in post-production
in post-production period, is period,
a clear is indication
a clear indication that it that it
Sindh Antiquities Journal 58

Coming from was precious for the holder.

From early
Type of Pottery Banbhore Period
Islamic context
Excavation assigned
(other sites) All sorts of glazed pottery continued to be made and
1957 - 63
traded in the region, through out the later Islamic
period(12th, 13th, 14th and 15th centuries) also.

The 14th and 15th century ceramics are found

frequently from site presently known as Juna Shah
Bunder, the supposed site of Lahri Bunder.

The pottery from 12th century and the 13th century is

missing from Banbhore. This ominous absence is very
hard to explain, if we are to believe Dr. Khan, according
to him the site existed up to the earlier quarter of 13th
century CE(1223-6, the years assigned to
JalaluddinKhwarzemshah’s frustration at failing to raise
an army from the Debal and its environ).

From early Coming from

Banbhore Period
Type of Pottery Islamic context
Excavation assigned
(other sites)
1957 - 63

Another issue is that the Banbhore didn’t have the

remains of the Jamia Mosqure, which Jalaluddin
Khwarzem Shah built at Debal.

Illustration 4.
The remains of the
Large congrega-
tion mosque,
possibly the one
contributed by
Khwarzem Shah
Sindh Antiquities Journal 59

How to explain this clear assertion, when the Jamia
Mosque at Banbhore is much older mosque, and having
its multiple inscriptions, clearly demonstrates its being
older and had undergone various repairs, caused by
earlier sponsors. It is especially interesting to note that
the 12th 13th centuries follow the tradition of
remarkable range of commemorative mural epigraphy,
employing graceful and decorative calligraphy.
Khwarzem shah’s association with the Ghazna, Ghaur
and his Central Asian holdings, posses a rich tradition,
where an enormous range of inscriptions are found
from the period in question.
term it as their failure to find anything of Khwarzem
shah, who undertook some great works at Debal. There
has to be some other explanation to it.
The riddle is not very hard to explain, Jalaluddin didn’t
come to Banbhore; the Debal, which was dealt by
Jalaluddin was somewhere else. The Debal where he
built his mosque is to be found. And when any mosque
is found in the context of lower Indus Delta, it must be a
structure confirming to the architectural practices of that
period; it can not possibly be the one which is
extensively excavated and yet doesn’t show any sign of
the presence of a mosque that could cater for the
congregation of one thousand prayer goers.

With in the Delta, in the southwest of Banbhore there are

remains of an old stone structures, it was earlier reported
by Carter, and also in detail by Henry Cousens, as
Thumanwari, or ThumbanWari Masjid; on closer
observation one can find a small square room, with
visible marks of four columns, on which the roof stood.
Out of these, two carved shafts were available, and the
remains of other columns were missing. The carving of
these shafts was so rich and balanced that both the
writers were so got carried with the aesthetic balance of
these that they declared these to be brought from an old
temple, and utilized there.

They couldn’t notice other parts of the building, which

Illustration 5. The large terracotta tablet, part of a larger frieze
decorating the interior as well exterior of monumental buildings,
from late 11th to late 13th centuries, coming from the large
mosque near Jam Jaskaran’s Goth
were so balanced, and beautifully worked. In any case at
the distance of more than one kilometer there are more
remains, which were never before noticed, reason being
that the area gets submerged under the tidal waves at the
high tide, daily.

With such a proud gift presented to the area, of a large These submerged remains on closer scrutiny reveal
congregation Mosque, Jalaluddin was clearly aiming at extended structures; out of these one good-sized fortress
striking awe in the hearts of inhabitants of the region; he and one large mosque couldn’t be missed.
couldn’t have failed to cause any such inscription to
demonstrate his cultural enrichment, his capability and The whole site is littered with brick butts, potsherds,
resourcefulness. stone pieces and the surface indicate presence of many
graves built over by using cut bricks.
Illustration 6.
The fortress has The most significant find from the remains of the large
semi-circular as mosque was a large cut brick, having the knotted Kufic
well as the pear letters of monumental size, interspersed with the
shaped bastions,
it seems to have
decorated vines moving through the writing. Beneath
been rehabilita- the script it has a band with decorative freeze,
ted more than possessing specific stylistic nature.
once; probably
is older than the
This large terracotta slab is certainly part of an
large Mosque,
inscription that was cut, carved and prepared over so
Jam Jaskaran’s
Goth many of such sized slabs, and must have decorated
façade, or interior of a large room or hall, in the same
manner as are found on many of the 12th and 13th
Excavators’ carefulness is demonstrated at finding even century buildings, in the areas where the Ghourid and
small-scale inscriptions from the site, thus we cannot later Khwarzemshah operated. The very pertinent
Sindh Antiquities Journal 60

examples can be the Victory Tower at FirozKoh, the
Qutub, and the Iltutmash’s tomb, to name a few.
The Kufic has an ascertainable march in its stylistic
evolution, and it is also a fact that its employment as an
architectural decoration has remained universal
practice. The decorative calligraphy has shown a
smooth march, along the highway of time, and the
scholars have gainfully assigned nearly accurate
timeline to its various stylistic characters.
The Persia, Seljuk centers, the African and the Spanish
architectural decorative members are amply
demonstrating this interesting evolution of the Kufic
script.
The dating of the style of the knotted Kufic has a
definite belonging to the late 12th early 13th century
context, which has been popularly used in the front of
the buildings, and also in the interior musalla/suffa halls,
or in the funeral chambers. The sanctity of holy script is
well suited to public as well as religious buildings. The
knotted Kufic decorative inscription coming out of the
context of the large mosque is a point to reckon, whose
mosque it is?
interesting and complex nature.
The fortress is not just a storage is more for the reasons
of the customs rather than to cater for the defenses, as
the geo-political situation in the 12th century might have
demanded.
The typical condition of the lower Indus Delta has been
long recognized, like many of such regions where the
shift in the course of the rivers have augmented the
desertion of famous and large cities.Seaports had to be
located at the mouths of rivers or river channels. Here
the ships could take refuge and find protection against
the tide and bad weather, often at some distance from the
open sea [Andre Wink, 2004, Ai-Hind, Making of the
indo-Islamic World, p.9].
There were more than one ports in the Delta of Indus,
and these were mentioned in not very clear terms by the
chroniclers of that time and of subsequent period. We
have few such mentioned in the maps attached by the
geographers [see map of IbnHawqal].

The Khwarzem Shah’s mosque was definitely built in

the earlier part of 13th century at Debal, as testified by
the historical references. This find is remarkably a
closest shot at the identity of the site.

Preliminary Discussion
Banbhore because of its rich material remains has so
often been called / labeled as Debal. But none of the
material finds from it has definitely given its identity as
Sindh’s Debal. However it is given this status due to the
fact that there is no other site of its magnitude to qualify
to be labeled as Debal.

The excavations at Banbhore have clearly pointed out to

the cessation of site not later than the earlier part of12th
century. Absence of evidence of widescale destruction at
the site may be pointing to the slow, deliberate shift of
the population,be it silting or any other such reason. No
decorated, glazed luxury pottery of 12th century is
found from the context. It is therefore safe to say that the
port of Sindh was shifted further south to any other
viable site, which might have been developed to cater
for the needs of maritime trade based economy.
Illustration 7. The famous map by ibn Hawqal
The new site near Thunbhanwari has remains of reproduced by Ravelrty in Mehran of Sindh .
multiple structures, comprising of modest sized fortress,
a large sized mosque, small mosque very clearly coming There is no doubt that Lahri (or Loharani) Bunder
from the post destruction period, kiln and ruins of other co-existed with Debal, as mentioned by Albiruni,
auxiliary buildings and a large number of the later writing in 11th century CE [p.101, 102, 124]. The
period baked brick built graves show an ensemble of distance between the Debal and the Lahri, according to
Sindh Antiquities Journal 61

AlbiruniAlbiruni
was 12 was 12 farsakh;
farsakh; we don’tweknow don’tatknowthe timeat theof time of Banbhore
Banbhore was abandoned;
was abandoned;and metand its end
met at itsthe
endhands
at the hands
AlbiruniAlbiruni
how many howEnglish
many English
miles were miles to were
a farsakh,
to a farsakh,
but ofbut Khwarzem
of Khwarzem
Shah. The Shah.timeframe
The timeframe
is confirmed
is confirmed
by the by the
it is established
it is established
that in thethatlate
in theeighteenth
late eighteenth
century century
the part theof inscription
part of inscription
that wasthat foundwasfrom
found thefrom
site,the
whichsite, which
conversion
conversion
was 3 miles
was 3[the miles [the farsakh
farsakh comes from comesanfrom cananbe from
can bethefrom
late the
11thlate
to 13th
11th century
to 13th century
CE. CE.
ancient ancient
Persian Persian
unit, theunit,parasang,
the parasang,in principle
in principle
the the
distancedistance
a horse would
a horsewalk
would in walk
an hour,in an about
hour,3 about
miles 3= miles There= isThere
no doubt
is nothatdoubt
the that
typical
the Ghurid
typical mosques
Ghurid mosques built built
12,000 cubits.
12,000 In cubits.
mid 19th
In midcentury,
19th century,
the Persian the Persian
farsakhfarsakh in Indiainconfirmed
India confirmedto the typical
to the typical
plan, and plan,hadand thehad the
was approximately
was approximately6.23 kilometers;
6.23 kilometers;the ArabthefarsakhArab farsakh decorative
decorative
theme, which
theme,employed
which employedthe calligraphy
the calligraphy
and and
was shorter,
was shorter,
approximately
approximately
5.76 kilometers,
5.76 kilometers,
Mar 14, 2018 the].traditional
]. 14, 2018
Mar the traditional
Arabsque, Arabsque,
associated associated
with it. with
Thereit.wasThere was
The geographers
The geographers
were notwere verynot clearveryabout
clearthe
about
specific strong practice,
the specific strong practice,
as discussedas discussed
in detailinindetail
workin compiled
work compiled
locationlocation
of the towns
of the intowns
SouthinAsia,SouthduringAsia, the
during earlythe by Floodby(Flood,
early Flood (Flood,
2008, xlvii-lv,
2008, xlvii-lv,
Piety & Piety
Politics), of the of the
& Politics),
period, and
period,
the and
on ground
the on realities
ground realities
were notwere withnotin with
the in work
the commissioned
work commissioned in the inname the of name Sultan of Sultan
was was
narratives;
narratives;
if the distances
if the distances
given bygiven the Khurdazbe,
by the Khurdazbe, or undertaken
or undertaken
activelyactively
by any of bytheanyAmirs,
of the or
Amirs,
generals,
or generals,
or or
Ibn e Hauqal
Ibn e Hauqal
betweenbetween
the identified
the identified
and unidentified
and unidentified any other
anyTurk
otherelite,
Turk and elite,
the and
design
the emanating
design emanating
from thefrom the
places are
places
considered
are considered
then one thencanone startcanlooking for Turkic
start looking for regions,
Turkic regions,
thus showingthus showing
an affinityan affinity
in design. in design.
Debal, the
Debal,
porttheattacked
port attacked
by Bin Qasim,
by Bin Qasim,more nearermoretonearer to
Sonmianee,
Sonmianee,
rather rather
than Banbhore
than Banbhore [Usman,[Usman, Brig. The Brig. Debal
The of DebalKhwarzem
of Khwarzem Shah’s Shah’s
times cannottimes cannot
be be
Muhammad Muhammadserved served
in the provincial
in the provincial government in Banbhore,
government in Banbhore,
as it has as itno has suchnomaterial,
such material,
which can which can
Baluchistan
Baluchistan
during during
eighties,eighties,
in various in various
positions, he establish
positions, he establish
this factthis
thatfact
the that
site the
remained
site remained
active up active
to theup to the
authoredauthored
several several
books on booksthe on physical
the physical of period
heritageheritage of when
periodhewhen
visitedhe Debal,
visited in Debal,
the earlier
in thepart
earlier
of 13th
part of 13th
Baluchistan,
Baluchistan,
Baluchistan:
Baluchistan:
A Reportage, was famous
A Reportage, was famous century,century,
when hewhen was defeated
he was defeated
by Genghizby Genghiz
Khan; on Khan;
the on the
among these,
amongcomparing
these, comparing
the distances
the distances
given bygiven the oldby the other
old hand
other
there
handis athere
possibility
is a possibility
that the that
site, the
whichsite,today
which today
chroniclershe
chroniclershe
believedbelieved
that there thatis there
more islikelihood of is identified
more likelihood of is identified
as the one as the
nearoneJam nearJaskiran’s Goth was
Jam Jaskiran’s Goth was
SonmianeeSonmianee
to be thetoDebal
be thethan
Debal anythan
other anysite
other
in Sindh]. the one the
site in Sindh]. thatone
wasthatvisited
was by visited
Khwarzem
by Khwarzem
Shah. Shah.

MajorityMajority
of the prominent
of the prominent structures structures
in Banbhore are The
in Banbhore arecountry
The country
blessed blessed
with a seacoast
with a seacoast
is always is looking
always looking
from the fromUmmayyed
the Ummayyed Period, Period,
for instance
for instance
the robust for the for
the robust places,
the places,
which can which offer
cansafe offerlanding
safe landing
to the to the
fortification,
fortification,
the large thecongregation
large congregationMosque,Mosque, the so the seafaring
so seafaring
vessels. vessels.
If the hinterland
If the hinterlandhas the has potential
the potential
called Darul
calledAmara,
Darul Amara,
etc. So itetc. might
So ithave
might been
haveanybeen
other any market
other market
for the for goods the produced
goods produced abroad, abroad,
the maritime
the maritime
port prior
portto prior
the Arabto theperiod
Arabworks.
period works. trade always
trade finds
always such
findsmarkets,
such markets,
for which foranywhichnearest
any nearest
safe estuary
safe estuary
can be utilized
can be utilized
as port. as port.
Once Banbhore
Once Banbhore
port wasport abandoned
was abandoned
in late eleventh
in late eleventh
or or
12th century,
12th century,
probablyprobably
due to silting
due toofsilting
the channel, the The
of the channel, thedeltas
Theformed
deltas formed
by the rivers
by theand rivers
the and
major thecreeks
majorincreeks in
businessbusiness
shifted to shifted
othertoports,otherandports,
oneand of these
one ofmight the floodplains
these might the floodplains
can serve cantheserve
purpose
the purpose
of communication
of communication
have become
have become
the major theport,
major thus
port,
to thus
be labeled
to be labeled
as the as andthecommerce.
and commerce. The lower TheIndus
lowerDelta Induscould
Deltabecould
an ideal
be an ideal
‘port of‘port
Sindh.’As
of Sindh.’As
the Diul, theorDiul,
Deval or orDeval
Debal Debalregion,
or had had which
region,was whichsupposed
was supposed
to cater to forcater
the needs
for theofneeds
the of the
became became
very famousvery famous
name, there name,was there
everywaslikelihood
every likelihood vast hinterlands
vast hinterlandsand a huge and market
a huge abroad.
market abroad.
On the one On the one
that the that
wordthehad wordbecome
had become
synonymous synonymous
with thewith ‘portthe hand/ it hand
/ ‘port is accessible
it is accessible
by sea, by andsea,on and
the on otherthehand
other hand
Diul e Diul
Sindh.’There
e Sindh.’Thereis a possibility
is a possibility
it shifted more connected
it shifted more connectedby the river by thewith
riverthewithupcountry.
the upcountry.
The importsThe imports
towardstowards
southwest southwest
of it, andoftoit,theandwest
to theof west
to theofsiteto the to of
of site the toregion
the region
were brought,
were brought,and in and turn intheturn localthe local
LahriBunder,
LahriBunder,
but the but identity
the identity
in the eyesin the of eyes
the World
of the Worldproductions
productions
were towere be taken
to be out takenmostly
out mostly
by Arabby Arab
remained remained
as the Portas theof Port
Sindh, of rather
Sindh,thanratherits than
localized mariners,
its localized mariners,
being the beingbesttheamongbest among
the seafaring
the seafaring
people people
name. name. during the
during
earlythe Islamic
early Islamic
period. Laterperiod. this
Later
rolethis
wasrole
takenwas taken
over by over
the European
by the Europeannations.nations.
This new Thisportnewcould port be couldconsidered
be considered
the onethe whichone which
Khwarzem Khwarzem
Shah visited,
Shah visited,
and inhabitated
and inhabitated
for sometimes,
for sometimes,The traders
The were
traders thewere
firstthe
peoplefirst to
people
open to any open
route,
anyand route, and
and laterand onlater
devastated,
on devastated,
when hewhen failedhetofailed
muster musterfrequent
to the the frequent
it; their dealings
it; their dealings
with anywith region
anywere
region based
wereonbased on
requiredrequired
local support.
local support. the marketing
the marketingtraditions.traditions.
It was seldomIt was seldom
that thethat kings the kings
and princes
and princes
were brought were brought
in to theinmercantile
to the mercantile
matters.matters.
What could
Whatbecould
the possibility
be the possibility
of this site
of this
to besite
identified
to be identified
as the site
as thevisited
site visited
by Khwarzem by Khwarzem Shah, isShah, the major
is the majorHow they How identified
they identified
the country, the country,
and what andnames
what they
names they
question.question.
The factThe thatfact
the that
site has
the site
the remains
has the remains
of a huge of a gave
huge to gave
the landmarks,
to the landmarks,
towns and towns
ports and
was ports
not was
through
not through
Mosque,Mosque,
with its with
extra-ordinary
its extra-ordinary
dimensions dimensions
resembles a formala or
resembles formal
authenticated
or authenticated
system, system,
it explainsit explains
the sort theof sort of
the narrative
the narrative
that thethat Khwarzem
the Khwarzem Shah built Jama a confusion
Shaha built Jama confusionthat exists, that with
exists,respects
with respects
to the namesto the of names of
Mosque,Mosque,
which couldwhichhold could onehold
thousand
one thousand The many
persons.persons. The ofmanythe towns,
of the andtowns,the andgeographical
the geographical
regions.regions.
The The
second thing
secondthat thing
confirms
that confirms
it to be itantoimportant
be an important
port is port matter
is in
matter
respect in respect
with thewith timeframe,
the timeframe,
which iswhich underis under
the remains
the remains
of otherofstructures
other structures
there. The there.settlement
The settlement focus, the
focus,
absence the absence
of any contemporary
of any contemporary local account
local account
is is
seemed seemed
to have to existed
have forexisted
a veryforshort
a very period
shortconfirms
period confirms the majorthecontributor
major contributorto this situation.
to this situation.
the supposition
the supposition
that thatthat it might
that ithave
might beenhavethebeen
alternate
the alternate
port, which
port, catered
which cateredto the to needs
the of needsregion, once Thus
of region, once theThuscontinuations
the continuations of the ofname the Debal,
name Debal, the the
Sindh Antiquities Journal 62

Arabicized form of Diul, about the port of Sindh, in the

accounts and maps can be explained.

The local accounts available to us are of much later

period, and these are mostly following the Arab
chroniclers; Masumi is the first local historian that
attempts at writing the history of Sindh. He had personal
knowledge of Sindh, and was extensively involved in
assisting Abdur Rahim Khane Khanan in his expedition
in southern Sindh. Before him another Mughal scholar
of high caliber Abul Fazal has also written about
Southern Sindh. He was totally in control of all the
information as he did hold the Akbar’s archives intact.

The scholarship during the Akbar’s period was fully

cognizant with the facts on ground, and there seems to
have been understanding that the shifting port sites in
the lower reaches of Indus river did not qualify to be
considered as confusing, as they considered it to be
established fact that the port, whichever it was, it was
catering the needs of region, and thus was managed as
such by the users, and managers/administrators.

Mir Masum while describing the Arab takeover and the

subsequent events uses the word Thatta, thus in his view
it matters little whether the changing landscape was
quickly uprooting one settlement after the other, in his
view it was the continuation of the activity and the usage
to which every subsequent site was catering. Thus for
him and other scholars Thatta was the successor of
Debal. Similar narrative is found in Ain e Akbari.

If this fact is very true for the Akbar’s time it may be

considered that it was applicable to the earlier scholars, Illustration 8. The map of early
18th century that shall show the port of DIUL
for them it mattered much less to pin point to the actual (DEBAL), along with the
location of the site abandoned, rather they were happy to LAHRI BUNDAR, on east of it
narrate the continuation of the port, which actually was
handling the same business for Sindh, and above all in
the same vicinity.

Note
The next part shall discuss the material archaeological, and other
relevant evidence, to address the longstanding enigma of Debal, the
prime port of Sindh and its changing positions.

Illustration 7.
Decorated with
the inscription
and vine frieze,
note the style of
Kufic, and the
typical vine,
it is very much
popular during
the 11th & 12th
Centuries CE

Illustration 9. Maps taken from the one

that was produced some two hundred fifty years ago
Sindh Antiquities Journal 63

Illustration 9. A map published in

Europe in early 17th century that show the
port of Debal, but it shows it on the
eastern arm of Indus,
the situation doesn’t resemble the one
available in the historic sources

Provisional
Provisional
References
References The SindhThe
wasSindh
quitewas
weak quite
dueweak
to thedue
expeditions
to the expeditions
of Khwarezm
of Khwarezm
Shah andShah
Uktae,andthus
Uktae,
the general
thus the ofgeneral
Altutmash
of Altutmash
was successful
was successful
Destruction
Destruction
of Debal:of Debal: in subduing
in subduing
it in 1228.it in 1228.
YaqutHamvi
YaqutHamvi wrote Mua’jamulBaldan,
(d.1229)(d.1229) wrote Mua’jamulBaldan,he has he has
describeddescribed
Sind. Sind. Shams Sabzwari’s
Shams Sabzwari’s
coming to coming
Sindh,toheSindh,
was deputed
he was deputed
by Imamby Imam
Qasim AliQasim
Shah,Ali 29thNizari
Shah, 29thNizari
Imam inImam 1310-11,
in 1310-11,
and his and his
Juwaini Juwaini
(1225-1293) wrote Tarikh
(1225-1293) wrote eTarikh
Jahane Gushan,
Jahan Gushan,
he preaching
he preaching
for so manyfor soyears
many is mentioned,
years is mentioned,
he is saidhetoishave
said to have
describesdescribes
the Jalaluddin’s
the Jalaluddin’s
escape escape
and march
and march
on converted
on converted
many thousand
many thousand
persons at persons
Debal.at Debal.
Debal;ChanesarSoomro’s
Debal;ChanesarSoomro’s
flight and flight
sacking
and sacking
of Debalof by
Debal by
Khwarezm Khwarezm
Shah. Shah. ZakariyaKazwini
ZakariyaKazwini
died in died the year
in the1284/683;
year 1284/683;
he wrotehe wrote
AsarulBiladwaAkhbarulBilad,
AsarulBiladwaAkhbarulBilad, a work that
a work
describe
that describe
the the
Tabaqat Tabaqat
e Nasiri estates
Nasiri
thestates
flightthe
of Khwarzem
flight of Khwarzem
Shah to Sindh
Shah to Sindh
and his stay
and there
his stay
forthere
a fewfor
months.
a few months. towns of towns
Multan,of Mansurah,
Multan, Mansurah,
Debal and Debal
theirand
local
their
conditions.
local conditions.
Jalaluddin
Jalaluddin
al Sayuti,alauthor TarikhulKhulfa
Sayuti,ofauthor of TarikhulKhulfa
was bornwas in born in
Destruction
Destruction
of Debalof andDebalsackandof sack
Pari of
Nagar
Pari by
Nagar
Sultanby Sultan
1445; he1445;
mentions
he mentions
about theabout
earthquake
the earthquake
at Debal.at Debal.
Khwarezm Khwarezm
Shah is certain
Shah isincertain
1226. in 1226.
The Relevant
The Relevant
Source Source
Material
Material
TajulMuasir
TajulMuasir
states that
states
the NizamulMulk,
that the NizamulMulk,
Vizier of Vizier
Altutmash
of Altutmash
took overtook
the areas
over the
of Somroo
areas of (1228)
Somrooand (1228)
tookand
himtookto Delhi
him to Delhi to - Bibliotheca
- Bibliotheca GeographorumArabicorum,
GeographorumArabicorum,ed. M. ed.J. de.
M. J. de.
make himmake
pay him
his respects
pay his respects
to the Sultan.
to the Sultan. Goeje, vols.
Goeje,I to
vols.
VIIII (I.
to VIII
al –Istakhri,
(I. al –Istakhri,
II. IbnHawqal,
II. IbnHawqal,
III. III.
al-Maqdisi,
al-Maqdisi,
IV. Indices
IV. Indices
& Glossary,
& Glossary,
V. Ibn alV. Faqih
Ibn al alFaqih al
Tabqat eTabqat
Nasirie also
Nasiriconfirms
also confirms
the fact,the
there
fact,is there
a bit isof a bit of Hamadhani,
Hamadhani, VI. Ibn eVI.
Khurdadhbih,
Ibn e Khurdadhbih,
&Qudma, &Qudma,
VII. IbnRusta,
VII. IbnRusta,
confusionconfusion
regardingregarding
the nametheof name
the local
of the
Somroo
local chief.
Somroo chief.and al-Yaqubi,
and al-Yaqubi,
VIII. Al-Masudi.
VIII. Al-Masudi.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 64

- Friedrich Sarre, Die Keramik von Samarra. Berlin, Reimer,

1925

- E. Sachau (tr.), Albiruni’s India

- YaqutHamvi, Mua’jamul Baldan, Jacuts geographisches

Worterbuch, herausg. Von F. Wustenfeld.

- Usman, Brig. Muhammad, Baluchistan: A Reportage, Royal

Book Company, Karachi.

- Juwaini (1225-1293), Tarikh e JahanGushay, ed. Mirza

Muhammad Qazwini (Gibb Memorial Sereis, vol. xvi.

- al-Jawzjani, Tabqat e Nasiri, ed. W. Nassau Lees

- ------------- ,Tabqat e Nasiri, tr. Major Raverty.

- TajulMuasir

- ZakariyaKazwini, AsarulBiladwaAkhbarulBilad,

- Jalaluddin al Sayuti, TarikhulKhulfa

- Qazwini, Hamadullah, Tarikh e Gazida,

- Tabri, Annals, ed. M. J. de Goeje et al.

- Nesawi, Histoire du sultan Djelaled-din Mankobirti

- Khwandamir, HabibulSayyer (Tehran Edition).

- Flood, Finber Barry, 2008. ‘Introduction’, in Piety and

Politics in the Early Islamic Mosque, (ed.) Finber Barry
Flood, Oxford.

- Monica Juneja, 2001, ‘Introduction,’ in Architecture in

Medieval India: Forms, Contexts, Histories, (ed.) Monica
Juneja, Delhi.

- AlkaArvind Patel, Islamic Architecture of Western India

(mid-12th – 14th Centuries): Continuities and
Interpretations, unpublished D. Phil. theses (Harvard
University, 2000).

- AlkaArvind Patel, ‘Towards Alternative Receptions of

Ghurid Architecture in North India (late twelfth-early
thirteenth century ce),’ in Archives of Asian Art (54, 2004).

- HeneryCousens, 1929, The Antiquities of Sind, Oxford.

- John Andrew Boyle, ‘JalaudinKhwarazim Shah in Indus

Valley,’ in HameedaKhuhro (ed.), Sindh Through the
Centuries, 1981.

- S. Flury, ‘Ornamental Kufic Inscriptions on Pottery,’ in

Survey of Persian Art, Arthur Upham Pope (ed.).

- S. Flury, Bardeaux Ornaments, An Inscription Arabes,’

AmidaDiarbekr, XL Siecle Syria.

- David C. Thomas, 2018, The Ebb and Flow of the Ghurid

Empire, Adapa Monographs, Sydney University Press.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 65

Technical Reports
Survey Around Banbhore

Dr. Simone Mantellini1

Università Cattolica di Milano

He is Post-Doc Researcher at the University of Bologna, Department of History and

Culture. His main interests concern Landscape Archaeology with special focus on water
management and hydraulic works in ancient societies. Other interests cover the
interaction between man and environment (Ecology, Anthropology, and Ethnography),
the documentation of the archaeological record (field survey and excavation), as well as
Remote Sensing and Geographic Information System (GIS) applications. Main research
and projects extend from the Mediterranean to the Near East and Central Asia, covering
chiefly extreme or marginal ecological contexts (steppe and deserts). His work, “The
irrigations systems of Samarkand”, has been cited in Encyclopaedia of the History of
Science, Technology, and Medicine in Non-Western Cultures. He has written book
chapters for Ebla and Its Landscape. Early State Formation in the Ancient Near East. He
has done Peer-Review service for the journals Eurasiatica and Ipotesi di Preistoria and
was Grant Reviewer for the National Center for Science and Technology Evaluation,
Kazakhstan.

Abstract:
A preliminary survey around the fortified settlement of Banbhore has been done in
December 2018 in order to provide a first assessment of the anthropic evidence in
this area. A fieldwork was done using both historical and recent satellite images as
basemap and a handle GPS for data acquisition. The fieldwork resulted in the
identification of ca. ten sites. The most relevant ones are two possible kilns for fired
bricks, located NW of the citadel and part of the large “industrial area” already
identified by F. A. Khan. On the other side, at the edge of the outer town at East, three
mounds made of stepped stone walls shaped a likely bridge allowing the passage over
the creek.

Keywords: Banbhore, archaeological survey, GIS, remote sensing, bridge

Despite Banbhore is one of the major archaeological sites of Sindh

and lower Indus Valley, scholars have always been attracted by the
bastioned town without any interest towards the territory outside it.
Even F. A. Khan (1976: 21-23) limited his extra-moenia research to a
brief description of the outer city and the so-called “industrial area”
North of the town, and spending just a few words about the wells
located along the northern shore of the lake at East of the eastern Gate
(Figure 1).

During the 2017-2018 field season a short survey has been carried out
in the environs of Banbhore in order to provide a first assessment of
the archaeological potential of this area. An historical CORONA
satellite image (frame DS1025-2119DA058, 13 October 1965) and
free satellite images (BING, GOOGLE, ESRI) have been used as
basemap during the survey. A Garmin Monterra and the app Alpine
Quest, available for Android’s smartphone operative system, were
instead used to fix the coordinates of each evidence recorded. Then,
a first chronological assessment has been possible on the basis of the

1. Photo in Figures 4-6 have been taken from the Author, Figures 1 and 3 have been elaborated
by the Author; Photo in Figure 2 has been acquired by A. Tilia.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 66

pottery collected during the field survey (see Fusaro, as waypoint (Wpt) followed by an increasing number
Pottery from the Survey, infra). (Wpt-001, Wpt-002, etc.)2:

This preliminary investigation resulted in the

identification of points with an archaeological interest 2. A paper including the results of an intensive survey carried out later, in
(Table 1, see also Figure 1), each of them marked December 2018, is currently under preparation.

Table 1. List of the evidences surveyed around Banbhore in the 2017-2018

season (coordinates in UTM WGS 84, Zone 42; see Figure 1).

Wpt Type Interpretation Location East North

Wpt-1 monument stupa Plain 350949 2738910
Wpt-2 low mound productive Plain 351150 2738640
Wpt-3 material conc settlement dune(?) 351116 2738412
Wpt-4 mound bridge Plain 351143 2738407
Wpt-5 mound bridge Plain 351189 2738414
Wpt-6 mound bridge Plain 351211 2738420
Wpt-7 material conc settlement Dune-top 351349 2738333
Wpt-7a hydraulic well Dune-top 351403 2738344
Wpt-7b structure wall Dune-top 351413 2738332
Wpt-8 structure graveyard Dune-top 350326 2738809
Wpt-9 mound settlement Dune-top 349785 2738679
Wpt-10 mound productive Dune-top 349929 2738553
Wpt-11 mound productive Dune-top 349985 2738536
Wpt-12 low mound productive Dune-top 349887 2738574

Figure 1. Main results of the preliminary survey (basemap: BING satellite image)
Sindh Antiquities Journal 67

• Wpt-1 (monument, stupa) – Two cone-truncated stupa, dune ca. 2 m high and with a prevailing E-W
of unknown period, recently restored and advised to us orientation. Stones mark rectangular spaces different in
by Mr. Irshad Ali Rid, Curator of the site of Banbhore at size (2/3 m x 1/2 m) and aligned with each other likely
the time of the 2017-2018 season. shaping ancient burials.
• Wpt-2 (low mound, industrial site) – This is a small • Wpt-9 (mound, site) – This is a natural dune, ca. 500
mound elongated South-North near a modern m2 with a prevailing SE-NW orientation, which
half-collapsed house. There are lot of potsherds on the survived the construction of the salt factory at East.
surface, and many ceramic slags were found in the lower Many ceramic sherds and some stone structures are
southeastern edge of the mound possibly testifying to a visible on its top but their function is difficult to
productive role of this site (see also Fusaro, Pottery establish.
from the Survey, infra).
• Wpt-3 (material concentration,
site) – This is the final part of the
outer town at East. It has a
stepped wall built up with
squared large stones and it
yielded a large amount of
materials.
• Wpts-4-6 (hydraulic, ancient
bridge) – These points refers to
three mounds East of Wpt-3
(Figure 2). Together they form a
straight SE-NW embankment,
preserved ca. 3 m in height,
made of stepped walls similar to
that one observed in Wpt-3. Very
few pottery specimens were
found around these points. This
structure is particularly clear on
the CORONA satellite image,
dated 1965, and it has been
interpreted as a bridge (Figure
3). It is unclear at the moment
whether it also served as
barrage, hence retaining the
water for agricultural purposes Figure 2. Survey in the area of the bridge (Wpts 04-06)(photo: A. Tilia, from South).
and preventing the entrance of
the salty water from the lagoon
and retaining. Pottery suggests
dating this to the 9th-10th
centuries CE (see Fusaro,
Pottery from the Survey, infra).
• Wpt-7 (material concentration,
site) – It is located on the top of
the S-N consolidated dune, SE
of the bridge Wpts-4-6 and NE
of the sacred graveyard located
on the consolidated dune in front
of Banbhore. Pottery on the
surface is poor but the presence
of a stone well, Wpt-7a (Figure
4), and a stone alignment
(Wpt-7b) on its eastern side
suggest the presence of an
ancient settlement.
• Wpt-8 (mound, graveyard) –
Ca. 50 m W of the SN stream
flowing into the Gharo creek, ca.
400 m North of the fortification
tower no. 17, is a small sand Figure 3. The bridge Wpts 04-06 on the CORONA satellite image
 Sindh Antiquities Journal

Figure 4. The well on the top of th Wpt-07 (from South).

68
Sindh Antiquities Journal 69

Figure 5. The two mounds Wpt-10 and Wpt-11 with fired bricks (from the NW, top of Wpt-09).

• Wpts-10-11 (mound, industrial area) – An elliptic area
East-West oriented extends for ca. 350 m2 and includes
two mounds (consolidated dunes, Wpt-10 at W and
Wpt-11 at E) with a shallow depression in-between
(Figure 5). Both produced a large amount of fired brick
fragments (Figure 6), hence suggesting that they were
part of a productive areas. According to the finds, the
chronology suggested for these mounds is 9th-11th/12th
centuries CE (see Fusaro, Pottery from the Survey,
infra).
• Wpt-012 (dune, no archaeological evidence) - A small
(ca 60 sq. m) circular mound has been also investigated
40 m Northwest of Wpt-010. It looks like an anthropic
remains on the satellite image (see Figures 1, 3),
however it did not produce any archaeological evidence.
Finally, two points refer to the natural bedrock
outcropping from the surface.
References
Khan 1976
Khan, F. A., Banbhore. A Preliminary Report on the Recent
Archaeological Excavations at Banbhore. Karachi,
Department of Archaeology and Museum. Government of
Pakistan (4th Ed.).

Figure 6. A fired brick from the mound Wpt-10

Sindh Antiquities Journal 70

Technical Reports

Investigating the Core of the Urban Asset of the Site:

Excavation of Trench 9
Dr. Simone Mantellini

Abstract:
The new investigation program at Banbhore focused on Trench 9. Two campaigns
revealed the presence of three buildings located at the corners of an important street
intersection. The excavation of Building 1 unearthed two main occupational phases.
The latest, dated to the 12th-early 13th centuries CE, is characterized by the division
in three rooms, where mud floors were alternated to anthropic fillings containing a
large quantity of artefacts, especially ivory offcuts. The earliest phase, opened only
partially, shows the presence of two pavements made of fired tiles. They were
replaced after a dramatic event, which also caused the rebuilding of the main
perimeter walls. The excavation of the South-North street between buildings 1 and 3
unearthed several street levels, which used a large quantity of ivory wastes in their
preparation.

Keywords: Banbhore, archaeological stratigraphy, ivory, tiles pavement

Introduction1

The 2017-2018 excavation was carried out in two phases: between

23rd December 2017 and 21st January 2018 (Trench 9 – Building 1
and Building 2), then between 31st January and 5th February 2018
(Trench 9 – Building 3). Works resumed the excavation of Trench 9,
already opened in the 2015 season, which is located halfway between
the Mosque (140 m North-East) and the South Gate (140 m
South-West)(see Tilia Figures 1, 2, infra)2. Previous investigations
opened a trapezoidal-shaped monumental building (14.20 x 10.80 m)
with a deep foundation (ca 4 m) and a South-North orientation3.
According to the finds discovered at the base of its foundation, the
early phase of this building was dated to the 9th century CE (Felici et
al. 2016: 148). The 2015 also brought to light some levels belonging
to an East-West street and the remains of a a layer with more than
4,000 ivory waste and offcut fragments (Felici et al. 2016:155; Felici
et al. 2018:319). The latest occupation of this area was dated to the
early 13th century CE, which corresponds to the abandonment of
Banbhore.

The aims for the 2017-2018 seasons in Trench 9 were the following4:

i) Excavation of the palatial structure emerged during the 2015

campaign (labelled Building 1) in order to provide more data on its
function and its chronology;
ii) Investigation of the area outside Building 1 with a special attention
to both South-North and East-West streets.

1. Otherwise stated in the captions, figures and photos are made by the Author.
2. See the results of the 2015 campaign in Felici et al., 2018; Felici et al., 2016; Manassero &
Piacentini Fiorani, 2014.
3. It was generally identified as “southern building” (Felici et al. 2016: 148-149).
4. The preliminary results of the 2017-2018 campaign are currently under publication
(Mantellini et al., in press).
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 71

The
The
The
Trench
TheTrench
Trench
Trench
9 9was 9was
9was
already
wasalready
already
already
positioned
positioned
positioned
positioned intointo
into
the
into
the
the
5the
5x5x55x5mx5m5mm
georeferenced
georeferenced
georeferenced
georeferenced topographical
topographical
topographical
topographical grid
gridgrid
grid
covering
covering
covering
coveringthethethe
whole
the
whole
whole
whole
site
site
site
ofsite
ofBanbhore
ofBanbhore
ofBanbhore
Banbhore (see
(see
(see
Tilia,
(see
Tilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
1,1,infra)
1,infra)
1,infra)
the
the
infra)the
elevation
the
elevation
elevation
elevation
ofofthe
ofthe
ofthe
topsoil
the
topsoil
topsoil
topsoil
atattheatthe
atthe
beginning
the
beginning
beginning
beginning ofofthe
ofthe
ofthe work
the
work
work
work
available
available
available
available
from
from
from
from
the
thethe
digital
the
digital
digital
digital
elevation
elevation
elevation
elevation
model
model
model
model
(DEM)
(DEM)
(DEM)
(DEM)generated
generated
generated
generatedatatthe
atthe
atthe
the
end
end
end
of
endofthe
ofthe
ofthe
2015
the
2015
2015
2015
season.
season.
season.
season.
The
TheTheTrench
TheTrench
Trench
Trench
9 9was 9was
9was
essentially
was
essentially
essentially
essentially
limited
limited
limited
limited
totothe
tothe
tothe
Building
the
Building
Building
Building1 1(squares
1(squares
1(squares
(squaresAA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7, 14-17,
14-17,
14-17,
14-17,
24-27
24-27
24-27
24-27
andandand
AA.V.4-5)
and
AA.V.4-5)
AA.V.4-5)
AA.V.4-5) with
with
with
with
a alater
alater
alater
later
extension
extension
extension
extension ofof5.2
of5.2
of5.2
x5.2
x5.2
x5.2
x5.25.2
mmoutside
moutside
moutside
outside
the the
thenortheastern
the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner
corner
(square
(square
(square
(square
AA.IV.7).
AA.IV.7).
AA.IV.7).
AA.IV.7).
The
The
The
numbers
Thenumbers
numbers
numbers ofofSUofSU
ofSU
assigned
SU
assigned
assigned
assigned
inintheinthe
inthe
Trench
the
Trench
Trench
Trench
9 9have
9have
9have
have
been
been
been
been
400-501
400-501
400-501
400-501 ininthe
inthe
inthe
2017-2018
the
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018season
season
season
season
and
andand 505-567
and505-567
505-567
505-567 ininthe
inthe
inthethe
2019
2019
2019
2019
season
season
season . . . .
season
5 5 5 5

AtAtthe
Atthe
Atthe
same
the
same
same
same
time,
time,
time,
time,
a Pakistani
a Pakistani
a aPakistani
Pakistani
team
team
team
team
under
under
under
under
the
thethe
direction
the
direction
direction
direction
ofofofof
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.
N.N.N.
Zehra
N.
Zehra
Zehra
Zehra
(see(see
(see
(see
infra)
infra) opened
infra) opened
infra) opened
openeda anew
anew
anew new
test
test
test
trench
test
trench
trench
trench
(Trench
(Trench
(Trench
(Trench11)
11)
11)
ca11)
ca7.5
ca7.5
ca7.5
m7.5
mEast
mEast
mEast
East
ofofthe
ofthe
ofthe
Northeastern
the
Northeastern
Northeastern
Northeastern corner
corner
corner
corner
ofofofof
the
the
the
Building
the
Building
Building
Building
1 1(see
1(see
1(see
Tilia,
(see
Tilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Figure
Figure
Figure
Figure
1,1,infra).
1,infra).
1,infra).
It Itstarted
infra). Itstarted
Itstarted
started
asasaasaasa a
5 5x5x55x5mx5msounding,
5msounding,
msounding,
sounding, which
which
which
which
later
later
later
later
waswas
was
enlarged
wasenlarged
enlarged
enlargedsouthward
southward
southward
southward
and
and
and
5and
5m5meastward.
5meastward.
meastward.
eastward.
The
The
The
Trench
TheTrench
Trench
Trench
1111intersected
11intersected
11intersected
intersected
thethethe
squares
the
squares
squares
squares
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9 andand
and
AA.V.98-99
and
AA.V.98-99
AA.V.98-99
AA.V.98-99 andandand
and
the
thethenumbers
the
numbers
numbers
numbers ofofof
SUof
SU SU SU
assigned
assigned
assigned
assignedare
are
are
300
are
300300
onward.
300
onward.
onward.
onward.

Since
Since
Since
Since
field
field
field
field
activities
activities
activities
activities
continued
continued
continued
continued forfor
for
six
for
six
six
weeks
six
weeks
weeks
weeksinininin
January-February
January-February
January-February
January-February2019,
2019,
2019,
2019,
some
some
some
some
preliminary
preliminary
preliminary
preliminary
data
data
data
from
data
from
from
from
this
this
this
this
season
season
season
season
have
have
have
have
added
added
added
added
asaswell
aswell
aswell
well
ininorder
inorder
inorder
order
totoprovide
toprovide
toprovide
provide
a amore
amore
amore
more
comprehensive
comprehensive
comprehensive
comprehensiveoverview
overview
overview
overview
and
andand
aand
aclearer
aclearer
aclearer
clearer
understanding
understanding
understanding
understanding
ofofofof
the
the
the
findings,
the
findings,
findings,
findings,
especially
especially
especially
especially
concerning
concerning
concerning
concerning the
thethe
excavation
the
excavation
excavation
excavation
ofofofof
Building
Building
Building
Building
1.1.1.1. Figure 1. Trench 9 at the end of the 2015 season
(ortophoto: A. Tilia).

1.1.Building
1.Building
1.Building
Building
1111

The
TheTheThe
whole
whole
whole
whole perimeter
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter ofofoftheofthethethe
Building
Building
Building
Building
1 1was1was1was
opened,
was
opened,
opened,
opened,although
although
although
although
the
thethe
eastern
the
eastern
eastern
eastern
side
sideside
side
andandand
the
and
the the
eastern
the
eastern
eastern
eastern
half
half
half
half
ofofof
theof
thethesouthern
thesouthern
southern
southern side
sidesideside
were
were
were
were
still
still
still
still
partially
partially
partially
partially covered
covered
covered
covered bybyby earth.
by
earth.
earth.
earth.
The
TheTheThe
elevation,
elevation,
elevation,
elevation, measured
measured
measured
measured above
above
above
above
the
thethe
sea
the
sea
sea
level,
sea
level,
level,
level,
ranges
ranges
ranges
rangesfromfromfrom
from
thethethethe
+7.6
+7.6
+7.6
+7.6
mmin minm
the
inthe
inthe
outer
the
outer
outer
outer
northwestern
northwestern
northwestern
northwestern
corner
corner
corner
corner
totothe
tothe
tothe
+8.6
the
+8.6
+8.6
+8.6
mmatmatm the
atthe
atthe
top
the
toptop
oftop
ofofof
the
thethethe
western
western
western
western wall
wall
wall
wall
(SU(SU(SU (SU159),
159),
159),
159),
which
which
which
which
isisthe
isthe
isthe
best
the
best
best
best
preserved
preserved
preserved
preserved oneoneoneone
ofofthis
ofthis
ofthis
building.
this
building.
building.
building. During
During
During
During
the the the
2015
the
2015
2015
2015
campaign,
campaign,
campaign,
campaign, thethe the
area
the
area
areaarea
inside
inside
inside
inside
thethethethe
building
building
building
building
waswaswasexcavated
was excavated
excavated
excavated unevenly
unevenly
unevenly
unevenly
because
because
because
because the thethe the
target
target
target
targetwas was waswas
thethethethe
exposure
exposure
exposure
exposure ofofofof thethethethe
building’s
building’s
building’s
building’s
Figure 2. Trench 9 before the beginning of the work, December 2017 (from SW).
perimeter.
perimeter.
perimeter.
perimeter.
Elevation
Elevation
Elevation
Elevation atatthe
atthe
atthe
endthe
endend
of
end
ofofof
works
works
works
works
ranged
ranged
ranged
rangedfrom
from
from
from
thethethe
+7.75
the
+7.75
+7.75
+7.75
mmmm
ininthe
inthe
inthe
inner
the
inner
inner
inner
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner
corner
totothe
tothe
tothe
+8.56
the
+8.56
+8.56
+8.56
mminminmthe
inthe
intheunit
the unit
unit
numbers
unit
numbers
numbers
numbers (SU)
(SU)
(SU)
(SU)
was
was
wasassigned
was
assigned
assigned
assigned totothose
tothose
tothose
those
walls
walls
walls
walls
opened
opened
opened
opened
norther
norther
norther
norther
part
part
part
of
part
ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
central
the
central
central
central
filling
filling (Figure
filling
filling(Figure
(Figure
(Figure1).1).1).1). inin2015
in2015
in2015
2015
still
still
still
without
still
without
without
without
SU:
SU: SU
SU: SU
SU: SU
409
SU
409409409
refers
refers
refers
refers
totothe
tothe
tothe
wall
the
wall
wall
wall
(0.50
(0.50
(0.50
(0.50
x x0.35
x0.35
x0.35
0.35
m)m)m)m)
detaching
detaching
detaching
detaching southward
southward
southward
southward from
from
from
from
thethe
the
northern
the
northern
northern
northern
1.1 1.11.11.1
Preliminary
Preliminary
Preliminary
Preliminary operations
operations
operations
operations wall
wall
wall
wall
SU SUSU
117;
SU
117; SU
117; SU
117; SU
410
SU410
410
410
refers
refers
refers
refers
totothe
tothe
tothe
wall
the
wall
wall
wall
(0.90
(0.90
(0.90
(0.90
x x0.70
x0.70
x0.70
0.70
m)m)m)m)
The
TheThe
first
The
first
first
days
first
daysdays
days
were
were
were
were
addressed
addressed
addressed
addressed totothe
tothe
tothe
cleaning
the
cleaning
cleaning
cleaning
ofofthe
ofthe
ofthe
area
the
area
areadetaching
area detaching
detaching
detaching northward
northward
northward
northward from
from
from
from
the thethethe
southern
southern
southern
southern wall
wall
wall
wall
SUSUSUSU
from
from
from
from
vegetation
vegetation
vegetation
vegetation andand
andgarbage,
and
garbage,
garbage,
garbage,with
with
withwith
a aspecial
aspecial
aspecial
special
attention
attention
attention
attention
totototo
the
thethe
perimeter
the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter ofofBuilding
ofBuilding
ofBuilding
Building 1 1(Figure
1(Figure
1(Figure
(Figure 2).2).2).
2).
Stratigraphic
Stratigraphic
Stratigraphic
Stratigraphic 5. 5.
Otherwise
5.
Otherwise
5.
Otherwise
Otherwise
stated,
stated,
stated,
stated,
elevation
elevation
elevation
elevation
refers
refers
refers
to
refers
to
theto
the
top
to
thetop
the
of
top
of
each
top
of
each
of
each
SU.
each
SU.SU.SU.
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 72
The
TheTheTrench
Trench
Trench 9 9was 9was was already
already
already positioned
positioned
positioned into
into
into
the thethe5 5x5x5x5m5mm
georeferenced
georeferenced
georeferenced topographical
topographical
topographical grid
grid
grid
covering
covering
covering thethe the
whole
whole
whole site
site
site
171; 171;
171;
ofofBanbhore 171;
ofBanbhoreand
Banbhoreand andSU
and SU
(see SU
(see SU
411
(see411 411
Tilia, 411
was
Tilia, was
Tilia, was
Figurewas
given
Figure given
given
Figure given
to to
1,1,infra)to
the
1,infra)to
thethe
infra) the
while rectangular-shaped
while rectangular-shaped
rectangular-shaped
rectangular-shaped
while the thethe elevationbuilding.
elevation
elevation building.
building.
building. Below Below
Below Below it,was
it,it,wasit,waswas
a a10 a10 a10
cm 10
cm cm cm
thick thick
thick thick
layer layer
layer layer ofloose
ofofloose oflooseloose
mass
ofofthe mass
mass
ofthethemass
of
topsoil of
topsoil of
topsoil of
stones stones
stones stones
atattheatthethat
thethatthat
beginning that
partially
beginning
beginning partially
partially
partially covers
ofofthe
ofthe covers
covers
the
workcovers
work the
work the
werethe
were the
were southeastern
southeastern
also southeastern
southeastern
also
also
avail-
avail-
avail- gravel
gravelgravel
gravelwith with
with with
grey grey
grey grey
sand sand
sand (SU
sand(SU(SU (SU
408)408)408)
408)
(su(su(su (su
498), 498),
498), 498),
alsoalsoalsoalso
likely likely
likely likely
thethe thethe
corner
able
able
ablecorner
corner
from corner
fromfrom of
the of
the of
the of
the
digitalthe
digitalthe
digitalthe
building.
elevation building.
elevation building.
building.
elevation Later,
model
model
model Later,
Later, Later,
(DEM) the
(DEM) the
(DEM) the the
generated excavation
excavation
generated excavation
excavation
generated atatat result
resultresult
resultof
of of
ananofan an
erosionerosion
erosionerosion process.
process. process.
process. Under Under
Under Under
SU SU SU SU
408 408 408 408
was waswasawas
a a
very a
veryveryvery
the
thethe
enddemonstrated
end demonstrated
demonstrated
demonstrated
endofoftheofthe thethat
2015 that
2015 that
2015 that
bothboth
season. both
season. both
the
season. thethe
The the
stones
The stones
stones
The stones
Trenchof
Trench ofSU
ofSU
Trench of
9SU SU
409409
9was 409
9was 409
and
was and and
SUand
essentiallySU
essentiallySU
411
essentially SU 411
411 411 compact
compact
compact
compact layer layer
layer layer
with with
with with
fine fine
fine fine
gravel,gravel,
gravel, gravel,small small
small small
stones,stones,
stones, stones,
chips chips
chips chips
andand andand
diddid
limited
limiteddid
limited did
not not
to not
to not
belong
the
tothebelong
belong
thebelong
Buildingtotoany
Building
Buildingtoany
to1any1any
wallwallwall
(squares wall
1(squares
(squares orstructure.
orstructure.
ororstructure. structure.
AA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7, 14-17,
14-17,
14-17, 24-27
24-27
24-27artefacts (SU
artefacts
artefacts
artefacts (SU(SU(SU
406) 406)
406) 406)
that that
that that
was was was was uniformly
uniformly uniformly
uniformly distributed
distributed distributed
distributed over
overoverover
and
andand
AA.V.4-5)
AA.V.4-5)
AA.V.4-5) with
with
witha alaterlater
a later extension
extension
extension ofof5.2
of5.25.2
x x5.2 x5.25.2
mmoutside
moutside
outsidethe the
the the
areaarea
area area
ofofof of investigation
investigation
investigation
investigation and and andand resulted
resulted resulted
resulted veryvery veryvery
hard
hardhard
hard
andand andand
the
thethe
northeastern
northeastern
1.2 northeastern
1.2 1.2
The1.2
The The The
upper corner
corner
upper
upper corner
upper
layers (square
(square
layers
layers (square
layers AA.IV.7).
ofgrey
ofofgrey AA.IV.7).
AA.IV.7).
ofgrey
grey
mud mudmud mud The
bricks TheThe
bricks
bricks numbers
bricks
(SU numbers
(SU numbers
(SU (SU
403 403 403ofofofdifficult
403 difficult
difficult
difficult toremove.
toremove.
totoremove. remove.AAdarkAdark
Adark dark
spotspotspot
spot ofblack/dark
ofblack/dark
ofofblack/dark black/dark grey
greygrey
grey
soil
soilsoil
soil
SUSU SUassigned
assigned
assigned ininthe
inthe the
Trench
Trench
Trench
and and and 9SU
and
SU 9have
9have
SU SU
407) have
407)407)been
been
407) been400-501
400-501
400-501 ininthe inthethewithwith
withwith
ash
ashash(SU
ash(SU(SU(SU
416) 416)
416) 416)
found found
found found above above
above above SU SU SU SU
406 406 406406 possibly
possibly possibly
possibly
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018
TheTheThe The season
season
excavation
excavation season
excavation
excavation andand
begunand505-566
begun
begun 505-566
begun505-566
with with
with in
within
the the
theinthe
the the
2019
the 20192019
removal
removal
removal season
removal season
of season
of ofthe
the ofthe.the. 5topsoil
5topsoil . topsoil
5topsoil
referred
referred
referred
referred tototoa to anon-structured
anon-structured
non-structured
anon-structured fireplace.
fireplace. fireplace.
fireplace. The The The The
soil
soilsoil
soil
waswaswas was
(SU(SU(SU 400
(SU 400400=400 =fine
=fine =fine
fine
and andand and
loose loose
loose loose
grey
greygrey
grey
sand, sand,
sand, sand,
a afewafew
afew
cmfew
cm cm cm
thick), thick),
thick), thick),
a a acollected
acollected
collected
collected
andandandand
then then
then then
siftedsifted
siftedsifted
but but but
itbut itdid
itdid itdiddid
not notnot not
provide provide
provide provide anyany anyany
AtAt the
At
heavythe the
same
heavy
heavy same
heavy
andsame
and time,
and time,
and time,
compact a aPakistani
compact
compact
compact afine
Pakistani
Pakistani
finefinefine
gravel team
team
gravel
gravel team
gravel
with under
with under
withunder
with
sand the
sand
sand the
(SU
sand the
(SUdirection
direction
(SU(SUdirection
401), 401),
401), 401),
and ofand
andofand
of important
importantimportant
important sample sample
sample sample ororganic
ororganic
orororganic organic remain.remain.
remain.
remain. AtAtAtAt
Mrs.
Mrs.
Mrs.N.N.Zehra
N.ZehraZehra (see
(see(see
infra)
infra)
infra) opened
opened
opened a anew anew
newtesttest
test
trench
trench
trench (Trench
(Trench
(Trench
+8.02/+8.18
+8.02/+8.18
+8.02/+8.18
+8.02/+8.18 m,m,m, m,
SU SU SU SU
406406 406 406
coveredcovered
coveredcovered aaaa
11)
11)11)
caca7.5ca7.5 7.5
mmEast mEastEastofoftheofthe the
Northeastern
Northeastern
Northeastern corner
corner
corner ofoftheofthe the
Build-
Build-
Build-
ing
inging
1 1(see 1(see
(seeTilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Figure
Figure
Figure 1,1,infra).
1,infra).
infra). It Itstarted
Itstarted
startedasasaasa5a5x5x5x5m5mm secondsecond
secondsecondlayer layer
layer layer
of of of of
grey grey
grey grey
mudmud mud mud
bricks bricks
bricks (SU
bricks (SU(SU (SU
sounding,
sounding,
sounding, which
which
which later
later
laterwas was wasenlarged
enlarged
enlarged 5 5m5msouthward
msouthward
southward and and and
555 407). 407).
407). 407). Although
Although Although
Although similar
similar
similarsimilarto to to
the to
the the the collapse
collapse collapse
collapse
mmm eastward.
eastward.
eastward. TheThe The Trench
Trench
Trench 111111 intersected
intersected
intersected the the thesquares
squares
squares SU SU SU SU
403403403403
above, above,
above, above, itwas
it itwas itwaswas concentrated
concentrated
concentrated
concentrated inthe
ininthe inthe the
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9 and andandAA.V.98-99
AA.V.98-99
AA.V.98-99 andandand thethethe numbers
numbers
numbers ofofof SU SUSU central-northern
central-northern
central-northern
central-northern part part
part part
of ofthe
ofthe ofthe the Building
Building Building
Building 1.1.1.1.
assigned
assigned
assigned are areare
300 300300
onward.
onward.
onward. SU SU SU SU
406406406406
also
alsoalsoalso
covered covered
covered coveredtwo twotwo two
layers layers
layers layers
ofofaofasoft
ofasoft
asoft
soft
andandandand
loose loose
loose loose
greygreygreygrey
sand
sandsand
sand
withwithwith
with
a afew afewafewfew
chips chips
chips chips
andand andand
Since
Since
Since field
field
fieldactivities
activities
activities continued
continued
continued for for for
six sixsix
weeks
weeks
weeks ininJanu-
inJanu-Janu- small small
small small stones:
stones:
stones: SU
stones: SU SU
419SU
419419 419
in inthe
inthe inthe the
western western
western westernside side
side side
ary-February
ary-February
ary-February 2019,
2019,
2019, some somesome preliminary
preliminary
preliminary data
data
data fromfromfrom this
this
this ofthe
ofofthe ofthethe building
building building
building and and SU
and SU
and SU SU
424424 424 424
in inthe
inthe inthe theeastern
eastern
easterneastern
season
season
season havehavehaveadded
added
added asaswellaswell wellininorder
inorder
ordertotoprovide
toprovide
provide a amore amore
more com-com-
com- side side
side side
ofofof theof
the the the building.
building. building.
building. They
TheyTheyThey were
werewere
were
thethe thethe
prehensive
prehensive
prehensive overview
overview
overview and and anda aclearer
aclearer
clearer understanding
understanding
understanding ofofthe ofthethe filling
filling filling
filling ofnarrow
ofofnarrowofnarrow
narrow walls,walls,
walls, walls, respectively
respectivelyrespectively
respectively SU SU SU SU
findings,
findings,
findings, especially
especially
especially concerning
concerning
concerning thethe the
excavation
excavation
excavation ofofBuilding
ofBuilding
Building 410410410410 (already
(already (already
(already partially
partially partially
partially discovered
discovered discovered
discovered inininin
1.1.1. 2015 2015
2015 2015
butbutbut but
without without
without without anyany anyany
SU SU SU SU assigned,
assigned, assigned,
assigned, see see seesee
above)above)
above)above) andand and andSU SU SU SU420,
420,420,
420, which which
which which run run runrun
5. 5.
Otherwise
5.
Otherwise
Otherwise stated,
stated,
stated,
elevation
elevation
elevationrefers
refers
refers
to to
theto
the
top
the
topof
topof
each
of
eacheach
SU.
SU. SU.
longitudinally
longitudinally
longitudinally
longitudinally the thethethe building
building building
building withwithwithwith amajor
a amajor amajor
major
South-North
South-North
South-North
South-North orientation
orientation
orientation
orientation (Figure (Figure
(Figure(Figure 4).4).4).4).
Measures
Measures Measures
Measures ofofSU ofSUofSU SU
410 410410 410
are: are:
are: are:
length length
length length
= =12.80 =12.80
=12.80 12.80
1.1.1. BuildingBuilding
Building 111 m; m; m; m;
width width
width
width = = =
0.70 =
0.700.700.70
m m m
in m
in in
the in
the the the
southern southern
southern
southern end, end,
end, end,
Figure 3. Building 1: the mud bricks layer SU 403 (from W; 0.73 0.73
0.73 0.73
mmin min m inthe
the inthe the
middle,middle,
middle,middle,andand and and
0.710.710.710.71
mmin minm inthe
the inthe the
aerial acquisition: A. Tilia). northern northern
northern
northern end.end.end.end.
Measures Measures
Measures
Measures ofofSU ofSUofSU SU
420 420420420
are:are: are:
are:
The
TheThe whole
whole
whole perimeter
perimeter
perimeter ofofof thethe the
Building
Building
Building1 1 1was was wasopened, opened,
opened, lengthlength
lengthlength =12.84
= =12.84 =12.84
12.84
m;m;m; m;
width width
width width
= =0.78 =0.78
=0.780.78
mmin minm inthe
the inthe the
although
although
although the thetheeastern
eastern
eastern side sideside andandand southern southern
southern
southern end,end,end,end,
0.800.80 0.80
0.80
mmin min mthe inthe
inthe the
middle,
middle,middle,
middle, andand andand
the
thethe
eastern
eastern
eastern half
halfhalf
ofofthe
ofthe the
southern
southern
southern 0.80 0.80
0.80 0.80
mmin min mtheinthe
inthe the northern
northern northern
northern end.end.end.end.
TheThe TheThe
two two twotwo
side
side
sidewere werewerestill still
stillpartially
partially
partially walls walls
walls
walls divided
divided
divided
divided the thethethe Building
Building
Building
Building 1 1into 1into
1into into
three
three three
three
covered
covered
covered bybyby earth.
earth.
earth. The The The eleva-
eleva-
eleva- rooms, rooms,
rooms,
rooms, numbered numbered
numbered
numbered asasas Room
Room
as RoomRoom 1 1at1at1East atEast
atEast East
tion,
tion,
tion,
measured
measured
measured above
above
above the the the
seaseasea (between
(between (between
(between walls walls
walls walls
SU SU SU SU
184184 184184
and and and and
SU SU SU SU
410), 410),
410), 410),
level,
level,
level,ranges
ranges
ranges fromfrom
from the the the
+7.6+7.6+7.6mmm Room
Room Room
Room 2inthe
2 2in2inthe inthe the
center center
center
center (between (between
(between
(between walls walls
walls
walls SU SU SU SU
inininthe the theouterouter
outernorthwestern
northwestern
northwestern 410410410410
and andandand
SU SU SU SU
420), 420),
420),
420), andand Room
andand Room
Room Room 3atWest
3 3at3atWest atWestWest
corner
corner
corner totothe tothethe
+8.6 +8.6
+8.6mmatmatthe atthe the
toptoptop (between
(between (between
(between walls walls
walls walls
SU SU SU SU
420 420420420
and and and and
SU SU SU SU
159). 159).
159). 159).
ofofthe
ofthe the
western
western
western wall
wallwall(SU (SU (SU 159),
159),
159), Although
Although
Although
Although the the thethe
three
three three
three rooms
rooms rooms
rooms shared
shared shared
shared aaaa
which
which
which isisthe isthe thebest
bestbestpreserved
preserved
preserved
similar similar
similar
similar stratigraphy,
stratigraphy,
stratigraphy,
stratigraphy, mademade made
made ofoffillings offillings
fillings
offillings andand andand
one
oneoneofofof thisthis
thisbuilding.
building.
building. During
During
During
the
thethe
2015
20152015 campaign,
campaign,
campaign, the the thearea
area
area earthen
earthen earthen
earthen floors,
floors,
floors,floors,
they they
they they
had hadhad had
specificspecific
specificspecific features
features features
features
inside
inside
inside the thethe
building
building
building waswas was exca-
exca-
exca- that that
that that require
require require
require a a a a
separateseparate
separate
separate description.
description.
description.
description.
vated
vated
vatedunevenly
unevenly
unevenly because
because
because
Figure thethe
4.the
The three rooms of the Building 1
target
target
target
waswas was
thethethe
exposure
exposure
exposure of(from
ofthe
ofthethe
S; aerial acquisition: A. Tilia). 1.3 1.3
1.3 1.3
Room Room
Room Room1111
building’s
building’s
building’s perimeter.
perimeter.
perimeter. Eleva-
Eleva-
Eleva- Room Room
Room Room1 1(ca. 1(ca.
1(ca.(ca.
353535
sq35
sqm)sqm)
sqm) m)
has
hashas
anhas
anan an irregular
irregular irregular
irregular
tion
tion
tion
fewatat
the
few
few at
fewthe
stones the
endend
stones
stones end
stonesof
(SU of
(SUworks
of
works
(SU(SUworks
402,
402, ranged
402, ranged
402, ranged
bottombottom
bottombottom
+8.27 +8.27
+8.27 +8.27
m,m,m,topm,
toptop
+top +8.52
+8.52
+8.52 8.52
m).m).m).
m). shape
shape
shapeshape because
because because
because thethethethe northern
northern northern
northern side side
side side
(3.30 (3.30
(3.30 (3.30
m)m)m)ism) islonger
islongerislonger
longer
than than
than than
from
from
from
Boththe
Both
Both the
Boththe
SUs+7.75
SUs+7.75
SUs+7.75
SUs
400400 mand
400mand
in
400 mand
in401
the
in401
the
and the
inner
401 inner
401
were inner
were
were were natural
natural natural
natural depositions
depositions
depositions
depositions alteredaltered
alteredaltered
the the
the thesouthern
southernsouthern
southern oneoneoneone
(2.1 (2.1
(2.1 (2.1
m).
m). m). m).
Since Since
Since Since
this this
this this
area area
area area
was
waswas
anwas anessential
anessential
anessential essential
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
bybyby by
water water
water water
and corner
and corner
and corner
and
wind wind
wind toerosion.
wind toerosion.
tothe
erosion. thethe
erosion.
Below Below
Below Below
thethethethe
stonesstones
stonesstones
SUSU SU SU
402402402
402 passage
passagepassage
passage forforfor
theforthe
the the
daily daily
dailydaily operations
operationsoperations
operations inRoom
ininRoom inRoom
Room
2 2and,2and,
2and,
and,
later,later,
later,later,
inininin
+8.56
+8.56
+8.56
was m
was
was m
was in
min the
inthe
acompact
a acompact the
norther
acompact norther
compact norther
layer part
layer
layer part
layerpart
of
ofofof of
of
grey of
grey
grey grey
mudmudmudmud
bricksbricks
bricks (SU
bricks (SU
(SU (SU
403). 403).
403). 403).
the the
the the extension
extensionextension
extension outside
outside outside
outside the the the the northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner,
corner,
corner,corner,Room Room
Room Room
1111
the
the
the
central
central
central
Because
BecauseBecause
Because filling
offilling
filling
ofits
ofits of (Figure
its (Figure
its
rough rough
rough(Figure
rough 1). 1).1).
conservation
conservation
conservation
conservation (top (top
(top (top attested
attested attested
attested between
between between
between from
from
was from
was
was vegetation
was
the vegetation
the vegetation
thethe
less less
less less andandand
garbage,
investigated garbage,
investigated
investigated
investigated garbage,
during with
during
during with
during
the with
the athe
the aspecial
aspecial
special
2017-2018
2017-20182017-2018
2017-2018 attention
attention
attention
season.season. tototo
season.
season.
+8.07
+8.07
+8.07+8.07
mmand mand
mand and
+8.34 +8.34
+8.34 +8.34
m)m)m) m)
dueduedue
todue tothe
tothe tothethe
long long
long long exposure,
exposure,exposure,
exposure, itwas
it itwas itwasthe
was the
the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter of ofBuilding
ofBuilding
Building 1 1(Figure
1(Figure
(Figure 2).2).2).
A A
number
A
number
number of ofstrati-
ofstrati-
strati-
1.1
1.1
1.1Preliminary
Preliminary
almost
almost Preliminary
almost
almost impossibleoperations
impossible
impossible
impossible operations
operations
distinguishing
distinguishing
distinguishing
distinguishing their their
their their
shape shape
shape shape
and
andand and
size size
size graphic
sizegraphic
The graphic
The
The The unit
unit
removal
removal unit
removal
removal (SU)
of(SU)(SU)was
ofthe
ofthe of was
the was
the
stones assigned
assigned
stones
stones assigned
SU
stones SU SUSU
411 to
411 to
411 those
to(+8.20
411
(+8.20those
(+8.20 thosewalls
(+8.20
m) m)walls
m)walls
m)
proved opened
opened
proved
proved opened
proved
that inthat
that
that inin
(Figure
(Figure(Figure
(Figure 3).3).3). 3).
Except Except
Except Except
forforforfor
thethethethe
area area
area area already
already already
already excavated
excavatedexcavated
excavated along along
along the
along the
theythe
2015
they
they 2015
2015
they
diddid still
did still
did
not still
not
not without
not
shape without
without
shape
shape shape
anyanySU:
anySU:
any SU: SU SU SU
409
409
architectural
architectural 409
refers
architectural
architectural refers
refers
to to
evidence
evidence the
evidence
evidence tothe the
wall
wall
wall
(0.50
connected
connected (0.50
connected
connected (0.50
The
The
The
thefirst
first
the
the first
the
walls days
days
walls
walls indays
walls werewere
in2015
in2015 were
in2015 addressed
2015
(seeaddressed
addressed
(see
(see (see
Figure to1),
Figure
Figure tothe
Figure tothe
1),1),the
the cleaning
1),
the cleaning
the cleaning
the uniform
uniform ofand
uniform
uniform ofthe
ofthe
the
and
and area
and area
area
regular
regular regular
regular x with
x0.35
withx0.35
0.35
with m)
with
thethem)
them)
detaching
the
Room detaching
Room
Room detaching
Room 1southward
southward
1because
1 1because southward
because
because theythey from
they
theyfrom
fromthe
covered
covered the
covered
covered the
northern
the
thenorthern
the
SEnorthern
the
SE SE SE
cornerwall
wall
corner
corner wall
ofSU
cornerofSU
ofSU
of
distribution
distribution
distribution
distribution ofthis
ofofthis ofthis
this
layer layer
layer layer
over over
over over
thethethethe
entireentire
entireentire
trenchtrench
trenchtrench suggests
suggests suggests
suggests the the
the the building
buildingbuilding
building itself.
itself. itself.
itself. It ItisItisIttherefore
istherefore
istherefore
therefore possible
possible possible
possible thatthatthat
that
those those
thosethose
thatthat
thatitthat itwas
itwas itwaswas
thethe thethe collapse
collapse collapse
collapse ofthe
ofofthe ofthethe
mudmudmudmud
brick brick
brick brick
walls walls
wallswalls ofthe
ofofthe ofthestones
the stones
stones
stones areareareare
thethethethe
result
resultresult
result ofacollapse
ofofaofacollapse acollapse
collapse
ororthey orthey
orthey they
were
werewerewere
part part
part
part ofofaofaofa a
 The
The SindhTrench
Trench 9 9was
Antiquities was already
Journal alreadypositioned positionedinto intothe the5 5x x5 5mm 73
117;
117; SU
117; SU
georeferenced
georeferenced SU410 410 410refers
refers
refers totothe
topographical
topographical tothe the
wall wallwall
grid (0.90
grid (0.90
(0.90 x x0.70
covering
covering x0.700.70m)
the m)
the m)
detaching
detaching
whole
whole site uniform
detaching
site uniform
uniform andand andregular
regular
regular distribution
distribution
distribution ofofof thisthis this layer
layer
layer overoverover the the the
northward
ofnorthward
of northward
Banbhore
Banbhore from fromfrom
(see(see the the the
southern
Tilia,
Tilia, southern
southern
Figure
Figure wallwall
1, wall
1, SU SU
infra)
infra) SU
171;171;
171;and
while
while and SU
and
the SU
the SU
411 411411
was
elevation
elevation was was entire
entire
entire trench
trench
trench suggests
suggests
suggests that
thatthat
it it
wasit
was was the the the
collapse
collapse
collapse of of the
of the the
mud mud mud
structure
given
givenstructure
structure
giventostructure
tothe
tothe belonging
the belonging
belonging
belonging
rectangular-shaped
rectangular-shaped
rectangular-shaped to to atoato very
avery
averyvery
mass final
massfinal
mass final
of final
occupation
of occupation
stones
of occupation
stonesoccupation
stones that
that
thatofpartial-
ofpartial-
this
ofthis
partial- ofthis
this 431.
431.
brick 431.
brick 431.
Its
brick Its
walls Its
walls excavation
Its
wallsexcavation
excavation
of excavation
of the
ofthe the inthe
building. inthe
building. inthe
inbuilding. 2019
the
2019
Below 2019
Below 2019
Below season
seasonit,season
season
it,the
it,the did
the
10 did
10did
cm
10 not
did
not cm not
cm provide
not
provide
thick
thickprovide
thickprovide
layerlayerlayer
ofof thethe
building. topsoil
topsoil
building.
building.
building. Theat
Theat the
The the
The
topsoil beginning
beginning
topsoil
topsoil
topsoil above above of
above ofthe
above the
thethe work
the work
stones
thestoneswere
stoneswere
stones
was was also
also
was was avail-
avail-
already
already
already
already anyanyanyanyarchitectural
architectural
architectural
architectural or or orsignificant
orsignificant
significant
significant evidence.
evidence. evidence.
evidence. Although
Although Although
Although they
they they they
lylycovers
able
able ly
covers
covers
from
from the the
the the
thesoutheastern
southeastern
southeastern corner
corner
corner of of the
ofthe the
building.
building.
building. Later,
Later,
Later,thethe theof ofloose
ofloose
loose gravel
gravel
gravel with
withwithgrey
grey
greysandsandsand (SU (SU (SU 408)408) 408)has has has
beenbeenbeen interpret-
interpret-
interpret-
removed
removed
removed
removed in indigital
indigital
2015,
2015,
in2015, 2015,
while elevation
elevation
while
while while
the the the model
model
empty
the
empty
empty
empty (DEM)
(DEM)
space
space
space
space generated
generated
between
between
between
between them
themat at
them
them look
look
ededaslook
look well-arranged,
well-arranged,
well-arranged,
well-arranged,
edasaasapreparation
apreparation
preparation ofofthe they
they
ofthe they
the they
floor have
floor have
floor have have
itself. been
itself. been
itself. been
Under been
Under only
Under onlyonly
SU only
SU SU partially
partially
408 408partially
408partially
was was wasaaa
excavation
excavation
the
the excavation
wasend
wasend
was of
filled
was of
filled demonstrated
the
filled demonstrated
the
filled
by demonstrated
2015
by 2015
aby aby
softasoft season.
season.
asoft
grey
soft
grey that
grey that
grey
sand that
The
sand both
The
sandboth
both
sand
with
withthe
Trench
Trench withthe
with
somethe
stones
some stones
stones
9some
9somewaswas of
pottery of
pottery SU
potteryofsherds
potterySU SU
essentially
essentially 409409
sherds 409opened
sherds
sherds opened
opened
opened so sothat
sothat
sothat they
that
they they require
they require
require require agravel,
afine agravel,
better
better better
agravel,
better investigation.
investigation.
investigation.investigation. TheThe The The
and
and and
SU SU SU411 411 411did did did very
very
verycompact
compact
compact layer
layer
layer with
with
with fine fine small smallsmall stones,
stones,
stones, chips
chipschips
limited
limited
(SU(SU(SU to
412)
(SU tothe
412) 6the
412)412) .not
. Below6 not
6Building
. 6BuildingBelow
. Belownot
belong
Below belong
SU1belong
SU SU 411to
1(squares
SU411to
(squares any
411 toany
was
411 any
was wall
was wall
the
was wall
the or
AA.IV.4-7,
AA.IV.4-7, theor
layer
thestructure.
or
layerstructure.
structure.
of14-17,
14-17,
layer
layerofgrey
ofgrey
ofgrey 24-27
24-27
grey
mudmud mudmudtop
andtop
andtop
of
and of
top of
the
artefacts the
ofthe
artefacts cut
artefacts cut
the cut
of
(SU of
cut
(SU of
SU
(SU SU
of
406) SU
406) 432
SU
432
406) 432
that 432
on
that on
that on
the the
on
resulted the
resulted floor
the
floor
resulted floorfloor
very SU
verySU
very SU433
hard SU433
hard 433
hardis is
433
and isattested
isattested
attested
and and attested
difficult
difficult
difficult
and
andbricks AA.V.4-5)
AA.V.4-5)
bricks
bricks
bricks (SU(SU (SU with
(SU
407) with
407) 407) a
407) a later
later
discovered
discovered
discovered extension
extension
discovered of of 5.25.2 x x
5.25.2 m m outside
outside at at at+7.97
+7.97 at +7.97+7.97
m m m
and andm and and
the the the bottom
the
bottom bottom
bottom ofthe
ofthe oftheof
the
the northeastern
northeastern corner to toremove.
to
remove.
remove. SU SU SU
406 406406waswaswasalsoalso
alsouniformly
uniformly
uniformly distributed
distributed
distributed overoverover
1.2
1.2
in1.2
TheTheThe
inother upper
inother
inotherupper
upper
other
partsparts
parts ofcorner
layers
layers
parts layers
oftheoftheoftheofgrey(square
(square
ofgrey
building
thebuildinggrey
buildingmud
buildingmud AA.IV.7).
AA.IV.7).
mud bricks
bricks
bricks The
(SU The
(SU(SU403 numbers
numbers
403403and andand
SUof
SU of
SUarea the the the filling
the
filling filling
filling
SU SU SU431 431
SU 431
at431at at+7.79
+7.79 at+7.79
+7.79
m. m. m. m.
SUSU
407)
407)
at407)
at assigned
assigned
the
atthe
atthesame
the
same samesameinelevation
inelevation
the the
elevation Trench
Trench
elevation (+8.10(+8.10
(+8.109have
9(+8.10 havebeen been400-501 400-501ininthe the area areaofofinvestigation.
ofinvestigation.
investigation. AAdark Adark dark spotspot spot ofofblack/dark
ofblack/dark
black/dark greygreygrey soil soilsoil
2017-2018
2017-2018 season
season and and 505-566
505-566 inthe
insoft the2019 2019season season5. 5. with
with
withash ash (SU
ash (SU (SU416)416)
416) found
found
found aboveabove
above SU SU SU406 406 406 possibly
possibly
possibly referred
referred
referred
m). m).m).SU
m).SU SU 407
SU 407 407 407
covered
covered
covered
covered a asoft asoft
asoft totoatoanon-structured
anon-structured
non-structured fireplace.
fireplace. The
fireplace. The The
The The stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy
The The stratigraphy
filling
filling
filling was was unearthed
unearthed
unearthed
wascollectedunearthed
collected
collected inandinandin
andin
Theand
The and
The and and
grey
excavation grey
excavation grey
excavation greysandy
sandy
sandy
begun sandy
begunbegun clay clay
with clay
with clay
with with
the with
thewithwith
the
removal
removal
removal ofofthe ofthethe
topsoil
topsoil
topsoil (SU(SU (SUthen the the the 2019
the
2019 2019 2019 season
season season
season recalled
recalledrecalled
recalled the the the the
AtAt
400many
400 =the
the
many
400 same
many
=fine same
many
pottery
=fine pottery
fineand and time,
time,
pottery
pottery
and fragments
loose aPakistani
aloose
fragments
loose Pakistani
fragments
fragments
greygrey grey (SU
sand, (SU
sand,team
(SU
sand,team
(SU
a afew afewunder
under
few cm cm the
cm the
thick), direction
direction
thick),
thick), a aheavy ofof then
aheavy
heavy
thensifted
sifted
siftedbut butbut
it itdid
itdiddid
notnot not
provide
provide
provide
situation
situationsituation
any
situation
any anyimportant
important
found
found found
important
found in406
in406 in
sample
Room
sample
Room
in
sample
RoomRoom
ororor
1 1a1a1a
Mrs.
Mrs. N. N. Zehra
Zehra (see (see infra)
infra) opened
opened anew
asand new testtest trench
trench (Trench
(Trench organic
organic
organic remains.
remains.
remains. At At At
+8.02/+8.18
+8.02/+8.18
+8.02/+8.18 m, m, m,
SU SU SU 406 covered
covered
covered
and429,
and 429,
and 429,
429,
top
compact
compacttop
compacttop +8.05
top+8.05
+8.05
fine +8.05
fine finem) m)
gravel m)
gravelthat
m)that
gravel that was
that
with was
with was
with was
sand sand (SU (SU (SU 401),
401),
401), andand andfewfew fewsecond
second
second layer
layer
layerofofgreyofgreygrey
mudmud mud and
bricksand
bricksand and
Room
bricks Room
(SU Room
(SU Room
(SU 407). 2in
2407). 2inAlthough
407). inAlthough
2the the the previous
inAlthough
the
previousprevious
previous
simi-
simi-simi-
11)
11) ca ca
comparable
stones 7.5
comparable
stones 7.5
comparable
stones m
comparable
(SU (SU (SU m
402, East
402,East
with
402, withof
bottom of
with
bottom the
with
bottomthethe
the the
+8.27 Northeastern
Northeastern
upper
the
+8.27 upper
+8.27 upper
upper
m, m,top
m,top top corner
corner
+ +8.52+8.52 8.52of
m). of
m).the
m). the
BothBoth Build-
Build-
BothSUsSUs SUslarlarto season.
season. season.
season. However,
However, However,
However, due due dueto to
due toin
the the
to the the
ing
ing 1and
1and(see(see Tilia,
Tilia, Figure
Figure 1, 1, lartothe
tothe the
collapse
collapse
collapse SU SU SU
403403 403
above,
above,
above, it it
wasit
was wasconcentrated
concentrated
concentrated in the
inthe the
400filling
400 filling
400 filling
filling
anddiscovered
401 discovered
401 discovered
401
arediscovered
are are
natural
naturalininRoom
natural in Room
in Room
depositions Room
depositions 2 2 2It2due
infra).
infra).
depositions Itstarted
started
due due
totowater asa and
aswater
towater a5and5xand
x5wind
wind 5m m
wind limited
limited limited
limited time timetime time available,
available,
available, available, as as as as
sounding,
sounding, whichwhich laterlater was was central-northern
central-northern
central-northern partpart
partof of of
the the the Building
Building
Building 1. 1. 1.
SU SU SU 406 406 406 also alsoalso
(SU (SU
erosion.
erosion.(SU(SU
erosion.404)404)
Below404)
Below 404)
and
Below and and
the Room
and
the Room
the Room
stones Room
stones
stones 3SU (SU3enlarged
3enlarged
SU (SU
3402
SU (SU (SU
402 402
was was 5mamacompact
5 was southward
southward
acompact
compact and
layer and
layer
layerof5of5of well wellwellwell
as as as
the the
as the the
huge huge hugehuge amount
amount amount
amount of of of of
m m405)
grey
greygreyeastward.
eastward.
405)
405)
mud 405)
mud at
mud at the
at
bricks the
at
bricks The
the
bricks The
same
the same
(SU (SUsame
(SU Trench
Trench
same elevation
403). elevation
403). elevation
403). elevation
Because 11 intersected
11Because
Because intersected
ofofitsofitsrough the
itsrough the
rough conserva-squares covered
squares
conserva-
conserva-
covered
covered two twotwo
layers
layers
layers ofofaofsoft
a asoft soft
and
finds
and
finds
and
finds
loose
finds
loose
loose
collected
collected
grey
collected
grey
collected
grey sand
in
sand
in
sand
in
the
with
the
in
with
the
witha few
upper
the
upper
a afew
upper
upper
few
AA.IV.8-9
AA.IV.8-9 and and AA.V.98-99
AA.V.98-99 and and the the numbers
numbers of oftoSU SU chips
chips
chips and and and
small
small
small stones:
stones:
stones: SU SU SU419 419 419 ininthe inthe the
western
western
western side sidesideofofthe ofthe the
(see
tion
tion (see
tion(see
(top (see
below
(top below
(top below
attested below
attested § §1.4
attested §1.4 §1.4
between and
between 1.4and
between and §and §1.5).
+8.07 §1.5).
+8.07 §1.5).
+8.07 1.5).
m mand
m andand+8.34
+8.34
+8.34 m)m)m)due due due
to the
tothethebuilding fillings,
fillings,fillings,
fillings, excavation
excavation
excavation excavation interested
interested
interested interested
assigned
assigned are are 300 300 onward.
onward. building
building andand andSU SU SU424 424424
ininthe inthe the
eastern
eastern
eastern sideside side ofofthe ofthe the
building.
building.
building.
Inlong
long
long Inthe
In the
In the
exposure,rest
the
exposure,rest
exposure, rest
of
rest
ofitRoom
of itRoom
of itRoom
was was Room
was 1, 1,
almost there
1,
almost there
1,there
almost there
impossible
impossible
impossible distinguishing
distinguishing
distinguishingThey the the the theentire
entire entire
entire
Room Room Room Room 1 1until1until
1untiluntil
the the the the
They
They were werewere
the the the
filling
filling
fillingofofnarrow
ofnarrow
narrow walls,
walls,
walls, respectively
respectively
respectively SU SU SU
410 410 410
were
their
theirwere
were
their
shapewere
a
shape aloose
shape a loose
and aloose
and loose
and and
size and
size and
size soft
and
(Figuresoftsoft
(Figure gravel
(Figuresoft gravel
gravel
gravel
3).3).Except
3).Except
Except forfor for
the thethe
area
area
areaalready
already
already(already floorfloor
floor
floor
SU SU SU
510SU510 510 =510 =SU =SU =SU SU
511,511,511,511,then
then then then
Since
Since
mixed
mixed
excavated mixed
excavated
excavated field
field
mixed withwith
alongalongactivities
activities
withwith
stone
along stone
the stone
the stone
the
wallschips continued
continued
chips
walls
wallschipschips
in inSU SU
2015
in2015SU for
SU
2015 for
(see(seesix
(seesix
Figure
Figure weeks
weeks
Figure 1),1),in in
1),
the the Janu- (already
Janu-
the
(already partially
partially
partially discovered
discovered
discovered inin2015
itwas
itabove) itwas was
itand
in2015
was
2015 but
restricted
but
restricted
restricted
but
restricted
without
without
without
tothe
to420, to the
to
any
the
any
last
the
last
any
last
SU SU
3run
last
3run
SU
3run
3
ary-February
ary-February
415415415 415
(top(top(top (top
+8.06 2019,
2019,
+8.06
+8.06+8.06 m) some
m) some
m) and
m) and preliminary
and preliminary
and
aaaa datafrom
data fromthis this assigned,
assigned,
assigned, seeseeseeabove)
above) and and SU SU SU 420, 420, which
which
which
m mto mto mthetothetothe North
the
North NorthNorthand and and andfurther
further further
further
to tototo
season
season have
medium-compacthaveadded
medium-compact
medium-compact
medium-compact addedasas well
grey well
greygrey grey inmud
inmud orderorder
mud mud totoprovide
providea amore morecom- com- longitudinally
longitudinally
longitudinallythe the thebuildingbuilding
buildingwith withwitha a amajor majormajor
the the the last
the
last last 2.5
last
2.5 2.5
m2.5matmatm atthe
the atthe height
the
height height ofofofof
height
(SU(SU(SU
prehensive
prehensive 436,
(SU 436,436, 436,
top top top
overview
overview +7.98
top
+7.98+7.98 +7.98
and m).
and m). am).aSU
m).SU SU
clearer
clearer SU understanding Figure 5. Building
understanding ofofthe the South-North
South-North
1, Room 1: the earthen floor South-North orientation
orientation
orientation (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 4). 4). 4).
Measures
Measures
Measures ofofof
the the the filling
the
filling filling
filling
SU SU SU526. 526.
SU 526.526.
415415415
findings,
findings, 415
isis is
remarkable
is
remarkable
remarkable
especially
especially remarkable for
concerning
concerning for for the
forthe the
the the
the SU
excavationofofBuilding
excavation 433 = SU
Building 435 = SU 439 SU SU
(from SU410410
S). 410
are:are:are:
length
length
length = =12.80
=12.80 12.80 m; m; m;
widthwidthwidth = =0.70
=0.700.70m m inminin
1.1.great
great
great
great
amount
amount
amount
amount ofofpottery
ofpottery
ofpotterypottery and and and and the thethe
southern
southern
southern end,
end,end,0.730.730.73 m m in
m in the
in the the
middle,
middle,
middle, and and and0.710.71 0.71
The The The The digging
digging digging
digging ofofof the the
of the theearthen
earthen earthen
earthen
artefacts,
artefacts,
artefacts,
artefacts, suchsuch such such asasasglass, asglass, glass,
glass, m m in
m inthe
in thethe
northern
northern
northern end. end.end. Measures
Measures
Measures of of SU
of SU SU420 420 420are: are: are:
floorfloor
floor
floor
SU SU SU
433SU433 433 =433 =SU =SU =SU
435 435
SU 435=435=SU =SU =SU SU
bronze
bronze
bronze
bronze and and and and
iron iron iron iron
fragments,
fragments,
fragments,
fragments, length
length
length = =12.84
= 12.84
12.84 m; m; m;
width
width
width = =0.78
=0.78 0.78 m m inm inthe
inthe the
southern
southern
southern
439 439 439 439 opened
opened opened
opened a asoft asoft
asoft a aloose
soft aloose
aloose loose
5.ivory
5.ivory
ivory
ivory
Otherwise
Otherwise offcuts,
stated,
stated, offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts,
elevation
elevation small
refers
refers small
to small
thesmall
to the
toptopof ofeacheachSU. SU. end,end,
end, 0.800.80
0.80 mmin minthe inthe the
middle,
middle,
middle, and and and0.800.800.80 mmin minthe inthe the
soil,soil,
soil,
soil,
dark dark darkdark yellow/brown
yellow/brown
yellow/brown yellow/brown (SU(SU (SU (SU
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper coins,
coins,coins,
coins, firedfired
firedfired northern
northern
northern end.end.end.
The The Thetwo two twowallswalls walls divided
divided
divided the the the
Building
Building
Building
506, 506,506,506, +7.80
+7.80 +7.80
+7.80 m), m), m), m), which
which which
which
bricks,
bricks,
bricks,
bricks, asasas well
as wellwell wellasasas animal
as animal
animal
animal 1 1into1intointo
three
three
threerooms,
rooms,
rooms, numbered
numbered
became numbered
became as
harder asRoom
harder asRoom Room
and 1 1at1at
and East
withat East
with East
became became harder harder and andwith with
1.1.bones, Building
bones, Building
bones,
bones, shells
shells
shells
shells 1and
and 1and and
charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. (between
(between
(between walls
walls
wallsSU SU
manySU
184
many184
many 184
many and and andSU
remains
remains SU
remains SU
remains 410),410),
410),
ofofof RoomRoom
plaster
of
plaster Room
plaster
plaster 2
ininin2in 2ininin
These
These
These
These
filling
filling
filling
filling
covered
covered
covered
covered a afloor afloor
afloorfloor the thethe
center
center
center (between
(between
(between walls
walls
proximity
proximity walls
proximity
proximity SU SU SU410
ofofof 410 410
of
the and
the and
the and
the SU SU
southern
southern SU420),
southern 420),
southern 420),
made
The
The made
mademade
ofofaofperimeter
whole
whole aof
medium-hard
amedium-hard
amedium-hard
perimeter medium-hard ofofthe and and
the and and and andandRoom
RoomRoom 3 3at3atWest
atWest
wallWest
wall (between
wall (between
wall
SU (between
SU SU SU
171. 171.171.walls
Itwalls
171. walls
Itwas ItSU
Itwas wasSU
was
so SU
so420 420
so 420
thick
so
thick and
thick and
thickand
compact
compact
Building
Building compact
compact 1grey
1greygreygrey
was mud
was mud mud mud
(SU (SU
opened,
opened, (SU 433
(SU 433 433 433 SU SU SU159).
159).
159).Although
Although
Although the the
(25/50
(25/50 the
three
(25/50
(25/50threethree
cm) rooms
cm) rooms
cm) rooms
cm)and shared
and shared
and shared
andrichrich a
rich a
simi-
a
simi-simi-
inininin
rich
toptoptop
althoughthe
although +7.95
top+7.95
+7.95+7.95m),
theeastern m), m), without
m),
easternside without
without
without
sideand any
and any
any any larlarlarstratigraphy,
stratigraphy,
stratigraphy, made mademade
material
material material ofofof
material fillings
fillings
fillings
(pottery,
(pottery, (pottery, and
(pottery, and and earthen
earthen
earthen
ivory
ivory ivoryivory
ceramic
ceramic
ceramic
theeastern
the ceramic
easternhalf sherd,
sherd,
halfofofthe sherd,
sherd,
thesouthern which
southern whichwhich
which floors,
floors,
floors, they
theythey hadhadhad specific
specific
specific
offcuts,
offcuts, offcuts,
offcuts, features
features
features
animal
animal animal
animal thatthatthat
bones,
bones, require
bones, require
bones, require
clayclayclay aaa
clay
bounded
bounded
bounded
side were
side bounded the
were still the theperimeter
the perimeter
perimeter
perimeter
still partially partially wall wall wallwall separate
separate
separate description.
description.
description.coin coincoincoin moulds,
moulds, moulds,
moulds, metal
metal metal
metal items,
items, items,
items,
SU SU
covered
covered SU
184.
SU184.
by184.
184.
byDue Due Due
earth.
earth. Due
totoits toits
The tobad
The itsbad
its bad
eleva- state
bad
eleva- state
state
state coins,
coins, coins,
coins, etc.)
etc.) etc.)
etc.)
that that thatitsitsits
that removal
its
removal removal
removal
ofofof
tion,
tion, of
preservation,
preservation,
measured
measured preservation,
preservation,
aboveabovethe it the
it itsea was
itsea
was waswas Figure 6. Building 1, Room 1: detail of1.3 1.3
the 1.3
Room
Room
filling RoomSU 1 506,
1 1 required required
required
requiredseveral several
several
severaldays daysdays days
opened
opened
opened
level,ranges
level, opened in
rangesfrom in inmore
inmore
fromthe more more parts
the+7.6 partsparts
+7.6mm parts of of of of stones of the wall SU 184 in the background (from W). (Figure
(Figure (Figure
(Figure 6)6) .6).Under
7 7 7 7
6).Under .Under
Under
the the the
filling
the
filling
filling
filling
ininRoom
Room
Room
thetheRoom 1, 1, hence
1,hence
outer
outer 1,hencehence labelled
labelled
labelled
northwestern
northwestern labelled also alsoalsoalso RoomRoom
Room 1 1(ca. 1(ca.(ca.
3535SU 35
sqSU sqSUsq
m) SU
506 m)
506 m) has
506 has
were
506 has
were anwere
were an an
irregular
several irregular
severalirregular
several
several layers. shape
layers. shape
layers. shape
layers.
as as SU
as SU
as
cornertotothe
corner SU435
SU435 435
the+8.6 435
(top(top(top (top
+7.93
+8.6mmatatthe +7.93+7.93
+7.93m)
thetop m) top inin
m)
in m)in becauseIn
because Inthe
because Inthe
In
thethe
southeastern
the
the southeastern
the southeastern
northernsoutheastern
northern
northern side corner,
side corner,
side corner,
(3.30 corner,
(3.30 itm)
(3.30 itm) itm)it
ofofthethe
the the
the southeastern
the southeastern
southeastern
western
western southeastern
wallwall(SU corner
corner
(SU cornercorner
159),159), ofofofof covered
isislonger covered
islongercovered
longercovered
than than some
than some
the some
the some
the
southernstones
stones
southern stones
southern stones
one (SU
one (SU
one (SU
(2.1 (SU
(2.1(2.1
Room
which
which Room
RoomRoom
isis1the 1theand
1and1best
and SU
and
best SU SU 439
SU 439
preserved
preserved 439 439
(top (top(top(top 509, 509,509,509,
+7.59/7.66
+7.59/7.66
+7.59/7.66
+7.59/7.66 m) m) m)
that
m)
thatthat
look
that
looklook look
m). m). m).
Since
Since
Since this thisthis
areaarea area was was wasan an essential
an essential
essential
+7.91
+7.91
+7.91
oneofofthis
one +7.91
m) m) m)
in m)
in
thisbuilding.the
in the
in the
southern
the
building.Duringsouthern
southern
southern
During part
partpart part shaping
shaping
shaping
shaping a astructure
a
structure
astructure
structure of of 1.70
of 1.70
of 1.701.70
x x x in
x
ofof the
of the
ofthe
Room
the
Room RoomRoom 1 1(Figure1(Figure
1(Figure
(Figure 5). 5).5).
A5).AAA passage
passage
passage for for for
the the the
dailydailydaily operations
operations
operations inin
the
the 2015
2015 campaign,
campaign, the thearea area Room 0.53
RoomRoom0.530.530.53
m
2 2and, m
2and, m
and
and, m
and
later,and
later,and
with
later,withwith
ininthewith
the
inthe the
the thesame
the
extension same
extensionsame
extensionsame
lens
lens
inside
inside lenslens
of
the ofbuilding
the of
greyof
greygrey
building grey
polished
polished
polished
was polished
was exca- clay
exca- clay clayclay S-N S-N S-N orientation
S-N orientation
orientation
orientation ofofthe ofthe
oftheroom.
the
room.
room.room.
(SU(SU(SU (SU444),
444),444),
444), rectangular
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular inininin outside
outside
outside the the the northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner,
corner,
corner,
vated
vated unevenly
unevenly because
because the the InInthe Inthe
Inthe
central-northern
the
central-northern
central-northern
central-northern partpartpart
of
part
ofofof
shape
shape
shape
shape
(ca (ca (ca
0.70
(ca
0.700.70 0.70
mmxmxm 0.50
xof0.50
xof
0.50 0.50
m) m)m)m) RoomRoomRoom
the the 1room
the 1room
the was1room
was was
room the
SU the
SU SUthe
less
506
SU less
506 less
506 investigated
investigated
covered
506 investigated
covered
covered
covered aaaa
target
target was was the the exposure
exposure the the
andandand
lining
and
lining
lining
lining
up uptoupto upthe
tothetothe
inner
the
innerinner inner
wall wall wallwall during
during
during the
medium-compact the
medium-compact the
2017-2018
medium-compact 2017-2018
medium-compact 2017-2018 season.
season.
layer season.
layer
layer
layer ofofofof
building’s
building’s perimeter.
perimeter. Eleva-
Eleva-
SU SU SU
184,
SU
184,184,184,
has has has
been
has
been been been
discovered
discovered
discovered
discovered mud mud mud mud withwithwithwith an an an anirregular
irregular
irregular
irregular
tionatatthe
tion theend endofofworks worksranged ranged
above
above
above
above
SU SU SU439.
SU439.439. 439.
ItsItsexcavation
Itsexcavation
Itsexcavation
excavation The TheThe removal
surface.removal
removal
surface.
surface.
surface. Itof ItofItthe
ofItthe
contained the
stones
contained stones
contained stones
contained SU SU
loose SU
loose 411
loose 411
loose 411
fromthe
from the+7.75 +7.75mmininthe theinner inner
ininininthe the the the2019 2019 2019 2019season season
season season (+8.20
(+8.20
(+8.20
soil soil m)
soil
and m)
soiland m)
proved
andproved
some
and proved
some somesome that
ceramicthatthat
ceramic they
ceramic they
ceramic theydid
sherds did
sherds did
sherdsnot
sherds not not
northeastern corner
northeastern corner toto the the
demonstrated
demonstrated
demonstrated
demonstrated that that thatitthat itwas
itwas itwas was
partpart partpart shape (SU
shape
shape(SU (SU
any512,
(SU
any 512,
any512,512,
+7.42/7.62
+7.42/7.62
+7.42/7.62
architectural +7.42/7.62
architectural
architectural m) m) m)
so
evidence m)
so
evidenceitso
evidence itso it it
+8.56mmininthe
+8.56 thenorthernortherpart partofof
ofoftheofthe
ofthe the
earthen earthen
earthen earthen floorfloorfloorfloor
SU SU SU
433 SU433 433 =433=== was
connected
connectedwas
connectedwas was interpreted
interpreted
interpreted
with interpreted as as as as
the the the the
thecentral
the
SU SU
centralfilling
SU SU
435 435 435
=435
filling(Figure
=SU =SU =SU
439.SU
439.
(Figure1).1).
439. 439. Figure 7. Building 1, Roomfrom from
1: vegetation
the vegetation
collapse SU 512, and and the garbage,
garbage, with with awith with
aspecial
special the the the RoomRoom
attention
attention Room to1to 11
filling SU 513 and the floorthe SU 510
theperimeter = SU 511
perimeterofofBuilding (from S). because
Building1 1(Figurecollapse
because collapse
because collapse
collapse
they theyof
they
(Figure2).2).AAnumber of of a of
covered a mud/earthen
a
covered mud/earthen
a
covered mud/earthen
mud/earthen
numberofofstrati-the thethe SE
strati- SE SE
structure
structure
structure
structure (Figure
(Figure
(Figure
(Figure 7).itself.
7).itself.
7). 7).
Initself.
InIn
theItIn
the Itthe
isItthe
1.1
1.1 InPreliminary
InInPreliminary
itsIn
itsits its middle-northern
middle-northern
middle-northern
middle-northern operations
operations part, part,
part, part, graphicunit
graphic unit(SU) (SU)was wascornercorner
corner
assigned
assigned of oftothe
oftothe the
building
those
those building
building
walls
walls opened
opened in inisis
central-northern
central-northern
central-northern
central-northern partpartpart
part
of of of
Room
therefore of
Room
therefore Room
therefore Room 1, 1,
possible SU
1,
possibleSU
1,
possibleSU 512
SU 512
that 512
that 512
covered
that covered
those covered
those covered
those stones a
stones a
stones aa
the thethethe
floor floor
floor floor
was was was was
cut cut cut
by cut
byabyaby pitapitapit
ofpitofcaofcaofca0.5
0.5 ca0.5
sq.0.5
sq.sq. m(SU
msq. m(SU
m(SU (SU
432)432)432)
432)
with
withwith the
with the20152015still stillwithout
withoutSU: SU:SU SU409 409refers referstotothe thewall wall(0.50 (0.50
The
The first
first daysdayswere were addressed
addressed areare are
the the the
result
result
result of of aof acollapse
acollapse
collapse or orFinal
they
orFinal
they they
anan an an irregular
irregular irregular
irregular shape. shape.
shape. shape. The The The The
pit pitto
pit
wastothe
pit
was the
was was
filledcleaning
cleaning
filled
filled filled
bybyby aof
aofby the the
aloose
loose aloose area
area
loose
grey
greygrey
grey
6. xSince
x 6. 0.35
0.35
6.
Since
6. m)
Since
this m)
Since
this
area
this detaching
detaching
area
this
area
hasarea
hasbeen
has
been
hasbeen southward
southward
described
been
described
described
described
only onlyonlyfrom from
generally
only
generally
generally inthe
the
generally in
the in
the northern
northern
2015
in
the2015
the2015
Season
2015 wall
Season wall
Season
Season
Final SU SU
Final
were
werewere partpartpart of of aof astructure
astructure
structure belonging
belonging
belonging
sand sand
sand sand
withwithwith with
a afew afew afew few
pottery pottery
pottery pottery sherds sherds
sherds sherds
and and and and
some
somesomesome
small small
small small
stonesstones
stones stonesReport
Report
Report
Report
(AA.VV.
(AA.VV.
(AA.VV.
(AA.VV.
2014-2015),
2014-2015),
2014-2015),
2014-2015),
SU SU 412
SU 412
SU has
412 has
412been
has been
has been
supposed
been
supposed
supposed
supposedcovered
covered
covered
covered
by by
SU bySUby
400.
SU 400.
SU 400. 400.
7. 7.
An7.
An average
7.
An average
Anaverage
average
of ofone
of
oneof
wheelbarrow
onewheelbarrow
one wheelbarrow
wheelbarrow
of of on-site
of
on-site
of
on-site
on-site
selected
selected
selected
selected
pottery
pottery
pottery
pottery
every
everyevery
day
every
dayfor
day for
day forfor
(SU (SU(SU (SU
431)431)431) 431)
(see(see(see (see
Figure Figure
Figure Figure 5).5).5). Some5). Some
Some Some medium-sized
medium-sizedmedium-sized
medium-sized stonesstones
stones stonesthree
three
three
days,
three
days,days,
asdays,
as
well
as
well
as
well
aswell
as
one
as
oneas
textile
onetextile
one
textile
textile
bag bag of
bagof
bag
ivory
of
ivory
of
ivory
offcuts
ivory
offcuts
offcuts
offcuts
and and one
andone
andbag
one bag
one of
bag of
bag
animal
of
animal
of
animal
animal
(SU (SU(SU (SU
438) 438)438)438)
werewerewerewere
opened
openedopened
opened atatthe atthe
atthe the
bottom bottom
bottom bottom ofofthe ofthe
ofthethe
fillingfilling
fillingfilling
SU SU SUSU
bones
bones
bones
each.
bones
each.
each.
each.
 117;
117;Sindh SU SU 410 410refers
Antiquities refers
Journal totothe thewall wall(0.90 (0.90x x0.70 0.70m)m)detaching detaching uniform uniformand andregular regulardistribution distributionofofthis thislayer layerover over 74the the
totoatoaveryavery very finalfinalfinal occupation
occupation
occupation ofofthisofthis this
building.
building.
building. The The The topsoil
topsoil
topsoilentirewell-arranged,
well-arranged,
well-arranged, theytheythey havehavehave been
itbeen been only only only partially
partially
partially opened
opened
opened sososo
northwardfrom
northward fromthe thesouthern
southernwall wallSU SU171; 171;and andSU SU411 411was was entiretrench trenchsuggests suggests thatthat itwaswas the the collapse
collapse of of the themud mud
above
above
above the the the
stones
stonesstones was was wasalready
already
already removed
removed
removed inin2015,
in2015,2015, while
while
while the the that
that
thebrick that
brick theytheythey
walls
walls require
require
ofrequire
ofthe theabuilding.
abetter
abetter
better
building. investigation.
investigation.
investigation.
Belowit,it,the
Below The
the 10The10Thetop
cm top
cm top
of
thick ofthe
thick ofthe the
cut
layer
layer cut cut
given
given
loose,
empty loose,
empty
empty todark
toloose,
loose, the
space the
dark
space dark
space rectangular-shaped
rectangular-shaped
brown
darkbrown
between brown
between brown
between sandy/loamy
sandy/loamy
sandy/loamy
them sandy/loamy
themthem was mass
was mass
clay
was clay
filled of
clay
(SU
filled of
clay
filled(SU
by stones
stones
(SU
by513,
513,
(SU
by
soft
softthat
513,+
softthat
513,
greygrey partial-
partial-
+7.42/7.50
+7.42/7.50
+7.42/7.50
grey 7.42/7.50
sand sandsandof ofof
ofloose
SU
ofloose
SU SU
432 432 432
on on the
on the the
floor
floor
floor SU SU SU
433 433 433is is attested
isattested
attested at at+7.97
at+7.97+7.97 m m and
m and and
ly
lywith
m) covers
covers
m) m)
withm)
with the
with the
with
less less southeastern
southeastern
less
finds
less
findsfinds
finds
than than than
the
than corner
corner
the the
upper
the
upper
upper of
of412) the
upper the
layers building.
building. Later,
Later, the the gravelwith
gravel withgrey greysand sand(SU (SU408) 408)has hasbeen beeninterpret- interpret-
with withsome
some some pottery
pottery
pottery sherds
sherds
sherds (SU (SU(SU 412)412) 6.layers
6.layers
6.layers
Below (SU
Below (SU
Below (SU506
SU(SU
SU506
SU506
and
411506
411and
411and
SU
was and
SU
was SU
was SU
thethethe
bottom
bottom
bottom ofoftheofthe the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU
431 431 431
at at+7.79
at+7.79+7.79 m.m. m.
excavation
excavation
512)
512)512)512)
but but but
many
but demonstrated
demonstrated
manymany many
charcoals.
charcoals.
charcoals.
charcoals. thatthat
At both
Atthe
At both
the
At the the
the the
northern stones
stones
northern
northern
northern end end of
end end SU
ofRoomSU 409
ofRoom
ofRoom Room409
1,1,1,1, ed ed as as a a preparation
preparation of of the the floor
floor itself.
itself. Under
Under SU SU 408 408 was wasa a
thethethe
layer
layer
layer of of of
grey greygrey mud mud mud bricks
bricks
bricks very
very compact
compact layer
layer withwith finefine gravel,
gravel, small
small stones,
stones, chips
chips
and
(SU just
and
(SU just
SU
(SU below
just
SU
407) just
407) below
411
407) below
411 below
did
discovered the
did
discovered thenot
discovered wall
the the
not wallwallwall
SU
belong
belong
other SU
other SU
other 117,
SU
to117,
parts 117,
toany
parts 117,
both
any
parts both both
bothSU
wall
wall SU
orSU or512
SU512 512and
512and
structure.
structure. andSU
andSU SU513SU513 513513 The The The stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy unearthed
unearthed
unearthed ininin
covered
covered covered
covered abuilding
aloose aloose
aloose loose
dark andand artefacts
artefacts (SU(SU 406)406) thatthat resulted
resulted very very hardhard and and difficult
difficult
ofof of
thethe thebuilding
building atdark
atdark
at
the dark
brown
the brown
thesamebrown
brown
same gravel
same gravel gravel
gravel mixed
mixed mixed
mixed with
withwith with
sandsand
sandsand
(SU (SU (SU (SU
totoremove.
remove.SU SU406 406was wasalso the the the
alsouniformly 2019 20192019
uniformlydistributed season
season
season recalled
distributedover recalled
recalledoverthe the the
the the
1.2 515,
1.2 515,
The
elevation 515,
The
elevation
elevation515,
+7.60+7.60
+7.60
upper
upper (+8.10 +7.60
(+8.10 m),
(+8.10m), m),
layers
layers which
m),
m). which
m). which
of
m). which
of
SU sloped
grey
SU sloped
grey
SU 407 mud
407sloped
sloped
mud
407 toward
toward toward
toward
bricks
bricks the
(SUthe
(SU center
the the
center
403 403 center
centerandof
and the
ofSUofSUofthe
the the situation
situation
situation foundfound
found in in Room
in Room Room 1 1and1 and and
room.
room. room.
room. areaofofinvestigation.
area investigation.AAdark darkspot spotofofblack/dark black/darkgrey greysoil soil
covered
covered
covered
407)
407) a asoft asoft soft andand andgreygrey grey sandy
sandy
sandy withash
with ash(SU (SU416) 416)found foundabove RoomRoom
aboveRoom SU2SU 2in406
2inthe
inthe
406 the
previous
previous
previous
possibly
possibly season.
season.
season.
referred
referred
clay
clay
clay with withwith many manymany pottery pottery
pottery totoa anon-structured
non-structuredfireplace. fireplace. However,
However,
However,
The Thefilling fillingdue due due
was toto
was to
the the
collected
collected thelimited
limited
limited
and and
The The
The The
fragments The
fragments
fragmentsThe
removal
removal
excavation
excavation (SU removal
removal
(SU (SU of
429,
429,of
429,
begun
begun the
of of
top the
top
withthe
top
withcollapsed
the
+8.05
+8.05
the collapsed
collapsed
collapsed
+8.05
the removal
removal stones ofstones
stones
stones
ofthe inin
the the
in the
in
topsoil
topsoil the inner
inner
the
(SU (SU inner
inner timetimetime available,
available,
available, as as well
as well well as as the
asorthe the
northeastern
northeastern then
then sifted
sifted but but it it
did did notnot provide
provide any any important
important samplesample or
m)
400m)
400m)that
thatnortheastern
=northeastern
that
=fine was
fine was
andwasand corner
corner
comparable
loose
loose corner
corner
comparable
comparablegrey ofRoom
ofgrey ofRoom
ofwithRoom
Room
with
sand,
sand, 1 1(SU
with a 1(SU 1(SU
afew 169
few(SU169
cm 169
cm discovered
discovered
169 discovered
discovered
thick),
thick), a aheavy inthe
inheavy inthe
inthe
the
organicremains.
organic remains.AtAt+8.02/+8.18 hugehugehuge
+8.02/+8.18m,m,SU amount
amountamount of of
SU406 finds
of finds
finds
406covered collected
collected
collected
covereda a
the
andthe
and 2015
2015
the 2015
upper 2015
upper
upper
compact
compact season
season season
fillingseason
filling
filling
fine at+7.99
atfine at+7.99
at+7.99
discovered+7.99
discovered m)m)m)
discovered
gravel
gravel opened
opened
m) in
with
with opened
opened
in a asituation
insand
sand asituation
(SUasituation
(SU situation characterized
characterized
401),
401), characterized
characterized
and andfew few second inbricks
inthe
inthe the
upperupperupper fillings,
fillings,
fillings, excavation
excavation
excavation
by byaby(SU (Figure
(Figure
(Figure (Figure second layer
layer of of grey
grey mud mud bricks (SU (SU 407).
407). Although
Although simi-
simi-
Room
Room
Room
stones
stones 2acomplex
2complex
by(SU 2acomplex
a(SU (SU complex
(SU
402, 404)
402, 404)404) stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy
and
bottom
bottom stratigraphy
and and RoomRoom
+8.27
+8.27 made
Room made
made
3m, made
3m, 3top of
ofseveral
oftop several
+several
of
+8.52 several
8.52 layers
m). m).layers
layers layers
BothBoth SUs SUs larlartotothe the collapse
collapse SU SU 403 403 interested
interested
interested
above,
above, it it
was wasthe the theentire
entire
concentrated
concentrated entire RoomRoomRoom
in in the 111
the
(SU
400 8).
(SU
400 8).
(SU
and8).
The
405)
and8).
The
405)405)The
401at upper
The
401 atupper
atupper
the
are the
areupper
theone
same one
same one
same
natural
natural is
one iselevation
aiselevation
elevation asoft
isasoft
asoft
depositions
depositions gravel
gravel
soft gravel
gravel
due and
due and
toand sand
sand
and
towater sand
water (SU
sand
and(SU(SU
and (SU
519)
wind 519)
wind 519)519) until
until
until the the thefloorfloor
floor SU SU SU 510 510 510 = = SU= SU SU
withoutwithout
without without materials, central-northernpart
central-northern partofofthe theBuildingBuilding1.1.SU SU406 406also also
(see
(see
(see
below
erosion.
erosion. below
below
BelowBelow §materials,
§materials,
1.4§materials,
1.4
the1.4
and
the and and§and
and
stones
stones §and
1.5). well
well
§and
1.5).
SU well
1.5).
SU well
In In
402 402preserved
preserved
preserved
In preserved
was wasaalong along
along
acompact along
compact the the the wall
wall
the wall
layer
layer wall
SU SU
of SU
of SU
coveredtwo
covered twolayerslayersofofa asoft 511,
softand 511,
511,then
andloose thenthenit
loosegrey it
wasit
was was
greysand restricted
restricted
restricted
sandwith to
witha afew to the
tothe
few the
thethe 117,
117,
the
rest
greymud
grey 117,
rest
rest
of where
where
117, of
mudbricks where
Room
ofwhere
Room it
Room
bricks(SU itis it
is
1, is
higher
ithigher
1, higher
is
there
1, higher
there
(SU403). at
there at
were at
EastEast
were
403).Because at
wereEast
a(+7.66
East
a(+7.66
a(+7.66
(+7.66
Becauseofofitsitsroughm) m) m)
thanm)
thanthan
West
than
West
roughconserva-WestWest
(+7.54
(+7.54
(+7.54
conserva- chips(+7.54 Figure 10. Building last
1, last
last
Room 3 3m 3
1:m tom to the
plastertothe the
North
North
in North
the and and and
further
further
further
m).m). m).
Both
m).
Both Both Both
collapsed collapsed
collapsed
collapsed stones stones
stones stones
SU SU 519chipsand andsmall small stones:SU
stones: SU 419 419infrom inthe the westernside
western sideofofthe the
loose
loose
loose
tion
tion and
(top
(top and and soft
attested
attested softsoft gravel
gravel
gravel
between
between mixed
mixed
mixed
+8.07
+8.07 mSU 169
m SU169
and 169
and and
169 and and
+8.34
+8.34 filling
andm) filling
filling
m) filling
due SU
dueSUtoSU519
to SU
the519
the519
building
building and and SU
filling SU 538to
SU 424 424 in in the tothe
tothe
(detail,
the the
last
eastern
eastern lastlast
2.5 2.5
S).
side 2.5
sidemof matofmat the
theatthe
the the
height
height
height
building.
building. ofofof
withcovered
withcovered
with
long
long covered
covered
stone
stonestone
exposure,
exposure, a chips
aheavy
aheavy
chips aheavy
itheavy
chips and
itSU SU
was and
SU
was and compact
415andcompact
415 compact
415 compact
(top
almost
almost (top(top greygrey
grey
grey
mud
impossible
impossible mud mud mud
(SU(SU (SU 522,
(SU522,522,
distinguishing
distinguishing 522,
+7.56
+7.56
+7.56
+7.56 the the the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU
526.526.526. SU
m),m), m),ca.
m), ca. ca.5 ca. 5 cm5 cm5 cm thick
cm thick
thick thick
and and and especially
especially
and especially
especially located located
located located along along
along alongthe the theand
the They
They
andandSU were
andSU were
SU SU
524), the
524), the
524),
524), filling
filling
compactcompact
compact ofof
compact mud narrow
narrow
mud mud mud
(SU (SU (SUwalls,
walls,
(SU
522, 522, 522, SUrespectively
respectively
522,SU SU SU
523, 523,523, 523,
and and SU
and
SUand410
SU 410
SU SU
+8.06
+8.06
+8.06
their
their m)m)m)
shape
shape and and
and and
and asize
asize
medium-com-
amedium-com-
medium-com-
(Figure3).3).Except
(Figure Exceptfor forthe thearea areaalreadyalready (already
(already partially
partially discovered
discovered in in 2015 2015 but but without
without any any SU SU
pactnorthern
pactnorthern
pact northern
grey
excavated
excavated northern
grey grey wall
mud wall
mud
along
along wall
mud wall
SU SU
(SU
the SU
(SU
the 171.
SU
(SU 171. 171.
436,
walls
walls 171.
Toward
436, Toward
436,
inin Toward
top Toward
top
2015 the
top(see
2015 thethe
room’s
the
room’s
(seeFigureroom’s
room’scenter,
center,
Figure1),1),the center,
center,
where
the where
where
where 525), 525),
525), 525),
and and andand collapsed
collapsed collapsed
collapsed stones stones
stones stones
(SU
The (SU
The (SU
The (SU
539,539,
digging 539,
digging 539,
SU
digging SU SU SU
169?),
of420,169?),
169?),
ofof 169?),
the together
the the together
togethertogether
earthen
earthen
earthen
SU SU SU
522SU
522 522 is522
isnot isnotisnot preserved,
preserved,
not
preserved,
preserved, SU SU SU519SU
519 519covered
519 covered
covered covered the the the filling
filling
the filling
filling
SU SU SU look
SU look
look look
shaping assigned,
assigned,
shaping
shaping shaping a asort see
asort see
asortsort
of of above)
above)
of of retaining
retaining
retaining and
retaining and SU
structure SU
structure
structure 420,
structure arrangedwhich
arranged which
arranged
arranged torun
toruntoSU
to
+7.98
+7.98
+7.98 m). m). m).SU SU SU
415 415 415
is isremarkable
is
remarkable
remarkable longitudinally
longitudinally the floor
the floor
floor SU SU
building
building SU 433 433 433=
with= SU=
with SU SU 435
a 435
a 435= =SU
major
major =SU
forfor 515.
515.
for
the 515.
the 515.
Below
the Below
great Below
great Below
great SU
amount SU
amount SU522,
amount SU522,522, 522,
at at
ofofpotterySouth,
atSouth,
at
ofpottery South,
potterySouth, there
there there
there
was was wasawasa compact
compact
a acompact
compact greygreygreygrey reinforce
reinforce reinforce
reinforce the the thethe northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner. corner.
corner. corner.
South-Northorientation
South-North 439
orientation 439 439opened
opened
opened
(Figure
(Figure a asoft asoft
4). soft
4). a Measures
aloose
Measures aloose
loose soil,soil,
ofsoil,
of
and mud
and mud
and mud mud
with
artefacts,with
artefacts, with
artefacts, ananirregular
with an irregular
an
such irregular
such irregular
such asas surface
surface
as surface
glass, surface
glass,
glass, (SU (SU(SU523,
(SU523,523,523,+7.50
+7.50 +7.50
+7.50
m), m),m), which
which
m), which
which
SU SU 410 410 are:are: length
length dark
=dark
=dark yellow/brown
12.80
12.80 yellow/brown
yellow/brown
m; m; width
width = (SU
=0.70(SU (SU
0.70 506,
m 506,
m 506,
in in
bronze presented
presented
bronze presented
bronze presented
and and andalsoalso
ironalsoalso
iron avery
airon very
afragments,
afragments,
veryvery
thinthin
thin
fragments, lens
thinlenslensofofbaked
lens ofbaked
ofbaked bakedclayclayclayclay
nearnear
nearnear
the the the
the Fillings
Fillings Fillings
Fillings SU SU SU SU
513, 513,
513, 513,
SU SU SU SU
515,515,515,515,
SU SU SU525SU
525 525
and525
and and and
the the the the
likely likely
likely likely
structure structure
structurestructure
corner
corner corner
corner between
between between
between the the the walls
thewalls
walls
walls
SU SU SU117
SU 117117 117
and and andand
SU SU SU 169.
SU169.169. InInInSU
169. InSU SU SU
509 509 the
509 the
509
covered
coveredsouthern
southern
covered
covered another end,
another end,
another
another +7.80
0.73+7.80
0.73
earthen +7.80
earthen m
earthen m),
m
earthen m),
in m),
in
floorwhich
thewhich
floorthewhich
floor
floor
(SU became
middle,
middle,
(SU became
(SU became
510,
(SU 510,and harder
and
510,510, harder
also harder
0.71
also0.71
alsoalso
ivory
ivory
ivory offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts, small
small
small mas m in inthethe northern
northern end.end. Measures
Measures of of SU SU 420 420 are:are:
proximity
proximity
proximity proximity of of of
the the
of the western
western
the western
western wallwallwallwall
SU SU SU
184,184,
SU 184, 184,
SU SU SU523
SU523 523 covered
523covered
covered
covered labelled
labelled labelled
labelled as SUasSUasSU
511SU
511 511
in511
in in in and
proximity
proximity and
proximity
proximity and
of with
of with
of
the with
of
the the
wallmany
the
wallmany
wallmany
wall
SU SU SUremains
SU
410) remains
410) remains
410) 410)
mademademade ofofof
made
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper coinscoins
coins (36),(36),
(36), fired
fired
fired length
length =12.84
=clay 12.84 m;m; width
width =in
=Itwas 0.78 0.78 m m in inthe thesouthern southern
bricks,some
some
bricks, some
bricks, some asstones
asstones
well
asstones
well well (SU
stones
as (SU
as (SU539,
animal
as (SU
animal539,
animal539,539,
+7.11/7.46
bones,
bones,+7.11/7.46
+7.11/7.46
+7.11/7.46
bones, m),m),m),filled
m),filled filled
filledwith with
with with
mudmud mud inininof
mud inofaofacompact
ofacompact
acompact
compact clay
clay (Figure
clay (Figure
(Figure (Figure plaster
9). plaster
9). Itplaster
9). 9).
It
wasItwas was
wellin in
well proximity
well proximity
well proximity
preserved
preserved preserved
preserved of
alongofalong
along ofthe the
along the
their
their their
theirupperupper
upper upper
part part and
partpart
and andwith
and
withwithwith
sand
sandsandsand
and and gravel
andandgravel gravel
gravel in in their
in in
their their
lower
their lower lower
lower thethethe the
walls walls
walls end,
SUend,
wallsSU SU
184SU
1840.80
0.80184 184
(+7.46m
(+7.46m
(+7.46in
(+7.46in
m) the
m) the
southern
m)
and m)
and middle,
middle,
southern
southern
and
SUand
SU SU
410wall
SU410 and
wall
410
(+ and
wall
SU
410
(+ SU
(+
7.530.80
SU
(+
7.530.80
171.171.
7.53
7.53
m), m
171.
m), It mIt
m), in
was
whileIt
m), in
was
while the
was
while sothe
while so so
shells
shells
shellsand and andcharcoal. charcoal.
charcoal.These These
These northern
northern end.end. The The two two wallswalls divided
divided the the Building
Building
part.
fillingpart.
filling part.
filling part.
BothBoth
covered Both
covered Both
covered fillings
fillings fillings
afillings
afloor SU
afloor SU
floor SU
made523
SU
made523
made and
523523
of and
ofand
ofSUand
SU 519,
SU SU
519, 519,519,
the the latter
the the
latter latter
latterbelow
below below
below less lessless
lessininthe in inthe the
thecenter center
center
centerofofthe of of the
theroom the thick
room thick
room
room(+(+7.35thick (+(25/50
(25/50
(+ (25/50
7.35
7.35m). 7.35 cm)
m).
m).The cm)
m). cm)
The and
Theexcavation in
Theexcavation and and rich
excavation rich
excavationrich in in
ofthe
ofofthe ofthe 1
the
floor 1
floorinto
floorinto
floor
SU SU SUthree
three SU
510 510 510 rooms,
rooms,
510 unearthed
unearthed unearthed
unearthed numbered
numbered a avery averyavery as
very as
thick Room
thick Room
thick
thick filling filling
filling 1at(ca.
1filling atEast
(ca.East
(ca. (ca.
a atheathe northern
the the
medium-hardnorthern
medium-hard
medium-hard northern
northern wall wallwall
and SU
wall
and SU
and 117,
SU SU
117,
compact
compact covered
117,
117,
compact covered covered
covered a asoft asoft
asoft loamy
soft
loamy loamy
loamy soilsoil with
soilsoil
withwithwith material
material
material (animal
(animal
(animal bones,
bones,
bones, clayclay clay
greysand
greysand
grey sand
mud sand
and
mud and
mud andgravel
(SU and
(SUgravel
(SU (SU
gravel
gravel
433 433 433 (SU
top (SU
top(SU
524)
top524)
524)
+7.95 524)
+7.95that
+7.95thatthatwas
thatwaswassimilar
was similar similar
similar totoSU toSU
toSU 519.
SU519.519. 30/55
519. 30/55 30/55
30/55 cm cm (between
(between
cm cm
depending depending
depending
depending walls
walls onon SUonSU
theon
the
coin
184
the
coin
184
the
coin
and
preservation and
moulds,
SU
preservation
preservation
preservation
moulds,
SU410),
moulds,
410),
ofmetal
ofmetal
the ofRoom
ofRoom
the
metal the the
layers layers
layers
items,
items,
2inin
2layers
items,
above
above the the
and and center
center below
below it)(between
(between
8 8 8 8 walls
it)spread
it)spread spread walls
spread overover SU
over SU
over
the 410
the 410
the and
entire
theentireand
entire
entireSU SU 420),
420),
m), Along
m), Along
m),
withoutAlong
Along
without the
without the northern
the
anythe
any any northern
northern
northern
ceramic
ceramic wall
ceramic wallwallSU
wall
sherd,SU
sherd, 117,
SU
sherd,SU117,117,SU
117,
SU 524
SU SU
524 covered
524 524
covered covered
covered a athird athird
athird above
third above and and below
below it) coins,
coins,
coins, etc.)etc.)etc.) thatthatthat its itsroom’s
its room’s
room’s
removal room’s
removal
removal
compact compact
compact
compact layer layer
layer layer
of of mud
of ofmud
mud mud
(SU (SU (SU525,
(SU 525,525,525,
+7.45
+7.45 +7.45
+7.45 m)m)m) that
m)
that was
thatthat
was wasless
was less surface.
less
less surface.
surface.
surface. and and
It Itwas Room
Itwas Room
Itwas
awasaloose, 3
aloose, 3at
aloose, at
loose,
darkWest
darkWest
darkdark
brown
brown(between
(between
brownbrown loamyloamy
loamy walls
walls
loamyclayclay SU
(SU
clay SU
clay (SU 420
(SU 420
526)
(SU526)and
526) and
526)
which
which
which bounded
bounded
bounded the the theperimeter
perimeter
perimeter SU SU 159).
159). Although
Although required
required
the required
the three
three several
several
several
rooms
rooms daysdays
shared
shared days (Figure
(Figure
(Figure
9 9 9 a 9 a simi-
simi-
wallhard
wallhard
wall hard
SU than
hard
SU than
SU than
184. previous
than
184. previous
184. Dueprevious
previous
Due Due ones
toones toones
toones
its (SU
its(SU
its
bad(SU522
bad(SU522
bad and
522522
and SU
and and
SU 523).
SU SU 523).
523).
523). The The layers
TheThelayers layers
layers which
which
which
whichresulted
resulted
resulted
resulted ininainain large
alarge
alarge
large
amount
amount
7.6)
6)made
6) amount
amount
7. Under
7. Under
of
Under of material
of
thematerial
of
thematerial
thematerial
filling :
filling
filling:animal
:
SUanimal
:animal
SU animal
SU506 506 506
mentioned
mentioned
mentioned bones,
bones,
bones,
bones, lar
ivorylar
ivory
ivory stratigraphy,
stratigraphy,
ivory
offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts, made
metals,
metals,
metals,
metals, glass,of
ofglass, glass,fillings
fillings
glass,
coins,
coins, and
coins, and
coins, etc. etc. earthen
earthen
etc.etc.
In IntheInthe
In
state
state
state ofmentioned
ofof above
preservation, above
preservation,
preservation, above
above are are remarkable
itare
are itremarkable
remarkable
waswas was because
itremarkable because because
because theythey theythey
provided provided
provided
provided
floors,of
floors, theythey had had werewerewere
specificcorner
specific several
several
several
features
features layers.
layers.
thatlayers.
that In In
require
require Inthe aasaas
very
opened very
opened very
opened very
few, few,few,
ininmore or
few,
inmore or even
or
more or
eveneven
parts even
none,
parts none,
parts none,
none,
ofofRoom pottery
pottery
ofRoom Room pottery
pottery sherds.
sherds. sherds.
sherds. SoftSoftSoftsoil
Softsoil (SU
soilsoil
(SU (SU519
(SU 519 519 correspondence
519 correspondence
correspondence
correspondence ofthe
ofthe
ofthe
northeastern
the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner
it it
presented
it
presented
it
presented
presented as as
separate
separate description.
description. southeastern
southeastern
southeastern corner,
corner,
corner, it itcovered
itcovered
covered
1,1,hence
1,hencehence labelled
labelled
labelled alsoalso also asasas SU SU SU a abrown/yellow
abrown/yellow
abrown/yellow
brown/yellow softsoftsoft
clay.
soft
clay.
clay.
clay.
On On On
theOn
the the
eastern
the
eastern
eastern
easternsidesidesideonly,
sideonly,only,only,
justjustjust
ajustaaa
somesomesome stones stones
stones (SU (SU (SU 509, 509,509,
435435435
(top(top(top+7.93+7.93+7.93 m)m)m) ininthe inthe the
south-
south-
south- fewfewfewcentimeters
fewcentimeters
centimeters
centimeters below
below
below
belowthe the the
floor
the
floor
floor
floor
SU SU SU510,
SU510,510, 510,
SU SU SU526SU526 526 was
526 was was was
covered
covered
covered
covered 1.3 1.3
bybyby Room
abyRoom
acompact 1
acompact 1
acompact
compact mud +7.59/7.66
mud +7.59/7.66
mud +7.59/7.66
mud
(SU (SU (SU 533,
(SU 533,m)
533,m)
533,m)
that
+7.30 that
+7.30 that
+7.30 look
+7.30 look
m)m)m) look shap-
that
m) shap-
that shap-
that that
eastern
eastern
eastern corner
corner
corner ofofRoomofRoom Room 1 1and 1and and
possibly
possibly
possibly
possibly pertained
pertained
pertained
pertained to toa toa
collapsed
toa ing
collapsed
a ing
collapsed ing
a astructure
collapsed astructure
earthen structure
earthen
earthen
earthen of of
structure 1.70
of
structure 1.70
structure 1.70
structure xreused
xreused
0.53
xreused
0.530.53 mmm
reused
SU SU SU439 439 439 (top(top (top+7.91 +7.91
+7.91 m)m)m) ininthe inthe the
southern
southern
southern part part part
ofofthe ofthe the
RoomRoom Room 1.1.A1.AA totofill
tofill
tofill
upfill
upRoom
the
upRoom
the
upthe the
room.
room. 1(ca.
1 room.
room. (ca.3535and sqand
sqand with
m) m)withwith
has the
has the the
ansame
ansame same S-N
irregular
irregular S-N S-N orienta-
orienta-
orienta-
shape
shape
lens
lens
lensofofgrey
ofgrey grey polished
polished
polished clay clayclay(SU (SU (SU tion
because
because tiontion theof
theof of the the
northern
northern the room.
room.
room.
sideside In In
(3.30
(3.30 In the
m) the
m) the
444),
444),
444), rectangular
rectangular
rectangular ininshape
inshape shape (ca (ca (ca In In In
the the
In the northwestern
northwestern
northwestern
the northwestern corner,
corner, corner,
is is central-northern
corner, central-northern
at
longer
longer central-northern
at at
the the
at the
than thanelevation
elevation
the elevation
the elevation
the ofpart
southern
southern ofpart
of
+6.77part
+6.77
of of
+6.77
one of
+6.77
one m,of the
m,
(2.1 the
m,
(2.1 the
m,
0.70
0.70
0.70mmxmx0.50 x0.50 0.50 m)m)m) and and and
lining
lining
lining upupup SU SU SU526
SU526 526turned
526turned
turned
turned into
into into
a a
into a
veryvery
m). averyvery
room
m).Since loose
loose
room loose
room
Sincethis loose
SU dark
SU dark
SU dark
506
thisarea dark
506 yellow
yellow
506 yellow
yellow
covered
areawas covered soil
covered soil
wasananessential soil
a with
soil
a with
medi-
a
essentialwith
medi- with
medi-
totothe
tothe theinner
innerinner wallwall wall SU SU SU 184,184,184, has hashas more more
more more sandsandsandsand
andand and and
lesslesslessless material
material
material
passage
passage material
um-compact
um-compact
for (SU
um-compact
for (SU
the (SU
the(SU layer 538),
538),
538), layer
daily
daily 538),
layer of ofhaving
having mud
of
operations
operations having
mudhaving
mud with in aa
awith
awith in
been
been
beendiscovered
discovered
discovered above
above
above SU SU SU
439.439.439. remarkable
remarkable
remarkableremarkable concentration
concentration
concentration
concentration Room ofan
Room ofan plaster
plaster
of2plaster
of2an and,plaster
and, and
irregular and
irregular
irregular some
andand
later,
later, some
insomesome fragments
fragments
surface.
inthe surface.
the fragments
fragments
surface.
extension
extension It It It
ItsItsItsexcavation
excavation
excavation inininthe thethe2019 2019
2019 ofoffired
offired
offired tiles
fired
tiles similar
similar
tiles
tiles similar
similar totothose
to those
to those
those used
used
contained used
contained
outside the
outside used
for
contained for the
for the
for
loose
loose
the northeastern floor
floor
the the
loose soilfloor
floorSU
soil
northeastern corner, SU
soil SU
and 535
and535
SUand535in
some535in
some
corner, inin
some
season
season
season demonstrated Figure 8. Building
demonstrated
demonstrated that thatthat 1,it
it itwas Room
was was 1: the ‘retaining Room
Room RoomRoom 2;2;see 2;see
2;see§see§1.4)(Figure
§1.4)(Figure
§1.4)(Figure
1.4)(Figure
RoomRoomceramic 10).
ceramic 10).
ceramic
1 1was 10). 10).
On
wasthe On Onthe
sherdsOnthe
sherds
the the
sherds
less northeastern
northeastern
the (SU northeastern
northeastern
(SU
lessinvestigated (SU512,
investigated 512,512,
structure’ in the inner NE corner (from SW). corner,
corner, corner,
corner, the the removal
removal
the the removal
removal ofofSU ofSUofSU 526
SU526 526opened
526opened opened
opened am) am)
compact
part
part
part
ofoftheofthe the
earthen
earthen
earthen floor
floorfloor SU SU SU
433433 433 +7.42/7.62
during
during +7.42/7.62
+7.42/7.62
the the2017-2018
2017-2018m) soacompact
soacompact
socompact
it itwasitwas
season.
season.
mud
was mud
inter-mud mud
inter-
inter-
= =SU =SU SU435 435 435= =SU =SU SU439.
439.439. block
block block
block (SU (SU (SU 540,
(SU 540, 540,
540, +6.88/7.05)
+6.88/7.05) +6.88/7.05)
+6.88/7.05) covering
covering covering
covering the the northern
northern
the the northern
northern wallwallwall wall
preted
preted
preted asasas the the the collapse
collapse
collapse ofofof aaa
SU SU 117.
SU 117.
SU 117.Due Due
117. Due tototo
Due itsits
toits hardness,
hardness,
its hardness,
hardness, it itwasitwas
itwas was interpreted
interpreted interpreted
interpreted asasas a asaaa
structure,
structure,structure,
structure, although
although although
although itsitsThe The mud/earthen
later
later
its its mud/earthen
mud/earthen
removal
removal
later
later excavation
excavation ofofthe
excavation
excavation structure
structure
the structure
stones
stones
evidenced
evidenced evidenced
evidenced (Figure
SU (Figure
SU (Figure
the 411
the 411
the the
InInits
Initsmiddle-northern
itsmiddle-northern
middle-northern part,
part,
part,
the the the 7). 7). 7).
In In the
In the the
central-northern
central-northern
central-northern part part part
presence
presence presence
presence of of many
of many
of many
many (+8.20
(+8.20
inclusions,
inclusions,
inclusions,
inclusions, m)
suchm)
suchsuch proved
proved
such
as as stones,
as asthat
stones,that they
stones,
stones, they
sand sand did
sand did
sand
and not
and andnot
and
floor
floor
floorwas was was cut cut cut
bybyabyapitapitpit ofofca ofca0.5ca0.5 0.5
gravel.
gravel.gravel.
gravel. AtAtWest, AtWest,
AtWest, West,
almost
almost almost
almost shape
shape
tying of
tying ofRoom
of
tying
tyingwithRoom
any any
withRoom
with with
the 1,
the 1, SU
1,
wall
the theSU
architectural
architectural wall SU
wall512
wall
SU 512
SU 512
SU covered
117,
SU covered
117, covered
evidence
evidence
117,117,
the the athe
the aa
mm(SU
sq.sq.sq. m(SU (SU 432) 432)432) withwithwith ananirregu-
anirregu-
irregu-
larlarlar
shape.
shape.
shape. The The Thepitpitpit was was was filled
filled
filledbybyby mudmudmud mud
block
block block
block SU SU SU540
SU540 540covered
540covered loose,
connected
connected
covered
covered loose,
someloose,
some dark
somesomedark dark
with
stones brown
with
stones brown
brown
stones
stones sandy/loamy
(athe
(athe sandy/loamy
sandy/loamy
Room
structure?), Room 1 1
(astructure?),
structure?),
(astructure?),
a aloose
aloose
loose grey greygrey sand sandsand with with with a afew afew few partially partially
partially
partially arranged arranged
arranged
arranged with with
withwith
an clay
because
because an clay
an clay(SU
East-West
an (SU
they (SU
they
East-West
East-West
East-West 513,513,513, +
covered
covered +
orientation7.42/7.50
+
orientation7.42/7.50
7.42/7.50
orientation
orientation the the
and andm)
SE
andm)
SEandm)
pottery
pottery
pottery sherds
sherdssherds and and andsome some some small
small
small measuring
measuring
measuring
measuring 1.101.10 1.10
1.10x x 0.65
x 0.65
x 0.65 corner
corner
0.65
m m with
(SU
m with
(SU
m of
with
(SU of
(SU
542,the
less
542, the
lessless
542, finds
542, building
building
finds
finds
+6.72/6.80
+6.72/6.80thanthan
+6.72/6.80
+6.72/6.80 than itself.
itself.
the
m).the the
m). It
upper
At
m). m). It
upper
At is
upper
At is
At
stones
stones
stones (SU (SU (SU 431) 431) 431) (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 5).5).5).
SomeSomeSome medium-sized
medium-sized
medium-sized stones stonesSouth,
stones South,
layers
layers South,
South,
layers (SUtogether
(SUtogether
(SU together
together
506 506506 with
and andwith
andSU with
withSUSU therefore
therefore
SUSU
512)SU
512)540,
SU
512)540,540,
but but540,
butpossible
possible
SU SU
manymanySU 542
SU
many 542that
542that
542
charcoals. those
covered
charcoals.
charcoals.those
covered covered
covered At stones
stones
anAt
At anthe
the anthean
(SU(SU(SU438)
438) 438) were were were opened
opened
opened atatthe atthethe
bottom
bottom
bottom ofofthe ofthe the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU431.431.431.8. northern
northern
northern end end endofofRoom
ofRoom Room are are
1,1,just the
1,just the
just
below result
result
below
below the of of
the a
the
walla
wall collapse
collapse
wallSU SU SU117, or
117, or
117,they
both they
bothboth
8.
Lowest
8.
Lowest
8.
Lowest
Lowest
elevation
elevation
elevation
elevation
of oftheof
thelayer
of
thelayer
thelayer
above
werelayer
above
were above
SU
above
partSU 526
partSU 526
SU
of was
526
of awas
526 awas
attested
was
attested
attested
structure
structure attested
at at
+7.11at
+7.11at
+7.11
m+7.11
m
belonging
belonging (SUm(SU m(SU (SU
ItsItsIts
excavation
excavation
excavation ininthe inthe the 20192019
2019 season
season
season did did didnot notnotprovide
provide
provide any any SU
any539),SU SU
539),512
539), 512
+7.29
539), 512
+7.29 and
+7.29
m and
+7.29
m(SUand
m SU
(SUmSU
(SU SU
533),
(SU513
533), 513
533),
and 513
533),
and covered
covered
+7.35
and covered
+7.35
and+7.35
m:
+7.35
m: a
highest
m: aloose
highest
m: aloose
highest loose
highest
elevation dark
elevation dark
elevation dark
elevation
of ofbrown
the brown
of
the brown
layer
ofthelayer
the gravel
layer
below gravel
layer
below gravel
belowbelow
architectural
architectural
architectural Figureororsignificant
orsignificant
9.significant
Building 1, evidence.
evidence.
evidence.
Room 1: the Although
Although
mudAlthough
floor they they
they looklooklookSU mixed
mixed
SU mixed
526
SU 526
SUwaswith
526 with
was
526 with
was sand
attested
was sand
attested sand
attested (SU
attested
at at
+6.79(SU
at
+6.79(SU
at 515,
+6.79
m 515,
+6.79
m
(SU 515,
m
(SUm+7.60
(SU +7.60
538).
(SU +7.60
538).
538). m),
538). m), m),which
which
which sloped
sloped
sloped toward
toward
toward
SU 510 (from N). 9. 9.
The9.
The9.
The
amount
The
amount
amount
amount
of of
material
of
material
of
material
material
from
from
from
SUfrom
SU526
SU
526
SU
was
526
was
526
was
similar
was
similar
similar
similar
to to
theto
the
SU
to
the
SU
the
506
SU506
SU
(see
506
(see
506(see
Note
(see
Note
Note
Note
7) 7) 7) 7)
totoatoavery avery
Sindh very final
finalfinal
Antiquities occupation
occupation
occupation
Journal ofofthis ofthis this
building.
building.
building. TheThe Thetopsoiltopsoilwell-arranged,
topsoil well-arranged,
well-arranged, theythey
they have
have
have beenbeenbeen only only only partially
partially
partially opened
opened
opened so75soso
the the
above the
above center
abovecenter
center
the the of
the of
stones the
of
stones the
stones the
room.
room.
was wasroom.
was already
already
already removed
removed
removed inin2015,
in2015,2015, while
while
while the the thethatthat
that
they
theythey
require
require
require a abetter
abetter
betterinvestigation.
investigation.
investigation. The The The top top top
ofofthe ofthe the
cut cut cut
empty
empty
empty space
space
space
L-shapedstructure
L-shaped between
between
between
structure(SU themthemthem
(SU541) was was was
541)made filled
filled
filled by by
madeofofroughly by
soft softsoft
grey
grey
grey
roughlysquared sandsand
squared sand of ofSU
ofSU SU432432432
on on the
on the the
floor
floor
floor
SU SU SU433 433 433
is is attested
isattested
attested at at +7.97
at +7.97
+7.97 m m and
m and and
6. 6.Below
6.BelowBelow SU SU SU
411 411411waswas was
withwith
6. 6.
with some
stones.
Since
6.
some
stones.
Since
some
Since
thisthis
pottery
pottery
Its
area
this
area
pottery
Its measured
area
has has
sherds
measured
been
hasbeen
sherds
been
sherds
described 1(SU
described 1(SU (SU
xonly
described
412)
x0.30
only
412)
0.30
only
412) mEast-West
mgenerally
generally
generally East-West
in in
thein
the2015
the2015 and
2015 and
Season
Season
Season1.70
1.70
Final
Final x xthe
Final
thethe
bottom
bottom
bottom ofofthe ofthethe
filling
filling
filling
SU SU SU
431 431 431atat+7.79 at+7.79
+7.79 m.m.m.
the the
Report the
Report layer
Report layer
layer
(AA.VV.
(AA.VV. ofof
(AA.VV. of
greygrey
2014-2015), grey
2014-2015),
2014-2015),mud mud
SU mud
SU bricks
412
SU bricks
412 bricks
has
412hasbeen
has beenbeen
supposed
supposed
supposed covered
covered
covered
by by
SUby
SU 400.
SU 400.
400.
0.400.40South-North
South-Northand anditsitstop topwas wasattestedattestedbetween between+6.70 +6.70
(SU (SU
7. (SU
7.
An407)
7.
An 407)407)
average
An discovered
average discovered
average discovered
of ofoneofone other
wheelbarrow
one other
wheelbarrow other
wheelbarrow parts
parts
of parts
of
on-site
ofon-site
on-site
selected
selected
selected
pottery
pottery
pottery
every
every
every
day day for
day forfor The The The stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy unearthed
unearthed
unearthed ininin
three
three and
three and
days,
days,6.85
days,6.85
asbuilding
as
well
as
well m.
m.wellasThis
as This
oneas
one one structure
structure
textile
textile
textile
bag bag bag
ofsame
of shaped
shaped
ivory
ofivory
ivory
offcuts a
offcuts small
a offcuts
smalland and room
and
one room
one one
bagbag (Room
(Room
bag
of of
animal
of
animal AA
animal
of of ofthethe the buildingbuilding at at at
the the the samesame the the the20192019 2019 season
season
season recalled
recalled
recalled the the the
bones
bones
bones
elevation
elevation >Room
>each. Room
each. 1.A)
each.
elevation (+8.10
(+8.10 1.A)with
(+8.10 m).with
m). m). the
SU the
SU SU perimeter
perimeter
407 407 407 walls wallsSU SU117 117atatNorth North
situation
situation
situation found
found
found ininRoominRoom Room 1 1and 1and and
covered and
covered andSU
covered aSU a184
asoftsoft 184
softand at
and atWest,
and West,
grey greygrey sandymeasuring
measuring
sandy 1.45
sandy 1.45x x0.70 0.70m.m.It Itwas was RoomRoomRoom 2 2in2inthe inthe the
previous
previous
previous season.
season.
season.
clayclayclay excavated
excavatedwithwithwith for
many for
many many ca. ca. 50
pottery 50
pottery
pottery cm cm without
without reaching
reaching itsits However,
However,
However, duedue due to to to
the the thelimited
limited
limited
The The The removal
removal
removal
bottom/floor
bottom/floor ofofthe of the
(if the
collapsed
(if collapsed
still collapsed
still stones
preserved).
preserved). stones
stones inOutside
inthe
Outside inthe the
inner
inner
inner
Room northeast-
Room northeast-
northeast-
A, A,i.e. i.e.inin
fragments
ern fragments
ern fragments
erncorner
corner
corner (SU (SU (SU
ofofRoom 429,
ofRoom 429,
Room429, top top
1 1(SU top
+8.05
1(SU +8.05
(SU +8.05
169 169 169 discovered
discovered
discovered inintheinthe the
201520152015 timetimetime available,
available,
available, as as well
as wellwell as as the
asthe the
m) m) m)the the
that
that other
other
thatwas was waspartpart
comparableofofRoom
comparable
comparable Room1, with1,
with therewas
there
with wasananearthen earthenfloor floor(SU (SU hugehugehuge amount
amountamount of of finds
of finds
finds collected
collected
collected
season
season
season atat+7.99
at+7.99+7.99 m)m)m) opened
opened
opened a asituation
asituation
situation characterized
characterized
characterized bybyby aaa
the the 543)
the 543)
upper
upper
upperwithwith
filling a aregular
filling
filling regular
discovered
discovered
discovered surface
surface inseveral
in (+6.66/6.76m)m)and
(+6.66/6.76
in andthat thatwell well ininthe inthe the
upper upperupper fillings,
fillings,
fillings, excavation
excavation
excavation
complex
complex
complex stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy withwithwith several
several layers
layers
layers (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 8).8).8).
TheThe The
RoomRoomRoom bound
bound 2 2(SU2 to
(SU tothe
(SU 404)the
404) 404) structure
structure
and and andRoomRoom SU
Room SU 35413 541
3 as aswellwellasasthe theperimeter
perimeter interested
interested
interested the the theentire
entire
entire RoomRoomRoom 111
upper
upper
upper one one one
isisaisasoft asoft soft
gravel
gravel
gravel and andandsand
sand sand (SU (SU (SU519)519)
519) without
without
without mate-
mate-
mate-
(SU (SU
rials
rials
rials walls
walls
(SU 405)
and405)
and 405)
andSU
at
well SU
at
wellthe117
at
well the117
the
preserved and
samesame
preserved and
same
preserved SU SU 184
elevation
along 184
elevation
elevation
along
along the (Figure
(Figure
the the
wallwall 11).
wallSU11).
SU SU
117,117,117,where
where
where it itisitisis until
until
until the the thefloor
floor
floor SU SU SU 510 510 510 = =SU =SU SU
(see(see
higher (see
higher below
higher below
below
at at§East
atEast §1.4§1.4
East 1.4
and
(+7.66 and
(+7.66 and
(+7.66 § §1.5).
m)§1.5).
m) 1.5).
m) In
than In
than InWest
than WestWest (+7.54
(+7.54
(+7.54 m). m).m).BothBothBoth 511,511,511,thenthen
Figure 11. Building 1, Room 1.A: layers infilling the wall
then it it
wasit
was wasrestricted
restricted
restricted to tothe
tothe the
the the
collapsed Some
the
rest
collapsed Some
rest
collapsedrest
ofofRoom fragments
fragments
ofRoom
stones Room
stones
stones 1,SU 1,SU
there
1,SU of
there
169 of
there
169were
169 fired
fired
were
andwere
andand aunglazed
aunglazedafilling
filling
filling SU SU SUtiles
tiles
519 519 519 were
were
covered
covered
covered visible
visible aaa SU 184 in the NE corner lastlastlast
3 3m of3 m tomtothe
the tothe
room the
North
North
North
(from and
W). and and
further
further
further
loose
loose
heavy loose
heavy inside
heavy and
inside
and and
and and
SU
and soft
SU
compact softsoft
538
compact 538
compact gravel
gravel
near
greygravel
near
grey the
grey mixed
the
mud mixed
mud mixed
wall
mudwall
(SU (SU SU
(SU SU
522, 410
522, 410
522,+7.56 at+6.72
at+7.56
+7.56 +6.72
m),m),m),m,
ca. m,
ca. where
5where
ca. 5cm 5cm cm totothe tothe the
last last last
2.52.5 2.5
mmatmatthe atthe the
height
height
height ofofof
withwith
thick with
thick the
thick stone
the
andstone
stone
earthen
and and chips
earthen chips
especially chips
especiallyfloor
especially SU
floor SU SUSU415
SU
located 415
543
located 415(top
543
located (top
was(top
was
along
along not
along not
the well
the well
thenorthern preserved
preserved
northern
northern wall
wallwall(+6.76
(+6.76
SU SU SU523). the the the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU
526.526.526.
+8.06
+8.06
+8.06 m) m) m)
and and and athe amedium-com-
aroom’s
medium-com-
medium-com- 523).
523).TheTheThelayers
layers
layers mentioned
mentioned
mentioned above
above
above are are are
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable because
because
because
171. 171. m).
171. m).
Toward
TowardFabric
Fabric
Toward and
the andthe elevation
elevation
room’s
room’s center, suggested
suggested
center,
center, wherewhere
where there
there SU SUthe
SUthe
522522 presence
presence
522 isisnotisnot of
notof
pactpactpact 436, 436,
436, they
they
they
provided
provided
provided very
veryvery
few,few,
few,
ororevenoreveneven none,none, none, pottery
pottery
pottery sherds.
sherds.
sherds. Soft
Soft Soft
preserved,a agrey
preserved, grey
floor
preserved, grey
floor mud
SU mud
SU mud
similar
similarSU519 (SU
519 (SU
519 to(SUtothat
covered
covered that
covered onetop
one
the top
the top
found
the found
filling
filling
filling in
SU in
SU SURoom
Room
515.515.515. 2(SU
2Below
Below (SUSU
Below 535,
SU535,
SUsoil soil
soil
(SU (SU(SU519519519and andand
SU SU SU524),
524),
524),
The The
compact
The
compact
digging
compact
digging
digging
mud mud mud (SU
ofofof
(SU (SU
the
522,
the
522,
the
522,
earthen
SU SU
earthen
SU
earthen
523,523,523,
+7.98
522,+7.98
+7.98
522, m).
+6.62/6.73
522, m).
atSouth,m).
at+6.62/6.73SU
atSouth,SU
South, SU
415 415
m;
there 415
m;
there issee
thereissee
remarkable
was isremarkable
was remarkable
below
below
was a acompact § §1.4).
compact
a compact 1.4).greyFor
greyFor
greymud this
this
mudmud withreason,
reason,
with
withanan anacut
airreg- cut
irreg- ofofand
irreg- floor
floor
floor SU SU SU 433 433433 =539,
=SU =SU SU435 435 435=169?),
=SU =SU SU
forfor for
thethe the
great
great
great amount
amount
amount of of pottery
of pottery
pottery andandSU SU SU525),
525),
525), and andandcollapsed
collapsed
collapsed stones
stones
stones (SU (SU (SU 539,539, SU SU SU169?), 169?),
ularular 0.7
ular 0.7
surfacex.
surfacex.0.5
surface 0.5 m(SU
(SU mwas(SU was
523,523,donedone
523, +7.50
+7.50 between
between
+7.50 m), m), m), thethe
which
which step
which step leftleftatatSouth
presented
presented
presented South
also
also (SU
also a(SUa atogether
together
together look
looklookshaping
shaping
shaping a asort 439
asort 439
sort
of 439
of opened
opened
retaining
ofretainingopened
retaining astructure
asoft
asoftsoft
structure a aloose
structure areinforc-
loose
loose soil,
reinforc- soil,
reinforc- soil,
and
veryand
veryand
very
526artefacts,
thin
526artefacts,
thinartefacts,
thin
and lens
and lens
SU lens
SUofsuch
ofsuch
538)ofsuch
baked
538)baked asand
baked
and as as
clayglass,
clay
the glass,
the glass,
claynear
wallnear
wall nearthe
SU the
SU the
184, corner
corner
184,corner
where between
wherebetween
between
tiles the
tileswere the
were theing darkdarkdark yellow/brown
yellow/brown
yellow/brown (SU (SU (SU 506,
506, 506,
bronze
bronze
bronze and and and iron ironiron fragments,
fragments,
fragments, inging
thethe the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner.
corner.
corner.
walls
walls
walls
more SU
more SU SU117 117117 and
evident
evident and and
SU
and SU
and SU
169.169. 169.
InInproximity
better
better Inproximity
proximity
preserved
preserved of ofthe
ofthe
(Figure
(Figure the
western
western
western
12). wall
12).There, wallwall
There, +7.80
+7.80
+7.80 m), m), m),
which
which
which became
became
became harder
harder
harder
ivory
SU ivory
SU ivory
SU184,
the184,
the184,SU SU offcuts,
SU
filling
filling 523 offcuts,
523
SUoffcuts,
523
SU covered
covered
538 covered
538found small
some
found small
some small
some
in stones
in stones
the stones
the (SU (SU
middle
middle (SU539,
of539,539,
of +7.11/7.46
the +7.11/7.46
the +7.11/7.46
roomroomwas wasFillings
Fillings
Fillings SU SU SU513,513,
513,SU SU SU515,
515,
515, and
SU and
SU and
SU525 with
525 with
525 with
and and many
and
themany
themany
the
likely remains
likely remains
likely remains
structure
structure
structureofofof
bronze/copper
m), bronze/copper
m), bronze/copper
m),filled
filled
filledwithwith with coins
mud coins
mud coins
mud in(36),
in(36),
in(36),
their
theirfired
fired
their fired
upper
upperupper partpartpart
and andandwithwithwith
missing
missing and and below
below the the filling
filling SU SU 526 526 was was a asandsand
very sand
very and and
loose andSU
loose SU SU509 509509 covered
covered
covered another
another
another plaster
plaster
plaster
earthen
earthen
earthen in in in
floor proximity
floor proximity
floor proximity
(SU (SU (SU 510, of
510, of
510, of
the
also the
also the
also
bricks,
bricks,
gravel bricks,
gravel
gravel asin
in aswell
aswell
their
in theirwellas
their as
lower animal
as
loweranimal
lower animal bones,
bones,
bones,
loamy
loamy gravel
gravel (SU (SUpart. part.
560), part.
560), Both
aBoth Both
afew few fillings
fillings
fillings
centimeters
centimeters SU SU SU523 523523and
high,
high, andandSU
without
without SU SUlabelled
labelled
labelled as asSUasSU SU
511 511511
in inproximity
in
proximity
proximity
southern
southern of
southern of the
of the
wall the
wall
wall
wallwall
SU wall
SU SU
SU SU
171. SU
410)
171. 410)
171.It 410)
It made
was
It
was made
wasmade
so so so
shells
519, shells
519, shells
519, the theand
theand
latterand
latter
lattercharcoal.
charcoal.
below charcoal.
below
below the the These
the These
northernThesewall
northern
northern
pottery
pottery or orinclusions.
inclusions. It It openedawall
opened wall
afloorSU
floor SU SU
117,
mademade117,117,
covered
of covered
of covered
firedclay
fired aclay
a aofofaofacompact
a
compact
compact clay
clay (Figure
clay (Figure
(Figure 9).
thick9).
thick9).
It
thickItwas
It was
(25/50 was
(25/50 well
(25/50wellwell
cm)preserved
cm)preserved
cm)preserved
and and and richalong
richalong
richalong
ininin
filling
soft filling
soft filling
softloamycovered
loamycovered
loamycovered
soil soil awith
soil afloor
afloor
withwithfloor
sandmade
sandmade
sandmade
and ofand
and of of
gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU(SU 524)524)524)thatthat
thatwas was wasthe
asimilar
asimilar tiles
tiles
medium-hard
asimilar (SU
medium-hard (SU
medium-hard 555).
555). Two
and andTwo
and were
compactwere
compact
compact rectangular
rectangular and and wellwell preserved
preserved thethe
walls
walls
wallsSU SU SU
184 184 184
(+7.46
(+7.46
(+7.46 m)m) m)
and
materialand
materialand
SU
material SU SU410 410
(animal410
(+(+7.53
(animal
(animal (+7.53 7.53
bones, m),
bones, m),
bones, m),
while
while
claywhile
clay clay
greygrey (33
grey (33
mud xtomud
mud xto
23 SU
to
23
(SU
SU
cm,
(SU
SU519.
cm,
(SU
519.
37
433
519. xAlong
37433
433 xAlong
top
Along
23top
23top the
cm),
cm),
+7.95
the
+7.95
the
northern
+7.95
northern
while
while northern
two wall
twoothers wall
wall
others SU SU SU117,
were
were 117,117,SU
squared
squared SU SUless less
less
inintheinthethe
center
center
center
Figure of12.
ofthe
ofthethe
room
Building roomroom
coincoin (+
coin
1, (+7.35
Room (+7.35
moulds, 7.35
moulds, m).
moulds,
1: m).
remain m).
The The
metalThe
metal
of excavation
excavation
metal
the excavation
items,
items,
items,
524 524 524 covered
covered
covered am). athird
athird
third compact
compact
compact layer
layerlayerofofmud of mud mud (SU (SU (SU525,
525,525,+7.45
+7.45
+7.45ofofofofthe ofthe the
floor
floor
floor SU SU SU
510 510 510
unearthed
unearthed
unearthed aetc.)averyaveryvery thick
thick
thick
m),
m) m),
m) m)
(22
m),
that
(22
without
that
x x2222
without
without
that
was was was any
less
m).
any
less any
lesshard
Together
Together
ceramic
ceramic
hard ceramic
hard thanthan
they
sherd,
than
they
sherd,
sherd,
previous
previous
previous
sloped
sloped
onesones
toward
toward
ones (SU(SU (SU
the
522
the
522522and
middle
middle
and and
SU SU SU
tiles pavement coins,
coins,
coins,
SU 555 etc.)
etc.)
(from thatthat
W). that itsfilling
itsfilling
its filling
removal
removal(ca.
removal(ca.(ca.
which
whichthe
whichthebounded
room.
room.
bounded
bounded Other
Other the the fragments
fragments
the perimeter
perimeter
perimeter ofoftiles tileswere werefound foundbelow belowthe the 30/55
30/55
30/55 cm cm cmdepending
depending
depending on on on
the the
requiredthepreservation
required preservation
required preservation
several
several
several of
daysof
daysof
the
daysthe the
layers
(Figure layers
(Figure layers
(Figure
wallwall southern
southern
wall SU SU SU 184.184. 184. section,
section,
Due Due Due totoits making
making
toitsitsbad bad bad arguable
arguable thatthat the the floor
floor above
above
above and andand
below
below
below it)it) spread
8 spread
8 it) 8 spread overoverover the the the
entire
entire
entire room’s
room’s
room’s surface.
surface.
surface.
6)6) 7.6)7. Under
7. Under Under the the the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU 506 506 506
state
state continues
continues
state ofofof preservation, underneath.
underneath.
preservation,
preservation, itAlthough
it itAlthough
waswas was the theend endofofworks worksinin It It
was
It
was wasa aloose,
aloose,
loose, dark
darkdarkbrown
brown
brown loamy
loamy
loamy clayclay
clay (SU (SU (SU 526) 526)526) which
which
which
werewerewere several
several
several layers.
layers.
layers. In In In
the the the
opened
opened Trench
Trench
opened ininmore9more
in 9werewere
more scheduled
scheduled
parts
partsparts ofofRoomofRoom ononthe
Room the13th 13thFebruary
February2019, 2019,this thisresulted
resulted
resulted ininainalargealarge
large amount
amount
amount ofofmaterial
southeastern
ofmaterial
southeastern
southeastern
material 9: 9: 9animal
corner,
corner,
: animal
corner,
animal bones,
it itcovered
bones,
itcovered
bones,
covered
discovery
1,discovery
1,1,hence hence
hence labelled
labelledled ledus
labelled us
also toalso
also asextend
toextendasasSU SU SU excavationbybytwo
excavation twodays daysininivory ivory
ivoryoffcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts, metals,
metals,
metals, glass,
glass,
glass,
some
coins,
some
coins,
some
coins, etc. etc.
stones
etc.
In
stones
stones
Incorrespondence
Incorrespondence
correspondence
(SU (SU (SU 509,
509, 509,
435 435 order
order
435(top(top(top toentirely
to+7.93
+7.93 +7.93entirely
m)m)m) inuncover
intheuncover
inthe the
south- the
south- thefloor.
south- floor. ofofthe
ofthethe
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner it itpresented
itpresented
presented asasaasabrown/yellow
abrown/yellow
brown/yellow
soft
soft
soft
clay.
clay.
clay.
On On Onthethethe
eastern
eastern
eastern +7.59/7.66
side +7.59/7.66
side +7.59/7.66
side
only,
only,only, just m)
just
justm) m)
a afewthatthat
afew that
few looklooklook
centimeters
centimetersshap-
centimeters shap-
shap-
eastern
eastern
eastern corner
corner
corner ofofRoom ofRoom Room 1 1and 1and and
below
below
below thethethe
floor
floor
floorSU SU SU
510,510,
510,
SU SU ing
SU ing
526 ing
526a526
astructure
was astructure
was structure
was covered
covered ofof1.70
covered of
by1.70
by 1.70
a
by xcompact
a x0.53
a x0.53
compact 0.53
compact mmm
SU SU SU 439
The 439
The 439 (top(top(top
removal
removal +7.91
+7.91+7.91
ofofm) them)
the m)
inearthen
inearthen
the
inthe thefloor floorSU SU543 543opened openeda a
southern
southern
southern partpartpartofofthe ofof
the the
Room RoomRoom 1.1.hard
A1.hard
AAand mudmudmud(SU(SU 533,
(SU 533,533,+7.30
+7.30
+7.30 m)m)m)that and
that and
that and
with
possibly with
possibly
possibly with the thethe
same
pertained same
pertained same
pertained S-N aS-NaS-N orienta-
collapsedorienta-
orienta-
acollapsed
collapsed
second
second layer
layer of mud, mud, very
very anddifficult
difficulttotodig, dig,which which
lenslenslens of ofgrey
of greygrey polished
polished
polished (SU (SU(SU earthen
earthen
earthen structure
structure
structure reused
reused
reused to tofill
to
tionfill
tionfill
up
tionup the
ofup oftheofthe
room.
the room.
the room.
the room.
room.
room. In In Inthe the the
was was considered
considered asasclay a clay clay
aunique
unique SU SUtogethertogetherwith withit10it.10Where
. Where
444),
444),
444), rectangular
rectangular
rectangular ininthey shape
inthey
shape
shape (ca (ca (ca central-northern
central-northern
central-northern partpart part of of ofthe the the
tiles
tiles werewerehigher, higher, werewere covered
covereddirectly directlybybythis thismud mudInInthe Inthethe
northwestern
northwestern
northwestern corner,
corner,
corner, at at
the
atthe the
elevation
elevation
elevation of of+6.77
of+6.77+6.77 m, m, SU
m, SU SU
0.700.700.70 m mxmx0.50 x0.500.50 m)m)m) and and and lining
lining
lining upupupininthe roomroomroom SU SU SU506 506506 covered
covered
covered a amedi-amedi-
medi-
layer.
layer. Otherwise,
Otherwise, in inparticular
particular themiddle
middleofofthe theroom,room,526 526526turned
turned
turned intointo
intoa avery
averyvery
loose
loose
loose darkdark dark yellow
yellow
yellow soilsoilsoilwithwithwith moremoremore
totothe to the
there the
inner
inner
therewas inner wall
wasa asoftwall wall SU SU
softand SU184, 184,
andloose 184, hashas has
loosegravel gravelmixed mixedwith withmud mud(SU (SUsand um-compact
um-compact
um-compact layer
layer
layer of of mud
of mud mud with
with with
beenbeenbeen discovered
discovered
discovered above
aboveabove SU SU SU
439.439.439. sand
sand andandandlesslessless
material
material
material (SU (SU
an (SU
an 538),
an 538),538),
irregular having
irregularhaving
having
irregular a aremarkable
a
surface. remarkable
surface. remarkable
surface. It It It
559)559)very veryeasy easytotodig digout. out.Tiles Tilesininthe thecentral
centralpart partofofthe theconcentration
concentration
concentration of ofplaster
Figure ofplaster
plaster and and
13. Building andsomesome
1,some
Room fragments
fragments
fragments
1: the tiles of of fired
of fired
fired tiles
tilestiles
ItsItsIts excavation
room excavation
excavation
roomwere werenumbered in in in
numberedwiththe the the 201920192019
witha adifferent differentSU SU(SU (SU556 556= =SU SUsimilar pavement contained
contained
SU contained
556 (from loose
loose
S).loose soilsoilsoilandand andsomesomesome
season
season
season demonstrated
demonstrated
demonstrated that thatthat
it it
wasit
was was similar
similar totothose
tothose
those used
used
used forfor
for
the the the
floor
floor
floor SU SU SU535 535 535ininRoom
inRoom Room 2;2;see 2;see see
555).
555).They Theycovered coveredalmost almostthe theentire entirearea areaofofexcavation
excavation§ §1.4)(Figure ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds
sherds
sherds (SU (SU (SU 512,512,512,
part part
partofoftheofthe the
earthen
earthen
earthen floorfloorfloorSU SU SU
433433 433 §
1.4)(Figure
1.4)(Figure 10).
10).
10).
On On On
thethe the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner,
corner,
corner, the the the
removal
removal
removal
except
exceptalong alongthe thenorthernnorthernwall wallSU SU117, 117,where wherethe thespace spaceofofof SU SU SU 526526526 opened
opened
opened a acompact+7.42/7.62
+7.42/7.62
acompact +7.42/7.62
compact mud mud m)m)
mud m)so
block so
block soitwas
it
block itwas
(SU (SU was
(SUinter-
inter-
540, inter-
540,540,
= =SU =SU SU435 435 435
= =SU =SU SU439. 439. 439. preted
preted
preted as as as
the the the collapse
collapse
collapse of of of
aitsaitsa
was wasfilled filledbybya asoft softgrey greyloamy loamyclay clay(SU (SU561, 561,+6.59/6.63
+6.59/6.63+6.88/7.05) +6.88/7.05)
+6.88/7.05) covering
covering
covering thethethe
northern
northern
northern wall wallwall
SU SU SU
117.117.117. Due Due Duetotoits to
m) m) withwithsome someceramic ceramic sherds.
sherds. mud/earthen
asmud/earthen
asamud/earthen structure
structure
structure (Figure
(Figure
(Figure
InInits In itsmiddle-northern
itsmiddle-northern
middle-northern part,part,
part,the the the The Thefloor floorisislargely largelyhardness,hardness,
hardness, it itwas
itwas
wasinterpreted
interpreted
interpreted
7). 7).
asstructure,
7).
In
a structure,
In
a structure,
the
In the the
although
although
central-northern
although
central-northern
central-northern
its itslater
itslater
part
later
partpart
floorfloordamaged
floor damaged
was was wascut cut and,
cut
by and,
byaby as
apitas for
apit for
pit
of ofthe
cathe
of tiles
ca0.5 tiles
ca0.5 0.5 pavemente
pavementeSU SU555, 555,with witha aexcavation
excavation
excavation evidenced
evidenced
evidenced thethe the
presence
presence
presence ofofmany
ofmany many inclusions,
inclusions,
inclusions,
general
general inclination
inclination toward
toward the themiddle middleofofthe theroom roomsuch such
suchasasstones,
asstones,
stones, sandsand
sandand and
and of
gravel. of
gravel. Room
of
gravel. Room Room
AtAtWest, 1,
AtWest, 1, SU
West,1, SU
almostSU512
almost 512
almost 512 covered
covered
tying
tyingcovered
tying with
with a aa
with
sq.sq.sq. m m (SU
m(SU (SU432)432) 432) withwithwith ananirregu-
an irregu-
irregu-
larlarlar (Figure
(Figure
shape.
shape.
shape. TheThe 13).
The13).
pitpitpit The
was The
was was stone
filledstone
filled
filledbystructure
bystructure
by SU SU542 542was wasalso alsothe thethe
wall
wallwallSU SU SU117,117,
117,thethe the
mudmud loose,
mud loose,
blockloose,
block
blockdark dark
SU dark
SU brown
SU
540brown
540brown
540 sandy/loamy
covered sandy/loamy
covered sandy/loamy
covered somesomesome
a aloose removed
removed
aloose
loose greygreygrey assuming
assuming
sandsand sand with with that
with that
a afew the the
afew few floor
floor continued
continued underneath
underneath stones
stones
stones (structure?),
(structure?),
(structure?), partially
partially
partially
clay arranged
clay arranged
clay(SUarranged
(SU (SU 513, with
513, with
513, with
+ +an +an an
East-West
7.42/7.50 East-West
7.42/7.50 East-West
7.42/7.50 m) m)m)
pottery but
pottery but
pottery no no
sherdstiles
sherdstiles
sherds were
and were
and and discovered
some discovered
some some small
small
small there.
there. SomeSome tiles/bricks
tiles/bricks withwith orientation
orientation
orientation and andand measuring
measuring
measuring with 1.10
with 1.10
with 1.10
less less xlessx 0.65
x
finds 0.65
finds 0.65
finds thanm
thanm
thanm(SU
the(SU
the(SU
the 542,
upper 542,
upper 542,
upper
stones a afabric
stones
stones fabric
(SU (SU (SU similar
431) similar
431)431) (Figureto(Figure
(Figure tothosethose employed
5).5). employed
5).
Some SomeSome in inthe
medium-sized
medium-sized thepavement
medium-sized pavementstones
stones SU
stones +6.72/6.80
+6.72/6.80
SUlayers +6.72/6.80
layers
layers (SU(SU(SUm).
506 m).
506 m).
At
506 At
and At
South,
andandSouth,
SUSouth,
SUSU512)together
512)together
together
512) but but but with
many with
many with
many SU SU SU
charcoals.540,
charcoals.540,
charcoals.540, SU SU SU
AtAtAt 542
the542
the542
the
(SU (SU 555
(SU 555
438)438)==
438) SU
wereSU
were 556
were 556
opened were
opened wereat
opened placed
placed
at
the
atthe thevertical
bottom vertical
bottom
bottom of(SU (SU
ofthe
ofthe566,+6.68)
the 566,+6.68)
filling
filling
fillingSU SU inside
SU
431. inside
431. covered
covered
431.northern covered
northern
northern an an
end L-shaped
an
end L-shaped
end L-shaped
ofofRoomofRoom
Room structure
structure
structure
1,1,just
1,justjust (SU
below
below(SU
below (SU 541)
the541)
the541)
the made
wall made
wall made
wallSU SUofSUof
117,roughly
of
117,roughly
roughly
117,both
both both
ItsItsItsthisthis
excavationfilling
excavation fillingatinatthe
excavation inthe
inthe base base
the
2019 of
2019 ofthe
2019 the
season wall
season walldid
season SU SU
did 420
did 420
notnot (Figure
not (Figure
provide
provide
provide 14).14).
any any InInsquared
any SU squared
SU squared
SU
512 512 stones.
512 stones.
and stones.
and and
SU SUItsItsmeasures
SU
513 Itsmeasures
513 513measures
covered
covered
covered areare
a are
1aloose
1axloose
1xloose
0.30
x0.30
0.30
dark mdark
dark mEast-West
m East-West
brown East-West
brown
brown gravel and
gravel and
gravel and
architectural
architectural
architectural ororsignificant
orsignificant
significant evidence.
evidence.
evidence. Although
Although
Although theythey
theylooklook 1.70
lookmixed 1.70
1.70x x0.40
x0.40
0.40 South-North
South-North
South-North and and and its its its
top top top
is is attested
is attested
attested between
between
between
mixed
mixed with
with
withsandsandsand
(SU (SU(SU515,
515,
515,+7.60
+7.60
+7.60 m), m), m),
which
which
which sloped
sloped
sloped toward
toward
toward
+6.70/6.85
+6.70/6.85
+6.70/6.85 m.m.Thism.This This
structure
structure
structure shaped
shaped
Figure 14. Building 1, Room 1: the tiles pavement
shaped a asmall
asmall
small roomroomroom (Room
(Room
(Room
10.10.The
Thehardness
hardnessof ofthethelower
lowerlayer
layercancanbebeexplained
explainedwith
withitsitsbetter
better
conservation.
conservation. SU 556 and the vertical tiles SU 566 (from E)
 the the the
center
center
Sindh center ofofthe
Antiquities ofthe the
room.
room.
room.
Journal 76
AA>A>Room >RoomRoom 1.A)1.A) 1.A) withwith withthe the the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter walls
walls
walls SU SU SU117 117 117atatNorthatNorth North
and and andSU SU SU
184 184184atatWest, atWest,West, measuring
measuring
measuring 1.45 1.45 1.45x x0.70 x0.700.70m.m.It m.Itwas Itwas wasexca-exca-exca-
vated
vated
6. 6.
many
vated
Since
many
6. for
Since for
Since
this
cases,
for
ca.
this
cases,
ca.
area
this ca.
area50 50
area
has has
a
50
cm a
loose
cm
been
has
loose
cm
been without
been
and
without
described
described
and
without
described
soft
only
soft
reaching dark
reaching
only
dark
reaching
only
generally
generally
brown
brown
its
generally inits
in
mud
bottom/floor
its
thein
mud
bottom/floor
the bottom/floor
2015
the 2015 2015
Season
(SU (SU
Season
Season
562)
(if
Final
562)
(if
Final (if also
Final
alsoinsideinsidethe thesmall
smallRoom Room1.A, 1.A,possibly
possiblyasasthe theresultresultofof
still
still
Report
Report filled
still
Reportfilled
preserved).
(AA.VV.
(AA.VV.the
preserved).
(AA.VV.the
preserved). interspace
2014-2015),interspace
Outside
2014-2015),Outside
2014-2015), Outside
SUSU 412
SUbetween
Room
412between
Room Room
has
412has A,
been
has A,
been beenthe
i.e.
A, the
i.e.
supposed tiles
i.e. tiles
ininthe
supposed
supposed inthe
coveredand
theand
other
covered
coveredother
by sometimes
other
by sometimes
SU part
bySU part
400.
SU part
400.of
400.ofof their
their partial
partial collapse.
collapse. TheyThey werewere also
also covered
covered by bythe the
RoomRoom
7. 7.their
Room
An their
7.
An average
An upper
1,1,there upper
1,there
average
averagethere
of was
of
onesurface
ofwas
onesurface
was anas
ananearthen
wheelbarrow
one wheelbarrow as
earthen
wheelbarrow well.
earthen
ofwell.
offloor No
floor
on-site
of No
floor
on-site
on-site finds
(SU (SUfinds
selected(SU
selected543)
selected inside
543) inside
543)
pottery with
pottery with
potteryevery itaitbut
with
every but
aregu-
every
day one
aregu-
day regu-
for
day one
for for mudmud block
block SU SU 540540 in inproximity
proximity of of thethe L-shaped
L-shaped wallwall SU SU
three
three
three
days,
days,
days,
as aswell
as
well well
as as oneas
one one
textile
textile
textile
bag bag bag
of of ivory
of
ivoryivory
offcuts
offcuts
offcuts
and and and
one one one
bag bag bag
of ofanimal
ofanimal
animal
lar lar
bones surface
lar
bones surface
coin
bones surface
coin
each.
each. (+6.66/6.76
(Inv.
each. (Inv.(+6.66/6.76
(+6.66/6.76
BB.19.O.651).
BB.19.O.651). m) m) m)
that that that
fit fit very
fit veryverywellwell wellwith
with with the the the
struc-
struc-
struc- 541.
541.Inside InsideRoom Room1.A, 1.A,the thestones stonesSU SU544 544covered covered
turetureture
SU SU SU
541 541541asaswell aswell well asasthe asthe the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter walls
walls
walls SU SU SU
117 117 117and and andSU SU SU another anotherlayer layerofofstones stones(SU (SU547, 547,+6.80 +6.80m), m),very verylarge largeinin
184 184 184(Figure
Tiles(Figure
Tiles(Figure
areare 11). 11).
unglazed11). and
unglazed andtheir theircolor colorranges rangesfrom fromdark darkred, red, size sizeand andlocated
locatedalmost almostininthe themiddle
middleofofthe thesame samesmall small
The The The removal
red, removal
removal
red,purple, of oftheof
purple,totopinkish the the
collapsed
collapsed
collapsed
pinkishand stones
stones
stones
andyellow/orange in inthe
inthe
yellow/orangeininthe the
inner
inner
inner northeast-
northeast-
northeast-
thesame same room. room.Except Exceptfor fora abig bigpot potrim rimembedded
embedded between between
Some
ern Some
ern Some
erntile,fragments
corner
tile, fragments
corner fragments
corner ofofRoom
indicating
indicating ofRoomofRoom
of fired
of
that fired
1fired
that unglazed
1they
(SU unglazed
1they
(SU unglazed
(SU 169
were 169
were 169 tilestiles
discovered tiles
discovered
unevenly werewere
discovered
unevenly were visible
and visible
in
and visible
in the
inbadly
badly the inside
the inside
2015 inside
2015 2015
fired stone
fired stones sand andsome somecharcoalscharcoalsthere therewas wasnonoother othermaterial material
season
SU season
SU season
SU
538 538
(see
(see atnear
538 atnear
+7.99
atnear
Figure +7.99
Figure +7.99
the the m)
the
wall
12). m)
wall
12). m)
opened
wall
Theyopened
SU opened
SU
They SU410
are410a410
are aat
ofsituation
aat
ofsituation
situation
+6.72
lowat+6.72
low +6.72 m,
quality,characterized
m,
quality,characterized
characterized
where
m, where
where
with with the
athe athe by
earth-
veryvery by
earth- by
alow
earth-
low a a inside
insidethat thatlayer. layer.One Onestone, stone,worked workedbut butwithoutwithouta a
complex
encomplex
complex
enfloor
en floor
floor
compactnessSUstratigraphy
compactnessSUstratigraphy
SUstratigraphy
543 543 543 was
andwas
andwas with
not not
being with
not
being with
well several
well several
well
made several
preserved
made oflayers
preserved ofalayers
preserved alayers (Figure
(+6.76
porous (Figure
(+6.76
porous (Figure
(+6.76 m).
ceramic m).
ceramic 8).
m).8).
Fabric8).
The
Fabric The
Fabric
body The regular
body regularshape shapeand anda aroughlyroughlyworked workedhole, hole,resembles
resemblesa a
upper
andupper
andupper
and one
elevationone
elevationone
is
elevation isa isa
soft a
soft
suggested soft
gravel
suggested gravel
suggested gravel and
there and
there and
theresand
thesand
thesand
the (SU (SU
presence (SU 519)519)519) without
without
without mate-
mate-mate-
full
full ofofvoids voids and andabundant abundant in inpresence
presence
whitish
whitish ofinclusions.
ofinclusions.
aofafloor afloorfloorsimi-simi-simi-
The The door doorsocket.socket.Below BelowSU SU540, 540,West Westofofthe theS-N S-Nwall wallofofthe the
rials
larrials
larrials
lar
to and
to and
that and
tothatwellwell
that
onewell
one preserved
one preserved
found preserved
found
found in inalong
inalong
Room Roomalong
Room the 2the the
wall
2(SU wall
2556,
(SU wall
(SU SU
535, SU
535, SU
117,
535, 117, 117,
+6.62/6.73where
+6.62/6.73 where
+6.62/6.73 where itm;itism;
itism;is
only
only preserved
preserved tile tile from from SU SU 556, foundfound West West of of the the Room
Room1.A, 1.A,was wasa ahard hardlayer layerofofmud mud(SU (SU548), 548),possiblypossibly
higher
see higher
see higher
see
below
below atat§East
below at§1.4).
East East (+7.66
§structure
1.4).
1.4). (+7.66
For (+7.66
For For
this m)
thisthism) m)
reason, than
reason, than
reason, than West
ahas West
acut West
acut cut
of (+7.54
of (+7.54
0.7 (+7.54
of0.7 0.7
x. x. m).
0.5 m).
x.0.5 m).
0.5
m Both
mwas BothBoth
mwas was
collapsed L-shaped
collapsedL-shaped
collapsed stones
stones structure
stones SU SU SU 169SU SU
169 169 541,
and 541,
and and has
filling
filling the
fillingtheSUsame
SUsame
SU519 measure
519 519measure
covered
covered
covered (33 (33a xa xa ananearthen
earthenfloor, floor,preserved
preservedfor forca.ca.3030cm cmininproximity
proximityofof
donedonedone between
between
between the the the
stepstepstepleft left left
at atSouth
atSouthSouth (SU (SU (SU526 526 526
and and and SU SU SU538) 538) 538)
heavy
and heavy
and
2222
heavy
andthe
cm)
and
the
cm)
and
the
wallandofcompact
wall
wall
ofcompact
compactSU
one onetile
SU SU184,
tile
grey
184,
from
grey
184,
from
grey
wheremud
where mud
where
the
mudthe
(SU
tiles
pavement
(SU
tiles
pavement
(SU
tiles522,
were522,522,
werewere+7.56SU
+7.56
more
SU555
+7.56
moremore
555
m), m),
evident
in
m),
ca.
evident
inthe
ca.
evident 5the
ca. first
5cm
and 5cm
and cm the
first
and
theupper upperlayer layerofofstones stonesofofthe thesame samestructurestructure(+6.56 (+6.56
thick
thick cut
thickcut
andat
and at
South.
and South.
especially
especially The
especially The mortar
mortar
located
located
located used used
alongalong as
along as preparation
the preparation
the the
northern
northern
northern of of
wall the
wallthe
wall floor
SU floor
SU SU523). m).m). The The stones
stones SU SU 547547 and and the the earthen
earthen floor
floor SU SU 548 548
better
better
better preserved
preserved
preserved (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 12). 12).12). There,
There,
There, the the the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU 538 538 538 523).
523).The TheThelayers
layers
layers mentioned
mentioned
mentioned above
above
above are are are
remarkable
remarkable
remarkable because
because
because
171.171. was
171. was
Toward made
Toward madethe
Toward bythebythe
aroom’s
apolished
polished
room’s fine finegrey grey mud mud SU and
SU and
SU 522 it
522 it
isis
522 isvisible
visible covered
covered a aloose
loose brown
brown soilsoil withwith sandsand (SU(SU 549),
549), small
small
found
found
found in in the
inthe themiddle
middle
middle ofroom’s
ofthe
ofthe center,
the center,
room center,
room room waswhere
where
was where
wasmissing
missing
missing and and and
belowis not
belowis not
below notthey they
theyprovided
provided
provided very
veryvery
few,few,
few,
ororevenoreven evennone,
none,
none, pottery
pottery
pottery sherds.
sherds.
sherds. SoftSoft
Soft
preserved,where
where
preserved,
preserved, tiles
SU tiles
SU SU are
519 are
519 missing
519 missing
covered
covered
covered (SU
the(SU
the the564,564,
filling
filling +6.50
filling +6.50
SU SU SU m)
515. m)
515. or
515. or
Below as
Belowas binding
Below binding
SU SU SU stones
stones and and charcoal.
charcoal. Below
Below thisthislayer,layer, werewere some
some stones
stones
the the the
filling
filling
fillingSU SU SU526 526 526
was was wasa very
a very
a very looselooseloose loamy
loamy
loamy gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU (SU560), 560),soil
560), soil
soil
(SU(SU (SU519519519and andand
SU SU SU
524),
524),
524), compact
compact
compact mud mud mud (SU(SU (SU
522,522,
522,SU SU SU
523,523,
523,
a522,
a522,
a522,
few fewat
fewat
betweenSouth,
betweenatSouth,
South,
centimeters
centimeters
centimetersthere
tiles there
tiles there
and was
and
high, was was
stone
high, awithout
stone
high, compact
awithout
acompact
wallcompact
wall(SU
without grey
(SU
potterygreygrey
565,
pottery mud
565,
pottery mud mud
+6.79
or with
orwith
+6.79
or with
inclusions. m).
inclusions.an anirreg-
m).
inclusions. anirreg- irreg-
It It Itand (SU
and(SU
andSU 557,
SU 557,
SU525),+6.41/6.47)
525), +6.41/6.47)
525), andandand
collapsedthat
collapsedthatlook
collapsed look
stones arranged
stonesarranged
stones (SU (SU (SU along
539,along
539,
539, SUthe
SUthe
SUinner
inner
169?),
169?),
169?),
ularularularsurface
surface
surface (SU (SU (SU 523,523, 523, +7.50
+7.50+7.50 m), m), m), which
which
which presented
presented
presented also also also a a atogether
side
side of of the the S-NS-N wallwall of of the the Room
Room 1.A1.A but but whose
whose
opened
opened
opened a afloor
afloor
floor made mademade ofoffiredoffired firedclay clay clay tiles
tiles
tiles(SU (SU (SU555).
555).555). Two Two Two are are are together
together look
looklookshaping
shaping
shaping a asortasort
sort
ofofretaining
ofretaining
retaining structure
structure
structure reinforc-
reinforc-
reinforc-
veryveryvery
Onethin
One thinthin
lens
of oflens
thelensofof
the baked
of
most baked
most baked clay
important clay
important claynear near near the
issues the
issuesthe corner
cornerofcorner
ofcm,
the between
the between
between
Building the the the anthropic
anthropic origin
originmust must bebeverified
verifiedininthe future(Figure
thefuture (Figure
rectangular
rectangular
rectangular and and and wellwellwell preserved
preserved
preserved (33 (33 (33
x x23x23cm, 23 cm, 37 37x37 xBuilding
23x23cm),
23cm), cm), 1 1inginging
the the the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner.
corner.
corner.
walls
walls
walls SU SU
concerned
concernedSU
117117 117 and and
its and
its SU SU SU
entrance.169.
entrance.169. 169. In In
At proximity
In
At proximity
the proximity
the end end ofof of
of the
theofthe
the the
western
western
2017-2018 western
2017-2018 wall wallwall
the the 15).
15). On On thethe northern
northern side
side of ofRoomRoom 1.A,
1.A, at at
the the base
base ofofthe the
while
while
while two two twoothers
others
others are are are
squared
squared
squared (22 (22 (22x x22 x2222 m). m). m).
Together
Together
Together they theythey
SU SU SU184,184,184,
perimeter SU
perimeter SU SU523 523 523
of covered
of covered
covered
thisthis some some
building some
building stones
stones
stones
was (SU
was (SU (SU539,
an 539,
an 539, +7.11/7.46
+7.11/7.46
uninterrupted +7.11/7.46Fillings
uninterrupted Fillings
Fillings
wall
wall SU SU SU SU
513,
117, 513,
117, 513,
wasSU
wasSU SU515,
515,
another 515,
another SU SU SU525
group 525
group 525
and
of and
ofand
the
stonesthethe
stoneslikely
likely
likely
(SU(SU structure
structure
563) structure
563) at at
sloped
m), sloped
m), sloped
m),filled toward
filled toward
filled toward
withwith withthe
mud the
mudthe
middle
mudmiddle
inmiddle
intheir of
intheir ofupper
their the
ofupper
the the
room.
upper room.room.
partpart Other
part
andOther
andOther
and fragments
withwith fragments
with fragments
sand sandsand and of
and of
and of
tiles
tiles architectural
tilesarchitectural
werewere body,body, without
without any any evident
evident access
access toSouth,
toit. it.The The SUSU
theSU
the509 509
same 509
same covered
covered
covered
elevation
elevation another
another
of another
ofSU SU earthen
557 earthen
557 earthen
but but floor
floor
without floor
without (SUa(SU
a(SU
clear 510,
clear 510,510,
shape. also
shape. also
also
gravel
gravel
gravel inwere infound
intheir found
their found
their lower below
lower below
lower below
part.part. the
part. the
Boththe
Bothearthen
earthen
Both earthen
fillings
fillings step
fillings stepstep
SU SUleft
SUleft
523 left
523 at
523 at
and at
and South,
and South,
SU SU SUlabelled
labelled
labelled as asSU
as SU SU
511511511
in inproximity
in
proximity
proximity of ofthe
of thethe
wall wall
wall
SU SU SU
410)410)410)mademademade
making
519, making
519, only
519, only
making
the the evidence
the evidence
arguable
arguable
latter arguable
latter
latter belowbelowpertained
below pertained
thatthat
thethat
the the
the the
northern anorthern
the
northern astone
floor stone
floorfloor slabslab
continues
wall continues
wall (SU
continues
wall SU SU (SU
SU117, 459,
117, 459,
underneath.
117,underneath. +7.57am)am)a InInthe
+7.57
underneath.
covered
covered
covered
theeastern
easternhalf, half,Room Room1.1.AAwere werefilled filledbybya aloose loose
Although
Although
Although
placed
placed the the the
end end
horizontally end
horizontally of of works
of works
works
exactly in
exactlyin Trench
in Trench
Trench
at at 9
the 9were
the 9werewere
outer scheduled
outer scheduled
scheduled
foot foot of ofon on
the on
the ofgravel
ofagravel
ofacompact
acompact
compact
(SU(SU558) clay
clay
558) (Figure
clay (Figure
that (Figure
that was was 9). 9).9).
It Itwas
excavated
excavatedItwaswaswell
well well
until preserved
until preserved
preserved
thetheelevation along
elevation along
along
soft soft
softloamy
loamy
loamy soil soil soilwithwithwith sandsand sand and and and gravel
gravelgravel (SU (SU (SU 524)524) 524) that that that
was was wasthe thethe
walls
walls
wallsSU SU SU
184 184184
(+7.46
(+7.46
(+7.46 m) m) m)
and and and
SU SU SU410410410(+ (+ 7.53
(+ 7.53
7.53
m), m), m),
while
while
while
the the
similar the
13th
similar 13th
eastern
similar 13th
toFebruary
eastern February
toSU
to February
wall
SU wall
SU519. SU
519. SU
519.2019,
2019,
184
Along 2019,
184
Along
Along this
that this
that
the this
was
the discovery
was
the discovery
northern discovery
interpreted
northern interpreted
northern led
wall led
wall led
wallusasus
SU asto
SU aus
SU to extend
to extend
athreshold
117, extend
threshold
117,117, SU SU SUless ofof+6.38+6.38mmbefore beforestoppingstoppingoperations. operations.
excavation
excavation
excavation by less
less
in inthe
inthethe
center
center
center of of the
ofthethe
roomroomroom (+ (+ 7.35
(+ 7.357.35m).m). m).
The TheTheexcavation
excavation
excavation
524 524 belonging
524 belonging
covered
covered
covered aby by
two
ato
third two
atoone
thirdtwo
one
thirddaysdays
of
compact days
of
compactthein
compact inlatest
the order
in order
latest
layer order
layerlayer to
oftoofentirely
to
ofentirely
mud mud entirely
mud (SU (SU uncover
(SU uncover
525, uncover
525, 525,+7.45 the
+7.45 the
+7.45 the
ofofthe
ofthe the
floor
floor
floor SU SU SU
510 510510unearthed
unearthed
unearthed a avery avery
very thick
thick
thick filling
filling
filling (ca.(ca.
(ca.
floor.
floor.
m)m)m) floor.
occupations
that occupations
thatthat
was waswasless lessless of
hard of
hardhardBuilding
Building
thanthanthan previous
previous 1
previous 1 onesonesones (SU (SU (SU 522 522 522 and and andSU SU SU30/55 1.4 1.4Room Room2 2
30/55
30/55 cm cm cmdepending
depending
depending ononon the thethepreservation
preservation
preservation ofofof the the the
layers
layers
layers
8. 8. (see
(see
Lowest
8.
Lowest
Lowestbelow
below
elevation
elevation
elevation 2.2 2.2
of oftheof and
the and
layer
thelayer
layerFigure
above Figure
above
aboveSUSU 526
SU 526 526
was was was
attested
attested
attested
at at +7.11at
+7.11+7.11
mm (SUm(SU (SUabove
above
above andandand
below
below
below it)it) spread
8 spread
8 it) 8 spread
Room
overRoom
overoverthe 2the
the 2corresponds
entirecorresponds
entire
entire room’s
room’s
room’s to to
surface. the
surface. the
surface.
539),
539), 31)
539), 31)
+7.29
+7.29 .m.m(SU
11 11
+7.29 ThemThe
(SU (SU discovery
533),
533),discovery
533),
and and +7.35
and +7.35 ofm:
+7.35
m: of one
highest
m: one
highest
highestelevation
elevation
elevation of ofthe
ofthelayer
thelayer layer
below
below
belowSUSUSUIt Itwas Itwaswas a aloose,
aloose,
loose, dark
dark
dark brown
brown
brown central
central
loamy
loamy
loamy clay room,
clayroom,
clay(SU (SU(SU rectangu-
526)
526)rectangu-
526) which
whichwhich
526 526was
526 was was
attested
entrance attested
entrance attested
atinat
+6.79
at
+6.79
inthe +6.79
the mRoomm
(SU
Roomm(SU (SU
538).
1538).
1538).
ofofthe the resulted
resulted
resulted in in ain alarge
a
large
large amount
amount
amount lar-shaped
of lar-shaped
of material
of material
material andand
9: 9: 9animal
: measuring
animal measuring
animal bones,
bones,
bones,
9. 9.
The 9.
TheThe
amount
amount
amountof of material
of
material
materialwas was was
similar
similar
similarto tothetotheSUtheSU 506
SU 506 (see
506 (see(see
Note
Note Note
7) 7) 7)
Building
Building3 3(see (seebelow below§ §4 4and and ivory
ivory
ivory offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts, metals,
metals,
metals, glass,
glass, 12.80
glass, 12.80
coins,
coins, xetc.
coins, x2.10
2.10
etc. Inm
etc. m(ca.(ca. 2727sq.sq.m).
Incorrespondence
In correspondence
correspondence m).
Figure
Figure36) 36)made madereasonable reasonable ofofthe
ofthe the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner The The stratigraphy
it itpresented stratigraphy
itpresented
presented is is
character-
asasaasabrown/yellow character-
abrown/yellow
brown/yellow
The The The removal
removal
removal ofofthe ofthe the
earthen
earthen
earthen floor
floor floor SU SU SU543 543 543opened
opened
opened a asecondasecond
second
thethepresence
presenceofofananentrance entranceinin soft
soft
soft
clay.
clay.
clay.
On On Onthethethe
eastern
eastern
eastern side ized
side ized
side
only,
only, byjust
only, byjustaaaafew
just succession
succession
afew few
centimeters
centimeters
centimeters ofof
layer
layer
layer ofofmud,ofmud,mud, very veryvery hardhard hard and and and difficult
difficult
difficult totoremove,
toremove,
remove, which whichwhich was was wasbelow below
below thethethe
floor
floor
floorSU SU SU
510,510,
510,
SU SU SU
526526 526waswas wascovered
covered
covered byby aby compact
a acompact
compact
thetheNE NEcorner cornerofofthe theBuilding
Building fillings
fillings and and floors.
floors. The The upper
upper
considered
considered
considered asasaasaunique aunique
unique SU SU SU together
together
together withwithwith it it10it.10Where
.10Where
. Where tiles tilestilesmud mudmud (SU (SU 533,
(SU 533,533,+7.30
+7.30
+7.30 m)m)m) thatthatthat
possibly
possibly
possibly pertained
pertained
1 1even evenininitsitsearlier earlierphases. phases. layer
layer was was apertained
averyvery a soft
acollapsed
acollapsed
soft collapsed
and and
werewerewere higher,
higher,
higher, they they theywerewerewere covered
covered
covered directly
directly
directly bybythisbythis thismud mud mud layer.
layer.layer.earthen earthen
earthen structure
structure
structure reused
reused
reused to tofill
tofill
fill
up up the
up the the
room.
room.
room.
During
Duringthe the2019 2019season, season,a a loose
loosegravel gravel(SU (SU404, 404,+8.07 +8.07
Otherwise,
Otherwise,
Otherwise, ininparticular
inparticular
particular ininthe inthe the
middle
middlemiddle ofofthe ofthe the
room,room, room, theretherethere
special
special attention attention was was m)m)mixed mixedwith withsmall smallchip chip
was was was a asoftasoftsoft
and and and
loose
loose loose gravel
gravel
gravel mixedmixedmixed with withwith mud mud mud (SU (SU (SU559) 559)559) very very veryInInthe Inthe the
northwestern
northwestern
northwestern corner,
corner,
corner, atstones
atthe
atthethe
elevation
elevation
elevation ofof+6.77
of+6.77+6.77 m, m, SU
m,SU SU
therefore
therefore addressed addressed toto the the stones and and fragments
fragments of ofgreygrey
easyeasyeasy totodig todig dig
out. out. out.Tiles
Tiles
Tiles ininthe inthe the
central
central
central partpartpartofofthe ofthe the
room room room were werewere526 526526turned
turned
turned intointointo
a avery
averyvery
looseloose
loose darkdark
dark yellow
yellow
yellow soilsoil
soil
withwithwithmoremoremore
inner
innerNE NEcorner cornerofofRoom Room1,1, Figure 15. Building 1, Room 1.A: end ofless
excavation mud mudbricks. bricks.Many Manymaterials materials
numbered
numbered
numbered withwith with a adifferent
adifferent
different SU SU SU
(SU (SU (SU 556 556 556= =SU =SU SU 555).555).555). They They They sand
sand
sand and andandless lessmaterial
material
material (SU (SU (SU 538),
538),
538), having
having
having a aremarkable
aremarkable
remarkable
especially
especiallyafter afterthe thedecisiondecision (from E). camecamefrom fromSU SU404, 404,especial-
especial-
covered
covered
covered almost
almost
almost the the the
entire
entire
entire area areaarea ofofexcavation
ofexcavation
excavation exceptexcept
except along
along along concentration
concentration
concentration of ofplaster
of plaster
plaster and and and
somesomesome fragments
fragments
fragments of offired
offired
firedtiles
tiles
tiles
totofocus focusoperationsoperationsininthe thelast last similar
similar
similar to tothose
tothose
those used
used
used forforfor
the thely
thely
floor pottery,
floor pottery,
floorSU SU SU
535 535 animal
535
inanimal
inRoom
inRoom Room bones,
bones,
2; 2; see
2;seesee
the the the
northern
northern
northern wall wallwall SU SU SU
117, 117,117, where wherewhere the the the
space
space
space waswas was filled
filled
filled bybyabya a
three
threemeters metersofofthe theroom. room.The The § §
1.4)(Figure
§
1.4)(Figure
1.4)(Figure 10).
10).
10).
On On On
thethe the metal,
metal, ivory
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern ivory
corner,
corner,
corner, fragments,
the fragments,
the the
removal
removal
removal
soft
soft soft
greygreygrey loamy
loamyloamy clay clayclay (SU (SU (SU 561, 561, 561, +6.59/6.63
+6.59/6.63
+6.59/6.63 m)m)m) with with with some somesome
stones
stones(SU (SU544, 544,+6.82/7.22 +6.82/7.22 plaster,
plaster, small
small bronze/copper
bronze/copper 540,540,
540,
ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds.
sherds.
sherds. The The The floor
floor
floor isislargelyislargely
largely damaged
damaged
damaged and, and, and,asasfor asfor forofofof SU SU SU 526526 526 opened
opened
opened a acompact
acompact
compact mud mudmud block
block
block (SU (SU (SU
mm> >7.22 7.22m)m)below belowthe theother other +6.88/7.05)
+6.88/7.05)
+6.88/7.05) covering
covering
covering thethe the coins
northern coins
northern
northern and
walland
wall shells.
wall
SU shells.
SU SU
117.117.Under
117.Under
Due Due Dueto SU
to SU
its
toitsits
the the the
tiles
tiles
tilespavemente
pavemente
pavemente SU SU SU555, 555, 555, with with with a ageneral
ageneral
general inclination
inclination
inclination
layer
layerofofstones stonesSU SU539 539were were hardness,
hardness,
hardness, it itwas
itwaswas
interpreted
interpreted
interpreted 404
as 404
as aisstructure,
aisstructure,
a avery
aasstructure, very hard
hard
although
although and
although anditscom-com-
itslater
itslater
later
toward
toward
toward the the the
middle
middle
middle ofofthe ofthe the roomroom room (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 13).13). 13). The The The stonestone
stone
removed.
removed.Although Althoughthey theywere were excavation
excavation
excavation evidenced
evidenced
evidenced the the thepactpact
presence
presence brown-grey
presence brown-grey
ofofmany
ofmany many mudmud
inclusions, floor
inclusions, floor
inclusions,
structure
structure
structure SU SU SU
542 542 542
was was was
also alsoalsoremoved
removed
removed assuming
assuming
assuming that that that
the the the
floorfloor
floorsuch such
suchas asstones,
asstones,
stones, sand
sand
sandand and
and
gravel.
gravel.
gravel. At At West,
At West,
West, almost
almost
almost tying
tying
tying withwith
with
arranged
arranged without
withoutbut abut abut
regular
regular (SU (SU 418)(Figure
418)(Figure 16).16). The The
continued
continued
continued underneath
underneath
underneath no nono tilestiles
tiles werewerewere discovered
discovered
discovered there.
there.
there.the thethe
wallwallwallSU SU SU117,117,
117,thethe the
mud mud mud block
block
block SU SU SU540 540540 covered
covered
covered somesomesome
pattern,
pattern, they theywith filled
filled up up the the floor
floor SU SU 418418 covered
covered three
three
SomeSomeSome tiles/bricks
tiles/bricks
tiles/bricks withwith a afabricafabric
fabric similar
similar
similar totothose
tothosethose employed
employed
employedstones stones
stones (structure?),
(structure?),
(structure?), partially
partially
partially arranged
arranged
arranged with with
withanlayers.
anan
East-West
East-West
East-West
space
space in inbetween
between the the wall wall SU SU accumulation
accumulation layers. The The
ininthe inthe the
pavement
pavement
pavement SU SU SU
555 555 555=SU =SU =SU 556 556 556were werewere placed
placed
placed vertical
vertical
vertical (SU (SU (SUorientation
orientation
orientation and andandmeasuring
measuring
measuring 1.101.101.10 x x 0.65
x 0.650.65 m m m
(SU (SU (SU
184184 so so they they can can be be certainly
certainly uppermost (SU
uppermost (SU 422) 422) is542,
is542,
a542,
a
566,566,566, +6.68)
+6.68)
+6.68) insideinside
inside thisthis this
filling
filling
filling atatthe atthe the
basebasebase ofofthe ofthe the
wall wallwall SU SU SU+6.72/6.80
+6.72/6.80
+6.72/6.80 m). m). m).
AtAtAtSouth,
South,
South, together
together
together withwithwith SU SU SU540,
540,540, SU SU SU542 542542
thethe result
result of medium-hard
medium-hard grey
grey clayclay withwith
420 420 420 (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 14). 14).14). Inof Inmany anthropic
Inmany anthropic
many cases,
cases,
cases, a aloosealooseloose and and and soft softsoftdark dark darkcoveredcovered
covered ananL-shaped
anL-shaped
L-shaped structure
structure
structure (SU (SU (SU 541)
541)541)mademade
made ofofroughly
ofroughly
roughly
activities.
activities. ThereThere was was no no manymany inclusions
inclusions (pottery
(pottery and and
brown
brown
brown mud mudmud (SU (SU (SU 562)562)562) filled
filled
filled the the the
interspace
interspace
interspace between
between
between thethe the
tilestilestilessquared
squared
squared stones.
stones.
stones. ItsItsmeasures
Itsmeasures
measures are are are
1 1x 1x0.30 x0.30
0.30mmEast-West
mEast-West
East-West and andand
pottery
pottery inside,
inside, but but a a largelarge animal
animal bones) bones) and and mud mud
and and and
sometimes
sometimes
sometimes theirtheir
theirupper
upperupper surface
surface
surface asaswell.aswell.well. No No No
findsfinds finds inside
insideinside 1.70
1.70
1.70x x0.40
x0.40
0.40 South-North
South-North
South-North and andand its itsits
top toptop
is is attested
isattested
attested between
between
between
it itbut amount
itbutamount
but
one one one
coin of
coin of
coin sand
(Inv. sand
(Inv.
(Inv. and and
BH.19.O.651).
BH.19.O.651).gravel,
BH.19.O.651). gravel, Figure 16. Building 1, Room +6.70/6.85
+6.70/6.85
+6.70/6.85
2: the earthen m.m.Thism.This
This
floor structure
structure
structure shaped
shaped
shaped a asmall
asmall
small room
roomroom (Room
(Room
(Room
especially
especially inin itsits bottom. bottom. SU 418 (from N).
Stones
StonesofofSU SU544 544were werefound found 11.11.Measure:
Measure: 7575x 49x 49 x 5x cm.
5 cm.
 AASindh
>A>Room>Room Room
Antiquities1.A) 1.A)1.A) withwith
Journalwith the the the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter wallswalls walls SU SU SU117 117 117atatNorthatNorthNorth 77
Tiles
andTiles
and Tiles
and
SU are
SU are
SU184are
unglazed
184 unglazed
184atunglazed
atWest,
atWest,West,and and and
measuringtheir
measuringtheir
measuring their colorcolor
1.45 color
1.45 ranges
1.45xranges ranges
x0.70x0.700.70 from
m. from
m. from
It
m. dark
Itwas dark
Itwaswasdark
exca-red,red,
exca- red,charcoals
exca- charcoals
charcoals theretheretherewas was was
nonoother
noother othermaterial
material
material inside
inside
inside thatthat
that
layer.
layer.
layer.
One OneOne
red,
red,
vated red,
vated purple,
vated purple,
for purple,
for for toca.
ca.ca. topinkish
50 topinkish
50 50
cm pinkish
cm cm and
without and
without and
without yellow/orange
yellow/orange
yellow/orange
reaching
reaching in
itsin the
inthe the
same
same same tile,
tile, (ifstone,
tile, stone,
stone, squared
squared
squared but butbutwithout
without
without a aregular
aregular
regular shape,
shape,
shape, presents
presents
presents aaa
bricks
bricks
bricks
indicating
indicating fragments
indicating fragments
fragments
that thatthattheypossibly
theytheypossibly
possibly
werewerewere due due due
unevenly toreaching
unevenly tothe
unevenly tothe the
and
its
decay
and
its
and
bottom/floor
decay
decay
badly
bottom/floor
badly
bottom/floor
of
badly ofafired
ofafired mudafired
mud mud
(see
(if
(see
(if
(see roughly
roughly
roughly worked
worked
worked hole hole
holethat thatthat
resembles
resembles
resembles a a
door
adoor
door socket.
socket.
socket. Below
Below
Below
still
still
still
preserved).
preserved).
wall/structure.
wall/structure.
wall/structure. preserved). Below Outside
Below Outside
Below Outside
SU SU SURoom
422, Room
422, Room
422, A, A,i.e.
A,i.e.
especially
especially
especially i.e.
inininthe
inin thethe
inthe
the other
the other
southernother part
southern
southern partpartofofof
Figure
Figure
Room
RoomFigure
Room 1, 12).
1, 12).12).
there
1, They
there They
there They
was was are
was are
an are
of
an ofearthen
low
ofearthen
earthen
an low low
quality,
quality,
quality,
floor
floorfloor(SUwith
(SUwith with
(SU543)a543)
avery
avery
543) very
with withlow low
with a low
acom-
regu-
acom-
regu-com-SU
regu- SU SU
540,
540,540,WestWest West ofofthe ofthethe
S-NS-N S-N wallwall
wallofofthe ofthe the
Room
Room
Room 1.A,1.A,1.A,was was wasa ahard
ahard
hard
side side
side ofofRoom ofRoom Room 2,2,is2,isaisadark adarkdarkbrown
brownbrown loose
looseloose clay clay clay(SU (SU (SU423) 423) 423) that thatthat
pactness
larpactness
lar pactness
surface
lar surface
surface and and andbeing
(+6.66/6.76being
(+6.66/6.76being
(+6.66/6.76 mademademade
m) m)ofm) ofthat
thataofthat
aporous
aporous
fit fitporous
very
fitvery ceramic
very ceramic
well ceramic
well wellwith body
with body
with body
the the full
the full
struc- ofofoflayer
full
struc-
struc- layer
layer ofofof mud mud mud (SU (SU(SU 548),
548),548), possibly
possibly
possibly ananan earthen
earthen
earthen floor,
floor,
floor,
also
alsoalso contained
contained
contained a alot alotlot ofceramic
ofofceramic ceramic sherds, sherds,
sherds, faunal faunal
faunal remains remains
remains
voids
and voids
ture
ture
and voids
ture
SU SU
charcoal.
and and
charcoal.SUand
541
charcoal. and
541 541abundant
as abundant
as abundant
well
InIntheas well
Inthe wellas as
northern
the in
the
as
northern in
the
northern in
thewhitish
whitish
perimeterwhitish
perimeter
perimeter
partpart part inclusions.
ofofRoom inclusions.
walls
ofRoom inclusions.
wallswalls
Room SU SU SU
2,2,where 117
2,whereThe
117 The
117
where The
and and
the only
and
the only
SU
the only
SU SU preserved
preserved
preserved for for for
ca.ca. ca.
30 30 cm
30 cm cm
in in proximity
inproximity
proximity of of the
ofthe the
upperupper
upper layer
layer
layerofofof
184
SUSU184
SU184
preserved
422(Figure
preserved
422(Figure
preserved (Figure
422 was tile
was was 11).
tilenot11).
tile
from
not11).
from from
found,
not SU
found, SU
found, SU556,556,
the 556,
the found
floor
the found
floorfound
floor SUWest
SUWest
SU West
418 of
418 of
418 the
of the
covered the
covered L-shaped
coveredL-shaped
L-shaped
aaa stones
stones
stones of of the
of the the
same
samesame structure
structure
structure (+6.56
(+6.56
(+6.56 m).m). m).
The The Thestones
stones
stones SU SU SU
547 547547
structure
structure
filling structure
filling
filling (SU (SU SU
(SU SU
430) SU541,
430) 541,
430) 541,
that has
that has
that has
alsothe
alsothe
alsothesame
same
provided same
provided
provided measure
measure
measure
a alarge alarge(33
large(33 (33
x amount
amount
amountx22 x2222 cm) cm)
of cm)
of ofofofand
of andandthethethe
earthen
earthen
earthen floor
floor
floorSU SU SU
548 548 548 covered
covered
covered a aloosealoose
loose brown
brown
brown soilsoil
soil
Some
oneSome
one
animal
animalSome
one
tile
animal fragments
tile fragments
tile
from
bones, fragments
from
bones, from
bones, the the
metals of
the
metalsof fired
pavementof
metals fired
pavement fired
pavement
and unglazed
and andunglazed
SUunglazed
SU
ivory. SU
ivory.555in
ivory.555intiles
tiles
555in
Another tiles
the
Another
Another were
the were
the were
first
firstvisible
first visible
cut
filling cut
filling visible
filling cut
at at
(SU inside
South.
at
(SU inside
inside
South.
South.
(SU withwith
withsand
sandsand (SU (SU (SU
549),
549),
549), small
small
small stones
stones
stones and andand
charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. Below
Below
Below thisthisthis
SU
The
434)SU
The
434) SU
538
The
434)was538
mortar
was 538
mortar
wasnearnear
mortar
made near
used
made the
made the
usedusedthe
wall
as wall
as
ofofaofavery wallSU
avery SU
preparation
as very SU
410
preparation
preparation
soft 410
soft 410at
and
soft at
and +6.72
of at
and +6.72
ofthe
loose+6.72
ofthe
loose the
loose m,
floor m,
floor
clay where
m,
floor
clay where
was
clay where
was
with was
with the
made
with the
made
many the
made
manyearth-
manyearth-
by earth-
by aby a alayer,
layer,
layer, were
were were some some
some stones
stones
stones (SU (SU (SU 557,557,
557, +6.41/6.47)
+6.41/6.47)
+6.41/6.47) thatthatthat
look
looklook
en en floor
enfloor
polished
polished
polished
materials,
materials,
materials,floor SU SU
fine
such SU
fine543
suchfine543
such as543
grey was
grey
as was
grey was
mud
pottery,
as not
mud
pottery, not
mud
pottery,not
well
and well
and
ivory,well
and
ivory,preserved
it
ivory, preserved
it preserved
isplaster,
itisplaster,
visible
isplaster,
visible (+6.76
visible (+6.76
animal (+6.76
where
where
animal where
animal m). m). m).
tiles
bones, Fabric
tiles
bones, Fabric
Fabric
tiles
bones, are are arearranged
arranged
arranged alongalongalong the the the
inner
inner
inner sideside
sideofofthe ofthe the
S-NS-NS-N wallwall
wall ofoftheofthe the
Room
Room
Room
andand
missing
metals, and
metals, elevation
missing
metals, elevation
missing elevation
(SU
small (SU
small (SU
small suggested
564, suggested
564,564,suggested
bronze/copper+6.50
+6.50
bronze/copper +6.50
bronze/copper there
there
m)m)m) there
or or the
as
coins, or
coins,the
coins,the
presence
asbinding presence
asbinding
shellspresence
binding
shellsshells and of
between
and of
between
andaof
between a
floor
charcoal. a
floor
charcoal.floor
tiles
tiles
charcoal. simi-
simi-
tiles
and simi-
and and1.A 1.A1.Abutbut but
whose
Figurewhosewhose 19.anthropic
anthropic
anthropic
Building 1, origin
origin
Room origin2:mustmust
the must
coinsbebeinside
be
verified
verified
verified inintheinthe the
lar
Thislar
This
stone lar
to
This
stone isto
stone isthat
to
wall isthat
similar
wall that
similar one
similar
wall(SU one
(SU one
to
(SUfound
toSU
565, found
toSU
565,found
565,423
SU in
423
+6.79 in
423
+6.79 Room
inand
and
+6.79 Room Room
SU
and
m). m). SU
m). 2SU
4302(SU2(SU
430 430 (SU
but 535,
but 535,
its
but 535, +6.62/6.73
+6.62/6.73
itstexture +6.62/6.73
itstexture
texture had had hadm;m;m;future future
future (Figure
(Figure
(Figure the15).15). 15).
earthen On On On
the
floorthe the
northern
SUnorthern
northern
529 (from side
side
side
SE).ofoftheofthe the
Room
Room Room 1.A,1.A,
1.A,
aseesee see
below
aprevailingbelow
aprevailing below
prevailing § brown
§1.4).
§1.4).
brown 1.4).
brown For For For
color.this
color.this
color.this
reason,
The reason,
The reason,
The removal a acut
removal
removal acut cut
of
ofofof0.7
aof
of0.7 0.7
x.
aloose x.
aloose 0.5
x.0.5
loose 0.5
greymgreym was
mwas
grey wasatatthe atthethe
base
basebase ofofthe ofthe the
wallwallwall
SU SU SU
117,117,117, was waswasanother
another
another group
group
group ofofstones
ofstones
stones
done
sand
Onedone
sand
One done
sand
One between
(SU between
(SU
ofofof (SUbetween
445)
the 445)
the 445)
the the
most the
covers
most the
step
covers
most step
covers step
a left
importanta left
important left
compact
a
important at
compact at South
compact atSouthSouth
issues and
issues (SU
and
issuesand(SU
hard (SU
ofofof526
hardhard526
the 526
the and
brown/grey
the and
brown/grey and
Building SU
brown/grey SU
Building
Building SU538)538)538)
1entire1entire
1entire
(SU (SURoom
(SU Room
Room
563)
563)563) 2,at2,at 2,
andand
the
at and
the also
the also
same also
same labelled
same labelled
labelled
elevation
elevation
elevationasasSU ofSU
as ofSU
462
SU
of 462
SU 462
SU (top
557 (top
557 (top
557 +7.69
but +7.69
but +7.69
butwithout
without
without
and
mud and
mud and
mud
concerned the
floor
concerned the
floor
concerned the
wall
floor wall
(SU wall
(SU
its SU
(SU
its SU
440)
its SU
440)184,
entrance.440)
entrance.184,184,
which
entrance. where
which where
which
At where
At was
At was
the tiles
thewastiles
the
end tiles
endwere
especially
endwere
especially
of were
especially
of the
ofmore
themore
themore
preservedevident
preserved
2017-2018
2017-2018 evident
preserved
2017-2018evident inand
in
theand
in
theand
m) m)m)
the andand
definingand
definingSU
definingSU SUa474 474
aclear 474(top
aclear (top
clear (top
shape. +7.59
shape.
shape. +7.59
+7.59 InInm), Inm),
the the m),
the thethe
eastern the
easternlatter
eastern latter
latter
half,
half,
half, especially
especially
especially
RoomRoom
Room 1.A1.A1.Aisisis
better
the better
the better
the
perimeter
perimeter
perimeterpreserved
preserved
central-southern
central-southernpreserved
central-southern
ofofthisofthis (Figure
this (Figure
building(Figure
partpart
building part
buildingofof 12).
was12).
Room
of was12).
Room wasThere,
Room anThere,
2There,
an the
uninterrupted
an the
2atuninterrupted the
2atuninterrupted
+7.78
at+7.78 filling
+7.78 filling
m.filling
m.Where
m. SU
WhereSU
Where
architec- SU
architec- 538
architec-538 538 preserved
preserved
preserved
filled
filled
filledbyin
by in
abyin
the the
aloose the
aloose
loosenorthern
northern
northern
gravel
gravel part
gravel part
(SU part
(SU of
(SUof
558) of
the the
558) the
Room
558) Room
that Room
thatthat
was (Figure
was was (Figure
(Figure
excavated
excavated17).
excavated17).17).until
until
until
found
the found
the
tural found
floor
the
tural floor
tural in
floor
body, in
SU
body, the
in
SU
body,the
SU the
440 middle
440
withoutmiddle
440
withoutmiddle
is
withoutis of
absent,
is any of
absent,
anythe
of
absent,
anytheSUthe
room
SU
evident room
SU
evident445room
evident 445 was
445 was
covered
access was
covered
access missing
access missing
covered missing
a
totoit.aloose
a and
loose
toit.The and
looseand
it.Theandbelow
The below
and
onlybelow
and
only Unver
onlythe Unver
Unver the the
the the the
earthen
elevation
elevation
elevationearthen
earthen floor
ofof+6.38 floor
floor
of+6.38 SU
+6.38 SU SU462
mmbefore 462 462
mbefore =
before = SU =SU SU
stopping472472
stopping
stopping472= = =
474474
operations.474
was
operations. was
operations. wasa a a
the
softthe
soft the
filling
filling
darkdark filling SU
brown SU SU
526 526 526was was was very
awith very
a very
awith looselooseloose loamy
loamy loamy gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU (SU 560),
560),
560), (SU (SU (SU 473), 473),
473),
soft
evidence
evidence
evidence dark ofbrown
ofbrown
the
ofthe the clayclay
2017-2018clay
2017-2018 with
2017-2018 aseason
ahugeahuge
season huge
season amount
amount
pertained amount
pertained
pertained of of
a pottery,
of pottery,
astone pottery,
astone
stone slabslabloose
slab loose
loose dark dark
dark brownbrownbrown sandy
sandysandy clayclayclay with with
with somesomesome ivory ivory
ivory
aanimal
afew
animal afew
animal few centimeters
centimeters
bones, centimeters
bones,
bones, glass,
glass,
glass,high,
high,
metal,high,
metal, without
metal, without
without
ivory,
ivory,
ivory, pottery
pottery
plaster pottery
plaster
plaster orand
and orand
inclusions.
or inclusions.
inclusions.
charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. Itoffcuts
Itoffcuts
Itoffcuts
10.10.and
The
10.and
The and
Thecharcoal,
hardness
hardness charcoal,
charcoal,
hardness of of
the of and
the and
lower
the and
lower alayer
lower aloose
aloose
layer loose
layer
can can dark
be
can dark
be darkbrown
explained
be
explained brown
brown
explainedwithwithclay
with
its clay
clay
its (SU
better
its
better(SU (SU
better
conserva-
conserva-
conserva-
(SU(SU (SU459, 459, 459,+7.57
+7.57+7.57 m)m)m) placed
placed
placed horizontally
horizontally
horizontally exactly
exactly
exactly atatthe atthe the
outer
outer
outer
opened
Thisopened
This opened
This filling
fillinga afloor
filling afloor
has floor
has made
been
has made
been made
been of of
initially fired
offired
initially
initially fired clayclay
recorded clay
recorded tiles
recorded tiles as(SU
tiles (SU
asSUasSU(SU 555).
447
SU 555).
447 555).
447inTwo
inTwoinTwo
the the are
the 475)
are 475)
are 475)
tion,having
tion,
tion,
evenhaving
having
even
even
in in alotlot
ainconsideration
alot
consideration
consideration of
ofofivory,
thanthanivory,
ivory,
than
thethe clay
upper
theclay
upperclay
upper
onecoin
one coin
coin
remained
one moulds,
remained
remainedmoulds,
moulds,
exposed
exposed animal
exposedfor animal
animal
forseveral
for
several
several
daysdays
days
foot
footfootofofthe ofthe the
eastern
eastern
eastern wall wallwallSU SU SU184 184 184that thatthat
was was was interpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasaas abones,
bones, aduring
bones, and
during and
during and
works. plaster.
works.
works. plaster.
plaster. Both
BothBoth fillings fillings
fillings SU SU SU473473 473and and andSU SU SU475 475 475
rectangular
rectangular
central rectangular
central
central and and and and and
southern and
southern well
southern wellwell preserved
part preserved
part preserved
ofofthe
part ofthe (33
room
the (33
room (33
x x23
room and x23
and cm,
23
andSUcm, cm,
SU 37
448
SU 37 x37
448 x23
448 x23
near nearcm),
23
nearcm),cm),
threshold
threshold
while threshold
while
while two two belonging
two belonging
others belonging
others
others are are to
are to
squaredone
to
squaredone
squared one of(22
of(22the
of(22the the
xlatest
xlater
22 xlatest
22 latest
22
m). m). occupations
m).occupations
occupations
Together
Together
Together they ofthey
they ofcovered
ofcovered
covered 11.11.
Measure:
11.
aMeasure:
Measure:
aloose
aloose 7575
loose x 75
49
greyx 49xx 49
grey
grey 5x cm.
sand 5x cm.
sand 5 cm.
sand(SU (SU (SU480,480, 480, +7.40/7.50
+7.40/7.50
+7.40/7.50 m). m). m).
the
thetheNW NW NW corner
corner
corner ofof the
of the room,
the room,
room, but but butlater later theythey theyhavehave have been been been
Building
Building
sloped Building
sloped
sloped
considered
considered
considered toward 1as 1(see
toward
toward
as1(see
aas(see
athebelow
partathebelow
partthebelow
middle
of
part middle
of 2.2
middle
the
of the2.22.2
of
same
the and
ofand
the
same ofand
sametheFigure
theFigure
room.
filling. Figure
room.
room.
filling.
filling. 31)
Other
SU 31)
Other
SU 31)
11.11.11
Other
SU448 448 The .The
fragments
448 The
fragments discov-
fragments
covered
covered discov-
covered discov-
ofofof
aeryery
tiles ery
tiles
aloose of
tiles
aloose ofgrey
were
loose one
ofgrey
wereone
wereone
entrance
grey entrance
found
clay entrance
found
clay found
(SU
clay below
(SU in
below
(SU inthe
below
458) in
458) the
458)thethe
Room
withtheRoom
the
with Room
earthen
with 1many
earthen
many 1of1materials,
earthen
many oftheofthe
stepstepthe
Building
step
materials, Building
left
materials, Building
leftleft
suchatsuch 3as
atsuch
South,
at 3(see
3(see
South, as(see
South,
as 1.4 1.41.4
Room
Operations
Operations
Operations RoomRoom in2in2in 2 the
the the 2019 2019
2019 season season
season startedstarted
started withwithwith the the the
below
below
making below
making
animal
animalmaking
animal § bones
bones§arguable
4bones
§arguable
4and 4and and
arguable Figure
(725), Figure
(725), Figure
that
(725), that 36)
that
ivory 36)
the
ivory the
ivory 36)
made
the made
floor
(284), made
floor
(284), floor
(284), reasonable
reasonable
reasonable
continues
continues
plaster
plastercontinues
plaster (194), the the the
presence
underneath.
(194),
(194), presence
underneath. presence
underneath.
glass
glass glassexcavation excavation
excavation ofofthe ofthe the
floor
floorfloorSU SU SU
472 472 472= =SU =SU SU474474 474
= =SU =SU SU482 482482and and and
of
(39)of
(39) an
of
Although anand
and
Although entrance
anand
Although
(39) entrance
entrance
clayclay
the the
clay coin
the
endin
coin
end in the
endin the
moulds
of
coin of the
NE
moulds
works
of NE
works NEcorner
works
moulds corner
(36).corner
in(36).
inTrench of
inTrench
(36). of
Below the
Trenchof
Below the
Below9the Building
Building
SU
9were SU
9wereBuilding
447
were
SU 447
scheduled 1was
scheduled 1was
even
scheduled
447 1was
evenaeven the
inaon
aon inoninRoom
the the Room
Room
fillingfilling
filling 2SU 2SUcorresponds
2SUcorresponds
480. corresponds
480.
480. Conversely
Conversely
Conversely tototo the the
tothe
tocentral
tocentral
Room central
Room
Room 1,room,
1,room,
1,room,
since rectangu-
since
since therectangu-
rectangu-
the the
itsits
loose
loose
the earlier
its
loose
the theearlier
and
13th earlier
and
13th and
13th phases.
soft phases.
soft
February phases.
soft
February brown
Februarybrown During
brown During
2019,During
sandy
sandy
2019, the
sandy
2019, thisthe the
this2019
clayclay
this 2019
clay 2019
(SU
discovery season,
(SU
discovery season,
(SU
discovery season,
470), 470),
470),
led a
led a
special
which
led
usaspecial
which special
which
us to
usto also atten-
also
extend
to atten-
also
extendatten-
extend beginning
beginning
beginning
lar-shaped
lar-shaped
lar-shaped operations
operations
operations
and andand in
measuring in
measuring in
regarded
measuring regarded
regarded 12.80
12.80 just
12.80 xjust
just xless
less
2.10
x
2.10less
than
2.10m than
m than
(ca.
m thethe
(ca.
(ca.the
27half
27 half
27
sq.half
sq.sq.
m). m).m).
tion
tion
yielded tion
yielded was
yielded
excavation
excavation was
excavation was therefore
numerous therefore
numerous therefore
numerous
by byby two two addressed
two addressed
materials,
days addressed
materials,
materials,
daysdays ininorderinto
in to
order toparticular
inparticular
inparticular
order totoentirely
toentirely ivory,
ivory,
entirely ivory, animal
uncover animal
uncover animal
uncover the the
the the
the the
Room Room
Room 2 2(6 2 (6 m (6m ofm of of
12.812.812.8m), m), m),
and
The and
The and
later
The later
later (at
stratigraphy (at
stratigraphy (at
the
stratigraphy the the
height
is height
height
is of
character-
is of of
character-
character-
thethe
bones
bones the
inner
bones
floor.
floor. inner
and
floor. inner
and NE
and NE NE
charcoal. corner
charcoal. corner
charcoal. corner Theof
Theof Room
Theof Room Room
fillings
fillings
fillings1,above
1,above
1,above mentioned
mentioned
mentioned (SUS(SUS (SUSthe the the
SU SU SU
520)
520)520) the the the
last
lastlast
5.5 5.5 5.5
mmatmatNorth. at
ized North.
North.
ized izedbybyabyasuccession
asuccession
succession ofoffillings
offillings
fillings
448,
448,
448,
especially458
especially458
especially 458 and and and
after 470)
after 470)
after 470)
the covered
the thecovered
covered
decision
decision
decision a ato looseloose
ato loose
to dark dark dark brownbrown
brown sandy
sandysandy and and and
floors.
floors.
floors. TheTheThe upper
upper
upper layerlayer
layerwas waswas
clay8. 8.
clay Lowest
(SU
clay 8.
Lowest
(SU Lowest
(SU elevation
471) elevation
471)471)elevation
withwith of of
with the
some of
the
somelayer
the
somelayer
layer
above
ivory
ivoryabove
above
ivory SUSU
fragments 526
SU
fragments 526
fragments 526
was was was
attested
and attested
and attested
an
and at at
an +7.11
earthen
an at
+7.11
earthen+7.11
earthen mm (SUm The
(SU The
(SU The first first
first layer layer
layer unearthed
unearthed
unearthed was was was
a very
aacompact
aaacompactverycompact
very soft
softandand
softandand
andhard
andhardhard
loose grey
loose grey
loose grey
gravel
gravel
gravel
focus
focus
focus operations
operations
operations in inthe
inthe the
lastlastlast
three
threethree
539),
539),
floor
floor
539),
+7.29
(SU
+7.29
(SU
+7.29mm
472,
(SU
472,
m (SU
472,
(SU
533),
top
533),
top
533),
and
+7.61
and +7.35
and+7.35+7.35
m:m: highest
m: highest
highestelevation
elevation
elevation of oftheof
thelayer
the layer
layer
belowbelowbelow
compactearthen
SUSUSU earthen
earthen floor floor
floor (SU (SU(SU 514) 514)
514) wellwellwell preservedpreserved
preserved forfor for
ca.ca.ca.101010 cm cm cm
526 floor
meters
meters
526 meters
was
526 was wasof(SUof
attested the
ofthe
attested atthe
attested room.
at room.
+6.79
at
+6.79top m+7.61
room.
+6.79 m +7.61
The
(SUmThe
(SU m).
The
(SU m).
stones
538).
538). This
m).
stonesThis
stones
538). This isisaisahard ahardhard and and compact
and compact (SU (SU (SU404, 404,
404,+8.07
+8.07
+8.07 m)m)m) mixed
mixedmixed with
withwith
level
level
9.level of of light
of light
light brown
brownbrown mud mud mud that that
tothat was was waspreserved
preserved
preserved over
7)over 7)the
7)over the the (+7.38 (+7.38
(+7.38 m m mtop, top, top, +7.29
+7.29+7.29 m m m
bottom),bottom),
bottom), especially
especially
especially in in in
the the the
(SU(SU 9.
The
(SU9.
The
544, The
amount
544, amount
544, amount of of
+6.82/7.22) material
+6.82/7.22) of
material
+6.82/7.22) material was was
belowwas
similar
belowsimilar
below similar
the to
thethe to
thetheSU
theSU 506
SU 506 (see
506 (see (see
NoteNoteNote
northernnorthern
northern part
part partofofthe ofthe the
roomroomroom and andsmall
andsmall
with small
with with very chip
chip
very
very chip
few few few stones
stones
stones and
materials
materials
materials and and
other
other
other layerlayerlayer ofofof stones
stones
stones SU SU SU 539 539 539 inside. inside.
inside. The TheThe
filling filling
filling under under
under the the the
floor fragments
fragments
floor
floor SUfragments
SU SU
514 514 of
514
was of
wasgrey
of
was grey
grey
a soft mud mud
a soft
a soft mud
darkdarkbricks.
darkbricks.
bricks.
TheThe
were
wereTheremoval
were removal
removal
removed.
removed.
removed. ofofthe of the the
Althoughearthen
Althoughearthen
earthen
Although floor
they floor
they floor
they SU SU SU543 543 543opened
opened
opened a asecondasecond
second ManyMany Many materials
materials
materials camecamecame fromfromfromSU SU SU
brown brown
brown soil
soilsoil (SU (SU (SU 516,516,516, +7.29 +7.29
+7.29 m) m) m) with
withwith pottery,pottery,
pottery, ivory ivory
ivory
layer
layer
were
werelayer
were of of
arranged mud,
of
arrangedmud,mud,
arranged veryvery very
without hard
without hard
without hardand and
a aregular and
difficult
aregulardifficult
regular difficult to to remove,
toremove,
remove, whichwhich
which was was was
offcuts,offcuts,
offcuts, plaster,
plaster,
plaster, andand and charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. 404,
It404,
It404,
Itespecially
coveredespecially
especially
covered
covered another pottery,
pottery,
another
another pottery,
hardhardanimal
hardanimal
animal
considered
considered
considered
pattern,
pattern,
pattern, theytheyas
they as aas
filledaunique
filled aunique
filled unique
up upthe
up SU
theSU
the SU
together
space together
space together
space with with with it it10it.10Where
.10Where
. Where tiles
tiles
tiles
and and andcompactcompact
compact mud mud mud floor floor
floor (SU (SU (SUbones,
bones,
517)
517) bones,
517) metal,
with
withmetal,
metal,
with aivory
a avery ivory
very ivory
very fragments,
regular fragments,
fragments,
regular
regular
were
inwere were
inbetweenhigher,
inbetween higher,
between higher, the they
thetheythey
the
wall were
wall were
wall were
SU SUcovered
SUcovered
184 covered
184 184 soso directly
sodirectly
directly bybythisbythis this
mud mud mud layer.
layer.
layer.
surface surface
surface (+7.25/7.30
(+7.25/7.30
(+7.25/7.30 m)m)m) and and and
somesomesome fragments
plaster,
plaster, fragments
fragments
plaster, small
small
small of
ofofplaster plaster
plaster
bronze/copper ononon
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
Otherwise,
Otherwise,
they
theyOtherwise,
theycan can can in in
bebecertainly particular
in particular
becertainly particular
certainly the in
the thein the
resultin the
result the
resultmiddle
middle
middle of of the
ofthe the
room, room,
room, there
there
there
its its its
top. top.
top. Below Below
Below the thethe
floor floor
floor SU SU SU 517517 517
coins was
coins was
coins was
and a
and a
and a
soft soft
soft
shells. dark
shells. dark
shells. dark
Under brown
Under
Underbrown
brown SU SU SU
404 404404
was
ofwas
ofwas
of aanthropic
asoft
anthropic asoftsoft
anthropicand and andloose
looseloose
activities. gravel
activities. gravel
activities. gravel mixed
There mixed
There mixed
There withwith with mud mud mud (SU (SU (SU 559)559)559) veryveryvery
soilsoil (SU
soil (SU (SU518),
518),518), very very
very loose loose
loose and and and aissimilar
issimilar
issimilar
averyaveryto
very tothe
tothe
hard the
hard filling
hard andfilling
filling
andand SU SU
compactSU
compact
compact
easy
waseasy
was easy
was to
noto no dig
to
nodig dig
out.
pottery
potteryout.out.
pottery TilesTiles
Tiles
inside, ininthe
inside,
inside, inbut
the the
central
but central
but acentral
a a part part part
ofofthe ofthe the
room roomroom werewere 516
were 516 516above. above.
above. It Itwas Itwas was
ca.ca.ca.3030cm 30cm cmthick thick
thick
brown-grey
brown-grey
brown-grey (+6.95/7.25
(+6.95/7.25
(+6.95/7.25 mud mudm)
mud m)m)but but
floor
floorbut
floor it(SU
it it(SU (SU
numbered
numbered
numbered withwith with a a
different
adifferent
different SU SU SU(SU (SU (SU 556 556 556
= =SU= SU SU 555).555).
555). TheyThey provided
They provided
provided lesslessless
pottery pottery
pottery andand and
other
otherothermaterials
418)(Figure materials
materials
418)(Figure
418)(Figure if if if
16).16).compared
compared
compared
16).
The TheThe to
floor to
floor to
floor
SU SU SU
large
large
largeamount amount
amountofofofsand sandsandand and and
covered
covered
covered almost
almost
almost the the the
entire
entire
entire area areaarea of of excavation
of excavation
excavation except
except
except along
along the
along the thelarge large
large fillings fillings
fillings discovered
discovered
discovered ininthe inthe thepresentpresent
present and andand pastpastpast
gravel,
gravel,
gravel, especially
especially
especially ininits initsbottom.
itsbottom.
bottom. 418 418 418 covered
covered
covered three
three
three accumula-
accumula-
accumula-
thethe the
northern
northern
northern wall wallwall SU SU SU
117,117,117, where
where
where the the the
spacespacespace was was was filled
filled
filled bybyaby season.aseason.The
aseason. The Theexcavation excavationofofofSU
excavation SU SU518 518 518opened openeda a a
opened
Stones
Stones
Stones ofofSU ofSU SU 544 544 544 werewerewere foundfound
found medium-compact
medium-compact
medium-compact sandy
sandysandy loamloamloam tion
(SUtion
(SU tion
layers.
(SU layers.
520, layers.
520,
520, The
+6.95 The The
+6.95
+6.95 uppermost
uppermost
m), uppermost
m),m),
withwithwith (SU (SU(SU
soft
soft
also
alsosoft
grey
also grey
inside grey
inside loamy
loamy
Figure
inside the loamy
the the 17.
small clay
smallclayclay (SU
Building
small Room (SU
Room (SU
Room 561,
1, 561,
1.A,Room561,
1.A,1.A,+6.59/6.63
+6.59/6.63
2: +6.59/6.63
the earthen m) m) m)
with
floor withwith somesomesome 422)422) 422) is is a
is a medium-hard
a medium-hard
medium-hard grey
greygrey
veryveryveryfewfew few materials,
materials,
materials, somesomesome charcoalcharcoal
charcoal and andand plaster
plaster
plaster ononitsonitstop.
itstop. top.
ceramic
ceramic
ceramic
possibly
possibly
possibly sherds.
assherds.
as sherds.
as
SU The
the the the
462The
result The
=floor
result
resultfloor
SU floor
of ofis
472
of is
=largely
their is
their largely
SU
their largely
474 damaged
(from damaged
damaged
SW). and, and,and, asasfor asfor for clayclay clay with
withwith manymanymany inclusions
inclusions
inclusions
AtAtAt this this
this depth, depth,
depth, a astep astepstep0.50.5 0.5
widewide wide was was was left
leftleft
andand andthe the the
area area
area of ofof
thethe
partialthe
tiles
partial tiles
partial tiles pavemente
collapse. pavemente
collapse. pavemente
collapse. TheyTheyTheySU SU
were SU
were555,
were 555,555,
alsoalso with
also with with a ageneral ageneral
general inclination
inclination
inclination excavation
excavation
excavation restrictedrestricted
restricted toto5.5to5.5 5.5
m.m. (pottery
m. (pottery
Below (pottery
Below
Below SU and
SUand
SU and
520 animal
520 animal
520 animal
was was abones)
was abones)
darkabones)
darkdark and and and
toward
toward
coveredtoward
covered
covered the the
bybybythe
middle
the middle
themiddle
themud mud of
mud of the
of
block the
block the
block roomroom
SU room
SU SU (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 13).13).13). The The The stone
stone
stone
brown, brown,
brown, loose loose
loose loamyloamyloamy clay
clay (SU
clay (SU (SU mud
521) mud
521) mud
521) withwithwith
a a a
patternpattern
pattern similarsimilar
similar
structure
540structure
540 structure
540ininSU inSU SU
542
proximity542 542
proximity was
proximity was wasalsoalso
ofalso
removed
of removed
of removed
the the the assuming assuming
assuming that that that
the the the
floor
floor
floor
totothe tothe the
fillingfilling
filling SU SU SU
518518 518above above
above but but but
darker darker
darker and andand providing
providing
providing lesslessless
continued
continued
continued
L-shaped
L-shaped
L-shaped underneath
wall underneath
wall underneath
wall SU SU SU541. but
541. but
541. butno
Inside no
Inside no
tiles
Inside tilestiles
werewere were discovered
discovered
discovered there.
there.
there.
materialmaterial
material than
thanthan it. it. it.
Some
Some
Room
RoomSome
Room tiles/bricks
1.A,tiles/bricks
tiles/bricks
1.A,1.A, the the the with
stones with
stones with
stones aSU afabric
SU afabric
SU fabric
544 544 similar
544 similar
similar totothosetothose
those employed
employed
employed
incovered
inthe
coveredinthe the
coveredpavement
pavement
pavement
another
another
another SU SU
layer SU555
layer 555
layer 555
of =SU =SU
ofstones=SU
ofstones 556
stones556 556 werewerewere placed
placedplaced vertical
vertical
vertical (SU (SU IfIfthe
(SU Ifthethe stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy ofofRoom ofRoomRoom 2 2was 2was wasregular regular
regular until until
until the the the
filling filling
filling
566,
566,566,+6.68)+6.68)
+6.68) inside
inside
inside this thisthis
filling
filling
filling at at the
at the the
base basebase of of the
of the the
wallwall wall SU SUSUSUSU SU521, 521,
521, itsremoval
itsitsremoval removal uncovered
uncovered
uncovered differentdifferent
different layers.layers.
layers. AAhard Ahard hard
(SU(SU (SU 547, 547, 547, +6.80+6.80
+6.80 m), m), m),veryveryvery large
largelarge
420420 420 (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 14).14). 14).In In many
In manymany cases,
cases,
cases, a a loose
a loose
loose and and and softsoft softdarkdark and
dark and andcompact compactgrey
compact greyearthen
grey earthenfloor
earthen floor(SU
floor (SU(SU529) 529)529)was was was
ininsize
insizesizeand and andlocated
located
located almost
almost
almost ininthe inthe the particularly
particularly
particularly preserved preserved
preserved in in in
the the the central-northern
central-northern
central-northern part
part part
of of of
the thethe
brown
brown
middle brown
middle
middle mud
ofmud of(SU
ofmud
the the (SU
the (SU
same 562)
same 562)
same 562)
smallfilled
filled
small filled
small the
room. the
room. the
interspace
room. interspace
interspace between
between
between the the the
tiles
tiles
tiles
excavation
excavation
excavation (+6.83 (+6.83
(+6.83 m) m) m)except except
except for for for
one oneonemeter meter
meter at at at
North
NorthNorth
andand
Except and
Exceptsometimes
Exceptsometimes
sometimes
for for for
a abig their
abig bigtheir
pot their
pot upper
pot
rim upper
rim upper
rim
embed- surface
embed- surface
embed- surface asaswell. aswell.well. No No No
findsfindsfinds inside
inside
inside
(Figure (Figure
(Figure 18).
18).18). There There
There werewerewere nofinds
nonofinds finds inside inside
inside this this
this layer layer
layer but but but
aaa
it
dedit
but
ded it
but
ded but
one
betweenone
betweenonecoin
between coin coin(Inv.
stone (Inv.
stone (Inv.
stone BH.19.O.651).
BH.19.O.651).
s and BH.19.O.651).
s and
s and some somesome group group
group ofofof 151515 coins coins
coins (Inv. (Inv.
(Inv. BB.19.O.863-877,
BB.19.O.863-877,
BB.19.O.863-877, +6.74 +6.74
+6.74 m)m)m)
discovered
discovered
discovered atatthe atthe the
point point
point where where
where the the the
floor floor
floor bound bound
bound with with
with the the the
Figure 18. Building 1, Room 2: the earthen floor SU 529 (from S).
wallwallwallSU SU SU
420420 420(Figure (Figure
(Figure 19).
19).19).
The The The
stones stones
stones (SU(SU (SU536,
536, 536,
+6.77 +6.77
+6.77 m), m),m),
 Tiles
Tiles
Tiles
Sindh areare unglazed
are
Antiquitiesunglazed
unglazed
Journal andand andtheir
their
theircolor
color
color ranges
ranges
ranges from
from from dark
dark red,
dark red,charcoals
red, charcoals
charcoals there
theretherewas was wasnonoother
noother other material
material
material inside
inside
inside thatthatthat
layer.
layer.
layer.
78One OneOne
notfound,
not found,the thefloorfloorSU SU418 418coveredcovereda afilling filling(SU (SU430) 430)that that floor floorSU SU462 462= =SU SU472 472= =474 474was wasa aloose loosedark darkbrown brown
red,
red, purple,
red, purple,
purple, totopinkish
topinkish
pinkish and and yellow/orange
and yellow/orange
yellow/orange inintheinthe same
the same
same tile, tile,stone,
tile, stone,
stone, squared
squared
squared but but butwithout
without
without a aregular
aregular
regular shape,
shape,
shape, presents
presents
presents aaa
wasvery
was verysimilarsimilartotothe theSU SU423 423ininthe thesouthern
southernpart partofof sandy sandyclay clay(SU (SU473), 473),with withsome someivory ivoryoffcuts offcutsand andchar- char-
indicating
indicating
indicating thatthatthattheythey
theywerewerewere unevenly
unevenly
unevenly andandandbadly
badly
badly fired
fired
fired(see
(see
(see roughly
roughly
roughly worked
worked
worked holeholeholethat thatthat
resembles
resembles
resembles a adoor adoor
asdoor
assocket.
assocket.
socket. Below
Below
Below
Room3 3(see
Room (seebelowbelow§ §1.5) 1.5)and andprovided
provideda alarge largeamount amountofof found found
found
coal,
coal, and partially
andpartially
apartially
alooseloose aligned,
aligned,
dark aligned,
dark brown may
brown may may
clay have
clayhavehave
(SU served
(SU served
served
475)having
475) “binder”
having “binder”
“binder”
a alotlotofof
Figure
Figure
Figure 12).12).
12).
They TheyThey areare ofoflow
are oflow lowquality,
quality,
quality, with
with a avery
with avery
verylow low com-
low com-
com- SU
between
betweenSU
between SU
540,540,
the540,
the West West
floor
the West
floor ofSU
floor ofSU
the
ofSU
the
529the
S-N
529S-N
529 S-N
and wall
and wallwall
the
and ofthe
the ofthe
wallofthe
wall the
wallRoom
SU Room
SU Room
SU420 4201.A,1.A,
420 1.A,
(Figure was
(Figure was
(Figure was a ahardahard
hard
animalbones,
animal bones,metals metalsand andivory. ivory.Another Anotherfilling filling(SU (SU434) 434) ivory, ivory,clay claycoin coinmoulds, moulds,animal animalbones, bones,and andplaster. plaster.Both Both
pactness
pactness
pactness andand andbeing
being
being mademade
made ofofaofaporousaporous
porous ceramic
ceramic
ceramic
Figure bodybody
20. body full
fullof
fullof of
20). layer
20).
20).layer
At layer
At of
South,
At South,of
South, of
mud mud
the mud
the (SU
floor
the (SU
floor (SU
floor SU548),
SU 548),
SU548),
529 529 possibly
529 possibly
possibly
covered
covered
covered a an a an
brown,
a an
earthen
brown, earthen
brown,earthen
soft soft floor,
soft floor,
floor,
wasmade
was madeofofa avery verysoft softand andloose looseclay claywith with many
many materi fillings
materi fillingsSU SU473 473and andSU SU475 475covered covereda aloose loosegrey greysand sand(SU (SU
voids
voids
voids and andand abundantabundant
abundant ininin whitish
whitish
whitish inclusions.
inclusions.
inclusions.
Building The 1,The The only
only
only
clay preserved
clay
claypreserved
(SUpreserved
(SU(SU 527, 527, for
527,for for
ca.
+6.75 ca.
+6.75 ca.
3030
+6.75 m) cm
30
m) cm
m) cm
in
that in
that proximity
in
that proximity
was proximity
was was remarkableofofthe
remarkable
remarkable ofthe the
upper
upper
for upper
for the
for layer
thelayer
layer
the ofofof
480,
480, +7.40/7.50
+7.40/7.50 m).m).
preserved
preserved
preserved tile
tile tile
fromfromfrom SU SU SU556,
556,556, found
found
found West
WestWest ofofthe
Room of
2:thethe
L-shaped
the L-shaped
L-shaped stones
presence stones
presence stones of
of
presence ofof many of the
of the
manythe
same
samesame structure
structure
fragments
many fragments structure (+6.56
fragments ofof fired (+6.56
of (+6.56 m).
fired m). m).
The The The
tiles,
fired tiles, stones
stones
stones
some
tiles, some some 547
SU SU SU
547 547
structure
structure
structure SU SU SU541,541,541, hashas has
the the the
samesamesame measure
measure
measure stones
(33 (33(33SU
x x22 536
x2222
cm) cm) ofpotsherds
cm) and and
ofpotsherds and
ofpotsherds thetheand
the
earthen
and other
earthen
andearthen
other finds.
floor
other floorfloorSU
finds.
finds.SU In
SU548 the
In548
In548
the middle,
covered
thecovered
covered
middle,
middle, athere
aloose
aloose
there was
loose
there brown
brown
was a a soil
brown
was a soilsoil
(from W). Operationsininthe
Operations the2019 2019season seasonstarted startedwith withthe theexcavation
excavation
oneoneone
tile
tile
tile
from
from
from the the the
pavement
pavement
pavement SU SU SU
555in
555in
555inthe thethe
first
first
first
cut cut cut
atatSouth.
atSouth. loose
South. loose
loose
with sandy
with sandy
with sandy
sandsand clay
sand clay
(SU clay
(SU with
(SU with
549), with
549), gravel,
549), gravel,
gravel,
small
smallsmall ash,ash,
stones ash,
stones and
stones andand
and pottery
and pottery
and pottery
charcoal.
charcoal. (SU
charcoal. (SU (SU 530,
Below 530,
Below 530,
Below thisthis
this
ofthe
of+6.74
+6.74 thefloor
m), floor SU
possibly SU 472 472 =the
the =SU SU 474
preparation474= =SU SUfor482 482
the and and
floor the theSU filling
filling 529. SU SU
TheTheThemortar
mortar
mortar used usedused asaspreparation
aspreparation
preparation ofofthe ofthethe
floor
floor
floor
was was wasmademade
made bybyaby a a+6.74
layer,
layer, m),
layer, m),
were possibly
were possibly
were some somesome the
stones preparation
stones preparation
stones (SU (SU (SU 557, for
557, for
557, the the
+6.41/6.47)floor
+6.41/6.47)floor
+6.41/6.47) SU SU 529.
that that529.
that
look
looklook
At480.
480.
At North,
At North,Conversely
Conversely
North, near near near the to
the towall
wall
the RoomRoom
wall SU SU 117,
SU 1,since
1,117, since
117,SU the
529 the beginning
beginning
covered a ofalayer opera-
opera-
polished
polished
polished fine
finefine grey
greygrey mudmud mud and andand it itisitisvisible
isvisible
visible where
where
where tiles
tiles
tiles
are are
are arranged
arranged
arranged alongalong
along the the the
inner
inner
inner side side ofSU
side SU
ofthe
of 529
the 529
the
S-NS-Ncovered
S-N covered
wall wallwallof alayer
the
of layer
the the
RoomRoom
Room
tions
tions
similar
similar in
similar inRoom
in Room
inpattern
inpattern 2
pattern 2 regarded
regarded
and and elevation
and just
elevation just
elevation lessless
to to than
the than
tothe the
filling
the the
fillinghalf
filling half
SU SU the the
527
SU 527roomroom
(SU
527 (SU (6(6
(SU
missing
missing
missing (SU(SU(SU 564,564,564,+6.50
+6.50
+6.50 m)m)m) ororas orasbinding
asbinding
binding between
between
between tiles
tiles
tiles
and andand 1.A 1.A 1.Abut but butwhosewhose
whose anthropic
anthropic
anthropic origin
origin
origin must
mustmust be be be
verified
verified
verified ininthe inthe the
mof
m528,
528, of
528,+12.8 12.8
+6.68
+6.68 m),
6.68 m),
m). m). and and
Under
m). Under later
later
Under (at
it,On (at
it,in
it,inthe
the
inthe
the height
height
central-southern
the ofofthe
central-southern
central-southern theSU SU 520)
part 520)
part ofthe
part ofthe
of
stone
stone
stonewall
wall
wall
(SU
Figure 21.
(SU (SU 565,565,565,
+6.79
+6.79
+6.79 m).m). m). future
future
future (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 15).15).15).On Onthe the the
northern
northern
northern side
sidesideof of the
of the the
Room Room Room 1.A,1.A,
1.A,
last
last
the 5.5 5.5 m matatNorth. North.
Building 1, Room
theatexcavation,
the excavation,
atthe excavation,
atthethe
basebase base ofofthe was
ofthe was
thewas
wallwall a SU
a light
wall a light
SU SU light
117,117, brown
117, brown
waswasbrown
wasanotherloam
another loam
another loam groupwithout
without
group
groupwithout
ofofstonesofstones
stones
OneOneOne
2: ofofivory
the of
thethe themost
ring most most important
important
important issues
issues
issues ofofof thethe theBuilding
Building
Building materials
materials
materials
1 1 1(SU (SU (SU 563)(SU
563) (SU
563) (SU 534,
atatthe 534,534,
atthe +6.63/6.70
the
same+6.63/6.70
+6.63/6.70
samesame elevation
elevation m).
elevation m).m).ThisThis
ofofSUThis
ofSU layer
layer
SU 557layer
557 did
557 did
but did
but not
but not
withoutnot
without
without
The
The
provide
provide
provide first
first layer
material layerunearthed
material
material unearthed
but but one
but one was
ivory
one wasring
ivory acompact
a ring compact
(Inv. and andhard
BB.19.O.746) hardgrey grey
concerned
concerned
concerned its(Inv.
itsits
entrance.
entrance.
entrance. AtAtAt thethe the
endend endofofthe
ofthe the
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 the the
the defining
defining
defining a aclear aclear
clear shape.
shape.
shape. Inivory
Inthe
Inthe ring
the
eastern (Inv.
eastern(Inv.
eastern BB.19.O.746)
half, BB.19.O.746)
half,half, Room
Room Room 1.A1.A 1.Aisisis
BB.19.O.746) and earthen
earthen
and
andand ninenine floor
floor
nine coins (SU
coins (SU
coins 514)
(Inv. 514)
(Inv.
(Inv. wellwell
BB.19.O.975-977, preserved
preserved
BB.19.O.975-977,
BB.19.O.975-977, forfor ca. ca. 10
BB.19.O.992 10 cm
BB.19.O.992 cm
BB.19.O.992 (+7.38
(+7.38
perimeter
perimeter
perimeter ofofthis
ofthis this
building
building
building waswas was ananuninterrupted
anuninterrupted
uninterrupted architec-
architec-
architec- filled
filled
filledby by aby aloose
aloose
loose gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU (SU558) 558)558) that
thatthat
was was was excavated
excavated
excavated until
until
until
one coin (Inv. mtop,
m-997)
-997) top,
-997) at at+7.29
+7.29
the
atthe the mtop
top mtop ofbottom),
bottom),
of the
of the tiles
the tilesespecially
especially
tilesfloor
floor
floor SU in
SU in
SUthe
535 the
535 535 northern
northern
(Figure
(Figure
(Figure part
21).part
21). ofof
21).
tural
tural
turalbody,
body,
BB.19.O.995)body, without
without
inwithout any anyany evident
evident
evident access
access
access totoit.toit.The
it.The Theonly onlythe
only the the
elevation
elevation
elevation ofof+6.38
of+6.38+6.38 mmbeforembeforebefore stopping
stopping
stopping operations.
operations.
operations.
the
the
The
The room
The room
layers
layers and
layers SUandSU with
527
SU with
527 527 very
and very
and SU
and few
SU few
SU528,528, materials
materials
528,where
where
where the inside.
inside.
the floor
the floor The
floor The
SU SU SU529 filling
filling
529 529
evidence
evidence
theevidence
fillingof SUofthe
of the
534 the
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 season
season
season pertained
pertained
pertained a astoneastone
stone slab
slab
slab
under
under
was
waswas10. the
10. the
missing,
missing,
The
10.Thefloor
missing,
The floor
hardness
hardnessand
hardnessSU
andSU
ofand
ofSU
the514
ofSU
the514
SU
lower
the was
531
lower531was
lower 531
layer a
and
layer a
layersoft
and
canand
can soft
SU
be
can SU
be dark
SUdark
532
explained
be 532
explained brown
532
explained brown
only
with only
with only
with
its soil
in
its soil
in
better
its the
in
better (SU
the
better (SU
the
conserva-
conserva-
conserva-
(SU(SU(SU459,
459,
(detail, 459,
+7.57
+7.57
from +7.57
N).m) m)m)placed
placed
placed horizontally
horizontally
horizontally exactly
exactly
exactly atattheatthethe
outer
outer
outer
516,
516,
northern
northern
northern
tion,
tion, +7.29
+7.29
tion,
even part
evenpart
even m)
in part
in of m)of with
the
of
consideration
in with
the
consideration room,
the
consideration room, pottery,
pottery,
room,
thanthan they
than
the they
the they
upper
the all
upperivory
ivoryall
upper were
all
one were
one offcuts,
offcuts,
werecovered
remained
one covered
remained
remainedcovered
exposed
exposedplaster,
plaster,
directly
exposed directly
fordirectly
for and
several
for and
several
several
daysdays
days
foot
foot
foot
ofofthe
ofthe the
eastern
eastern
eastern wall
wallwall SU SU SU
184 184 184
thatthat
that
was waswasinterpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasaasa aduring
during
during
works.
works.
works.
charcoal.
charcoal. It It covered
covered another
another hard hard and and compact
compact mud mud floorfloor
threshold
threshold
threshold belonging
belonging
belonging totoone toone oneofofthe ofthe the
latest
latest
latest occupations
occupations
occupations ofby ofthe
ofby by11.
the upper
the
11.
upper
upper
Measure:
11.
Measure:
Measure:
filling
filling
7575
filling
x 75
49
x 49
SU SU
xx 49
SU
5x cm.
521.
521.
5x cm.
5 cm.
521.
(SU517)
(SU 517)with witha avery veryregular regularsurface surface(+7.25/7.30 (+7.25/7.30m)m)and and
Building
Building
Building 1 1(see1(see(see
below
below
below 2.2 2.22.2
andand andFigure
Figure
Figure 31)31) 31)
11.11.11
The .The The
discov-
discov-
discov-
The
TheThe
some
some removal
removal
removal
fragments
fragments of of the
ofthe
of fillings
the fillings
fillings
plaster
plaster SU
on SU
on 527
SU
its 527
its 527
top. and
top. and SU
and SU
Below
Below SU528, 528,
the 528,
the and and
floor and
floorthe the
SU the
SU
eryeryery
ofofone
ofone one
entrance
entrance
entrance ininthe inthethe
Room
RoomRoom 1 1of1oftheofthe the
Building
Building
Building 3 3(see (see1.4
3(see 1.4 1.4
RoomRoomRoom 222
Figure 22. preparation
preparation
517
517 preparation
was wasa asoft SU SU
soft SU530
dark 530
dark530in inthe
inthe
brown
brown middle
the middle
soilmiddle
soil (SU of
(SU ofthe
ofthe room,
the
518),
518), room,
room,
very very opened
opened
opened
loose
loose a and
and aa
below
below
below § §4§4and 4and and Figure
Figure
Figure 36)36) 36)
made
mademade reasonable
reasonable
reasonable
Building the the
1,the
presence
presence
presence
hard
hard
hard
similar
similar and and tocompact
toand the compact
compact grey
grey grey mud mud mud floor
floorfloor (SU(SU (SU 531)531) 531) having
having
having athick
aa
ofofanofanentrance
anentrance
entrance ininthe inthethe
NE NE NEcorner
corner
corner ofoftheofthethe
Building
Building
RoomBuilding
2: the1 1even 1even
eveninininRoom RoomRoom 2the 2filling
2filling
corresponds
corresponds SU
corresponds SU 516 516 toabove.
toabove. the
to the the It It
was
central was
central
central ca. ca.
room,30 30
room,
room,cm cm thick
rectangu-
rectangu-
rectangu-
regular
regular
regular
(+6.95/7.25
(+6.95/7.25 surface
surface
surface
m)m) (+6.70
but (+6.70
but (+6.70
it m)m)m)
itprovided
provided overoverover almost
less
less almost
almost
pottery the the entire
the entire
entire room room room
itsitsearlier
itsearlier
earlierphases.
phases.
phases. During During
During the thethe
201920192019 season,
season,
season, a aspecial
earthen aspecial
special
floor atten-
atten-
atten- lar-shaped
lar-shaped
lar-shaped and andandmeasuring
measuring
measuring 12.80
12.8012.80 xpottery
x2.10
x2.10 and
2.10 m andm(ca. other
other
m(ca. (ca. 27mate-
27mate- sq.sq.sq.
27 m). m).m).
SU 531 (from (Figure
(Figure
(Figure
rials
rials if if 22).
22). 22).
compared
compared It It covered
Itcovered
to covered
to the the a a
large loose
a
largeloose
loose sandy
sandy
fillings
fillings sandy soilsoilsoil
discovered
discovered (SU (SU (SU 532,
in 532,
in 532,
thethe
tion
tion
tion
waswaswastherefore
therefore
therefore addressed
addressed
addressed tototo The The The stratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy is is character-
is character-
character-
+6.66
+6.66
+6.66
present
present m)
andm)
andm) with
past with
pastwith charcoal,
charcoal,
season.
season. charcoal,
The ash
Theexcavationash ash
excavationand and and 11
ofa11
ofSU11coins
SU coinscoins
518 (Inv.
518opened (Inv.(Inv.
thethethe
inner
inner
innerNE NE NEcorner
corner
corner ofofRoomofRoomRoom 1,1,1,
SW).
izedized izedbybyabyasuccession
succession
succession ofopened
offillings
offillings
fillings
BB.19.O.967-974,
BB.19.O.967-974,
BB.19.O.967-974,
a amedium-compact
medium-compactsandy BB.19.O.998-1000)
BB.19.O.998-1000)
BB.19.O.998-1000)
sandyloam loam (SU (SU 520,520, thatthat
+6.95 that
+6.95 looks
looks
m),looks
m), withawith
aa
especially
especially
especially after
after
after thethe the
decision
decision
decision tototo and and floors.
and floors.
floors. The The Theupperupper
upper layerlayerlayerwas waswas
preparation
preparation
very
very preparation
few fewmaterials, for for
materials, the
for the floor
the floor
floor
some
some SU SU 531.
SU 531.
charcoal
charcoal 531. and and plaster
plaster on on its itstop. top. It It
focus
focus
focusoperations
operations
operations inintheinthe the
lastlastlast
three
three
three a a very
a very
very soft
softsoft and and and loose
looseloose gravel
gravel
gravel
wasvery
was verysimilar similartotothe thefloor floorSU SU
(SU 517
(SU 517
(SU404,404, discovered
discovered
404,+8.07
+8.07
+8.07 m) m) above.
above.
mixed
m) mixedmixed Atwith
Atwith with
meters
meters
meters ofofthe
ofthe the
room.
room.
room. The The Thestones
stones
stones Under
Under
Under floor
floor
floor SU SU SU531,
531,531,preparation
preparation
preparation SU SU 532,
SU 532,
532,and and andfilling
filling
filling SU SU SU
als,such
als, suchasaspottery,pottery,ivory, ivory,plaster, plaster,animal animalbones, bones,metals, metals, this thisdepth,
depth,a astep step0.5 0.5wide widewas was small left
left
small and
small andthe the
chip
chip area
chip areastones ofexcava-
ofstones excava-
stones and and
and
(SU(SU(SU544,
544,
544,
+6.82/7.22)
+6.82/7.22)
+6.82/7.22) below
below
below the the the (SU (SU (SU 535)535)535)
smallbronze/copper
small bronze/coppercoins, coins,shells shellsand andcharcoal.
charcoal.This Thisisis 534 534534
tion
tion was was was
restricted
restricted another
another
another
toto5.5 floor
floor
5.5 floor
m.m. Below
Below SU SU
fragments
made
fragments
made
520 made
520was
fragments
ofwas
ofquadrangular
of
ofaquadrangular
of grey
of aquadrangular
dark
grey dark
grey mud mud brown,
brown,
mud bricks.
bricks.
bricks.
other
other
other layer
layer
layer ofofof stones
stones
stones SU SU SU 539539 539 (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 23).
similartotoSU
similar SU423 423and andSU SU430 430but butitsitstexturetexturehad prevail- fired
hada aprevail- fired
fired
loose
loose tiles
tiles
loamy
loamy ofof28
tiles of28
clay x28x28
clay (SUx28
(SU cm
28cm cm
521)521) with with
ManyMany a23).
Many
23).
They
apattern They
pattern
materials
They
materials
materials
recall
recall
recall
similar
similarcamecame
those
came
those
to those
to
fromfromthethe
from SU SU SU
were
were
were removed.
removed.
removed. Although
Although
Although theytheythey shaping
shaping
shaping the the pavement
the pavement
pavement SU SU 555
SU 555 555= =SU =
SU 556
SU 556 in
556 inRoom
inRoom Room 1, 1,and1,and and
ingbrown
ing browncolor. color.The Theremovalremovalofofa aloose loosegrey greysand sand(SU (SU fillingfillingSU SU518 518above abovebut butdarkerdarker 404, and
404, and
404, providing
providing
especially
especially
especially lessless
pottery,
pottery,
pottery, materi-
materi- animal
animal
animal
were
were
werearranged
arranged
arranged without
without
without a aregular
aregular
regular
445)covers
445) coversa compact
a compactand andhard hardbrown/grey
brown/greymud mudfloor floor(SU (SU they althey
they
althan
than alsoalso
it. also
it. certainly
certainly
certainly suffered
suffered
suffered some
bones,
some
bones,
some
bones,
dramatic
metal,
dramatic
metal,
dramatic
metal, ivoryivory
events
ivory
events
events
fragments,
fragments,
fragments,
pattern,
pattern,
pattern, they
they
they filled
filled
filledupuptheupthe the
space
space
space because
because
because atatWest,atWest,
West, atattheatthe base
the basebase ofof the
ofthe wall
the wall SU
wall SU 420,
SU 420, 420, the the floor
the floor
floor
440)which
440) whichwas wasespecially
especiallypreserved preservedininthe thecentral-south-
central-south- plaster,
plaster,
plaster, small
small
small bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
ininbetween
inbetween
between the the the
wallwall
wallSU SU SU
184 184 184sososo SUSU SU535 535 535 isisattested
isattested
attested atat+6.75at+6.75+6.75 mmwhile mwhile while it itsunken
itsunken
sunken ininits initsits
ernpart
ern partofofRoom Room2 2atat+7.78 +7.78m.m.Where Wherethe thefloorfloorSU SU440 440isis IfIfthe thestratigraphy
stratigraphyofofRoom Room2 coins 2was was
coinscoins regular
regular
and and shells.
and until
shells. until
shells. the
Under the
Under
Under filling
filling
SU SU 404
SU 404404
they
they
theycancancan
bebecertainly
becertainly
certainly the the the
result
result
result middle
middle
middle (+6.62
(+6.62
(+6.62 m). m). Many
m). Many Many tilestiles
tileswerewerewere damaged
damaged
damaged but but buttheirtheirtheir
absent,SU
absent, SU 445445covered
Figure covereda aloose
23. looseand andsoft softdarkdarkbrown brownclay clay SU SU521, 521,itsitsremoval removaluncovered uncovered is is different
different
aisaveryaofvery
very layers.
layers.
hard hardhard AandAhard
and hard
and and
compact and
compact
compact
ofofof anthropic
anthropic
anthropic
Building
activities.
activities.
activities.
1, ofofpottery,
There
There
There preservation
preservation
preservation increase
increase
increase in inthe
in the middle
the middle
middle of the
of the room
the room room andin in in
witha ahuge
with huge amount
amount pottery,animal animalbones, bones,glass, glass,metal, metal, compact compactgrey greyearthen earthenfloor (SU
floorbrown-grey (SU
brown-grey529)529)was
brown-grey wasmud mud mudparticularly
particularly (SU (SU(SU
waswaswas
Room nono2:nopottery
pottery
the pottery
tiles inside, inside,
inside, but butbutaaa proximity
proximity
proximity ofofthe ofthe section
the section
section atatSouth.
atSouth.
South. TheyTheyThey have have have a floor floor
alight floor
alight light
ivory,plaster
ivory, plasterand andcharcoal.
charcoal.This Thisfilling fillinghas hasbeen beeninitially
initially preserved preservedininthe thecentral-northern
central-northern 418)(Figure part
418)(Figure part
418)(Figure of of the
16). the
16). 16). excavation
excavation
The The The floor
floor floor
large
large
large amount
amount
pavement amount SU ofofofsand sandsandand and and yellow
yellow
yellow color
color
color inside
inside
inside while
while
while outside
outside
outside theytheytheyare are red.
are red. As
red. As the
As the theSU SU SU
recorded
recorded asasSU
535 SU447
(from 447ininthe
N). thecentral
centraland andsouthern
southernpart partofofthis this tiles(top
(top
tiles of+6.83
+6.83
tiles oftheofthe m) m)
pavement
the pavement except
except
pavement for
SU SUfor one
555
SU one
555 555=meter
418 meter
418
=SU 418
=SU 556
SU at
coveredat
556 inNorth
North
covered
covered
556 inRoom three
inRoom (Figure
(Figure
three
Room three
1,1, accumula-18).
accumula-
they
1, 18).
accumula-
they they
gravel,
gravel,
gravel, especially
especially
especially ininitsinitsbottom.
itsbottom.
bottom.
roomand
room andSU SU448 448near nearthe theNW NWcorner cornerofofthe theroom, room,but but were There
There
were
were made were
were
mademade ofno ofnosoft
of finds
finds
soft
softand and inside
inside
andfragile
fragile this this
tion
fragile tion layer
layer
layers.
tion layers.
terracotta, but
layers.
terracotta,
terracotta, but
The aand
The
and agroup
The group
uppermost
and uppermost
some uppermost
somesome ofofofof 15
15of(SU (SU(SU
Stones
Stones
Stones ofofSU ofSU SU544 544 544werewerewere found
found
found
laterthey
later theyhave havebeen beenconsidered
consideredasasa apart partofofthe thesame same them coins
coins
them
them even(Inv.
(Inv.
even
even BB.19.O.863-877,
BB.19.O.863-877,
brokebrokebroke during
during
during theirtheir 422)
their +6.74
+6.74
light
422) 422)
light
light m) m)
cleaning
cleaningdiscovered
discovered
cleaning
isisaisamedium-hard
amedium-hardby by
medium-hard brush
by at
brush at
brushthethe
grey
greygrey
also
also
also
inside
inside
insidethe the the
small
small
small RoomRoomRoom 1.A,1.A,1.A,
filling.SU
filling. SU448 448covered covereda aloose loosegrey greyclay clay(SU (SU458) 458)with with (Figurepoint
point
(Figure
(Figure where
where 24).24). the
24).the
Traces floor
floor
Traces
Traces bound
bound
of ofofa awithgreywith
aclay
greygrey
clay the the
mortar
clay wall
mortar wall
mortar
with
with
with SU SU
binding 420
binding
many 420(Figure
binding
many many (Figure
tilestiles
inclusions tiles
inclusions
inclusions
possibly
possibly
possibly asasas the the the
result
result
result ofofof their
their
their
manymaterials,
many materials,such suchasasanimal animalbones bones(725), (725),ivory ivory(284), (284), 19). 19).
togetherThe
together The
together is stones
stones
visible
is isvisible (SU
visible (SU
where 536,
where 536,
where +6.77
tiles +6.77
tiles are
tiles m),
are m),
missing,
are
(pottery
(pottery found
found
missing,
(potterymissing,
and and partially
partially
otherwise
animal
and otherwise
otherwise
animal
animal italigned
aligned
bones) itisitisis
bones)
bones) and andand
partial
partial
partialcollapse.
collapse.
collapse. TheyTheyThey werewerewere also
alsoalso
plaster(194),
plaster (194),glass glass(39) (39)and andclay claycoin coinmouldsmoulds(36). (36).Below Below poorly poorly
poorly preserved
preserved
preserved (see(see(see Figure
Figure
Figure 24).
mud 24).
mud 24).
mud In In
bricks general,
In
bricksgeneral,
bricksgeneral,
fragments
fragmentsthe
fragmentsthe floor
the floor
floor
possibly
possibly
possibly
covered
covered
covered bybyby the the the
mudmud mud block
block
block SU SU SU
SUSU447 447was wasa aloose looseand andsoft softbrown brownsandy sandyclay clay(SU (SU470), 470), SU SU 535
SU 535 535diddid not
did not develop
not develop
develop parallel
parallel
parallel
due todue
due tothe
tothe walls
tothe
the
to walls
thewalls
the SU
decay SU
decay 410
SU
decay 410 410
of and
ofand a and
of amud
amud mud
540540540inininproximity proximity
proximityofofofthe the the
whichalso
which alsoyielded
yieldednumerous numerousmaterials, materials,ininparticular particularivory, ivory, SU SU 420,
SU 420,420,while
whilewhile it looks
it it
looks
looks aligned
aligned
aligned withwithwiththe
wall/structure. the
wall/structure. northern
the
wall/structure. northern
northern Below wall
Below SU
Below wallwall SU SU 422,422,
422,
L-shaped
L-shaped
L-shaped wall
wallwall SU SU SU 541.
541.541. Inside
Inside
Inside
animalbones
animal bonesand andcharcoal.
charcoal.The Thefillingsfillingsabove abovementionedmentioned 117 117 (see
117 (see Figure
(see Figure
Figure 23).23).23). especially
especially
especially in in the
in the southern
the southern
southern sideside
side
Room
Room
Room 1.A,1.A,
1.A,the the the
stones
stones
stones SU SU SU 544544 544
(SUS448,
(SUS 448,458 458and and470) 470)coveredcovereda aloose loosedark darkbrown brownsandy sandy ofofof Room
Room Room 2,2,is 2,isaisadark adark dark brown
brown
brown
covered
covered
covered another
another
another layer
layer
layerofofstones
ofstones
stones
clay(SU
clay (SU471) 471)with withsome someivory ivoryfragments
fragmentsand andananearthen earthen InInthe Inthe last
the last meter
last metermeter atatNorth,
atNorth,
North, the the floor
the
loose floor
loose floor
loose SU
claySU SU
clay 535
clay 535
(SU 535
(SU covered
(SU covered
covered
423)423)423) its
thatthatitsits
thatalsoalso
also
(SU
(SU(SU 547,
547,
547,+6.80
+6.80
+6.80 m), m),m),
veryveryvery large
large
large
floor(SU
floor (SU472, 472,top top+7.61 +7.61m). m).This Thisisisa ahard hard and
Figureandcompactcompact preparation
24. preparation
preparation (SU (SU (SU 545,545,545,+6.46/6.60
+6.46/6.60
+6.46/6.60 containedm) m)
contained
containedmade
m) made
madea of
a of a
lot
a ofa
lotcompact
a
lotcompact
of compact
of ofceramic
ceramic
ceramic
ininsize
insize
size
and andand
located
located
located almost
almost
almost ininthe inthe the Building 1,entire
Room
levelofoflight
level lightbrownbrownmud mudthat thatwas waspreserved
preservedover overthe the entire grey grey
greyloam.
loam.
loam. AlongAlongAlong the the northern
the northern
northern wallwall
sherds,
sherds, SU
wall
sherds, SU 117,
SU 117,
faunal 117,
faunal
faunaltherethere
therewas
remains
remainswas
remainswas a a anda and and
middle
middle
middle ofoftheofthe the
samesame same small
small
small room.
room.
room. 2: the tiles
Room2,2,and
Room andalso labelledasasSU
alsolabelled SU462 462(top (top+7.69+7.69 m) m) and and SU SU dark
dark
dark loose
loose
loose soil,soil,soil,withwithwithsome somesome ceramic
ceramic
ceramic
charcoal.
charcoal. sherds
charcoal. sherds
sherds
InInthe and
Intheand andcharcoal
northern
the charcoal
northerncharcoal
northern partpart ofofof
part
Except
Except
Except forforfor
a abig abigbig
potpot pot
rim rimrim
embed-
embed-
embed- pavement SU 535
474(top
474
ded
ded
(top+7.59
ded
+7.59m),
between
between
between
m),the
stone
stone
thelatter
stone s and
latterespecially
s and
s and some
especiallypreserved
some
some
preserved
with remains if the (SU
ininthe (SU(SU 546).
546).
546). This ThisThis layer
layer
layer was waswas opened
opened
opened
RoomRoomRoombelow
below
2,below
2,where the
2,where the
where filling
thethe filling
the filling
SU
the SU SU SU
422
SU SU
422422was waswas
northernpart
northern partofofRoom Room2 2(Figure (Figure17). 17).Unver Unver the
grey the earthen 532
earthen
mortar 532532 atat+6.75
at+6.75+6.75 mmand mand and it itwasitwas was excavated
excavated
excavated until
until
until stopping
stopping
stopping
(detail, from E). operations
operations
operations atat+6.31 at+6.31
+6.31 m.m.It m.Itstill
Itstill continues
still continues
continues underneath
underneath
underneath but but it it it
but
isisclear
isclearclear that
that that it itisitislikely
islikely
likely a afilling
afilling
filling done
donedone for for for building
building
building
Sindh Antiquities Journal 79
maymayhave haveservedservedasas“binder”
“binder”betweenbetweenthe thefloor
floorSU SU529 529and and
thethewallwallSU SU420 (Figure20).
420(Figure 20).AtAtSouth,
South,the thefloor
floorSU SU529 529
up/refurbishing
up/refurbishing
up/refurbishing the thethe
upper upper
upper partpartpart
ofofthe ofthethe
wall wall
wall SU SU SU
410410 (Figure
410 (Figurecovered
(Figure covereda abrown, brown,wet wetandandsoftsoftclay
clay(SU (SU527, 527,+6.75+6.75m)m)that that
25). 25).
25). The TheThelimit limit
limit betweenbetween
between SU SU SU
545 545 545
and andand
SU SU SU
546 546 546 istherefore
therefore
isistherefore aaa
waswasremarkable
remarkablefor forthethepresence
presenceofofmany manyfragmentsfragmentsofof
cut
cutcut
(SU (SU (SU 550,
550,550, +6.75 +6.75
+6.75 m). m).m).
The TheThe northernnorthern
northern wall wall
wall SU SU SU117117 117ofofof
Building
Building
Building 1 1shows1shows
shows three three
three different
different
different construction
construction
construction phases:
phases:
phases: the the firedtiles,
thefired tiles,somesomepotsherds
potsherdsand andother
otherfinds.
finds.InInthe themiddle,
middle,
upperupper
upper (SU (SU(SU 117, 117,117,ca.ca.ca.
656565 cm)cm) cm) ismarked
isismarked marked bybyby small small
small stones stones
stones there
there waswas a a loose
loose sandy
sandy clay
clay with
with gravel,
gravel, ash,
ash, and and pottery
pottery
places
places
places horizontally;
horizontally;
horizontally; thethe the
centralcentral
central (SU (SU(SU551, 551,
551, ca.ca.ca.
7575cm)75cm) cm)
made
mademade (SU(SU 530,
530, +6.74
+6.74 m),
m), possibly
possibly the
the preparation
preparation forfor thethe floor
floor
ofofof
stones stones
stones ofofof different
different
different sizesizesizearrangedarranged
arranged without without
without clearSU
aclear
a aclear SU529. 529.AtAtNorth, North,near nearthe thewall
wallSU SU117,117,SU SU529 529covered
covered
pattern;
pattern;
pattern; thethe the
lowest lowest
lowest (SU(SU (SU567,
567,567,ca.ca.ca.6060cm)60cm) cm) characterizeda alayer
ischaracterized
isischaracterized layersimilarsimilarininpattern patternand andelevation
elevationtotothe thefilling
fillingSU SU
bybyabybig a big
a big softstone,
softstone,
softstone, whoce whoce
whoce bottom bottom
bottom corresponds
corresponds
corresponds tothe
totothe the
same
samesame527 527 (SU (SU
Figure 25. 528,
528, + + 6.68
6.68 m).
m). Below
Below it,it,
ininthethe central-southern
central-southern
levellevel
level ofofthe ofthe the
tiles tiles
tiles floor floor
floor SU SUSU
535 535535(+6.75 (+6.75
(+6.75 m)(Figure
m)(Figure
m)(Figure 26). 26). part
26). part ofofthe
Building the excavation,was
1,excavation, wasa alight lightbrown
brownloam loamwithout without
Room
materials(SU
materials 2: (SU534, 534,+6.63/6.70
+6.63/6.70m). m).ThisThislayer layerdid didnot not
1.51.51.5
Room Room
Room 333 preparation SU 545, filling SU 546, and cut SU 550 (from E).
provide
provide materialbut
material butone oneivory
ivoryring ring(Inv.
(Inv.BB.19.O.746)
BB.19.O.746)
Room Room
Room 3 3has 3has has arectangular
rectangular
a arectangular shape
shape
shape (12.95
(12.95
(12.95 x x2.60x2.602.60
m,m,m, caca34ca3434and andnine ninecoinscoins(Inv. (Inv.BB.19.O.975-977,
BB.19.O.975-977,BB.19.O.992-997)
BB.19.O.992-997)
sq.sq.sq.
m)m)m) and and andit itwasitwas was investigated
investigated
investigated only
onlyonlyininthe inthe the 2017-2018atatthe
2017-2018
2017-2018 thetop topofofthe thetiles
tilesfloor
floorSU SU535 (Figure21).
535(Figure 21).The Thelayers
layers
season.
season.
season. AsAsAs ininthe inthe the
case case
case ofRooms
ofofRooms Rooms 1 1and 1andand
2,2,the 2,thethe stratigraphySU
stratigraphy
stratigraphy SU527 527and andSU SU528, 528,where
wherethe thefloor
floorSU SU529 529was wasmissing,
missing,
ofthis
ofofthis this
roomroomroom ischaracterized
characterized
isischaracterized bybyby asuccession
succession
a asuccession offillings
ofoffillingsfillings
andandthe thelayers
layersSU SU531 531andandSU SU532 532only onlyininthe thenorthern
northernpart part
and
andandfloors.floors.
floors. The The The uppermost
uppermost
uppermost layer layer
layer waswas wasa adarkadark
darkbrown brown
brown sand
sandsand
with with
with gravel gravel
gravel and andand chip chip
chip stonesstones
stones (SU (SU (SU405), 405),
405), which which
which isvery
isisvery veryofofthe theroom,room,they theyallallwere
werecovered
covereddirectly
directlybybythe theupper
upper
similar
similar
similar totoSU toSU SU 404404 404 inRoom
ininRoom Room 2 2also 2also
also inelevation
ininelevation elevation (+8.00(+8.00
(+8.00 filling
filling SU SU 521.
521.
/8.05/8.05
/8.05 m,m,see m,see see
above above
above § §1.4)§1.4)
1.4)
but butbut
less
less less artifacts
artifacts
artifacts than
thanthan
it.it.Below,Below, Figure 26.
it.Below,
Building
therethere
there waswas was a ahard ahard
hard andandand compact
compact
compact mudmud mud floor
floorfloor(SU (SU(SU425). 425).
425). AAAThe The removalofofthe
removal
1, Room 2:
thefillings
fillingsSU SU527 527and andSU SU528, 528,and andthe the
grey/blackish
grey/blackish
grey/blackish spotspotspot ofloose
ofofloose loose clay
clay clay(SU(SU (SU421)421)421) covered
covered
covered SU SU preparation
SUpreparation
the three SU SU530 530ininthe themiddle
middleofofthe theroom,
room,opened openeda a
425
425425inintheinthethe southeastern
southeastern
southeastern corner
corner
corner ofofRoomofRoomRoom 3,3,in3,inproximity
inproximity
proximity ofofofhard hard and
building andcompact
compactgrey greymud mud(SU (SU531) 531)having
havinga aregular regular
the
the the walls
walls
walls SU SU SU159 159 159
andandandSU SU SU
171. 171.
171. Itwas
It Itwas was almost
almost almost circular
circular
circular inininsurface
surface
phases(+6.70 (+6.70
of m)m)over
the northern over
wall,almost
almostSU 117 the
the and entire
entire
SU 551 room
room (from (Figure
(Figure
S). 22).
22).
shape
shape
shape with with
with adiameter
a adiameter diameter ofoffewoffew few centimeters,
centimeters,
centimeters, hence
hence
hence atattheatthetheIt Itcovered
covereda aloose loosesandysandysoil soil(SU(SU532, 532,+6.66
+6.66m)m)with withchar-char-
beginning
beginning
beginning it it it waswas was interpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasas the the the filling
filling
filling ofofof a a acoal,
coal, ash ash and and 1111 coins coins (Inv. (Inv. BB.19.O.967-974,
BB.19.O.967-974,
pit/posthole.
pit/posthole.
pit/posthole. Some Some
Some fragments
fragments
fragments ofofwoodofwood
wood were
were were also also
also sampledBB.19.O.998-1000)
sampled
sampled BB.19.O.998-1000)that thatlooks
looksthe thepreparation
preparationarranged arranged
and
and andthe thethe
soil soil
soil sifted,
sifted, sifted, however
however
however it itwasitwaswas
only only
only 2/3 2/3 2/3
cm cmcm thick
thick
thick andand andfor forthe thefloor
floorSU SU531.531.
there
there
there waswas wasnonono clear
clear
clear cutcut cut associated
associated
associated with with
with it.The
it.it.The The floor
floor
floor SU SU SU
425
425 425 covered
covered
covered a athickathick
thick filling
filling
filling made
made made ofofaofadark adarkdark brown
brown
brown loose
loose
loose
Belowfloor
Below floorSU SU531, 531,preparation
preparationSU SU532,532,and andfilling
fillingSU SU
clay
clay
clay (SU (SU(SU 426)
426) 426) mixed
mixed
mixed with
with with mud mud mud bricks
bricks
bricks fragments
fragments
fragments andand and
many
many
many materials:
materials:
materials: ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds,
sherds,
sherds, animal
animal
animal bones,
bones,
bones, charcoal,
charcoal,
charcoal, 534534 waswas another
another floor
floor (SU
(SU 535)
535) made
made of of quadrangular
quadrangular
seven
seven
seven almost
almost
almost complete
complete
complete terracotta
terracotta
terracotta lamps
lamps
lamps (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 27; 27;27;
seesee firedtiles
seefired tilesofof2828x x2828cm (Figure23).
cm(Figure 23).They
Theyrecall recallthose those
also also
also Fusaro,Fusaro,
Fusaro, Figure Figure
Figure 6,infra),
6,6,infra), infra), 303030 bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper small small
small shaping
shaping
Figure thethe
27. pavement
pavement SU SU 555
555 = = SU SU 556556 in inRoomRoom 1, 1,and and
coinscoins
coins inintheinthe the southwestern
southwestern
southwestern corner,corner,
corner, fragments
fragments
fragments ofofof white white
white they
they Building
alsoalso certainly
certainly suffered
suffered some
some dramatic
dramatic events
events because
because
1, Room 3:
plaster,
plaster,
plaster, ivory, ivory,
ivory, and andand charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. Northward,
Northward,
Northward, thisthisthis
layer layer
layer turned turnedatatWest,
turned West,atatthe thebasebaseofofthe thewall
wallSU SU420, 420,the
two terracotta lamps from the filling SU 426 (detail, from S).
thefloor
floorSU SU535 535isis
totoatoamedium
amedium
medium hard hard
hard dark dark
dark brown/grey
brown/grey
brown/grey mud mudmud(SU (SU(SU428), 428),
428), which whichattested
which attestedatat+6.75 +6.75mmwhile whileit itsunken
sunkenininitsitsmiddle
middle(+6.62 (+6.62m). m).
also also
also contained
contained
contained many many
many ceramic
ceramic
ceramic items, items,
items, faunal faunal
faunal remains,For
remains,
remains, Forthis thisreason,
reason,many manytiles tileswere
weredamaged
damagedbut buttheirtheirpreser-
preser-
ivory,
ivory,
ivory, coins, coins,
coins, clay clay
clay coin coin
coin moulds,moulds,
moulds, plaster,
plaster,
plaster, metal metal
metal andand andvation
vationincrease
increaseininthe themiddle
middleofofthe theroom
roomand andininproximity
proximity
charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. Inproximity
InInproximity proximity ofthe
ofofthe the
southern southern
southern limit limit
limit ofRoom
ofofRoom Room 3,3,3,ofofthe thestep stepleft leftasasexcavation
excavationborder. border.They Theyhave havea alight light
very very
very close close
close totothe tothethe
cornercorner
corner between
between
between thethe the
walls walls
walls SU SU SU
159159159
andand and
SU SU SUyellow
yellowcolor colorinside insidewhilewhileoutside
outsidethey theyare arered.red.AsAsthe thetilestiles
171, 171,
171, a alargealarge
large concentration
concentration
concentration ofsherds
ofofsherds sherds and andand fragments
fragments
fragments ofofofofofthe thepavement
pavementSU SU555 555= =SU SU556 556ininRoom Room1,1,they theywere were
whitewhite
white plasterplaster
plaster within within
within aloose
a aloose loose and and and
soft
softsoft whitish/grey
whitish/grey
whitish/grey sandy sandy
sandy
madeofofsoft
made softand andfragile
fragileterracotta,
terracotta,and andsomesomeofofthem themeven even
clay clay
clay (SU (SU (SU 427) 427)427) hashashasbeen been
been discovered
discovered
discovered above above
above SU SU SU 426 426426
(Figure
(Figure
(Figure 28).
28).28). Itseemed
It Itseemed seemed assomething
asassomethingsomething heavy heavy
heavy hadhadhad collapsed
collapsed
collapsed broke
broke during
during their
their light
light cleaning
cleaning by by brush
brush (Figure
(Figure 24).
24).
from from
from above above
above and and and crushing
crushing
crushing somesomesome ceramicceramic
ceramic vesselsvessels
vessels inmany
ininmany many Traces
Traces ofof a agreygrey mortar
mortar binding
binding tiles
tiles together
together is is visible
visible
pieces.
pieces.
pieces.ItsItstop Its top
top(+8.09 (+8.09 m)
(+8.09m)m)corresponds corresponds
correspondstotothe to the
thebottom bottom
bottomofofthe of the wheretiles
thewhere tilesare aremissing,
missing,otherwise
otherwiseit itisispoorly poorlypreservedpreserved
floorfloor
floor SU SU SU425 425 425and andand itsbottom
itsitsbottom bottom (+8.04) (+8.04)
(+8.04) corresponds
corresponds
corresponds totothetothethe (see
(see Figure Figure
Figure 28. 24).
24). InIn general,
general, the
the floor
floor SUSU 535
535 did did not not devel-
devel-
top
toptop
ofofthe ofthe the
filling filling
filling SU SU SU
426426 426
andand and
SU SU SU
428.
428.428. op op parallel
parallel
Building to
1, tothe
Room the 3:walls
walls SU
ceramic SU 410410
sherdsand and
in SU
the SU
SU 420,
420,
427 while
while
(from E)it it looks
looks
alignedwith
aligned withthe thenorthern
northernwall wallSU SU117 117(see(seeFigure
Figure23). 23).
Alarge
AAlarge large concentration
concentration
concentration ofpottery
ofofpottery pottery waswas was
found found
found mixed mixed
mixed with with
with aaa
looseloose
loose brown brown
brown clayclay (SU
clay (SU(SU
437) 437)
437) under under
under thethe the
fillingfilling
filling SU SU SU
426 426426
inintheinthe
theInInthe thelast lastmetermeteratatNorth, North,the thefloor
floorSU SU535 535coveredcovereditsits
southern
southern
southern side
sideside
ofofRoomofRoom
Room 3.Below
3.3.Below Below it,and
it,it,and and
alsoalsoalso
limitedlimited
limited totothetothethepreparation
preparation(SU (SU545, 545,+6.46/6.60
+6.46/6.60m)m)made madeofofa acompact compact
southern
southern
southern part
partpart
ofofRoomofRoom
Room 3,3,is3,isaisloose
a loose
a loose and andand
soft
softsoft
grey grey
grey clay
clay (SU
clay (SU (SUgrey greyloam. loam.Along Alongthe thenorthern
northernwall wallSU SU117, 117,there therewas wasa a
443) 443)
443) withwithwithmanymanymany pottery,
pottery,
pottery, animal animal
animal bones, bones,
bones, clayclayclay
coin coin
coin moulds,dark
moulds,
moulds, darkloose loosesoil, soil,withwithsome someceramic
ceramicsherds sherdsand andcharcoal
charcoal
ivory,
ivory,
ivory, plasterplaster
plaster and and and charcoal.
charcoal.
charcoal. SU SU SU 443,
443,
443, andand and
SU SU SU
428428428inintheinthethe(SU (SU546). 546).This Thislayer layerwas wasopened
openedbelow belowthe thefilling
fillingSU SU532 532
rest
rest restofoftheofthe the room,
room,
room, covered
covered
covered acompact
a acompact compact dark dark
dark brown/grey
brown/grey
brown/grey
atat+6.75
+6.75mmand andit itwaswasexcavated
excavateduntil untilstopping
stoppingoperations operations
mud
mud mud floor,
floor,
floor, which
which
which waswaswas labelled
labelled
labelled asasSU asSU SU
441441 441 (+7.84/8.00
(+7.84/8.00
(+7.84/8.00 m)m)m)
ininin thethe the center-northern
center-northern
center-northern partpartpart ofofof the thethe roomroomroom andand and SU SU SU at at +6.31
+6.31 m. m. It It still
still continues
continues underneath
underneath butbut it it
is is clearthat
clear that
464
464464(+7.79/7.88(+7.79/7.88m)m)m)inininthe
(+7.79/7.88 the thesouthernsouthernside
southern sidesideofofofit it it it it
isis likely
likely a a filling
filling done
done forfor building
building up/refurbishing
up/refurbishing thethe
(Figure
(Figure
(Figure 29).
29).
29).The The
The floor
floor
floorSUSUSU
441 441
441 =SU
= =SU SU
464,464,
464, andand
andthe the Figure 29.
the
Building 1, Room 3: the earthen floor SU 441 (from SW).
filling
filling SU
filling SU443
SU 443
443 where
where
where the the
the floor
floor
floorwas was
wasnot not
not preserved,
preserved,
preserved,
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 80
upper
upper
upperpart
partpart
ofoftheofthe the
wall
wall
wall SU SUSU410410
410(Figure
(Figure
(Figure 25).
25).
25).
TheTheThelimit
limit
limit
between
between
between SU SU SU
545 545 545
andandand
SU SU SU
546546546
isistherefore
istherefore
therefore a acut
acut
cut
(SU(SU 550,
(SU 550,
550,
both
+6.75both
+6.75both
+6.75 covered
m). covered
m). covered
m).
TheTheThe alower
lower very
alower
very
a very
loose
part loose
part loose
part
ofofandand
the
of and
thesoft
the soft
wall soft
wall reddish
wall
SUreddish
SUreddish
SU
117, clay
117, clay
117,
from (SU
clay
from (SU
from (SU
the 446)
the 446)
the
big446)
bigbigm)m)m)
with
withsome
with some
some materials
materials
materials and
and charcoal.
and charcoal.
charcoal. Below,
Below,
Below, was
was aaa
was
with
with
yellow with
yellow
yellow13 13 13
fragments
limestone fragments
limestone fragments
limestone block of
block of
block mud
of mud
mud
downward, bricks,
downward,bricks,
downward,bricks, and
has and
has and
hasseveral
been several
been several
been ceramic
assigned ceramic
assigned ceramic
assigned asasas stone
stone collapse
stone collapse
collapse (SU
(SU 507)
(SU 507)
507)
that
thatwas
was
that higher
was higher
higherininproximity
inproximity
proximityofofof
SU sherds,
SU sherds,
SU sherds,
551
551551 animal
(Figure animal
(Figure animal
(Figure bones,
26). bones,
26). bones,
26). clay
clay
clay
coin
coin
coinmoulds,
moulds,
moulds, ivory,
ivory,
ivory, metal,
metal,
metal, the
theSW
theSWSWcorner
corner
corner (+8.30
(+8.30 m)
(+8.30 m) and
m) andlower
andlower
lowernear
nearthe
near the middle
the middle
middleofofof
glass
glass
glass
andand and
plaster.
plaster.
plaster.InIntheInthethe
northern
northern
northern part
part
part
ofofthe
ofthethe
room,
room,
room, SU SU SUthethewall
thewall SU
wall SU SU171
171 (+7.81
171 (+7.81
(+7.81m).m). Both
m).Both SU
Both SU 505
SU 505 and
505 and SU
and SU 507
SU 507
507
1.5446
1.5446
1.5446
turned
Room
Roomturned
Roomturned
333 intointointo
an aneven
anevenevensofter
softer
softer
dark
dark
darkbrown
brown
brownclay
clay (SU
clay (SU(SU
450)
450)
450) covered
covered
covereda a
medium-compact
medium-compact
a medium-compact grey/darkish
grey/darkish
grey/darkish clay
clay (SU
clay (SU 508)
(SU 508)
508)
that
that
that
also
also
also
yielded
yielded
yielded a alarge
alarge
large
amount
amount
amount ofofmaterials,
ofmaterials,
materials, especiallywith
especially
especially with many
with many
manyfragments
fragments
fragments ofofplaster
ofplasterthat
plasterthat
possibly
thatpossibly
possiblycovered
covered
coveredthe
the
the
ivories
Room ivories
Room ivories
Room (722
3 3has (722
3has a(722
has pieces)
pieces)
pieces)
arectangular . .The
12 12 12
arectangular
rectangular .The
The
shape removal
shape removal
shape removal
(12.95
(12.95
(12.95of
xofthe
ofthe
x2.60 the
floor
x2.60
2.60floor
m, floor
m, ca
m,SU
caSU
caSU
34 441
34 441
sq.
34sq.sq.façade
441 façade ofofthe
façade ofthe wall
thewall SU
wallSU 171.
SU 171. Below
171. Below
BelowSUSU 507
SU 507 (at(atWest)
507 (atWest)and
West) and
and
opened
opened
m)m)m)
andopened
andand a
it itwasaloose
itwasa
wasloose
loose and
and
investigated and
investigated fine
investigated fine
fine
brown
onlybrown
onlybrown
only sandy
ininthe sandy
inthe sandy
the clay
clay
2017-2018 clay
2017-2018
2017-2018 (SU(SU(SU463).
season.463).
season.463).
season. SUSU 508
SU 508(at
508(atEast)
(atEast) was
East) wasa
was aloose
aloose sand
loosesand (SU
sand (SU 537,
(SU 537,
537,
+7.40/7.52
+7.40/7.52
+7.40/7.52
Near
AsAs Near
As
in Near
inthethe
inthethe
the the
NW
case NW
case
caseNW
ofcorner
corner
corner
ofRooms
ofRooms
Rooms ofof1the
ofthe
1and the
room,
1and room,
2,room,
and 2,the right
2,the right
the right
below
below
stratigraphybelow
stratigraphy
stratigraphy thethe
ofthe
wall
of wall
this
of thism)m)m)
wall
this that
thatwas
was
that wasespecially
especially preserved
especially preserved
preservedininthe
inthewestern
thewestern
western side
sideofofof
side
SU
room SU
room SU
room159,
159,
159,thethethe
floor
isischaracterized floor
ischaracterized floor
characterized SU SU SU
441441441
bybybycovered
covered
covered
a asuccession a
asuccessiondark
a
successiondark
a dark
brown
brown
brown
ofofof soil
fillings soil
fillings soil
with
fillings with
and with
andand the
thetrench
thetrench (Figure
trench (Figure
(Figure30).
30).
30).
ash
ash
floors.ash
and
floors.
floors.and
The and
The charcoal
Thecharcoal
charcoal
uppermost
uppermost
uppermost(SU
(SU (SU
469).
469).
layer 469).
layer
layer
waswas
wasa adark
adark
dark
brown
brown
brown sandsand
sandwith
with
with
gravel
gravel
gravel and andandchip chipchip
stones
stones
stones (SU (SU (SU 405), 405),
405), which
which
which isisvery isveryvery similar
similar
similar tototo
SUSU SU
404 404404
ininRoominRoom 2.2.2Outside
Room 2.2also
Outside
Outside
2alsoalso the
ininelevation the
inelevation the
elevation Building
Building
Building
(+8.00
(+8.00
(+8.00 1m/+8.05
m/+8.05 1m/+8.05
1 m,m,see m,see see
above
above
above § §1.4)§1.4) 1.4)but butbut
lesslessless
artifacts
artifacts
artifacts thanthanthanit.it.Below,
it.Below,
Below, therethere
there was waswasaaa
Inhard
hard
hard In2017-2018
In2017-2018
andand2017-2018
andcompact
compact
compactsomesomesome
mud mudoperations
mudoperations
operations
floor
floorfloor (SU (SU (SU
were 425)
were 425)
were 425)
conducted
conducted
conducted
whosewhose
whose outside
top outside
top outside
topwaswaswas
Building
Building
attested
attestedBuilding
attested 1+8.16
atat+8.16
at 1+8.16
in1inm.
order
inm.
order
A order
m. to to fully
tofully
Agrey/blackish
A grey/blackish fully
grey/blackish expose
expose
expose
spot spot its
spot
ofits
ofits
perimeter.
perimeter.
loose
of perimeter.
loose
loose clay
clay (SU
clayThe(SU
The(SU
The
421)
421)
421)
excavation
excavation
excavation
covered
covered
covered followed
SU followed
SU followed
SU425 425 425inthe
inthe same
inthe same
the same
southeasternlimit
limit
southeastern limit
southeastern ofofthe ofthe
corner the
2015
corner 2015
corner 2015
ofseason,
season,
ofRoom season,
ofRoom Room
when
3,3,in
3,when
inwhen the
proximitythe
inproximity the
topsoil
proximity topsoil
topsoil
ofofthe was
of was
the was
the already
walls already
walls already
walls SU SU removed.
SU removed.
159 removed.
159 159 and and andElevation
SU Elevation
SU Elevation
SU171. 171.171. ItatItat
the
Itat
was the
was the
was
beginning
almost beginning
almost beginning
almost circular
circular ofofin
circular the
ofinthethe
works
shape
in works
shape works
shape with was
with was
with was
a attested
attested
attested
adiameter
adiameter
diameter between
between
of between
of few
offew few +7.60
+7.60
centime-+7.60
centime-
centime-mmm
and
ters,
ters,and
ters,and
+8.10
hence +8.10
hence +8.10
hence atat m.
them.
atthem.Works
the Works
Works
beginning
beginning
beginning concerned:
concerned:
itconcerned:
itwasitwaswas i)interpreted
i)the
interpreted
interpreted i)thethe
cleaning
cleaning
ascleaning
astheasthe offilling
the ofthe
filling ofthe the
filling
north
ofof anorth
of anorthwestern
western
western
pit/posthole.
apit/posthole.
pit/posthole. corner,
corner,
corner,
Some Some outside
Some outside
outside
fragments
fragments walls
fragmentswalls
wallsSU
ofSU ofSU 117
of
wood 117
wood 117
and
wood and and
were SU
wereSU
were SU
159;159;
also 159;
also
also
ii)sampled
sampledii)the
sampled ii)thethe
excavation
andexcavation
and excavation
andthe the the
soil
soilof ofthe
soil ofthe
sifted,
sifted,the
outer
sifted, outerouter
however southern
however southern
however southern
it itwas side
itwas side
was side
onlyfor
only for
onlyfor
5.30
2/3 5.30
2/3 5.30
2/3
cm mcmm m
cm
along
thick
thickalong
thickalong
and the
and the
and the
wall
there wall
there wall
there SU
was SU
was SU
was171
no 171
no 171
and
no and
clear and
clear 1.5
clear 1.5
cut 1.5
mcut
cut m along
m along
associated along
associated
associatedthe the the
wallwall
with wall
with SU
with SU
it. SU
184;
it. it.184;
The 184;
TheThe
iii)
floor
flooriii)
flooriii)
the
SU the
SU the
SUexcavation
425 excavation
425 excavation
425covered
covered
covered along
aalongalong
athick
athickthe
thick the the
outer
filling outer
filling outer
filling wall
made wall
made wall
made SU
of SU
of SU
aofa184,
darka184,
184,
dark
dark with
with
brown with
brown aaa
brown
sounding
loose
loosesounding
loosesounding
clay
clayclay(SU (SU
in(SU
in426) 426)
inthe 426)
the the outer
mixed outer
mixed outer
mixed northeastern
with northeastern
with northeastern
with mudmud mud bricks
bricks corner
bricks corner
corner
and and andmany(NE(NE
many (NE
many
extension);
extension);
materials:extension);
materials:
materials: ceramic Operations
ceramic Operations
ceramic Operations
sherds,
sherds,
sherds, outside
outside
animaloutside
animal
animal the the
bones, the
bones,southern
bones,southern
southern
charcoal,
charcoal, side
charcoal, sidesidewere
seven were
seven were
seven
partially
almost partially
almost partially
almost completeconditioned
complete conditioned
complete conditioned
terracotta
terracottabybythe
terracotta bythe the
lampsclose
close
lamps close
lamps presence
presence
(Figure presence
(Figure
(Figure 27;
of27;
of27;
the
ofthe
see the
seedump
seedump
alsodump
also
also
ofFusaro,
Fusaro,ofloosen
Fusaro, ofloosen
loosen
Figure
Figuresoil
Figure soil
soil
6,resulted
6,resulted
6,resulted
infra),
infra),
infra), from
30 from
30 from
30 the the
bronze/copperthe
2015
bronze/copper2015
bronze/copper2015 excavation.
excavation.
excavation.
smallsmall
small coins
coins
coins ininin
the
thethe
southwestern
southwestern
southwestern corner,
corner,
corner, fragments
fragments
fragments ofofwhite
ofwhite white plaster,
plaster,
plaster, ivory,
ivory,
ivory,
andDuring
and During
and During
charcoal. the
charcoal. the
charcoal. the
20192019
2019 season,
Northward,
Northward, season,
Northward, season, minor
thisminor
this minor
this activities
layer activities
layer activities
layer turned
turned concerned
turned concerned
toconcerned
toatoamedium only
amedium only
medium only
the
hard
hard the
hard the
reopening
dark
darkreopening
reopening
dark
brown/grey
brown/grey
brown/grey ofofof the the
mudmudthe (SU
East-West
mud (SU
East-West (SU
East-West 428),
428),
428),
trench
trench
whichtrench
whichwhich (12.30
(12.30
also (12.30
alsoalso mcontained
mlong)
contained mlong)
contained long)
atmany
many
many atSouth,
atSouth,
South,
ceramic
ceramic
ceramicininorder
in order
items,order
items,
items,toto expose
to
faunal expose
faunalexpose
faunal the
remains,thethe
remains, southern
remains,southern
southern
ivory,
ivory,
ivory,wallwall wall
coins, SU
coins, SU
coins, SU171
clay 171
clay171
clay
and
coin
coin and
coin andthe
moulds, the
moulds, the
moulds, SE SE SEand
plaster,and
plaster,and
plaster, SW SW
metalSW
metal corners
metal corners
andcorners
and and V.charcoal.
V.V.
charcoal.
charcoal.Sections
Sections
Sections
InInproximity werewere
Inproximity were
proximity alsoalso
ofalso
ofof
thestrengthened,
the strengthened,
the strengthened,
southern
southern
southern limitcleaned
limit cleaned
limit cleaned
ofofRoom and
ofRoom and
Roomanddocumented.
documented.
3, documented.
3, very
3,very very closeclose
close totothe tothe the
corner
corner
corner
between
between
between the the the
walls
walls
walls SU SU SU
159 159 159and and and
SU SU SU171,
171, 171, a alarge alarge
large concentra-
concentra-
concentra-
tion
tion
tion
ofofsherds
ofsherds
sherds and and
2.1and
fragments
2.1 fragments
2.1
The fragments
TheThe outer
outer ofof
outer white
ofwhite
southern white
southern plaster
southern plaster
plaster
sideside within
side within
within a loose
a loose
a loose
andAand
and Afirst
Afirst
soft
softfirst
cut
soft cut cut
ofof5-10
whitish/grey
whitish/grey of5-10
whitish/grey 5-10 cm cm cm
sandy opened
sandy opened
sandy opened
clay aclay
clay (SU
asoft (SU
asoft (SU
soft
grey427)
grey427) 427)
grey clay clay
has clay
has mixed
hasmixed
beenmixed
beenbeen
withwith
discoveredwith
discovered small-sized
discovered small-sized
small-sized
aboveabove
above SU gravel
SU gravel
SU
426gravel
426 426(Figure
and(Figure
and(Figure
andstones 28).
stones 28).
stones (SU
It(SU
28). (SU 413).
Itseemed 413).
Itseemed 413).
seemed AasAas
second
A second
some-
as second
some-
some-
cut
thing
thingcut
thingcut
ofheavy
of5heavy
heavy of5cm 5cm
had cm
resulted
hadresulted
had resulted
collapsed
collapsed ininainfrom
collapsed asoftasoft
from soft
fromgrey/brown
grey/brown
above grey/brown
above
above and and and clayclay
crushing clay
crushing (SU
crushing (SU (SU 414)
some 414)
some 414)
some
Figure 30. Building 1, outer southern side at the end of the 2019
with
ceramicwith
ceramic with
ceramic fewfew few
pottery
vessels
vessels pottery
vesselspottery
ininsherds.
insherds.
many sherds.
manymany BelowBelow
pieces.
pieces. Below
pieces. isIts
Its isaIts
isavery
top avery
top very
top loose
(+8.09 loose
(+8.09 loose
(+8.09 grey
m) grey
m) grey
m) sand
corre- sand
corre- sand
corre-
season with stone collapse SU 507 in the foreground (from W).
with
sponds with
sponds with
sponds medium-sized
to medium-sized
to medium-sized
the
to the the
bottom
bottom
bottom ofcollapsed
collapsed
ofthe collapsed
ofthe the
floorfloor
floorstones
SU stones
SU stones
SU
425 425 (SU
425 (SU
and (SU
and and442).
its442).
its442).
bottom The
itsbottom The
bottomThe
excavation
(+8.04)excavation
(+8.04) excavation
(+8.04) corresponds
correspondsofofSU
corresponds ofSU SU442
to442
to442opened
the
to opened
the opened
the
top top top
oftwo
oftwotwo
the
of groups
the groups
the groups
filling
filling
filling ofSUofstones:
ofstones:
SU SU stones:
426 426 426 SU
and SU
andSUAtAtthe
and Atthe end
theend ofofworks,
end ofworks,
works, the the excavation
theexcavation
excavation reached
reached
reached +7.55/7.70
+7.55/7.70
+7.55/7.70
SU 466,
SU SU466,
466,
428.
428.atatthe
428. atthe the
western
western
western border
border
border ofofthe ofthe theexcavation,
excavation,
excavation, and and andSU SUSUmmalongmalong the
along thesouthern
the southern
southern wall
wall SU
wall SU 171
SU 171 and
171 and +7.40
and +7.40
+7.40 mminmintheintheSE
theSESE
467,467,
467,
ininproximity
inproximity
proximity ofofthe ofthe the
southeastern
southeastern
southeastern corner.
corner.
corner. The The Theformer
former
formercorner.corner.
corner.
was
Below
Belowwas
Belowwas a the
the amass
afilling
mass
the mass
fillingofof
filling SUstones
of
SU stones
SUstones
426 426 426without
an without
an without
interesting
an a aparticular
interesting
interesting aparticular
particular
situation
situation
situation shape,
shape,
shape,
resulted,
resulted,the
resulted,thethe
latter
once
once latter
once latter
again,apparently
again,apparently
again,apparently
ininthe inthe the shaped
southernshaped
shaped
southern
southern asideaside
small
aside
small
small
of wall
ofRoom
of wall
Room wall
Room connected
3,connected
3,connected
where
3,where
where atoalarge
toalarge
the
tolarge
thethe 2.2
2.2 The
2.2The Theouter
outer
outer northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner
mainmain
main
concentration
concentrationwall
concentration wallwall SU SU
of SU
of171.171.171.
pottery
of pottery The
potteryThe The
filling
waswasfilling
was filling
found was
found was
found was amixed
mixed aloose
aloose
mixed loose light
with light
with light
with abrownbrown
aloosebrown
aloose
looseInInthis
Inthisarea
this area the
area the ground
the ground
ground level
level was
level was
wasatat+8.55
at+8.55
+8.55 mmbut,mbut, since
but, since
since
sandy
brown
brownsandy
brownsandy
clay clay
clay clay
clay (SU (SU
clay (SU
with437).
with437).
with 437).
very
veryvery
Below
Below few
Below few few
it, materials.
it, materials.
and
it, materials.
andand also alsoalso Itlimited
limitedItlimited
has
It has has
tobeen
tobeen
tobeen
the thethethe
the upper
theupper
upperlayers
layers
layers were
were
werealready
already
already removed
removed
removed ininthe
inthe 2015,
the 2015,
2015,thethe
the
distinguished
distinguished
southern
southerndistinguished
southern partpartpartofofin ofin
Room SUin
Room SU
Room SU461
3,461 461
3,is3,(between
isa(between
(between
isaloose
aloose
loose andSU
and SU
and SU466
soft 466
soft 466
soft
greyandand
grey and
grey SU
claySU
clay SU (SU
467)
clay (SU
467)(SUexcavation
467) excavation
excavation begun
begun
begun atatat +7.63/+7.94
+7.63/+7.94
+7.63/+7.94 m.m.m. Investigations
Investigations
Investigations
443)
443)
443)
and and SU
and
with SU
with SU
with468
many 468
many468(East
many (East
(East
pottery, ofofSU
pottery,
pottery, ofanimal
SU SU467).
animal 467).
animal 467). Later
bones,Later
bones,Later
bones, operations
operations
clay operations
clayclay coincoin coin opened
opened
moulds, openedoccurred
moulds,
moulds, occurred
occurred there
there only
there only
onlyinintheinthe 2017-2018
the2017-2018
2017-2018 season.
season.
season.
entirely
ivory, entirely
ivory, entirely
ivory, plaster
plasterthe
plaster the the
andwall
andwall
andwallSU
charcoal. SU
charcoal. SU 171
charcoal. 171 171
SU and
SU and
SU and
443, the
443, the
443, the
andsoutheastern
and southeastern
and
SUsoutheastern
SU SU
428 428 428 corner,
ininthe corner,
inthe corner,
the
restrest
rest
proving
ofof the
ofproving
proving
thethe
room,
room,that
room, thatthat
allall
covered
coveredall
the the
covered the
stones
astonesstones
acompact
acompact (SU
compact(SU (SU 467467
dark 467
dark and
dark and andSU
brown-grey SU
brown-grey SU
brown-grey468)468)468) were
mudwere
mudwere
mudThe The first
The firstlayer
firstlayer was
layer was a aloose
was aloose and
loose and fine
and fine grey
fine grey sandy
grey sandy
sandyclay
clay (SU
clay (SU(SU
part
floor, part
floor, part
floor, ofwhich
whichofwhich
aofastructural
astructural
was structural
waswas labelled collapse.
labelled collapse.
labelled asasSU
collapse. asSU SU
441 441 441
(+7.84/8.00
(+7.84/8.00
(+7.84/8.00 m)m)m) ininthe inthethe417),
417),
417),mixed
mixed
mixedwith with
withsmall-sized
small-sized
small-sizedstones stones
stonesand andandsmall
small
small
center-northern
center-northern
center-northern partpart
partofofthe ofthe the
room room room and andand SU SU SU464 464 464(+7.79/7.88
(+7.79/7.88
(+7.79/7.88fragments fragments
fragments ofofgrey
ofgrey
greymudmudmud bricks.
bricks.
bricks.This
This
Thislayer
layer was
layer was clearly
was clearly
clearlythethe
the
Operations
m)m) m)
inOperations
Operations
inthe
inthe the
southern
southern ininin
southern the the
side the
side 2019
of2019
side ofit(Figure
ofit2019 it(Figure
(Figure
campaign
campaign
campaign29). 29). 29).
focused
The focused
The focused
Thefloor
floor on
floor
SU on
SU onthe
SU
441 the
441the
441
central-western
central-western
central-western sidesideside
ofofthe ofthe thetrench.
trench.
trench. The The Thefirstfirst
first
layerlayer
layer was was was
a a a12.12.
It12.
has
It has
Itbeen
has
been
been
thethe
largest
the
largest
largest
amount
amount
amountof of
ivory
of
ivory
ivory
pieces
pieces
pieces
discovered
discovered
discovered
in in
thein
the
2017-2018
the
2017-2018
2017-2018
medium-compact
medium-compact
medium-compact grey
grey grey clay clay clay sand sand
sand (SU (SU (SU 505,505, 505,+8.12/8.30
+8.12/8.30
+8.12/8.30season season
season
after
after
after
SUSU 451
SU451in
451in
thein
the
outer
the
outer
outer
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
corner
corner
corner
(see
(see
(see
below
below
below
§ 2.2).
§ 2.2).
§ 2.2).
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 81
= =SU=SU SU464,464, 464,
and and andthe the the
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU
443 443443where
where
where the the the
floor
floor
floor was was wasnot not notwere
were
werepart
part
part
ofofaofastructural
astructural
structural collapse.
collapse.
collapse.
preserved,
preserved,
preserved, both bothboth covered
covered
covered a avery averyveryloose
looselooseand and andsoft
soft soft
reddish
reddish
reddish clayclay clay
(SUresult
(SU result
(SU result
446) 446) ofof
446) ancient
of
with ancient
with ancient
with 1313accumulation
13 accumulation
accumulation
fragments
fragments
fragments ofofprocesses
ofprocesses
mud mudprocesses
mud bricks, combined
bricks,
bricks,combined
combined
and and and with
several
several with(SU
with
several (SU
(SU 451)
451)
Operations
Operations451)
Operations with
with with
in inain afabric
the afabric
the fabric
the 20192019 similar
similar
2019 similar to
campaign toSU
campaign toSU
campaign SU476 476476
but
focusedbut
focused but
focused withwithwith
on the
on the
on the
thethethe
thethe
ceramic
ceramic the
ceramiceffects
effects
effects
sherds,
sherds,of
sherds, of the
of the
animal the
animalerosion
erosion
animal erosion
bones,
bones,after
after
bones, after
claythe
claythe
claythe
2015
coin 2015
coin 2015
coin excavation.
excavation.
moulds, excavation.
moulds,
moulds, ivory,
ivory,It It It largest
largest
largest
ivory,central-western amount
central-westernamount
amount
central-western of
sideof
sideof ivory
ivory
side ivory
ofofthe ofthe offcuts
the offcuts
offcuts
trench.
trench. (ca.
trench. (ca.
The(ca.
The The3,000)
3,000) 3,000)
first
first
firstand
layer and
layer and
layer wasiron
iron
wasiron
was
aaa
released
metal,released
metal, released
metal, glass
glass the
glass the
and the
andhighest
andhighest
highest
plaster.
plaster.
plaster.number
number
In number
Inthe
Inthe ofnorthern
the ofnorthern
northern clay
ofclay clay coin coin
part coin
partpartmoulds
of moulds
of moulds
the
of the the (79)
room, (79)
room,
room, fragments
fragments
(79)fragments
medium-compact
medium-compact
medium-compact (185)
(185) (185) greydiscovered
discovered
discovered
greygreyclayclayclay
sand
sandinTrench
insandin
(SUTrench
(SU Trench
(SU 505,
505, 9+8.12/8.30
9505, 9+8.12/8.30
during
during during
+8.12/8.30 this
this this
m) m)m)
SU hitherto
SU hitherto
SU
446 hitherto
446 446 discovered
turned
turneddiscovered
turneddiscovered
into into intoanan ineven
inTrench
an inTrench
even evenTrench
softer
softer9.9.dark
softer Below
9.dark
Below
Below
dark brown SU
brown SU
brown SU 417 417
clay 417
clay are
clay are
(SU are
(SUa(SU season.
a awithseason.
season.
with
withsomeDue
someDue
some Dueto to
materialstoitscompactness
its
materials
materialsitscompactness
compactness
and andandcharcoal. and
charcoal. and
charcoal. and materials
Below, materials
materials
Below,
Below, was was inside,
inside,
was inside,ait
a astone it
stone it
stone
large
450)
450)large
450) large
that mass
that mass
that
alsomass
also of
also of
yielded stones
of
yielded stones
yielded stones (SU
a alarge(SU (SU
alarge 449),
large 449),
amount449),
amount at
amount at +7.49
at +7.49
+7.49
ofofmaterials, m,
ofmaterials, m,
materials, m,
and and and one
espe- one
espe- one has
has
espe-collapsehas been
been
collapse
collapsebeen
(SU(SUinterpreted
(SUinterpreted
interpreted
507)
507)507)thatthatas
thatas
was as
the
was the
was the
higher preparation
higher preparation
preparation
higher ininproximity for
inproximity for
proximityfor
the the the
ofofthe street
streetstreet
ofthethe
SW SW SW
horizontal
ciallyhorizontal
cially horizontal
cially ivories
ivories
ivories slabslab
(722 slab
(722 (SU
(722 (SU (SU
pieces) 459),
pieces) 459),
pieces) 459),
12.12.12
75
The 75
.The75
xThex 49x49
removal 49
x
removal x
removal5 x5cm,5cm,
ofofthecm,at
ofthe at+7.57
theat
floor+7.57
floor+7.57
floor SU mSU m m level
SUcornerlevel
level
cornerSU
corner SUSU
(+8.30 455.
455.
(+8.30 455.
(+8.30 Below
Below
m)m)m) Below
and andandthe
lowerthe
lowerthe
lower ‘ivory
‘ivory‘ivory
near
near
near
the layer’
layer’
the layer’
the
middle was
middle was
middlewasa a
very
ofofthe a
very
ofthevery
the
wall hard
hard
wall hard
wall
SU SU SU
441(Figure
441 (Figure
441 (Figure
opened
opened
opened 31).a31).
a31).The
loose The
aloose The
loose slab
and slab
and slab
and SU
fine SU
fine SU
459
fine 459
brown 459
brown was
brown waswas
sandyplaced
sandy placed
sandy placed
clay horizontally
clay horizontally
clay(SU horizontally
(SU (SU 463). 463).and
463). and
171 and
171
171 compact
compact
compact
(+7.81
(+7.81
(+7.81 m).m).gravel
gravel
m). gravel
Both
BothBoth hardened
SU hardened
hardened
SU SU505 505
505
and with
with
and with
and
SU aSU agrey
SU agrey
507 grey
507 mud
507 mudmud
covered (SU
covered
covered(SU (SU 477,
a477, 477,
amedi-
amedi-
medi-
exactly
Near
Nearexactly
Near exactly
the the the
NW atNW
NW atcorner
at
the the
corner the foot
corner foot
offoot
oftheof
of of
the theof
the
room, the
room, the
room,wall wall
rightwall
right SU
right SU
below SU
below 184
below 184 184
the theand
theand
wall and
wall was
wallSUwas
SUwas +7.15
+7.15
+7.15
SUum-compact m),
um-compact m),
um-compact m),
withwith
withsomesome
grey/darkish some
grey/darkish
grey/darkish small
small small
clay pottery
clay pottery
pottery
clay(SU(SU (SU sherds
sherds
508, sherds
508,
508, inside,
inside,inside,
+7.90/8.21
+7.90/8.21
+7.90/8.21 also
also also
m)m)m)
interpreted
159,
159,interpreted
159, interpreted
the the the
floor
floor as
floor SU asSUa asa
SU threshold.
441 athreshold.
441 threshold.
441 covered
covered
covered It Itcovered
Itcovered
a adark covered
adark
darkbrown a
brown a
soft
a
brownsoftsoft
soilbrown
soil brown
soilbrown
withwith clay
with clay
ashashclay
ashwithinterpreted
interpreted
interpreted
with
with
many
many
many as asaas
fragmentsa a
street
street
fragments
fragmentsstreet level.
level. level.
ofofplaster Together
ofplaster Together
Together
plaster that
that with
that with
possiblywith
the
possibly the
possibly the streets
streetsstreets
covered
covered
coveredSU SU SU
thethethe
and(SU
and (SU
and (SU
charcoal 460)
charcoal 460)
charcoal 460) (SUthat
(SU that
(SUthat
469).possibly
possibly
469). possibly
469). was was was a a preparation
a preparation
preparation for for forits itsits 453
453 453
outer and
outer
outerandand
façadeSU
façadeSU
façadeSU 455,
455,
ofofthe455,and
ofthe and
the
walland
wallthe
wallthe
SU the
SU fillings
SU fillings
fillings
171.
171.171. SU
Below SU
Below SU476
Below 476
SU476
SUand
SUand
507 and
507 SU
507 SU SU
451
(at(at(at451
West)451
West)
West)
arrangement.
arrangement.
arrangement. The The The stones
stones
stones SU SU SU449 449 449(+7.46
(+7.46
(+7.46 m)m)m) belong
belong
belong tototoand (ivory),
(ivory),
(ivory),
and
and
SUSU the
SU
508the
508 the
(atstreet
508 (atstreet
streetEast) SU
(atEast) SU
East) SU
477
was 477
was 477
was awas
awas awas
loose cut
loose cut
loose cut
by
sand
sandby
sandby
the
(SUthethe
(SUpit
(SUpit
537,SU
pit
537,SU
537, SU
478.478.
+7.40/7.52478.
+7.40/7.52
+7.40/7.52
the
12. the
12. the
It12.first
has
It first
has
It first
been
has layer
been layer
thelayer
been the of
largest
the of aofcollapse,
largest aamount
largest collapse,
aamount
collapse,
amount
of of which
ivory
of which
ivory which
ivory
pieces isdiscovered
pieces isrecorded
pieces isrecorded
recorded
discovered
discovered also
in in also
thein
the alsobelow
2017-2018
the below
2017-2018belowm)m)m)
2017-2018 that
that
that
was
waswasespecially
especially
especially preserved
preserved
preserved ininthe inthe the
western
western
western sidesideside
ofofthe
ofthe
the
seasonasSU
season asSU
asseason
after SU
465
after 465
after
SU SU 465
451
SU and
451and
in
451 and
inSU
theinSU
the SU
478
outer
the 478
outer 478
outer (bottom
(bottom
northeastern (bottom
northeastern
northeastern ofcorner
cornerofcorner
the
ofthe the
(seelatter
(see latter
(seelatter
below
below at§ at
below §+7.15
at
2.2).§+7.15
2.2). +7.15
2.2). m). m). m).trench
trench
trench(Figure
(Figure
(Figure 30).
30). 3.
30). 3. Building
3.Building
Building 2 2 2
TheThe The lowest
lowest
lowest stones
stones
stones ofofSU ofSU SU478 478 478seemed
seemed
seemed totofilltofill fill
a apit apitpit
ofofca ofcaca
2.2.0.80
2.0.80
Outside0.80
Outside sq.sq.sq.
Outside mthem (SU
m
the (SU
the (SU
Building 479)
Building 479)
Building479) discovered
1discovered
1discovered
1 the the the
last
last last
dayday day
ofofwork ofwork work and and andAfter
After
After
thethethe
endendend
ofoftheofthe the
201520152015 season,
season,
season, the thethe
erosion
erosion
erosion caused
caused
caused bybyby
that
thatthatrequires
requires
requires further
further
further investigations.
investigations.
investigations. Between
Between
Between the the the
first
first
firstthethe
the
run-off
run-off
run-off from
from
from the the the
relief
relief
relieftotothe
tothethe
North
North
North opened
opened
opened a asecond
asecond
second
layer
Some
Somelayer
Some layer of of
operationsstones
ofstones
operations
operations stones SU
were SU
wereSU 449
were 449 449and
conducted and
conducted and
conducted the the the
southeastern
southeastern
southeastern
outside
outside
outside Building
Buildingborder
Buildingborder
border
1 1of in1of
inof
inbuilding
building
building (Building
(Building
(Building 2),2),2),located
located
located just
justjust
ininproximity
inproximity
proximity ofoftheofthe the
order
order
order tototo fully
fullyfully expose
expose
expose itsitsits perimeter.
perimeter.
perimeter. the the
The the
The The sounding,
sounding,
excavation sounding,
excavation
excavation northern
northern
northern section
section
section of of Trench
of Trench
Trench 9. 9.It
9.Itconsists
Itconsists
consists of of two
of two two walls
walls
walls
followed
followed
followed the the thesame samesame limit
limit
limit ofofthe ofthe the20152015
2015 the the
season, thefilling
season,
season, filling
filling
whenwhenwhen SU
the SU
the SU
theinterspersed
interspersed
interspersed with
withwith ananan empty
empty
empty space:
space:
space: the thethe
western
western
western side
side
side
topsoil
topsoil
topsoil was waswasalready
already
already removed.
removed.
removed. Elevation
Elevation
Elevation 417
atatthe 417 417
atthe thecovered
beginningcovered
covered
beginning
beginning a
ofofaofameasures
measures
measures 1.25
1.251.25
mmand mand and
the the the
eastern
eastern
eastern sideside 3 3m3m(Figures
side m(Figures
(Figures 32).
32).
32).
the
thethe
works
worksworks it itwasitwaswas attested
attested
attested between
between
between +7.60
+7.60
+7.60 m
mmand m e mde
mand i
d
e
andud
i
+8.10 m
ui
+8.10u
m -
+8.10h
m - a
h- rh
a d r
a
mm13m.13.13.dr dDuring
During
During thethethe
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 season,
season,
season, thethe the
Building
Building
Building 2 2 was
2 was wasjust
just
just
Works
Works
Works concerned:
concerned:
concerned: i) i)thei)the thecleaning
cleaning
cleaning ofofof compact
the compact
the compact
thenorthwestern
northwestern layer
layer
northwesternexposedlayer exposed
exposed andandand
then
thenthencovered
covered
covered andandand
protected.
protected.
protected.
corner,
corner,
corner, between
between
between the the the
walls
wallswallsSU SU SU
117 117117
and andand
SU SU of
SU of159;
159; sandy
of159; sandy
ii) sandy
ii)the
ii)the theclay
exca- clay
exca- clay
exca-
vation
vation
vation ofoftheofthe the
outer
outerouter southern
southern
southern sideside side
for for for
5.305.30
5.30(SU
m (SU
m (SU
along
malong 453)
along453)453)
the the that
the
wall that
wall thatThe
wall The
The
cleaning
cleaning
cleaning done
donedone inintheinthe the
2019
2019
2019season
season
season confirmed
confirmed
confirmed thatthat
that
thethethe
SUSU SU
159 159 159and and and1.5 1.5 1.5
mmalong malong along the the the
wallwallwallSU SU SU184;
184;was was
184; was
iii)iii) interpreted
iii)
the interpreted
the interpreted
the
excava- excava-void
excava- void
void
ofof1.2
of1.21.2
mmbetween
mbetween
between thethe the
twotwotwo
walls
walls
walls was was was
thethethe
ofofentrance
ofentrance
entrance
tion
tion
tion
alongalong
along the the the
outerouterouter wallwallwallSU SU SU184,184,184, with
withwith aasaas aas
sounding
sounding
sounding street
in street
in street
the
in the theofofthis
ofthis
this
building.
building.
building. The The Thethreshold
threshold
threshold (+7.485
(+7.485
(+7.485 m)m)m)overlooked
overlooked
overlooked
outer
outer
outer northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner corner
corner (NE (NE(NE extension);
extension);level
extension); level
level between
Operations between
Operationsbetweenthe
Operations the
the
East-West
East-West
East-West street
street
street already
already
already discovered
discovered
discovered ininthe
inthe the2015
2015
2015
outside
outside
outside the thethe
southern
southern
southern side
sideside
werewere were partially
partially
partially buildings
buildings
conditioned buildings
conditioned
conditioned 1 1
bybytheand
1 and
bythe and
the campaign,
campaign,
campaign, andandandit it
made
it
made
made possible
possible
possible establishing
establishing
establishing the the the
street
street
street
close
close
closepresence
presence
presence ofofthe ofthe the
dumpdump
dump ofofloosen
ofloosen
loosen soilsoil 3.resulted
soil Exactly
3.resulted
3.resulted
Exactly
Exactly
fromfromfrom thein
thein inwidth
the width
width atat5.20
at5.205.20m.m.m. AAtargeted
Atargeted
targeted restoration
restoration
restoration ofofof thisthisthis
wallwall
wall
2015
2015
2015 excavation.
excavation.
excavation. correspondence
correspondence
correspondence occurred
occurred
occurred ininthe
inthe the
201920192019 campaign
campaign
campaign (Figures
(Figures
(Figures 33,33, 33,34).34).
34). AAA
withwithwiththe the thesouth south
south
During
During
During the the the
2019 20192019 season,
season,
season, minor
minorminor activities
activities
activities -eastern
-eastern
-eastern
concerned
concerned
concernedborder
border
border
only ofonly
only ofof
the
thethe
reopening
reopening
reopening ofofof the the the
East-West
East-West
East-West trench
trench
trench thisthis
(12.30 this
(12.30 sounding,
(12.30 sounding,
sounding,
mmlong) mlong)long) in
atinatin
at
South,
South,
South, ininorder
inorderorder totoexposetoexpose
expose the the the
southern
southern
southern wall
wallt rt
wall i
r
SUt a
i
SUr n
a
i
SU
171 ang
171 ngu
171 g
andul
anda
ul
andar
l
the -
a
r
the the-
-
r Figure 32.
SESE SE
and and and SW SW SW corners.
corners.
corners. Sections
Sections
Sections werewerewere alsoshaped
shaped
also shaped
also area
strengthened,area
strengthened, area
strengthened,of of ca
of ca ca Building 2 after
0.5 0.5 0.5sq.sq.sq. mmat matthe atthe the its exposure in
cleaned
cleaned
cleaned and and and
documented.
documented.
documented.
Figure 31. Outer northeastern corner: the beginning of
threshold, street levels, and ivory wastes
height
height
height ofofof +7.46
+7.46
+7.46 the 2017-2018
13.13.
Today
13.
Today
Todaythetheground
theground
ground levellevel
level
(photoplan: A. Tilia; elaboration: is is
attested
is
attested
attested
between
between
between+8.17
+8.17
+8.17
m m, mm,
andmm,
and thethe
+8.55
and the
+8.55 SU
+8.55
m. SU
m. SU
m. 453 453 453 season (from S).
S. Mantellini). covered covereda a very
covered a very very
2.1
2.12.1
TheThe The outer
outer
outer southern
southern
southern sidesideside compact
compact
compact reddish
reddish
reddish
gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU (SU 452)452) 452) with with
with manymany many artefacts,
artefacts,
artefacts, including
including
including ivory
ivory
ivory
AAoffcuts.
Aoffcuts.
first offcuts.
first
first
cut cut Only
ofOnly
cut Only
of5-10
of5-10limited
limited
5-10 cmlimited
cm cm to
opened tothis
opened tothis
opened aarea,
this area,
asoftarea,
asoft the
soft the
greygreySU
the
grey SU
claySU452
clay 452
clay 452
mixedcovered
covered
mixed covered
mixed withwithaaa
with
compact
compact
compact
small-sized
small-sized
small-sized greygrey
gravel grey
gravel sandy
gravel sandy
and sandy
and and mud mud
stones mud
stones
stones (SU (SU
(SU (SU
(SU 454)
(SU 454)
413).454)
413).
413).
having
Ahaving
having
Asecond
Asecond very
second veryvery
cut small
cut small
cut
of small
of5of5 5
cm pottery
cm pottery
cm pottery
resulted
resulted sherds
resulted sherds inainainside.
insherds softainside.
soft inside.
soft
grey/brown
grey/brown
grey/brown clayclay
clay(SU (SU (SU 414)414)414) withwithwith few few few Figure 33.
Restoration of
pottery
pottery
pottery sherds.
sherds.
sherds. BelowBelowBelow isisaisaveryaveryvery loose
loose
loose greygreygrey sandsandsand with withwithmedi-
medi-
medi-
Building 2,
Inum-sized
InIn
um-sized
um-sizeditsitsitsnorthern
northern
northern
collapsed
collapsed
collapsed border,
border,
stonesborder,
stones
stones (SU
the(SU (SU
the 442).
442).
filling
the 442).
filling
filling
The SU
The SU
The SU 417 417
excavation 417
excavation
excavationcovered
covered
covered
ofofSU ofSUa SUaa February 2019
442compact
442 compact
442 compact
opened
opened
opened fine fine
two fine
two grey
two grey
groups grey
groups sand
groups sand
sand
ofof (SU (SU
stones:
of (SU456)
stones: 456)
stones: 456)
SU SU SU466,
without
without466,
without 466, materials
at materials
atthematerials
atthe the
western that
western that
western thatAtAtthe
Atthethe
end (from
endend SE).
ofofworks,
ofworks,
works, the thethe
excavation
excavation
excavation reached
reached
reached +7.55/7.70
+7.55/7.70
+7.55/7.70 mmm
filled
borderfilled
border
border ofaofthe
filled small
aof asmall
the small
the
excavation,pitpitpit
excavation,
excavation,(SU (SU (SU 457),
and 457),
and 457),
SU
and SU SU467,
whose 467,
whose 467,
whose innorthern
innorthern
northern
proximity
inproximity
proximity partpartpart
of was
of was
the
of was
the thealong
along
alongthethethe
southern
southern
southern wallwallwall SU SU SU
171 171171and and and+7.40
+7.40
+7.40 mmin mintheinthe the
SE SE SE
partially
partially
partially
southeastern
southeastern
southeastern opened
opened
opened
corner.
corner.
corner. during
Theduring
Theduring
The former the
former the
former the 2015
was2015
2015
waswas a works works
amass works
amass mass (but
of (but
of (but
of
stones not
stones not
stones notcorner.
corner.
corner.
documented).
documented).
without
without documented).
without a aparticular
aparticular InInthe
particular Inshape,
the rest
the rest
shape,
shape, of
rest theofthe
theofthe
the
lattersounding,
the
lattersounding,
sounding,
latterapparently
apparently the
apparently the filling
the filling
shapedfilling
shaped
shapedSU SU
a SUaa
417
small 417
small
small417covered
wall covered
wall covered
wall
connected a avery
connected
connected avery verycompact
to compact
tothecompact
tothe the
mainmaingrey
maingreygrey
wall clay
wall clay
wall clay
SU SU interlayered
interlayered
SU
171. interlayered
171.171.The The The with
filling with
fillingwith2.2
filling 2.2
2.2
TheTheThe
outer
outer
outernortheastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner
wasthin
was thin
wasathin layers
aloose layers
aloose layers
loose light of
lightlightof of
browncompact
compact
brown compact
brown sandy
sandy reddish
sandy reddish
clayreddish
clayclaywith gravel
with gravel
with gravel
veryveryvery (considered
few (considered
few (considered
fewmateri-
materi-
materi- Figure 34. The
Building 2 at the
together
als.
als.together
Ittogether
als. Ithas
Ithashasasbeen
been SUasSU
asbeen SU476) 476)
distinguished 476)
distinguished with
distinguishedwithwith manymanyinSU
inmany inSU SU
461
ivories 461
ivories 461
ivories (193
(193
(between (193
(between pieces)
(between pieces)
pieces)
SU SU SUand
466 and
466 andInInthis
466 Inthis
this
area
area
area
thethe
end the
ground
of ground
ground level
level
level
isisatisat+8.55
at+8.55
+8.55 mmbut,mbut, but,since
since
sincethethethe
andiron
and iron
and
SU iron
SU (98
SU (98
467)(98
467)fragments).
467)fragments).
and and andSU
fragments). SU SU468 468 468
North
North
North
(East(East ofofthe
(East ofSUthe
ofSU stones
the SUstones
467). stones
467).
467). SU SU
Later
LaterSU449,
Later 449,449,
opera- the
opera- the
opera- theupper
upper
upper restoration,
layers
layers
layerswere
werewere already
already
already removed
removed
removed ininthe inthethe
2015,
2015,
2015, the thethe
exca-
exca-
exca-
filling
tions filling
tions
tionsfilling
opened
openedSU SU
opened SU417 417
entirely 417
entirely covered
entirely covered
covered
the the the
walla wall
wall ahard
ahard
SU hard
SU SU and
171 and
171 and
171 compact
and compact
and compact
and
thethe the mud mud
southeastern mud
southeastern floor
southeastern floor
floorvation
vation
February 2019
vationbegun
begun
begun atat+7.63/+7.94
at+7.63/+7.94
+7.63/+7.94 m.m.Investigations
m.Investigations
Investigations occurred
occurred
occurred
(SU(SU
corner,
corner, (SU
corner, 455) 455)
proving455)
proving attested
proving attested
attested
that that allat
that allat+7.40
the
allat+7.40
the +7.40
the
stones
stonesmm(SU
stones that
m(SU
that
(SU possibly
that
467 possibly
467 possibly
467
and and andSU refer
SU refer
SU refer
468)
468)to
468)toatoa a (from S).
second
second
second street
street
street level.
level.
level. Below,
Below,
Below, atat+7.31at+7.31
+7.31 m,m,therem,there there was was wasa alayeralayer
layer
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 82
there
there
there
only
only
only
ininthe
inthe
the
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018
season.
season.
season. stones
stones
stonesSU SU SU
449,
449,449,
the thethe
filling
filling
filling SU SU SU
417417 417
covered
covered
covered a ahardahard
hardand and
and
com-
com-com-
pact
pact
pact
mudmudmud floor
floor (SU
floor (SU(SU455)455)455) attested
attested
attested atat+7.40
at+7.40
+7.40 mmthat mthat that
possibly
possibly
possibly
The
The Thefirst
first
first
layer
layer
layerwas waswas a aloosealoose
loose and andand
finefinefinegrey
grey
greysandy
sandy
sandy clayclayclay(SU (SU (SUrefer
refer
refer
totoatoasecond
asecond
second street
street
street
level.
level.
level. Below,
Below,
Below, atat+7.31,
at+7.31,
+7.31, there
there
there
waswas wasaaa
417),
417),
417), mixed
mixed
mixed withwith
with small-sized
small-sized
small-sized stones
stones
stones andand and
small
small
small fragments fragmentslayer
fragments layer (SU
layer (SU (SU
451)
451)451)with
withwitha afabric
afabric
fabricsimilar
similar
similar totoSUtoSU SU
476476476 butbut but
with
withwiththe thethe
ofofgrey
ofgrey greymudmudmud bricks.
bricks.
bricks. ThisThisThis layer
layer
layerwas was was clearly
clearly
clearly the the the
result
result
result ofofoflargest
largest
largest amount
amount
amount ofofof ivory
ivory
ivory offcuts
offcuts
offcuts (ca.
(ca.
(ca.3,000)
3,000)
3,000) andandandironironiron
ancient
ancient
ancient accumulation
accumulation
accumulation processes
processes
processes combined
combined
combined withwith withthe the the
effects effectsfragments
effects fragments
fragments (185(185
(185 ) )discovered
)discovered
discovered ininin Trench
Trench
Trench 9 9during
9during
during thisthisthis
ofofthe
ofthe the
erosion
erosion
erosion after
after
after thethe the
20152015
2015 excavation.
excavation.
excavation. It Itreleased
Itreleased
released thethe theseason.
season.
season. Due DueDue totoits
toitscompactness
itscompactness
compactness andand and
materials
materials
materials inside,
inside,
inside, it ithas
ithas
has
highest
highest
highest number
number
number ofofclayofclay claycoincoincoinmoulds
moulds
moulds (79)
(79)(79)
hitherto
hitherto
hitherto discov- discov-been
discov- been
been
interpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasthe asthe the
preparation
preparation
preparation forforfor
thethethe
street
street
streetlevel
level
levelSU SU SU
ered
erederedininTrench
inTrench
Trench 9.9.Below
9.Below
Below SU SU SU
417 417 417
are areare
a alarge
alarge
large
massmassmass ofofstones stones455
ofstones 455
455
above.
above.
above. Below
Below
Below the thethe
‘ivory
‘ivory
‘ivory layer’
layer’
layer’ waswas was
a averyaveryvery hard
hard
hardand and and
(SU
(SU (SU449),
449),
449),atat+7.49
at+7.49
+7.49 mmand mand and
+7.50
+7.50
+7.50 m,m,and m,and and
oneoneone
horizontal
horizontal
horizontal slabslabslabcompact
compact
compact gravel
gravel
gravel hardened
hardened
hardened withwith
witha agreyagrey
grey
mudmud mud(SU(SU (SU477,477,
477,
+7.15
+7.15
+7.15
(SU
(SU (SU459),
459),
459),7575x75x49x49x49x5 x5cm, 5cm, cm,
whose
whose
whose top toptop
isisatisat+7.57
at+7.57
+7.57 mm(Figurem(Figure
(Figurem), m),
m),
with
with
with some
somesome small
small
small pottery
pottery
pottery sherds
sherds
sherds inside.
inside.
inside.This This
This layer
layer
layerhas hashas
31).
31).31).
The TheTheslab
slabslab
SU SU SU
459 459 459 was waswasplaced
placed
placed horizontally
horizontally
horizontally exactly
exactly
exactly atatatbeenbeen
beenalso
alsoalso
interpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasaasastreetastreet
streetlevel.
level.
level.Together
Together
Together with
with
with the thethe
the
the the
footfoot
foot
ofofthe
ofthe the
wall
wallwallSU SU SU184,184,
184,thusthus
thus
it ithasithas
has
been
been
been interpreted
interpreted
interpreted asasasstreets
streets
streets
SU SU SU
453 453453
andand and
SU SU SU
455,455,455,
and andand
thethe the
fillings
fillings
fillingsSU SU SU
476 476476
andandand
SU SU SU
a athreshold.
athreshold.
threshold. It Itcovered
Itcovered
covered a asoftasoftsoft
brown
brown
brown clay
clay
clay(SU (SU (SU 460) 460)
460) that that451
that 451
451
(ivory),
(ivory),
(ivory), thethethe
street
street
streetSU SU SU
477 477477waswaswascut cutcut
bybythebythe the SU
pitpitpit SU SU
478.478.
478.
possibly
possibly
possibly waswas was
a apreparation
apreparation
preparation for forfor
itsitsarrangement.
itsarrangement.
arrangement. The The Thestones
stones
stones
ofofSUofSU 449
SU 449449(top
(top(top
atat+7.46
at+7.46
+7.46 m)m)m) belong
belong
belong totothetothe the
first
first
first
layer
layerlayer ofofaofa a3.3.3. BuildingBuilding
Building 222
collapse,
collapse,
collapse, which
which
which isisrecorded
isrecorded
recorded alsoalso
also
below
below
below asasSU asSU SU
465 465 465 and and SU
and SU SU
478
478 478
(bottom
(bottom
(bottom ofoftheofthe the
latter
latter
latteratat+7.15
at+7.15
+7.15 m). m). m).
TheTheThe
lowest
lowest
lowest stones
stones
stones ofofofAfter
After
After
thethe the
endend end
ofofthe
ofthe the
2015
2015
2015 season,
season,
season, the thethe
erosion
erosion
erosion causedcaused
caused bybythebythe the
SU SU SU478 478 478 seemed
seemed
seemedrun-off run-off
run-off fromfrom
from thethethe
relief
relief
relief
totothe tothe the
North
North
North opened
opened
opened a asecond
asecond
second build-
build-
build-
totofill
tofillfill
a apit apitpit
ofofca ofcacaing ing(Building
ing(Building
(Building 2),2),2),
located
located
located justjust
just
ininproximity
inproximity
proximity ofofthe ofthe the
northern
northern
northern
0.80
0.800.80 sq.sq.sq. mmm (SU (SU (SUsection
section
section ofoftheofthe the
Trench
Trench
Trench 9.9.It9.Itconsists
Itconsists
consists ofoftwo
oftwo two walls
walls
walls inter-
inter-
inter-
479)
479)479) discovered
discovered
discoveredspersed spersed
spersed withwith
with ananempty
anempty empty space:
space:
space: thethe the
western
western
western side sideside
measures
measures
measures
thethe thelastlast last day day day ofofof1.251.25
1.25
mmand mand and
the thethe
eastern
eastern
eastern sideside 3 3m3m(Figures
side m(Figures
(Figures 32).
32).
32).
The TheThecleaning
cleaning
cleaning
work
workworkand and andthat that
thatdone
done
doneinintheinthethe
20192019
2019 season
season
season confirmed
confirmed
confirmed that
thatthat
thethethe
void voidvoidofof1.2
of1.2 1.2
mmm
Figure 35. Therequires Building
requires
requires 3 atfurther
the
furtherend of the 2017-2018 excavation (from N).
further between
between
between thethethe
two twotwo
walls
walls
walls was was was
the thethe
ofofentrance
ofentrance
entrance ofofthisofthisthis
building,
building,
building,
investigations.
investigations.
investigations.whose whose
whose threshold
threshold
threshold was was wasattested
attested
attested atat+7.485
at+7.485
+7.485 m.m.m.It Itoverlooked
Itoverlooked
overlooked
Between
Between
Between the the the
first
first
firstthe
the
the
East-West
East-West
East-West street
street
street already
already
already discovered
discovered
discovered ininin the the
the 2015
2015
2015
layer
layer
layerofofstoneofstonestone SU SU SUmedium-compact
campaign,
campaign,
campaign, and andandit itfine
made
itfine
made
made possible
possible
possible establishing
establishing
establishing (SU the
(SU the
(SU thestreet
481), street
481), street
481),
meticulous
meticulous
meticulous cleaning
cleaning
cleaning exposed
exposed
exposed thethe the
walls
walls
wallsandand andremoved
removed
removed thethe the medium-compact
medium-compact fine
reddish/brown
reddish/brown
reddish/brown gravel
gravel
gravel
449449 449 and and and the the theca.
width
width
widthat at5.20
at5.20
5.20m. m. m.
stones
stones
stones collapsed
collapsed
collapsed ororor outout out ofofof context.
context.
context. An An An accurate accurate ca.ca.
accurate five
five
five
cm cm cm
thick.
thick.
thick.
s os ous out hut het ahe sae tsaetsretnre nr n
photograph
photograph
photograph documentation
documentation
documentation waswas wasdonedonedone during
during
during the the the
single
single
single
border
border
borderofofofthe the the SU (SU (SU (SU
phases
phases
phases ofofthis
ofthisthis
operation
operation
operation ininorder
inorder
order totoreplace
toreplace
replace the the the
stones
stones
stones inininSU SU
481
481481covered
covered
covered a a10-12
a10-12
10-12 cm cm cm
thick
thick
thicklayer
layer
layer
ofofgrey
ofgreygrey mudmud mud
sounding,
sounding,
sounding, the the the482),
482),
482),
possibly
possibly
possibly duedue due
to tomud
tomud mud bricks
bricks
bricks fragments.
fragments.
fragments. Below
Below
Below SU SU SU
their
their
their
original
original
original position.
position.
position. Operations
Operations
Operations were
wereweredonedonedone underunder
under thethe the
filling
filling
fillingSU SU SU417 417417482
supervision
supervision
supervision ofofaofalocal alocal
localworker,
worker,
worker, Mr. Mr. Mr.
Jamil
Jamil
Jamil Mandhro,
Mandhro,
Mandhro, from
fromfrom 482 482was was wasa a amedium-compact
medium-compact
medium-compactsand sand
sandmixed mixedmixedwith with
with
a avillage
avillage
village nearnear
near Banbhore
Banbhore
Banbhore who whowho still
still
still covered
employs covered
employs covered
employs a a
traditional medi-
traditionalamedi-
traditionalmedi- brown-reddish
brown-reddish
brown-reddish gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU (SU484)484)
484) of ofca.
ofca. ca.
15 15 15
cm cm cmandand and
alsoalsoalso
techniques
techniques
techniques and and andlocallocal
local resources.
resources.
resources. AAmud um-hard
Amud um-hard
mudum-hard
obtained
obtained
obtained com-com-com-
bybyby with
with
with
mudmud mud remains,
remains,
remains, and,and,and,especially
especially
especially in in the
inthethe
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern
mixing
mixing
mixing thethe loose
the loose
loosefine fine soil
fine soil from
soil from
fromthe the pact
excavation
the pact
excavation pactlayer
excavation andlayer
andlayer
water
and waterofofofpart,
water part,
part,
a aloose
aloose
loose andandand
softsoftsoft
brown
brownbrown sandy
sandy
sandy clay
clay (SU
clay (SU(SU483).
483).
483). InInthe
Inthe the
was was wasused
used
used totofill
tofillfill
the the the
voids
voids
voids inside
inside
inside walls,
walls, sandy
walls, sandy
sandy
asaswell
aswell clay
wellclay clay
asasto (SU (SU
astotie (SU
totietiesoutheastern
southeastern
southeastern border
border
border of ofthe
ofthe the
sounding,
sounding,
sounding, SU SU SU
484484484 covered
covered
covered a aa
stones
stones
stones together.
together.
together. 453)
453)453)that that thatwas was wasThe
compact
compact
compact
The
The
Building
Buildingbrown
Buildingbrown
brown
2 2was clay
2was clay
was clay
coveredmixed
coveredmixed
covered mixed
andandwith
with
and with
protectedwhite/grey
white/grey
protected
protectedwhite/grey
atatthe atthethemortar
end mortar
end mortar
end
ofoftheofthe the
interpreted
interpreted
interpreted a a a2017-2018 remains
remains
remains
2017-2018
2017-2018 and andand
plaster
plaster
season. plaster
season.
season. (SU
A(SU
A(SUA485).485).
targeted 485).
targeted
targetedThisThis
Thislayer
layer
restoration layer
restoration extended
restoration extended
extended
ofofof this over
this over
this over
wallwallwall
Finds
Finds
Finds from
fromfrom the thethecleaning
cleaning
cleaning ofofof bothboth
both street
seasons street
seasons street
seasons havehave have level
level
been level
been anoccurred
anoccurred
an
almost
beenoccurred almost
almost triangular-shaped
inin triangular-shaped
the
in triangular-shaped
thethe
2019
20192019 campaign
campaign
campaign areaarea
area of
(Figures of3.70
(Figures of3.70
(Figures 3.70
33, m33,
33, malong
34). malong
34).
34).
Aalong thethe
Ameticu-
A the
meticu-
meticu-
collected
collected
collected separately
separately
separately and andand marked
marked
marked between
asasas between
between
“North
“North
“North Section
Sectionthethe
Section theeastern
eastern
eastern border
border
border and andand 1.80
1.801.80 along
along
along the thethe
southern
southern
southern border
border
border at at at
buildings
buildings
buildings
Cleaning”
Cleaning”
Cleaning” 1 1and 1and
(or and
(or(or3.NS)
NS) 3.NS)
Exactly
3.Exactly
inExactly
in2017-2018 inincorrespondence
in2017-2018
2017-2018incorrespondence
correspondence
andandand“Building
“Building
“Building with withwith
2”2” thethe
2”
in the
in +8.36/8.46
in +8.36/8.46
+8.36/8.46 m. m. m.
In In In
the thetherestrest
restof of of
thethe the
sounding,
sounding,
sounding, SU SU SU484 484484
southeastern
southeastern
southeastern
2019.
2019.
2019. They
TheyTheyborder
border
border
especially
especially of
especially of of
this
this
refer this
refer sounding,
refer sounding,
sounding,
tototo ivory
ivory
ivory in in in
fragments a
fragments a
fragments triangu-
a triangu-
triangu-
(98 (98(98covered
covered
covered a averyaveryvery
thinthin
thinlayer
layer
layer ofoffine
offinefine
and andand
loose
loose
loosegravel,
gravel,
gravel, and and and
lar-shaped
lar-shaped
lar-shaped
pieces),
pieces),
pieces), area
area
which area
which of
which ofca
of
areca
are0.5
ca0.5
are 0.5
sq.
possibly sq.
possiblysq.
m
possiblym atmatthe
atthe
connectedthe
height
connected height
connectedheight of
withof +7.46
withof +7.46
with +7.46
the the m,
the m,
ivory the
m,
ivorythe
ivorythethen
then
thena a medium-compact
a medium-compact
medium-compact layer
layer
layer of of of
brown
brown
brown sandysandy
sandy mud mudmud
SUSU SU
453
layer 453
layer 453
layer covered
covered
covered
discovered
discovered
discovered a avery
inavery very
in2015 compact
in2015 compact
2015 compact
(Felici
(Felici reddish
(Felici etreddish
reddish
et al. al.gravel
etal.2016: gravel
2016: gravel
2016: 151). (SU
151). (SU
151). (SU 452)452)452)mixed
mixed
mixed withwith
with medium-
medium-
medium- andand and small-sized
small-sized
small-sized stones
stones
stones (both
(both
(both
with
withwithmanymany
many artefacts,
artefacts,
artefacts, including
including
including ivory
ivory
ivory offcuts.
offcuts.
offcuts. Only Only Only limited
limited
limited assigned
assigned
assigned as asSUasSU SU
486).
486).
486).Under
UnderUnder the thethe
stones
stones
stones SU SU SU
486486486there
there
therewere
were
were
a a
second
a
second
second layer
layer
layer
of of very
of veryvery
loose
loose
loose gravel
gravel
gravel (SU(SU(SU 487)
487)
487) and,and,and,
in inthe
inthe the
totothis
tothisthis
area,
area,
area,thethe the
SU SU SU
452 4524.
4524.covered
Building
4.covered
covered Building
Building a3
a compact
a compact 3 3 grey
compact greygreysandy
sandysandy mud mudmud
(SU
(SU (SU454)454)
454)
having
having
having very
very verysmall
small
small pottery
pottery
pottery sherds
sherds
sherds inside.
inside.
inside. eastern
eastern
eastern partpart
part
ofoftheofthethe
square,square,
square, a acompact
acompact
compact brown
brown
brown sandysandy
sandy mud mudmud
(SU
(SU 489)
(SU 489)
489) with
withwith
many
manymany remains
remains
remains ofofmortar
ofmortar
mortar andandandplaster.
plaster.
plaster. SU SU SU
During
During
During thethe the
last
lastlast
weekweek week ofoftheofthe the
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 season,
season,
season, a afinalafinal
final
InIn its
In itsnorthern
itsnorthern
northern border,
border,
border, the thethe
filling
filling
fillingSU SU SU
417417 417
covered
covered
covered aofacom- 487
487
487covered
covered
covered another
another
another compact
compact
compact brown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy mud mudmud(SU (SU (SU
operation
operation
operation concerned
concerned
concerned thethe theextension
extension
extension eastward
eastward
eastward ofacom-
of com-
thethe the
pact
pactpact
finefine
fine
grey
greygreysand
sandsand(SU (SU(SU456) 456)
456)without
without
without materials
materials
materials that that that
filled
filled
filled 488)
488)
488)
with
withwith small
small
small stones
stones
stones and andandmanymany
many ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds.
sherds.
sherds. The TheThe
sounding
sounding
sounding outside
outside
outside thethe the
northeastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner (see(see(see above
aboveabove § §a §a
a
small
small
small pitThe (SU
pitThe
pit (SU (SU 457),
457),
457), whose
whosewhose northern
northern
northern partpart
partwas was was partially
partially
partially removal
removal
removal of ofSUS
of SUSSUS 486,486,486,488,488,
488,and andand
489 489 489
opened
opened
opened a astone
astone
stonewallwall
wall
2.2).
2.2).
2.2). The main
mainmain aim aim aim of ofof this
this
thisoperation
operation
operation the the the
fullfullfull
with
with
with
a amajor
amajor
major South-North
South-North
South-North orientation
orientation
orientation (SU(SU(SU490).
490).
490). InIntheInthe the
opened
opened
opened
exposure
exposure during
exposureduring
during
ofofthe the
of the
the the
the2015
ivory2015
ivory2015
ivory works
works
layer works
layer
layer SU(but
SU (but
SU (but
451 not
451 not
451 not
anddocumented).
anddocumented).
anddocumented).
the the the
street
street
street SU In
SUInSUIn
northern
northern
northern half
halfhalf
ofofof the the the
square,
square,
square, the the the
digging
digging
digging ofofof SU SU SU489 489 489
the
the
471the
rest
471 rest
471rest
of ofthe
ofthe
underneath.
underneath.the
sounding,
underneath. sounding,
sounding,
AsAsAs a the the the
aresult,
aresult, filling
filling
result,filling
the theSU SU
the SU
417 417
excavation 417
excavationcovered
excavation covered
covered
unearthed a avery
unearthed
unearthedavery
very
unearthed
unearthed
unearthed a aloose
aloose
loose andand and
brownbrown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy clay
clay (SU
clay (SU(SU 491)
491)491)
and,and,
and,
compact
compact
thecompact
the the grey
westerngrey
western grey
western clayclay
roomclay
interlayered
room
roominterlayered
interlayered
ofofof the thethe
samewith
with
same
samewiththinthin
buildingthin
layers
building layers
building layers of
(Buildingofcompact
(Buildingofcompact
(Building compact 3,3,3,
below
below
below it,it,an
it,anan L-shaped
L-shaped
L-shaped stone
stone
stone wall
wallwall (SU(SU(SU492)492)
492) thatthat
that
was waswas
reddish
reddish
reddish
RoomRoomRoom gravel
gravel
1) gravel
1)opened (considered
1)opened(considered
opened (considered
ininthe inthe thetogether
together
Trench
Trenchtogether
Trench 1111 asby
11asSU
as
by SU
the
by SU
476)
thethe476)476)
Pakistani with
Pakistani with
Pakistani withmanymany
team many
teamteam
exposed
exposed
exposed only
onlyonlypartially
partially
partially (Figure
(Figure
(Figure 35).
35).35).
Inside
Inside
Inside Room
Room Room 1,1, SU
1,SU SU
(see
ivories(see
ivories (see
ivories Zehra,
Zehra,
(193 Zehra,
(193
(193 pieces)
pieces)
pieces)
infra)
infra)
infra) . and
and
13 13 13
. and
.iron
ironiron
(98 (98(98
fragments).
fragments).
fragments). North
North
North ofofthe ofthe the
13.13.
The
13.
The
The
Pakistani
Pakistani
Pakistani
team
team
team
continued
continued
continued
excavating
excavating
excavating
thethe
Building
the
Building
Building
3 also
3 also
3 also
between
between
between
Under
Under
Underthe
the
the
first
first
first
cmcm
cmofofof
topsoil
topsoil
topsoil
(SU
(SU
(SU
400)
400)
400)was
was
wasa a aDecember
December
December
2018
2018
2018
and
and
February
and
February
February
2019.
2019.
2019.
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 83
lous
lous
lous
cleaning
cleaning
cleaning exposed
exposed
exposed the thethe
walls
walls
walls andandandremoved
removed
removed the thethe
stones
stones
stonesSU SUSU
481
481481
covered
covered
covered a a10-12
a10-12
10-12 cm cm cm
thick
thick
thicklayer
layer
layerofofgrey
ofgreygrey
mud mud mud(SU(SU
(SU
collapsed
collapsed
collapsed ororout oroutout
ofofcontext.
ofcontext.
context. An An An
accurate
accurate
accurate photograph
photograph
photograph docu- docu-482),
docu- 482),
482),
possibly
possibly
possibly duedue due
totomud
tomud mud bricks
bricks
bricks fragments.
fragments.
fragments. Below
Below
Below SUSU SU
491
491
mentation covered
covered
mentation
mentation was awas
was amedium-com-
donemedium-com-
done
doneduring
during
during thethethe
single
single
single phases
phases
phases ofofthis
ofthis
this
opera-
opera-
opera-482 482
482
waswaswas
a amedium-compact
amedium-compact
medium-compact492.
492.The The
sand mud
sand mud
sandmixed bricks
mixed bricks
mixed with SU
with SU
with 499 499
brown-red-
brown-red-
brown-red-
pact light
pact light brown brown clay clay with with also
alsocovered
coveredthe thefloorfloorSU SU498. 498.
tion
tion
tion
plaster
plaster inin order
and inorder
and order totoreplace
mortar
mortar toreplace
replace
(SU(SU495),the the
495),the
stones
stones
as stones
as inintheir
intheir
their
original
original
original position.
position.
position.dish dish
dish
gravel
gravel
gravel (SU(SU(SU 484)
484)
484)
InInofthe
ofthe
ca.
ofsouthwestern
ca.ca.
151515 cm
southwestern cm cmandand andalso
part also
part also
ofwithwith
ofthe with
the mudmudmud
Operations
Operations
well
well Operations
asasthe were
thestones were
stones were done
donedone
belonging
belonging under
under
under
totothe thethe
supervision
supervision
supervision ofofaofalocalalocal
localremains,
remains,
remains, and,
and,and,
especially
especially
especially ininthe
excavation,
excavation,inthe the
northeastern
northeastern
thenortheastern
thefloor floorSU part,
SUpart,
part,
498 a aloose
498 aloose
loose
worker,
worker,
worker,
a athird
thirdwall Mr.Mr.
wall(SUMr.
Jamil
Jamil
Jamil
(SU493) Mandhro,
Mandhro,
493)withMandhro,
withanan from
from
froma avillage
a
village
village near
near
near
Banbhore
Banbhore
Banbhore and
and
and
soft
soft
soft
brown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy
wasclay
clay
wascut (SU
clay (SU(SU483).
483).483).
cutbybya apitpit(SU In In the
In
(SU500)the the
southeastern
southeastern
500)withsoutheastern
with
whowhowho
almost
almost still
still
still
employs
employs
employs
East-West
East-West traditional
traditional
traditional
orientation
orientation techniques
techniques
techniques andandand
local
local
localresourc-
resourc-
resourc-borderborder
borderofofthe
ofthe the
sounding,
sounding,
sounding,anan SU SU SU
484
almost 484
almost 484
covered
covered
covered
rectangular
rectangular a acompact
acompact
compact
shape
shape brown
brown
brown
es.es.forming
and
and A
es.forming
Amud
Amud mud obtained
aobtained
obtained
aunique
unique by by mixing
bymixing
T-shaped
T-shaped mixing thethethe
loose
loose
loose
finefine
fine
soil
soil
soil
from
from
fromthethetheclay
clay
clay
mixed
mixed
mixed with
with
with white/grey
white/grey
white/grey
(0.90 xmortar
(0.90 xmortar
mortar
0.45
0.45 remains
remains
m)remains
m) and andand andaplaster
plaster
a plaster
wall
wall
excavation withthe
with
excavation
excavation the
and andandwall
wall
water
water SU
waterSUwas was 492.
492.
wasused
used
used totofill
tofillfill
thethethe
voids
voids
voids insideinside(SU
inside (SU
(SU
485).
485).
485).ThisThis
This layer
layerSouth-North
layerSouth-North
extended
extended
extended overoverorientation.
overorientation.
ananan almost
almost
almost Ittriangu-
Ittriangu-
triangu-
Although
Although
walls,
walls,
walls, both
asaswell both
aswellwell walls
aswalls
asto
astotie SU
totie SU
stones
tie 492
stones 492
stones together.
together.
together. lar-shaped
lar-shaped
lar-shaped areaarea
areaofof3.70 does
of3.70does
3.70mcontinue
continue
malong
malongalong the under
the under
the
eastern the
eastern thesouth-
eastern south-
border
border
border and
andand
andSUS
and SUS490-493 490-493continued continued 1.80
1.80
1.80
along
along
alongthethethe
southern
southern ern
southern ern section
border section
border
border while
atatthe while
atthe the
heightatatNorth
height
height ofNorth it it
of+8.36/8.46
of+8.36/8.46
+8.36/8.46
under
under
Finds
Finds the
Finds the
fromfrom eastern
eastern
from the thethe and andsouthern
cleaning
cleaning
cleaning southern
ofofboth
ofboth
both
seasons
seasons
seasons have
have
havebeen
been
beencollect-
collect-
collect-m.m.In m.Inthe
Inthe
the
rest
restrest
ofoftheofthethestopped
stopped
sounding,
sounding,
sounding, exactly
SU exactly
SU SU484 484 in
484 in correspon-
covered correspon-
covered
covered a avery
avery
very
thin
thin
thin
sections,
sections,
ededseparately
edseparately they
they
separately clearly
clearly
andandand
marked
markeddelimited
delimited
marked asas“North
as“North
“North Section
Section
Section Cleaning”
Cleaning”
Cleaning” (or(or(orlayer
layer
layer
ofoffine
offine
fine
andandand
loose
loose dence
loose dence
gravel,
gravel, of
gravel, of
andthe
andthe
and
then2015
then2015
then excavation
excavation
a amedium-compact
amedium-compact
medium-compact
a aspace
spacethat thathas hasbeen beenrecordedrecorded Figure 36. Building 3: the threshold border
border (no (no documentation
documentation
NS)NS)NS)inin2017-2018
in2017-2018
2017-2018 and andand“Building
“Building
“Building 2”2”in 2”in2019.
in2019.
2019. They
They
They espe-
espe-
espe-layer
layer
layerofofof
brown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy mudmudmud mixed
mixed
mixed with
withwith medium-
medium-
medium- andand
and
asas RoomRoom 1 1 (Building (Building 3 3 – – of Room 1, February 2019 (from W). available),
available),hence henceit itpossibly possibly
cially
cially
Room
Room cially refer
1). refer
1). refer
TheThe tovoid
tovoid
ivory
toivory
ivory
ofof1fragments
1fragments
fragments
meter (98
meter (98(98pieces),
pieces),
pieces), which
which
which arearearesmall-sized
small-sized
small-sized stones
stones
stones (both
(both
(both assigned
continued assigned
continued assigned asasSU
further
further asSU SU486).
486).
486).
northward.
northward.Under
Under
Under the
thethe
possibly
possibly
possibly
betweenthe
between connected
connected
connected
thewalls wallshas withwith
withthe
hasbeen thethe
ivory
been ivory
ivorylayer
layer
layer
excavated
excavated
excavated in in
2015
in2015
2015 stones
stones
stonesSU SUSU486 486486
there
there
therewere
The werewere
Thefillinga asecond
asecond
second layer
fillingisisa amedium-com-layer
layer of
medium-com- of very
of very
very loose
loose
loose
(Felici
(Felici
(Felici
confirmed
confirmed etetal.etal. 2016:
al.2016:
2016:
belonging
belonging 151).
151).
151).toto a a gravel
gravel
gravel(SU
(SU(SU487)487)
487) and,
and,
and,
in
pact inthe
pact inthe
finethe
eastern
fine eastern
eastern
gravel
gravel part
part
(SU part
(SU of501)
of501)
the
ofthethe
square,
thatsquare,
thatsquare, aaa
thresholdininthe
threshold the2019 2019campaign
campaign compact
compact
compact brown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy
wasmud
was mudmud(SU
covered (SU
covered (SU489)489)
by 489)
by with
the with
the with
mud many
mud many
many
bricks remains
bricks remains
remains
4. 4.4.below),
(see
(see Building
Building
below),Building asaswell3well
3 3 asasthethe ofofof
mortar
mortar
mortarandand andplaster.
plaster.SU
plaster.SU
SU 499.
SU499.
SU
487487487 covered
covered
covered another
another
another compact
compact
compact
2018-2019excavation
2018-2019 excavationbybythe the brown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy mudmud mud (SU(SU(SU488)
488)
488) with
with
withsmall
smallsmall stones
stones
stones andand and
many
many
many
Pakistani
Pakistani
During
During
During theteam
the team
the
lastlast
last
weekconfirmed
confirmed
week
week ofoftheofthethe
thethe
2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 season,
season,
season, a final
a final
a final
oper-
oper-
oper- ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds.
sherds.
sherds. TheTheTheOperations
Operations
removal
removal
removal of ofin
SUS
of in the
SUS the
SUS 2019
486, 2019
486,486, season
488, season
488,
488,and andand489
489489
presence
presence
ation
ation
ation of of
concerned a
concerned a
room
concerned room the (Building
(Building
the the
extension
extension 3
extension 3 eastward
eastward
eastward ofofthe
ofthethe soundingopened
sounding
sounding opened
opened a astone
astone
stone wall
wall
wall were
withwere
with
with limited
limited
a amajor
amajor
major to to a
South-North abetter
South-North better
South-North expo-
expo-
orientation
orientation
orientation
- Room2,2,see
- Room seeZahra,
Zahra,infra) infra)inin sure
sure ofhalf
the
ofhalf ofRoom
the ofRoom 1. 1.Inside,
Inside, thethe ofofof
outside
outside
outside thethe thenortheastern
northeastern
northeastern corner
corner
corner (see
(see
(see above
above
above § §2.2).
§2.2).
2.2).TheTheThe(SU(SU
(SU
490).
490).
490).
InIntheInthethe
northern
northern
northern half of the the the
square,
square,
square, thethethe
digging
digging
digging
thespace
the spacebetweenbetweenthe thewallswallsSU SU removal
removalofofthe theaccumulation
accumulation
main
main
main aim aimaimof493.
of493.
this
ofthisthis
operation
operation
operation was was
wasthe thethe
full
full
full
exposure
exposure
exposure ofofthe
ofthetheSUSUSU
489
489489
opened
opened
opened a aloose
aloose
loose andandandbrown
brown
brown sandy
sandy
sandy clay
clay (SU
clay (SU (SU491)
491)
491)
490
490 andand SU SU Room
Room 2 2was was layers
layersSU SU417 417and andSU SU495 495
layer
layer
layer
filled
filled ofby
by ofthe
of
a the the
ivory
aloose ivory
loose ivory SU SU
brown
brown SU451 451
451and
clay
clay andand
thethe the
street
street
streetSU SUSU471471471under-under-and,
under- and,
and,
below
below
below it,it,an
it,anL-shaped
anL-shaped
L-shaped
resulted
resulted stone
stone
instone wall
inmany
manywallwall(SU(SU (SU
materials, 492)
materials, 492)
492)that
one that
one that
waswaswas
neath.
neath.
neath.
(SU494)
(SU As As As
494)untila aresult,
aresult,
untiltheresult, the the
theheight the
excavation
excavation
heightofofexcavation unearthed
unearthed
unearthed thethethe
western
western
western exposed
exposed
exposed only
only
onlypartially
partially
partially (Figure
(Figure
earthen (Figure
earthenfloor 35).35).
35).
floor(SU Inside
Inside
Inside
(SU553, RoomRoom
Room
553,+7.42 1,
+7.421,SU
1,SU SU
room
room
+7.75
+7.75 room of
mof mthe
of
the the
samesame
(-0.70
(-0.70 samembuilding
mbuilding
building
fromfrom(Building
(Building
thethe(Building 3,3,Room
3,Room
Room 1)1)opened
1)opened
opened ininin m)m)and andthe thethreshold
threshold(SU (SU554, 554,
thethethe
ground
ground Trench
Trench
Trench 1111by
surface).
surface). 11by the
Theby
Thethethe
Pakistani
Pakistani
Pakistani
measures
measures team
teamteam(see(see
(see
Zehra,
Zehra,
Zehra, infra)
infra) 14.14.14.
infra) +7.63
+7.63m)m)between betweenthe thewallswallsSU SU
ofofthethethree
threewalls wallswere: were:SU SU490 490 490490and andSU SU492, 492,overlooking
overlooking
=1.90
=Under1.90
Under
Under x0.70
xthe 0.70
thethe
first m;
firstm; SU
first
cm cmSUof492
cm 492
oftopsoil =1.20
oftopsoil 1.20
=topsoil(SU (SU(SU
400)
400)400)
was was
wasa medium-com-
a medium-com-
a medium-com- thetheSouth-North
South-Northstreet street(Figure(Figure
x0.70
xpact 0.70
pact
pact m
fine m
finefine(South-North)
(South-North)
reddish/brown
reddish/brown
reddish/brown + +
gravel1.20
1.20
gravel
gravel (SU(SU (SU
481),
481),
481),ca.ca.ca.
five
five
five
cm cm cm
thick.
thick.
thick. 36).
36). Outside,
Outside, the the dig dig of ofthe the
x x0.70
0.70mm(East-West);
(East-West);SU SU493 493 grey
greymud mudSU SU498 498opened openeda a
= =1.20
1.20x x0.70 0.70m.m. loose
loose clayey clayey soil soil (SU (SU 552, 552,
+7.58
+7.58m), m),whichwhichwas wasexcavat-
excavat-
AtAtthe theheightheightofof+7.60/+7.70 +7.60/+7.70 ededuntiluntilthe thesame samelevel levelreachedreached
m,m,the thelayer layerSU SU417 417already already atatthe theend endofofthe the2017-2018
2017-2018
recordedduring
recorded duringthe theexcavation
excavation season.
season.
ininthetheouter
outernortheastern
northeasterncorner corner
ofofthetheBuilding
Building1 1(see (seeabove, above,§ § 5.5.Backfilling
Backfillingand and
2.2)was
2.2) wasfound foundboth bothinside insideand and preservation
preservation
outsidethe
outside theBuilding
Building3 3– –Room Room
1141.14. Inside
Insideit itwas wascovered
coveredbyby TheThebackfilling
backfillingofofTrench Trench9 9has has
the accumulation
the accumulation layer layer SU SU Figure 37. Conservation at the end of the beendone
been doneatatthe theend endofofeach each
495, while
495, while outside outside byby the the works: vegetal mats protecting the tiles season. Traditional
season. Traditional vegetal vegetal
pavement in Room 2. mats made
mats made ofof woven woven palm palm
followinglayers:
following layers:SU SU488 488ininthe the
westernpart;
western part;a avery veryloose looseand and leaves have
leaves have been been used used toto
softdark
soft darkbrown brownclay clay(SU (SU496) 496) protect the
protect the tiles tiles pavements
pavements
ininthethesouthern
southernpart; part;and, and,a asoft soft foundininRoom
found Room1 1and andRoom Room2,2,
claywith
clay withfine finegravelgravel(SU (SU497) 497) Building1 1(Figure
Building (Figure37). 37).Jute Jute
ininthethenorthern
northernpart. part. bagshave
bags havebeen beeninstead insteadplaced placed
ononthe thetop topand andthe theinnerinnerfaçades
façades
OutsideRoom
Outside Room1,1,the thefilling
fillingSU SU ofofthe thestonestonewalls wallsininorder ordertoto
417covered
417 covereda acompact compactlayer layerofof protectthem
protect thembut butalso alsoallowing
allowing
greymud
grey mudwith withmany manycharcoal charcoal their
their evapo-transpiration
evapo-transpiration
(SU498)
(SU 498)ininthe thenortheastern
northeastern (Figure38).
(Figure 38).Vegetal
Vegetalmats, mats,jute jute
partand
part andananirregular irregularlayer layerofof bags,and
bags, andlong longplastic plasticsheets sheets
collapsedmud
collapsed mudbricks bricks(SU (SU499) 499) arrangedininthe
arranged theother otherparts partsofof
ininthe thesouthwestern
southwesternpart. part.SU SU thetheexcavation
excavationwere werefixed fixedwith with
498 was
498 was a a well-preserved
well-preserved
beaten floor
beaten floor which which covered covered Figure 38. Conservation at the end of the works: 14.14. Materials
Materials from
from thisthis
SUSU 417417 have
have beenbeen
almostthe
almost thewhole wholearea, area,except except jute bags covering the wall in Room 2. labelled
labelled as as“SU“SU 417 417 inside
inside Room
Room 1”1” and and
totothe theNorth Northofofthe thewall wallSU SU “SU“SU 417417 extension
extension NE”.NE”.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 84

stonesand
stones andthen
thencovered
coveredbybythe theloosen
loosensoil
soilresulting
resulting
fromthe
from theexcavation
excavationitself (Figures39).
itself(Figures 39).

Following the
Following the decision
decision byby the the Antiquities
Antiquities &&
ArchaeologyDepartment
Archaeology Department, ,Government
GovernmentofofSindh,Sindh,toto
leavethe
leave thebuildings
buildingsofofTrench
Trench9 9and
andTrench
Trench1111visible
visibletoto
tourists,the
tourists, thetop
topofofeach
eachwall
wallofofthe
theBuilding
Building1 1waswas
protectedbybyusing
protected usingthe
thesame
sametechnique
technique(mud)
(mud)employed
employed
forthe
for therestoration
restorationofofBuilding
Building2.2.Stones
Stoneswere
weretherefore
therefore
fixed together
fixed together andand void
void between
between themthem filled
filled and
and
strengthened (Figure40).
strengthened(Figure 40).
Figure 39. Conservation at the end of the works: plastic sheets
covering the earth and loosen soil from the excavation for
Forthe
For thesame
samereason,
reason,the
theperimeter
perimeterofofthetheexcavation
excavation
the backfilling.
areahas
area hasbeen
beendelimited
delimitedbybystones
stonesand
andananearthen
earthenbarrier
barrier
0.50mmhigh.
0.50 high.Later,
Later,the
thearea
areaincluding
includingTrench
Trench9 9and
and
Trench1111was
Trench wasfenced
fencedbybybarbed
barbedwire
wiretotoprevent
preventthe
the
accesstotounauthorized
access unauthorizedpeople (Figure41).
people(Figure 41). Figure 40.
Preservation of
Ca.1515mmNorth
Ca. Northofofthe theTrench
Trench9’s 9’snorthern border,anan the stone walls
northernborder,
with traditional
earthenbarrier
earthen barrierofof2626x x2.5
2.5mmfixed
fixedwith
withstones
stoneswas
wasalso
also mud (Building 2
arrangedininorder
arranged ordertotoavoid
avoidthetheproblems
problemsoccurred
occurredduring
during already covered
thelast
the lastyears
yearsdue
duetotothetherun-off
run-offfrom
fromthe
theslopes
slopesatatNorth.
North. by soil in the
background).
Theloose
The loosesoilsoilresulted
resultedfrom
fromthetheexcavation,
excavation,and andnot
not
used inin the
used the final
final backfilling,
backfilling, werewere accumulated
accumulated
Southeastofofthe
Southeast theTrench
Trench9 9andandEast
Eastofofthe
thetouristic
touristicpath.
path.
Thepottery
The potteryrejected
rejectedafter
afterthe
thepreliminary
preliminarycollection
collectionwas
was Figure 41.
alsogathered
also gatheredSouth
SouthofofthetheBuilding
Building1 1inside
insidea aspace
spaceofof The Trench 9
ca.ca.2 2x x2 2mmdelimited
delimitedbybystones (seeFigure
stones(see Figure41).41). after backfilling,
with indicated
the dump with
6.6.Concluding
Concludingremarks
remarks the loosen soil
and the rejected
Thereopening
The reopeningofofTrench
Trench9 9ininthe the2017-2018
2017-2018and and2019
2019 pottery (drone
acquisition: A.
campaigns,combined
campaigns, combinedwith withthetheresults
resultsachieved
achievedininthethe Tilia).
2015season,
2015 season,provided
providednew newimportant
importantinsights
insightsfor
forthe
the
historyofofBanbhore
history Banbhoreininitsitsvery
veryfinal
finalstage
stageofofoccupation.
occupation.

Thediscovery
The discoveryofofthe thethree
threebuildings
buildingsresulted
resultedininthethe
detectionofofananimportant
detection importanturban
urbancrossroad (Figure42),
crossroad(Figure 42), Figure 42.
havinga amajor
having majorstreet
street(East-West,
(East-West,5.205.20mmwide)wide)and
anda a Buildings 1, 2
secondarystreet
secondary street(North-South,
(North-South,3.30 3.30mmwide),
wide),andandbeing
being and 3 and the
locatedalmost
located almostininthe thecenter
centerofofthe
thesettlement (Figure urban crossroad
settlement(Figure
(drone
43).The
43). TheBuilding
Building1 1providedprovidedevidence
evidenceofofseveral
several acquisition:
refurbishmentsand
refurbishments andoccupational
occupationalphases
phasesdated
datedtotothethe A. Tilia).
12th-early13rd
12th-early 13rdcentury
centuryaccording
accordingtotothethepottery
potteryfound
found
insideitsitsfilling
inside fillinglayers
layers(see
(seeFusaro,
Fusaro,Pottery
Potteryfromfrom
Excavation,infra).
Excavation, infra).However,
However,itsitsoriginal
originallayout,
layout,dating
dating
andfunction
and functionare arestill
stillunknown.
unknown.
Figure 43.
Thelatest
The latestoccupation
occupationofofBuilding
Building1 1waswascharacterized
characterized Trenches 9 and
11 with the
byby the
the mud
mud bricks
bricks (SU
(SU 403,403, +8.34
+8.34 m)m) scattered
scattered
Friday Mosque
over the
over the whole
whole surface
surface ofof the the building.
building. It It and the lake
arguably belong
arguably belong toto the
the collapse
collapse ofof the
the earthen
earthen in the
wallsofofthe
walls thebuildings,
buildings,however,
however,itsitsinterpretation
interpretationisis background
deeplyconditioned
deeply conditionedbybythe thelack
lackofofthe
thedocumentation
documentation (drone
acquisition: A.
concerning the
concerning the stratigraphy
stratigraphy along
along thethe building’s
building’s Tilia).
perimeterexcavated
perimeter excavatedinin2015.
2015.
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 85

TYPE FINDS 2017-2018 2019

Beads 30 42
Coins 404 424
Bronze/Copper 846 395
Glass 416 812
Iron 1,098 799
Ivory ca 6,500 ca 6,500
Objects Clay coin moulds 582 736 Table 1. Amount of the
Slags - glass 7 30 main finds from Trench 9,
2017-2018 and 2019 seasons,
Slags – metal 67 223 according to their class
Slags - pottery 5 31 (at this stage, faunal remains
are not distinguished
Slags - indeterminated - 14
between mammals,
Terracotta figurines - zoomorphic 14 17 fish and birds).
Terracotta figurines - anthropomorphic - 1
Fired bricks 68 341
Architectural Mud bricks 12 -
Plaster 1,423 1,381
Animal bones 6,829 19,317
Biological Shells 880 1,739
Wood 7 2

Before,
Before,
Before,
the
the
the
building
building
building was
waswasdivided
divided
divided into
into
into
three
three
three
different
different
differentevent
event
event
that
that
that
caused
caused
caused
the
the
the
sunken
sunken
sunken ofofthe
ofthethe
pavement
pavement
pavement ininits
initsits
rooms
rooms
rooms
that
that
that
shared
shared
shareda asimilar
asimilar
similarstratigraphy
stratigraphy
stratigraphy made
made
madeofofearthen
ofearthen
earthenmiddle
middle(Figure
middle(Figure
(Figure
44).
44).
44).
Lastly,
Lastly,
Lastly,
but
but
but
perhaps
perhaps
perhaps most
most
most
important,
important,
important,
floors
floors
floors
alternated
alternated
alternated totoanthropic
toanthropic
anthropic fillings.
fillings.
fillings.
Some
Some
Some ofofthe
ofthethe
latter
latter
latterboth
both
both
pavements
pavements
pavements are
are
are
clearly
clearly
clearly
not
not
not
aligned
aligned
aligned with
with
with
the
thethe
two
two
two
produced
produced
produceda alarge
alarge
large
amount
amount
amount ofofmaterials:
ofmaterials:
materials:ceramic
ceramic
ceramic sherds,
sherds,
sherds,walls
walls
walls
SUSUSU
410
410
410
and
and
and
SUSUSU
420,
420,
420,
while
while
whilethey
they
they
are
are
are
with
with
withthe
the
the
animal
animal
animal
bones
bones
bones andand
and
many
many
many other
other
other
materials,
materials,
materials, such
such
such
asasivory ivoryperimeter
asivory perimeter
perimeter
walls
walls
walls
SUSUSU
117
117
117
atatNorth
atNorth
Northand
andand
SUSUSU
184
184
184
atatEast
atEast
East
offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts,
clay
clay
claycoin
coin
coin
moulds,
moulds,
moulds, small
small
smallbronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copper coins,(Figure
coins,
coins, (Figure
(Figure45).
45).
45).
This
This
Thismight
might
might indicate
indicate
indicatethat
that
that
the
the
the
tripartite
tripartite
tripartite
bronze/copper
bronze/copper
bronze/copperand andandironiron
ironfragments
fragments
fragments(iron (iron
(ironnails
nails
nailsininin
particular),
particular),
particular),
glass,
glass,
glass,
ornamental
ornamental
ornamental beads,
beads,
beads,
plaster
plaster
plaster fragment,
fragment,
fragment,
shells,
shells,
shells,
etc.etc.(Table
etc. (Table
(Table 1).1).1).
IfIfthese
Ifthese
thesefinds
finds
findsareareare
extremely
extremely
extremely
important
important
important for
forforthe
thethe
reconstruction
reconstruction
reconstruction ofofof
thethethedaily
daily
dailylife
life
life
activities
activities
activities
and
andand
craft
craft
craft
production/trade
production/trade
production/trade atatBanbhore,
atBanbhore,
Banbhore, they
they
they
conditioned
conditioned
conditioned much
much
muchthethethe
daily
daily
dailyoperations,
operations,
operations, slowing
slowing
slowing down
down
down
the
the
the
works
works
works
and
andand
requiring
requiring
requiring a avery
avery
very
accurate
accurate
accurate
excavation
excavation
excavation and
and
and
finds
finds
finds
collection.
collection.
collection.

According
According
According totothetothethe
pottery
pottery
pottery assemblages
assemblages
assemblages from
from
from
thethethe
Building
Building
Building
1,1,especially
1,especially
especially Room
Room
Room 1 1and1andandRoom
Room
Room 2,2,these
2,these
theseoccupations
occupations
occupations
occurred
occurred
occurred ininainaquite
aquite
quitelimited
limited
limited timespan.
timespan.
timespan. Ceramic
Ceramic
Ceramic sherds
sherds
sherds
and
and and other
other
othermaterials
materials
materials found
found
found inside
inside
inside thethethe
three
three
three
rooms
rooms
rooms were
werewere Figure 44. Building 1, rooms 1 and 2: the tiles pavement in
the Digital Elevation Model (data acquisition: A. Tilia;
clearly
clearly
clearly ininainasecondary
asecondary
secondary context,
context,
context, highly
highly
highly mixed
mixed
mixed butbut but
also
also
also elaboration: S. Mantellini).
almost
almost
almost identical
identical
identical regardless
regardless
regardless thethethe
stratigraphic
stratigraphic
stratigraphic units
units
units (and
(and
(and
depth)
depth)
depth)ofofofprovenance.provenance.
provenance. Artefacts,
Artefacts,
Artefacts,especially
especially
especiallyivory ivory
ivory
offcuts,
offcuts,
offcuts, andandandsoil
soilsoil
used
used
usedtotocreate
tocreate
create newnewnewoccupation
occupation
occupation levels
levels
levels
were
werewere taken
taken
takenjustjust
just
outside
outside
outside thethethe
Building
Building
Building 1,1,with
1,with
with
fillings
fillings
fillings thatthat
that
occurred
occurred
occurred almost
almost
almost parallel
parallel
parallel ininthe
inthe the
three
three
three
rooms.
rooms.
rooms. It ItisItisalso
isalso
also
possible
possible
possible that
thatthat
thethethe
upper
upper
upper layers
layers
layers ofofofstones
stones
stones shaping
shaping
shaping thethe
the Figure 45. The
tiles pavements
perimeters
perimeters
perimeters wallwall
wall
ofofthe
ofthethe
Building
Building
Building 1,1,were
1,were
were
partpart
part
ofofthis
ofthisthis
later
later
later in rooms 1 and
rebuilding
rebuilding
rebuilding (see(see
(see
thethethewall
wall
wallSU SU SU117117 117
ininFigure
inFigure
Figure 26).
26).26).TheTheThe 2 (drone
pottery
pottery
pottery indicates
indicates
indicates thethethe
same
same
same chronology
chronology
chronology (12th
(12th
(12th century)
century)
century) acquisition: A.
also
alsoalso forforfor
thethethe
layers
layers
layersopened
opened
opened ininthe
inthe the
2019
2019
2019season
season
season until
until
untilthethe
the Tilia).
discovery
discovery
discovery ofoftheofthethe
tiles
tiles
tiles
pavements
pavements
pavements ininRoom
inRoom
Room 1 1and1and
andRoomRoom
Room
2152.152They
.15They
. They certainly
certainly
certainly belong
belong
belong totoatoaphase
aphase
phaseofofoccupation
ofoccupation
occupation thatthat
that
was
was was completely
completely
completely different
different
different from
from
from those
those
those opened
opened
opened above
above
above
them.
them.
them. TheTheThe twotwotwo tiles
tiles
tiles
pavements
pavements
pavements share
share
share many
many
many similar
similar
similar
features
features
features each
each
each other
other
other . Firstly,
. Firstly,
16 16 16
. Firstly,
tiles
tiles
tiles
fabric
fabric
fabricisischaracterized
ischaracterized
characterized15.15.However, 15.
However,
However,it is
it is
worth
it is
worth
worth
noting
noting
noting
that
that
the
that
the
ceramic
the
ceramic
ceramic
wares
wares
wares
from
from
from
thethelower
thelower
lower
levels
levels
levels
bybyby the thethe
same
same
same porous
porous
porous ceramic
ceramic
ceramic body
bodybodyfull
full
full
ofofvoids,
ofvoids,
voids, which
which
whichof oftheoftheRoom
the
Room
Room
2 is2 is
less
2 is
less
in
less
in
quantity,
in
quantity,
quantity,
as as
well
as
well
well
as as
theas
the
assemblages
the
assemblages
assemblagesless
lessmixed,
lessmixed,
mixed,
than
than
than
make
makemake them
them
them very
very
veryfragile
fragile
fragileandandand
easy
easy
easy
totobroken.
tobroken.
broken. TheTheThereason
reason
reason those
thosethose
from
from
from
thethe
upper
the
upper
upper
ones.
ones.
ones.
16.16.
It16.
should
It should
It should
bebe noted
be
noted
noted
that
that
both
that
both
both
sidewalks
sidewalks
sidewalks
continue
continue
continue
in in
thein
the
part
the
part
of
part
of
theof
the
room
the
room
room
notnotnot
why
why why only
only
only
fewfew few
tiles
tiles
tiles
were
were
werefound
found
foundintact
intact
intact
cancancan
bebeseen
beseenseen
inintheinthethe yetyetexcavated.
yet
excavated.
excavated.
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 86

division
division
division ofofofthethethe
BuildingBuilding
Building 1occurred
occurred
1 1occurred onlyonly
only ininin alater
a alater situation
latersituation
situation inRoom
ininRoom Room 1 1was 1was
was complicated
complicated
complicated inproximity
proximity
ininproximity ofthe
ofofthe the
period,
period,
period, perhaps
perhaps
perhaps inconnection
connection
ininconnection with
withwiththethethe several
several
several earthenNE
earthen
earthen NE NE
corner,corner,
corner, where where
where the the the removal
removal
removal offillings
fillings
ofoffillings opened
opened
opened asmall
a asmall small
floors
floors
floors attested
attested
attested inineachineacheach room. room.
room. However,
However,
However, thethethe differentroom
different
different roomroom (Room
(Room
(Room A),A),A), whichwhich
which has has
has been been
been interpreted
interpreted
interpreted ininin
shape
shape
shape and and
and size size
size ofofthe ofthe the
tiles tiles
tiles employed
employed
employed (rectangular
(rectangular
(rectangular connection
inininconnection
connection with with
with thethe the entrance
entrance
entrance ofofofthethethe building
building
building inininitsitsits
RoomRoom
Room 1,squared
squared
1,1,squared inRoom
ininRoom Room 2),2),2),
thethethe
similarsimilar
similar elevation
elevation
elevation ofofofearliestearliest
earliest stage.
stage.
stage. Assuming
Assuming
Assuming thatthat
thatthe
thethe
floor floor
floor SU SU SU
555
555555
= =556=556556
the the
thetilestiles
tiles still still
still inplace
ininplace place(+6.75(+6.75
(+6.75 mmin minRoom
inRoomRoom 1,+6.70
1,1,+6.70 +6.70 mmin minin(+6.70 (+6.70
(+6.70 m)m)m)
ininin Room Room
Room 1was
1 1was was
coevalcoeval
coeval tototothe
thethe L-shaped
L-shaped
L-shaped
RoomRoom
Room 2),2),2),
andandand
thethe the presence
presence
presence ofthe
ofofthe the vertical
vertical
vertical tiles tiles
tiles found found
found structure
inininstructure
structure SUSUSU
541541541 delimiting
delimiting
delimiting the the
thesmall small
small Room Room
Room A,and
A,A,and and
that that
that
RoomRoom
Room 1along
1 1along alongthe the the
wall wall
wall SU SU SU
410, 410,
410, does does
does not
notnot exclude
exclude
exclude ananansomesomesome preserved
preserved
preserved tiles tiles
tiles ofthe
ofofthe the pavement
pavement
pavement inthe
ininthe the
Room Room
Room 111
inner
inner
inner repartition
repartition
repartition ofofthe ofthethe Building
Building
Building 1already
1 1alreadyalready atthat
atatthat that
time. time. bound
time. bound
bound with with
with it,it,it,
it itisitispossible
ispossible
possible that that
that Room Room
Room AAandAand andthis this
this
pavement
pavement
pavement functioned
functioned
functioned together
together
together during
during
during oneoneone
phasephase
phase atleast.
atatleast.least.
It ItisItisalso
isalso
also arguable
arguable
arguable the thethe presence
presence
presence ofofanofanentrance
anentrance
entrance there there
there ininin
The The
The pottery
pottery
pottery from from
from the thethe fillings
fillings
fillings above above
above them them
them gave gave
gave thethethe
early
early consideration
earlyconsideration
consideration ofthe
ofofthe the South-North
South-North
South-North street street
street and
andand
the the
the access
access
access tototo
12th12thcentury
12th centuryasasasterminus
century terminusante
terminus antequem
ante quemofofoftheir
quem their
their
abandonment.
abandonment.
abandonment. Itlooks
It Itlooks looks assomething
something
asassomething heavyheavy
heavy (roof?)
(roof?)
(roof?) hadhadhad
collapsed
collapsed
collapsed from from
from above, above,
above, making
making
making thethethe pavements
pavements
pavements sank. sank.
sank.
However,
However,
However, thethethe
reason reason
reason isisis sososo farfarfar unknown,
unknown,
unknown, also also
also ininin
considerationthat
consideration
consideration thatthatnononodramatic dramaticearthquake
dramatic earthquakeare
earthquake are
are
mentioned
mentioned
mentioned inthe
ininthe the historical
historical
historical sources
sources
sources atthat
atatthat that
time time
time (see (see
(see
Piacentini,
Piacentini,
Piacentini, Historical
Historical
Historical Notes, Notes,
Notes, infra).
infra).
infra). Amore
AAmore more precise
precise
precise
chronological
chronological
chronological attribution
attribution
attribution will will
will beproposed
bebeproposed proposed inthe
ininthe the
futurefuture
future
after
after
afterthethethe excavation
excavation
excavation ofthe
ofofthe the layers
layers
layers underneath
underneath
underneath thethethe floors.
floors.
floors.

The The
The lack lack
lack ofofanyofanyany
tile tile
tile inthe
ininthe the northern
northern
northern part part
part ofboth
both
ofofboth rooms
rooms
rooms
was was
was possibly
possibly
possibly due due
due tothe
totothe the collapse
collapse
collapse ofarchitectural
architectural
ofofarchitectural struc-
struc-
struc- Figure 46. The inner northern wall in Room 1
tures,
tures,
tures, but
butbut itcan
it itcan can
also
alsoalso beattribut-
attribut-
bebeattribut- and Room 2 (photoplan: A. Tilia).
ededed tothe
totothe the
later later
later refurbishments
refurbishments
refurbishments
aimed
aimed
aimed atrestoring
restoring
atatrestoring the
thethe perime-
perime-
perime-
traltral
tralwalls
walls (Figure
walls (Figure
(Figure 46). 46).
46). This This
This isisis
particularlyevident
particularly
particularly evidentinininthe
evident the
the
RoomRoom
Room 2,where
2,2,where where the
thethe
cut cut
cutSUSU SU
550 550
550
was was
was done done
done inintheinthethe preparation
preparation
preparation SU SUSU
545 545
545 ininin
order order
order tototo arrange
arrange
arrange the the
the
rebuilding
rebuilding
rebuilding ofofof thethethe
wall wall
wall SUS SUS
SUS
557,557,
557, 551, 551,
551, and and and
117
117 (see
117 (see
(see Figure
Figure
Figure
26).26).
26).

The The
The abandonment
abandonment
abandonment ofthe
ofofthe the
tiles tiles
tiles
pavements
pavements
pavements marked
marked
marked asignifi-
signifi-
a asignifi-
cantcantshift
cant shiftinininthe
shift thethebuilding
building
building
technique.New
technique.
technique. NewNewoccupationoccupation
occupation
levels
levels
levels were were
were made made
made ofofof earthen
earthen
earthen
floor
floor
floor and, and,
and, due
duedue totototheirtheir
their badbadbad Figure 47. The entrance of Building 3,
condition,
condition,
condition, both both
both tiles tiles
tiles pavements
pavements
pavements Room 1 (foreground) and Building 1, Room 1 (background; from E).
werewere
were covered
covered
covered bybyby athick
a athick thick
andandand
compact
compact
compact layer layer
layer ofgrey
ofofgrey greymud
mudmud
(SU(SU(SU
543 543
543 at+6.66/6.76
+6.66/6.76
atat+6.66/6.76 mmin mininthe the
the Building
Building
Building 3,Room
3,3,Room Room 1exactly
exactly
1 1exactly infront
ininfrontfront ofit.Then,
ofofit. it.Then,
Then, the the
the
RoomRoom
Room 1,1,SU1,SU SU
531
531531 at+6.70
atat+6.70 +6.70
mminminRoom
inRoom
Room 2).This
2).2).ThisThis
waswas was
likely likelyentrance
likely entrance
entrance coeval
coeval
coeval tothe
totothe the
tilestiles
tiles pavement
pavement
pavement havehave
have been been
been infilled,
infilled,
infilled,
apreparation
preparation
a apreparation used used
used tolevel
totolevel level
thethethe irregular
irregular
irregular surface
surface
surface ofoftheofthe
thebut but
but the
thethe threshold
threshold
threshold SU SU SU
459
459459 indicated
indicated
indicated that that
that stillstill
stillininainalater
alater
later
fired
fired
firedtiles tiles
tiles after after
after their their
their damage.
damage.
damage. TheTheThe
mud mud
mud layer layer
layerSU SUSU 531, 531,
531, inininperiod
period
period the the
the access
access
access tothis
totothis this building
building
building was was
was located
located
located there there
there
particular,
particular,
particular, was was
was found found
found overover
over almost
almost
almost the
thethe
area area
area interested(Figure
interested
interested (Figure
(Figure 47). 47).
47).
earlier
earlier
earlier bythe
bybythe the pavement
pavement
pavement SU SUSU
535. 535.
535. SinceSince
Since later later
later fillings
fillings
fillings were were
were
donedone
done bytaking
bybytaking takingsoil soil
soilandandand material
material
material from from
from outside,
outside,
outside, it itisitisargu-
isargu-
argu-The The
The threethree
three mud mud
mud layerslayers
layers SU SU SU522,522,
522, SUSU SU523 523
523 andandand
SU SUSU 525 525
525
ableable
ablethat that
that thethethe
majormajor
major East-West
East-West
East-West streetstreet
street was was
was nolonger
longer
nonolonger used. used.discovered
used. discovered
discovered ininin
thethetheNENE NE corner
corner
corner ofofof
Room Room
Room 1 1are1arearevery very
very
Conversely,
Conversely,
Conversely, thethethe threshold
threshold
threshold SU SU SU459
459459 outside
outside
outside RoomRoomRoom 1 1 1different
different
different from from
from the
thethe collapsed
collapsed
collapsed mud mud
mud bricks
bricks
bricks ofthe
ofofthe the filling
filling
filling SU SUSU
suggests
suggests
suggests that that
that thethethe
minorminor
minor South-North
South-North
South-North street
street
street was was was stillstill512
still 512
512 inthe
ininthe the middle
middle
middle ofthe
ofofthe the
room.room.
room. Together
Together
Together with with
with the the
theother other
other
functioning
functioning
functioning atthat
atatthat that
time. time.
time. fillings
fillings
fillings (stones
(stones
(stones SU SU SU
169169169
and and
and SUSUSU
539, 539,
539, and and
and also also
also sand sand
sand and and
and
gravel
gravel
gravel inSU
ininSU SU540
540540and and
and SUSU SU
544),544),
544),they they
they look look
look arranged
arranged
arranged asasas
IfRoom
IfIfRoom Room 2presented
presented
2 2presented arather
a aratherrather regular
regular
regular stratigraphy,shaping
stratigraphy,
stratigraphy, shaping
shaping aretaining
retaining
a aretaining structure.
structure.
structure. Although
Although
Although the the
thelimit limit
limit ofthe
ofofthe the
Sindh Antiquities Journal 87

entrance
entrance
entrance hashas
has
notnotnot
been
been
been
found
found
found yet,
yet,
yet,
notnot
not
bybychance
bychance
chance a mass
a mass
a massofofofConsulate
Consulate
Consulate ininKarachi,
inKarachi,
Karachi,
Sindh,
Sindh,
Sindh,
Pakistan.
Pakistan.
Pakistan.
different
different
different layers
layers
layershave
havehave
been
been
beenfound
found
foundonly
only
onlyininthis
inthis
this
partpart
part
ofofthe
ofthe
the
room,
room,room, i.e.
i.e.
i.e.
inincorrespondence
incorrespondence
correspondence ofofthe
ofthethe
small
small
smallRoom
Room
Room AAand AandandFelici
Felici
Felici
etetal.
etal.2016
al.2016
2016
possibly
possibly
possiblythe thetheearly
early
earlyentrance.
entrance.
entrance.Moreover,
Moreover,
Moreover,elevation elevation
elevation Felici,
Felici,
Felici,
A.C.,
A.C.,
A.C.,Fusaro,
Fusaro,
Fusaro,
A.,A.,Ibrahim,
A.,Ibrahim,
Ibrahim,
A.,A.,Lashari,
A.,Lashari,
Lashari,
K.,K.,Manassero,
K.,Manassero,
Manassero,
N.,N.,N.,
Piacentini,
Piacentini,
Piacentini, M.,
M.,
M.,Piacentini
Piacentini
PiacentiniFiorani,
Fiorani,
Fiorani, V.,V.,V.,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
A..A..A..
measured
measured
measured atatthe
atthethe
toptoptop
ofofthe
ofthethe
uppermost
uppermost
uppermost ofofthese
ofthese
these
layers
layers
layers(SU(SU(SU
“Archaeological
“Archaeological
“Archaeologicalexcavations excavations
excavationsatatatBanbhore,Banbhore,
Banbhore,Sindh. Sindh.
Sindh.
523,
523, 523, +7.50
+7.50
+7.50m)m)m)isisvery
isvery
very
similar
similar
similar totothe
tothe
the
stone
stone
stoneSU SUSU
459459459
(+7.57
(+7.57
(+7.57Preliminary
Preliminary
Preliminary report
report
report
ofofthe
ofthe
the
Pakistani-
Pakistani-
Pakistani-Italian
Italian
Italian
2014
2014
2014
andand
and
2015
2015
2015
m)m)m) placed
placed
placedhorizontal
horizontal
horizontal ononon thethethe
other
other
other
sideside
side
ofofthe
ofthethe
wall
wall
wall
SU SU SUfield
field
field
seasons”.
seasons”.
seasons”. Parthica
Parthica
Parthica 18:
18:
18:
125-173.
125-173.
125-173.
184
184 184 andand
and hypothesized
hypothesized
hypothesized acting
acting
acting asasas threshold.
threshold.
threshold. Inside
Inside
Inside
Building
Building
Building 1,1,1,
the thetheearthen
earthen
earthen floor
floor
floor connected
connected
connected with
with
withthis
this
thisFelici
Felici
Felici
etetal.
etal.2018
al.2018
2018
operation
operation
operation waswaswaspotentially
potentially
potentially SU SU SU
510510510
(+7.55
(+7.55
(+7.55 m).m).
m).
AAfurther
Afurther
furtherFelici,
Felici,
Felici,
A.C.,
A.C.,
A.C.,Fusaro,
Fusaro,
Fusaro,
A.,A.,Ibrahim,
A.,Ibrahim,
Ibrahim,
A.,A.,Lashari,
A.,Lashari,
Lashari,
K.,K.,Manassero,
K.,Manassero,
Manassero,
confirmation
confirmation
confirmation ofofofthisthis
this
likely
likely
likely entrance
entrance
entrance comes
comes
comes from
from
from the
thetheN.,
N.,N.,Piacentini,
Piacentini,
Piacentini, M.,
M.,
M.,Piacentini
Piacentini
PiacentiniFiorani,
Fiorani,
Fiorani, V.,V.,V.,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
A..A..A..
similar
similar
similar elevations
elevations
elevations ofofthe
ofthethe
stone
stone
stoneSU SU SU
459
459 459
andandand
the
thethe
threshold
threshold
threshold “Banbhore,
“Banbhore,
“Banbhore, a a
Major
a
Major
Major
Trade
Trade
Trade
Centre
Centre
Centre
on on the
on
thethe
Indus’
Indus’
Indus’
Delta:
Delta:
Delta:
Notes
Notes
Notes
SUSU SU 554554554
ofofthe
ofthethe
Room
Room
Room 1,1,Building
1,Building
Building 3 3(+7.63
3(+7.63
(+7.63 m)m)m)
ininfront
infront
front
ofofof on
on onthe
thethe
Pakistani-Italian
Pakistani-Italian
Pakistani-Italian Excavations
Excavations
Excavations andandand
Research”.
Research”.
Research”. In:
In:In:
it17it.17it.17. Höflmayer,
Höflmayer,
Höflmayer, F. F.(Ed.),
F.
(Ed.),Proceedings
(Ed.),Proceedings
Proceedings
of of the
of
thethe
10th
10th
10th
International
International
International
Congress
Congress
Congress
ononon
the
the
the
Archaeology
Archaeology
Archaeologyofofthe
ofthe
the
Ancient
Ancient
Ancient
Near
Near
Near
East
East
East
(25–29
(25–29
(25–29
April
April
April
2016,
2016,
2016,Vienna),
Vienna),
Vienna),Volume
Volume
Volume2.2.2.
Wiesbaden:
Wiesbaden:
Wiesbaden:
The
The
The
sounding
sounding
sounding
between
between
between
Building
Building
Building
1 1(Trench
1(Trench
(Trench
9)9)9)
and
and
andHarrassowitz
Harrassowitz
Harrassowitz
Verlag,
Verlag,
Verlag,
pp.
pp.
pp.
315-328.
315-328.
315-328.
Building
Building
Building 3 3(Trench
3(Trench
(Trench 11)11)11)
gavegave
gave important
important
important results
results
results totobetobebe
compared
compared
compared with
with
with thethethe2015
2015
2015 season.
season.
season. OneOneOne ofofof thethe themost
most
mostManassero,
Manassero,
Manassero,Piacentini
Piacentini
Piacentini Fiorani
Fiorani
Fiorani 2014
2014
2014
interesting
interesting
interesting observation
observation
observation concerns
concerns
concerns thethethe
identification
identification
identification ofofofManassero,
Manassero,
Manassero,N.,N.,N.,
Piacentini
Piacentini
Piacentini Fiorani,
Fiorani,
Fiorani,V.V.“The
V.“The
“The
Site
Site
Site
ofofBanbhore
ofBanbhore
Banbhore
four
four
four
levels
levels
levelsofofthe
ofthethe
South-North
South-North
South-North street,
street,
street,
allallmade
allmade
made ofofaofaveryavery
very(Sindh
(Sindh
(Sindh
– –Pakistan):
–Pakistan):
Pakistan): a aJoint
aJoint
Joint
Pakistani-French-Italian
Pakistani-French-Italian
Pakistani-French-Italian Project.
Project.
Project.
hard
hard
hardandandandcompact
compact
compact beaten
beaten
beaten floor.
floor.
floor.TheTheTheuppermost
uppermost
uppermost street
street
street Current
Current
Current
Research
Research
Research in inArchaeology
in
Archaeology
Archaeology and
andand
History
History
History
(2010-2014)”.
(2010-2014)”.
(2010-2014)”.
level
level
level(SU(SU(SU498)
498)
498)waswaswasdiscovered
discovered
discovered outside
outside
outside thethethe
Room
RoomRoom 1 1of1ofofTheThe
The
Silk
Silk
Silk
Road
Road
Road12: 12: 12:
82-88.
82-88.
82-88.
Building
Building
Building atat+7.70
at+7.70
+7.70 mmand mand andrefers
refers
referstotolatest
tolatest
latest occupation
occupation
occupation ofofof
the
thethe
area
area
area . Two
. Two
18 18 18
. Two other
other
othervery
very
verycompact
compact
compact beaten
beaten
beaten mudmudmud levelslevelsMantellini
levels Mantellini
Mantellini
etetal.
etal.in
al.inpress
inpress
press
Mantellini,
Mantellini,
Mantellini,
S.,S.,S.,
Fusaro,
Fusaro,
Fusaro, A.,A.,A.,
Tilia,
Tilia,
Tilia,
A.,A.,A.,
Zehra,
Zehra,
Zehra,
N.,N.,N.,
Piacentini
Piacentini
Piacentini
ofofofthethethestreet
street
street (SU(SU(SU 453,
453,
453, +7.48,
+7.48,
+7.48, andandandSU SU SU
455455 455+7.40)
+7.40)
+7.40)
Fiorani,
Fiorani,
Fiorani,
V.V.“A
V.“A“A New New NewSeason
Season
Season ofofResearch
ofResearch
Research ininSindh:
inSindh:
Sindh:
thethe
the
were
were
werefound
found
found below
below
below some
some
some accumulation
accumulation
accumulation layers,
layers,
layers, including
including
includingItalian-Pakistani
Italian-Pakistani
Italian-Pakistani 2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 Fieldwork
Fieldwork
Fieldwork atatBanbhore”.
atBanbhore”.
Banbhore”. In:In:In:
the
thethe
stones
stones
stones (SUS
(SUS
(SUS 449,
449,
449,465465465andandand
468)
468)
468)collapsed
collapsed
collapsed fromfromfromthethe
theFiligenzi,
Filigenzi,
Filigenzi,
A.A.A. etetet al.al.al.(Eds.),
(Eds.),
(Eds.),Proceedings
Proceedings
Proceedings ofofof the
the
the
24th
24th
24th
nearby
nearby
nearby walls.
walls.
walls.They
They
Theycovered
covered
covered a avery
avery
very
hard
hard
hard
gravel
gravel
gravel (SU (SU(SU451,
451,
451,Conference
Conference
Conference ofoftheofthe the
European
European
European Associaton
Associaton
Associaton for
for
for
South
South
South
Asian
Asian
Asian
+7.31
+7.31
+7.31 m,m,m,andand and
SU SU SU452,
452,452,
+7.46
+7.46
+7.46 m)m)m)containing
containing
containing many
many
many ivory
ivory
ivoryArchaeology
Archaeology
Archaeology andand andArt,Art,
Art,
held
held
held
ininNaples
inNaples
Naples 2nd-6th
2nd-6th
2nd-6thJulyJuly
July
2018.
2018.
2018.
fragments.
fragments.
fragments. AllAllAllofofofthemthem
them areareare
offcuts
offcuts
offcuts and andandproduction
production
productionRome: Rome:
Rome:
ISMEO,
ISMEO,
ISMEO, pp. pp. pp.
n/a.n/a.
n/a.
wastes
wastes
wastes that
that
that
areareare
comparable
comparable
comparable totothose
tothose
thoseopened
opened
opened inintheinthe the
2015
2015
2015
season
season
season ininthe
inthethe
ivory
ivory
ivoryworkshop
workshop
workshop SU SU SU119119119
(top
(top(top
+7.43/7.57)
+7.43/7.57)
+7.43/7.57)
and
andand
SU SU SU
124 124124
(top
(top
(top
+ +7.43)
+7.43)
7.43) located
located
located ca.ca.ca.
5 5m5mNorthwest,
mNorthwest,
Northwest, ononon
the
thethe
opposite
opposite
opposite side
side
sideofofthe
ofthethe
East-West
East-West
East-West street
street
street (Felici
(Felici
(Felici etetal.
etal.al.
2016:
2016:
2016: 151-155;
151-155;
151-155; Felici
Felici
Felicietetal.
etal.2018:
al.2018:
2018: 319).
319).
319).Since
Since
Sincetheythey
theywere
were
were
atataatahigher
ahigher
higher level
level
levelthan
thanthan
those
those
those from
from
from SU SU SU451,451,
451,thethe the
ivories
ivories
ivories
discovered
discovered
discovered ininin thethe
the 2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 season
season
season appear
appear
appear ininin aaa
secondary
secondary
secondary context.
context.
context. They
They
They were
werewere either
either
either flooded
flooded
flooded here
here
here
already
already
already ininancient
inancient
ancient times
times
times(according
(according
(according totoatoarun-off
arun-off
run-off dynamic
dynamic
dynamic
similar
similar
similar totothe
tothethe
oneoneone
which
which
which opened
opened
opened thethethe
wall
wall
wallofofBuilding
ofBuilding
Building 2)2)2)
or,or,or,
more
more
more likely,
likely,
likely, they
they
they were
werewere used
used
used asasas filling
filling
filling for forfor
thethe
the
preparation
preparation
preparation ofofthe
ofthethe
street
street
street
level
level
level
SU SU SU
455455
455above
above
above it.it.The
it.The
Thelarge
large
large
amount
amount
amount ofofmaterials
ofmaterials
materials coming
coming
coming from
from
fromthethethe
samesame
same area
areaarea
ofoftheofthe
the
abandoned
abandoned
abandoned East-West
East-West
East-West street
street
streetand andandused
used
used tototo
fillfill
fill
upupup thethe
the
Building
Building
Building 1 1seem1seemseem confirming
confirming
confirming thethethelatter
latter
latter hypothesis.
hypothesis.
hypothesis.
Excavation
Excavation
Excavation ininthe
inthethe
South-North
South-North
South-North street
street
street
stopped
stopped
stopped atat+7.15
at+7.15
+7.15mmm
inincorrespondence
incorrespondence
correspondence ofofaofafourth
afourth
fourth street
street
street
level
level
level(SU(SU(SU
477).
477).
477).

Bibliography
Bibliography
Bibliography
AA.
AA.
AA.
VV.
VV.VV.
2014-2015
2014-2015
2014-2015
2014-2015Italian
2014-2015
2014-2015 Italian
ItalianThorough
Thorough
ThoroughReport Report
ReportonononBanbhore
Banbhore
Banbhore
Campaigns,
Campaigns,
Campaigns, lodged
lodged
lodged
with
with
with
the
thethe
Government
Government
Government ofofSindh/Pakistan
ofSindh/Pakistan
Sindh/Pakistan
——copy
—copy
copy
totothe
tothe
the
Italian
Italian
Italian
Embassy
Embassy
Embassy ininIslamabad
inIslamabad
Islamabad
and
andand
totothe
tothe
the
Italian
Italian
Italian

17.17.It
17.Itis Itistherefore
istherefore
therefore
notnoteven
noteven
even
possible
possible
possible
to toexclude
toexclude
exclude
thethepresence
thepresence
presenceof ofinternal
ofinternal
internal
passages
passages
passages –later
–later
–later
infilled-
infilled-
infilled-
between
between
between
thethe
rooms
the
rooms
rooms
of of
the
of
the
Building
the
Building
Building
1 (see
1 (see
1 (see
Figure
Figure
Figure
47).
47).
47).
18.18.
This
18. This
This
level level
level
possibly
possibly
possibly
extended
extended
extended
also
also
also
to to
theto
the
Building
the
Building
Building
1 but
1 but
1 itbut
had
it had
it not
hadnotbeen
not
been
been
identified/reported
identified/reported
identified/reported during
during
during
thethe
2015
the
2015
2015
season.
season.
season.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 88

Technical Reports
Investigating the Core of the Urban Asset of the Site:
Study of the Pottery from the 2017-2018 and 2019
Excavations

Dr. Agnese Fusaro

Archaeologist and Ceramics Specialist,
University of Barcelona

Agnese Fusaro obtained the PhD in Islamic Archaeology in 2014 at the Sapienza
University of Rome – Italy in 2014 with a thesis on the Islamic pottery from Ghazni
(Afghanistan). She is actually member of the ERAAUB team (Equip de Recerca
Arqueològica i Arqueomètrica de la Universitat de Barcelona) of the University of
Barcelona, and the Historical-Archaeological Expedition of the Università Cattolica del
Sacro Cuore at Banbhore – Sindh, Pakistan.
As archaeologist and ceramics specialist, she has participated at several international
projects since 2004: The Islamic Ghazni Project, the Iranian-Italian ADAMJI Project at
Isfahan (Iran), the Shayzar Project (Hama, Syria), the Italian-Pakistani
Historical-Archaeological Mission at Banbhore (Pakistan), the Italian Archaeological
Mission in the Iraqi Kurdistan, the Iranian-Italian Archaeological Mission at Istakhr
(Iran), the Uzbek-Spanish Archaeological Mission at Termez (Uzbekistan). In many of
these missions she is in charge of the study of the pottery. In 2017 she was granted by the
Max van Berchem Foundation for conducting her own project concerning the study of the ceramics from the site of al-Balid (Oman).
She has a good experience in the Museum field (set-up and catalogue of the Islamic ceramics collection at the Museo Internazionale delle
ceramiche in Faenza, Italy, 2014; Exhibition on archaeological materials from Ghazni at the Sapienza University of Rome, Italy 2016), as
well as in academic teaching and training to students (Sapienza University of Rome 2008-2016, Archaeological Mission at Banbhore
2012-2016).
She has several publications in international journals and volumes and she actively participates in many international conferences.

Abstract:
During the 2017-2018 and 2019 campaigns, an astonishing amount of ceramics was
collected in the Trench 9. Focusing on Building 1, the preliminary analysis shows
that the ceramic material is not in its primary depositional context. Indeed, it has
been proved that the three rooms of this Building were filled with the soil taken from
the area outside it. The pottery analysis confirms that these human activities took
place in a short time span during the late 12th-early 13th century CE. This was a
decaying period of the city life, as testified by the finding of numerous vessels bearing
traces of reuse and restoration after their breakage. Moreover, the study of the pottery
corpus of Banbhore also gives interesting information concerning changes in
technology and fashion of the local ceramic manufacture throughout the centuries,
and the intra-regional and international trading networks in which Banbhore was
involved during the Islamic period.

Keywords: Pottery; Islamic period; ancient restoration; local manufacture; trade

1. Building 1 – 2017-2018 Excavation

The excavations inside the Building 1 revealed a sequence of fillings,

above and inside the three rooms (see Mantellini, Excavation, infra);
almost all the fillings are characterized by a huge amount of pottery,
along with other materials, especially offcuts of worked ivory objects
and animal bones.

In order to better understand the chronology, the archaeological

phases and the related human activities connected with these fillings,
Sindh Antiquities Journal 89

it has been decided:

it has been decided: The most Thediagnostic
most diagnostic glazed specimens
glazed specimens found in foundthe in the
pottery assemblages
pottery assemblages also givealso a terminus
give a terminus
post quem postforquem for
1) To study
1) Tothe fillings
study below the
the fillings uppermost
below the uppermostmud floor mud this
floorsequence of activities,
this sequence suggesting
of activities, that theythat
suggesting occurred
they occurred
(SU 403),(SUand 403),justand above justaaboveseconda second
layer oflayer grey of mud grey inmud
the 12thin thecentury or even or
12th century later.
even Indeed, the mostthe
later. Indeed, useful
most useful
bricks (SU
bricks 407) (SU which407)divided
which dividedrooms 1,rooms 2 and1,3.2 and 3. chronological markersmarkers
chronological are thearehatched the hatchedsgraffiato sgraffiato
splashedsplashed
ware and warethe andsgraffiato dotted painted
the sgraffiato ware, ware,
dotted painted
2) To compare
2) To compare the pottery assemblages
the pottery related related
assemblages to the towhich the are the latest
which are the productions circulating
latest productions at Banbhore.
circulating at Banbhore.
fillings fillings
found inside found each insideroom, each partially
room, partially divided divided
by Asby for the
As hatched
for the hatched
sgraffiato splashedsplashed
sgraffiato ware, it ware,seems it seems
mud floors;
mud these floors;fillings exist along
these fillings existwith along fragmentary
with fragmentary that it circulated in the regions
that it circulated along the
in the regions Indian
along theOcean
IndianatOcean at
and incomplete
and incomplete mud floors. mud floors. least from leastthefrom
beginning of the 11th
the beginning century
of the (or even(or
11th century theeven the
end of the end10thof thecentury, according
10th century, to Rougeulle,
according 2005: 2005:
to Rougeulle,
The ceramic
The ceramic materialmaterial from allfrom the all fillings is very is 228),
the fillings very while228),the while the sgraffiato
sgraffiato dotted painted ware, possibly
dotted painted ware, possibly
fragmentary
fragmentary(the sherds are quite
(the sherds are small)
quite and small)it and is it is
characterized
characterizedby a very by abad verystate badofstate preservation,
of preservation,
frequently with earthy
frequently withand earthycalcareous
and calcareousdeposit deposit
coveringcovering
all the all
surfaces; some also
the surfaces; some show alsoburnt
showspots burntclearly
spots clearly
related related
to a contact with fire after the
to a contact with fire after the vesselsvessels had beenhad been
broken. broken.
These evidences
These evidences seem toseem pointtotopoint the factto thethatfact that
the ceramic items are
the ceramic not in
items aretheir
not in primary stratigraphic
their primary stratigraphic
Figure 1. Celadon,
depositional context.context.
depositional At leastAt someleastofsomethe sherds
of the could
sherds could flaring ring base,
have beenhave brought from thefrom
been brought areathe outside
area Building
outside Building1, just 1, just 428 (Building
SU
1, Room 3), inv.no.
North ofNorth
it, corresponding
of it, corresponding to the northern part of Trench
to the northern part of Trench
428.1067.
9 excavated in the 2015
9 excavated in thecampaign.
2015 campaign. This evidence This evidencehas has
been confirmed
been confirmed by the presence
by the presenceof two fragments
of two fragments found found
in SU 506in SU (Room506 1) and one
(Room collected
1) and in SU 513
one collected (Room
in SU 513 (Room
1) respectively,
1) respectively,that match thatwithmatch ceramic vessels vessels
with ceramic found found
outside outside
the building in the northern
the building part of the
in the northern partTrench.
of the Trench.
Two itemsTwo are itemsparticularly
are particularly worth worth mentioning: mentioning:a a
sgraffiato splashedsplashed
sgraffiato small dish small (inv.no. 125.912)125.912)
dish (inv.no. whose whose
pieces come
piecesfrom come SUfrom 506SU inside506Roominside1Room and SU 1 and125SU 125
just below
justthe layertheoflayer
below the ivory
of thewastesivory and wastes offcuts
and in offcuts in
Figure 2. Glazed
front offront the of workshop/Building
the workshop/Building 2; a splashed 2; a splasheditem itemvessels showing
(inv.no. (inv.no.
125.911)125.911) whose fragments
whose fragments come from come SUfrom 125SU 125 piercing holes for
and the layer
and the 513 inside
layer 513Roominside1,Room Building 1. Besides
1, Building the ancient
1. Besides the restoration,
specimens just mentioned,
specimens just mentioned, it seemsit that seems several other other
that several SU 434 (Building 1,
fragments belonging
fragments to the same
belonging to thevesselssame vesselshave been have been Room 2).
found dispersed
found dispersed both inside bothand insideoutside the building.
and outside the building.
Moreover, the pottery
Moreover, from thefrom
the pottery fillings is highlyismixed
the fillings highly mixed
with a huge
withamount
a huge amount of otherof materials, mostly offcuts
other materials, mostly of offcuts of
worked workedivory objects,ivory objects, also collected
also collected outside outsidethe imported
the imported
from thefrom southern Afghan Afghan
the southern and Eastern Iranian Iranian
and Eastern
BuildingBuilding
1, in the1,northern part of the
in the northern partTrench
of the 9Trench during9 during
regions regions
(as Sistan), started circulated
(as Sistan), from thefrom
started circulated secondthe second
the 2015thecampaign.
2015 campaign. Therefore, it seemsit clear
Therefore, seemsthat clearthethathalf
theof half
the 11th
of thecentury and continued
11th century and continuedto be spreadto be spread
earth necessary
earth necessary for creating the fillings
for creating inside Building
the fillings inside Building
during the 12ththe
during century (Felici et(Felici
12th century al. 2018:
et al.321).
2018:A 321).
very A very
1 was intentionally
1 was intentionally taken from takenthe from areatheoutside the
area outside the
few porcelain sherds are
few porcelain sherds alsoareuseful
also forusefulthe for
correct
the correct
building,building,
togethertogether with the withpottery and theandother
the pottery the other
chronological attribution
chronological of the layers,
attribution of the especially
layers, especiallythe the
archaeological materials.
archaeological materials.
so-calledso-called
qingpai qingpai
ware (found ware in SU 424
(found in SUabove424theabovewallthe wall
The preliminary
The preliminary analysisanalysis
of the pottery evidenced
of the pottery how SU
evidenced how
410,SU dated410,from
dated thefrom
end the of the
end10th
of thecentury until theuntil the
10th century
all the assemblages
all the assemblages of the fillings
of the havefillings almost
have the 12th
samethe same
almost century,
12th the lotus-shaped
century, the porcelain
lotus-shaped bowls
porcelain (found
bowlsin (found in
composition, i.e. theyi.e.
composition, comprise
they comprisethe same thewares,
same both SUS
wares, both 404,
SUS 426,
404,415) 426, and415)the white
and the porcelain
white (found
porcelain in
(found in
unglazedunglazed
and glazed; moreover,
and glazed; within the
moreover, withinsametheroom, SUS
same room, 426,SUS 434, 415),
426, 434, dated
415), to the
dated 10th
to th-11th
the 10th century.
th-11th It
century. It
there arethere
sherds are from
sherds upper
fromSUs upper matching
SUs matching with sherds is also is
with sherds worthalso mentioning
worth mentioning the basetheof base a fine of celadon
a fine celadon
from lower
from SUs, lower therefore
SUs, therefore belonging to the to
belonging same bowl,
the same with
bowl, an olive
with an green
olive glaze
green (inv.no.
glaze 428.1067;
(inv.no. 428.1067;
objects. objects.
Both evidencesBoth evidences suggest suggest that thethat human Figure
the human 1;
Figure
the 1;
photographic
the documentation
photographic shown
documentation in the
shown in the
activitiesactivities
associated associatedwith the withfillings found both
the fillings figures
found both has
figuresbeen has made
been by the
made author),
by the whose
author), shape
whose isshape is
above andabove inside
and the insiderooms the occurred
rooms occurred in a very in short comparable
a very short with
comparable a Yue
with aceladon
Yue found
celadon at Sharma
found at Sharma
timespan. This is This
timespan. true for all the
is true for layers
all theabove layersthe abovetilesthe(Yemen) and dated
tiles (Yemen) andbetween the end the
dated between of theend10th century
of the 10th century
floor in floor
both roomsin both1rooms and 2,1even and if 2,iteven
has been
if it hasnoted
beenthatnoted that and the beginning of the 11th century (Zhaofig.
and the beginning of the 11th century (Zhao 2004, 2004, fig.
the pottery
the assemblages
pottery assemblages from thefrom lowest thelayers
lowestinlayersRoomin Room1.4). The 1.4).finding
The findingof a good of a amount
good amount of specimens
of specimens
2, closer2,tocloser
tiles floors
to tilesseemfloors moreseem homogeneous
more homogeneous and lessandbelonging
less belonging to the splashed
to the splashedand theand hatched
the hatched
sgraffiato sgraffiato
mixed mixed
than those than found those above.found above. In any Incase, any the case,splashed wares, the
the splashed wares, dotted ware
the sgraffiato
sgraffiato dotted(Figure 2)
ware (Figure 2)
suggested chronology
suggested is the 12th
chronology century.
is the 12th century. and the and underglaze
the underglaze painted painted
wares, wares,
which which bear bear
Sindh Antiquities Journal 90

piercing holes used for their restoration in ancient times, are fragments of unglazed buff eggshell jugs,
clearly suggests that the occupational period taken into probably coming from Iraqi regions and circulating
consideration is surely later than the first moment of mostly during the very first centuries after the Islamic
spread and circulation of these productions at the site; conquest. There are also local products that are surely
indeed, we are possibly dealing with a period when more ancient than most of the other local wares found in
these items were not imported anymore at the site. For these layers: a few sherds characterized by moulded
this reason, a date to the 12th century (or even later) for relief decoration and dusted mica are usually attributed
the activities related to the fillings of Building 1 seems to the Sasanian or early Islamic period, as also seen in
plausible. other archaeological sites of Sindh, such as Sehwan
Sharif and Tulamba (no later than the 10th century).
A later chronological attribution is also suggested by the
very interesting finding of local specimens, both related Concerning the glazed class, there are more ancient
to the red ware and the grey ware (in SU 415, 426, 447, productions, usually dated to the 9th-10th century, such
506, two sherds in SU 430), which underwent ancient as opaque white glazed specimens from Iraqi regions,
restoration: they bear piercing holes (Figure 3) or show also with inglaze painting and lustre painting, and a very
fractures which had been smoothed later. This evidence few small sherds characterized by opaque turquoise
testifies that in a very late period of the glaze have been also found; some also underwent
lifetime of Banbhore, the people ancient restoration, as they show piercing holes for
needed to restore even local repairing them. There are also several
pottery, probably because the fragments of the so-called Sasani-
local manufacture was not an-Islamic turquoise mono-
active anymore at that time. chrome jars, almost coeval
to the eggshell jugs.
The only pottery assemblages
which do not comprise any Nonetheless, the
restored specimens are those sgraffiato splashed
related to the lowest layers (SU and the hatched
471 and SU 475) excavated sgraffiato splashed
inside Room 2 of Building 1, wares are the most repre-
possibly suggesting an earlier sented glazed productions,
phase. Nonetheless, the the latter is more abundant.
assemblages found have almost Many bowls and large dishes found
the same composition than those in these layers bear an epigraphic or, more
related to the upper layers; therefore, it is often, a pseudo-epigraphic band incised in the slip.
possible to suggest that the floor SU 462 separated at Even if in less quantity, the underglaze painted ware is
least two main different phases (one above with many also well represented, along with sgraffiato dotted

Figure 3. Local red ware, body wall of a pot with red and black painted decoration,
showing a piercing hole for ancient restoration, SU 430 (Building 1, Room 2)

ceramic objects restored, one below without them). painted ware and the splashed ware. The underglaze
Conversely, the floor SU 472 between SU 471 and SU painted ware is almost always characterized by a poly-
475 was not a proper limit distinguishing the two SUs, chrome painted decoration in brown, olive green and
as there are some sherds matching and belonging to the green or red.
same object which are collected in both layers.
Concerning the unglazed local ware, we found both red
As mentioned above, the assemblages found inside ware and grey ware, the latter being less represented. As
Building 1 share many similar features and consist for the unglazed red ware, there are many open forms as
almost of the same wares. well as closed vessels. The carinated lids/bowls with
inner carination are the most abundant, but there are also
Productions belonging to different chronological some conical lids/bowls, sometimes showing ribbed
periods have been found mixed together. Among the surfaces, and those with flaring profile and an upper
most ancient imported items found in these layers, there groove on the rim. Even if in less amount, a few
Sindh Antiquities Journal 91

fragments of basins
fragments of have
basinsbeen
havecollected, the most
been collected, the most
commoncommon
type hastype
conical body and
has conical triangular-section
body and triangular-section
thickened rim projecting
thickened outwards.
rim projecting Open vessels
outwards. are
Open vessels are
always always
plain, with
plain,a very
with few
a veryexceptions bearing bearing
few exceptions an an
incised incised
decoration on the on
decoration rim,theespecially among among
rim, especially the the
basins. basins.

As for the
As closed
for the vessels, the mostthe
closed vessels, widespread form is form is
most widespread
the pot the
withpot
short
withsquare
short neck
squareand rectangular-section
neck and rectangular-section
thickened rim projecting
thickened outwards.
rim projecting There are
outwards. Therealsoare also
abundant pots characterized
abundant by a short
pots characterized by rounded neck, inneck, in
a short rounded
continuity with thewith
continuity shoulder, and those
the shoulder, andwith higher
those withneck
higher neck
and rectangular-section
and rectangular-sectionthickened rim projecting
thickened rim projecting
outwards, with or with
outwards, without an upperangroove.
or without Many pots
upper groove. Many pots
show a red
showand darkand
a red brown/black painted painted
dark brown/black decoration on
decoration on
rim and rim
shoulder (Figure(Figure
and shoulder 4), sometimes
4), sometimes
also associated
also associated
with an with
applied horizontal
an applied ridge orridge
horizontal a ropeorapplied strip. strip.
a rope applied

Pots of small
Pots ofdimensions are alsoare
small dimensions common; while most
also common; while most
of themofarethem
completely wheel-thrown,
are completely there arethere
wheel-thrown, fewerare fewer
hand-made specimens,
hand-made characterized
specimens, by sub-globular
characterized by sub-globular Figure 4. Local red ware, small sub-globular
pots with red and black painted decoration,
profile profile
and simple rim, slightly
and simple everted.everted.
rim, slightly The latterThe latter
SU 415 (Building 1, Room 1)
almost always
almost seem
alwaysplain,
seemwithout any decoration.
plain, without any decoration.

As for the
As local unglazed
for the grey ware,
local unglazed greypots arepots
ware, the most
are the most
commoncommon
forms: they usually
forms: have a short
they usually have well-everted
a short well-everted
neck with
neckthickened rounded,rounded,
with thickened or slightly square, square,
or slightly rim rim
projecting outwards,
projecting which sometimes
outwards, is also incised
which sometimes is also or
incised or
carved; carved;
pots with higher
pots withneck areneck
higher less are
in number but also but also
less in number
well represented. Some vessels
well represented. are carinated.
Some vessels The
are carinated. The
majoritymajority
of the vessels show well-polished
of the vessels surfaces,surfaces,
show well-polished
enrichedenriched
with a wide
with variety
a wide of decoration
variety (Figure(Figure
of decoration 5): 5):
there are incised,
there comb impressed
are incised, and comb
comb impressed andincised
comb incised
decorations, stampedstamped
decorations, and rouletted motifs, motifs,
and rouletted also also
combined togethertogether
combined for producing more complex
for producing more complex
patterns.patterns.
As the As red the
wareredpots,
warealso
pots,thealso
greythepots
grey pots Figure 5. Local grey ware, body walls of pots
with incised, comb incised, rouletted and stamped
frequently show a peculiar
frequently surface surface
show a peculiar treatment, consisting
treatment, consisting decoration on polished surfaces, SU 434
in a clayey coating,coating,
in a clayey rougherrougher
and coarser than thethan the
and coarser (Building 1, Room 2)
ceramicceramic
body, added
body,toadded
the lower
to thehalf of the
lower halfbody.
of the body.

Compared to the toceramic

Compared materialmaterial
the ceramic analyzedanalyzed
from from
previousprevious
excavations, inside Building
excavations, 1 a larger
inside Building 1 aamount
larger amount
of unglazed lamps made
of unglazed lamps ofmade red offabrics have been
red fabrics have been
collected. In almost
collected. Inall the excavated
almost layers, atlayers,
all the excavated least two
at least two
specimens of lampsofhave
specimens lamps been
havefound;
been the largest
found; the group
largest group
has beenhas
brought to light in
been brought to Room
light in3,Room
SU 426 (Figure
3, SU 6).
426 (Figure 6).
All lamps
Allare withare
lamps an with
openan reservoir and can and
open reservoir be divided
can be divided
in two main
in twotypes:
mainthe mostthe
types: common is wheel-thrown,
most common is wheel-thrown,
with flat
withbaseflatandbasepinched spout, there
and pinched spout, isthere
also isa also a
hand-made type with
hand-made convex
type base andbase
with convex pinched mouth; mouth;
and pinched
in SU 434 and434
in SU SU and
447 SU
a variation of the latter
447 a variation of thehas beenhas been
latter
found, itfound,
is characterized by a decoration
it is characterized made with
by a decoration made with
finger impressions on the rim
finger impressions on for
the making it wavy.it wavy.
rim for making
Figure 6. Local red ware, wheel-thrown
2. Building
2. Building
1 – 2019
1 –Excavation
2019 Excavation lamps with open reservoir, SU
426 (Building 1, Room 3).

During the
During
campaign
the campaign
2019 the2019
pottery
the from
pottery
both
from
Rooms
both Rooms
Sindh Antiquities Journal 92

1 and 2 that was classified and examined totals to 14222 of different wares, i.e. opaque white glazed wares,
sherds and more complete objects. Due to the splashed ware, underglaze painted and slip-painted
impressive amount of ceramic material recovered wares, show piercing holes for ancient restoration, they
during this field-season, it was decided to study only the were collected in all the layers, except for SUs 538, 547,
ceramics coming from the most interesting and and the small layers close to the door SUs 522-525, but
important stratigraphic units. In the case of Room 1, the SU 547 and the latter have too scarce amount of glazed
selection comprises pottery from SUs 506, 513, 526, pottery to give definitive conclusions. Among the glazed
538, 539, 540, 544, 547, 549, 559, 561. wares, the hatched sgraffiato splashed and sgraffiato
splashed wares are the most abundant and the best
2.1 Room 1 represented in all the layers.
Despite the deepening of the excavation in both rooms,
the preliminary analysis of the ceramic assemblages A later chronological attribution is also confirmed by the
from Building 1 has confirmed an archaeological finding of two local unglazed grey specimens in SU 506,
situation almost identical to that already recognized showing piercing holes for ancient restoration, and
during the 2017-2018 campaign. Especially in Room 1,
all the fillings above the tiles floor SU 556 have
identical or very similar ceramic assemblages, with
recurrent unglazed and glazed wares, with
many vessels restored in ancient times,
with fragments belonging to a unique
object but scattered in different layers. The
stratigraphic analysis shows that sherds
collected in SUs 506 and 513 match, the
same is also evident for sherds coming from
SUs 506 and 515, sherds coming from SUs
516 and 518 and 521, sherds coming from SUs
526 and 538, sherds collected in SUs 526 and 547
and 549; the most surprising case is the matching of
sherds coming from SU 506, a quite upper layer, and
one of the lowest layers excavated that is SU 559, just several fragments of the local unglazed red ware whose
above the tiles floor. In some cases, sherds possibly fractures had been well smoothed
belonging to the same object have been recovered in and rounded after the breakage of
layers of different rooms. The clearest case is one
fragment of a sgraffiato and dotted painted dish from
SU 506 that surely belong to the same vessel found in
layer SU 422 in Room 2 (inv.no. 422.1062), but there
are also four ceramic items from SU 506 showing strong
similarities with sherds from SUs 422 and 447 in Room
2, SU 426/427 in Room 3, and even SU 424 above the
walls of the rooms. Therefore, it is possible to suggest
that these fillings are related to a series of human
activities occurred in a quite short timespan. The
preliminary pottery study leads to propose a
chronological attribution for these fillings to the late
12th century, especially on the basis of the finding of
important chronological markers, such as hatched Figure 7. Unglazed sherds, showing piercing holes for
ancient restoration or well-smoothed fractures for the reuse of
sgraffiato splashed vessels and sgraffiato and dotted the broken pieces (Room 1, Building 1, SU 506)
painted items showing several piercing holes for
restoration. These wares started circulated especially the vessels, for being reused for purposes other than
from the late 10th-beginning of the 11th century and the the original function of the vessel (Figure 7). These
second half of the 11th century, respectively (for the fragments have been found in layers 506, 526 lower,
related chronology, see Rougeulle 2015: 241, and 547, and 559; it is also worth mentioning the finding of
Fusaro 2014); the findings of these items that were a splashed sgraffiato sherd in SU 544 showing a
already restored in ancient times suggests that the piercing hole for restoration and with a well smoothed
occupational period taken into consideration is surely fracture and a hatched sgraffiato splashed fragment
later than the first moment of spread and circulation of from SU 526 upper with two well-smoothed and
these productions at the site. Many other glazed vessels rounded fractures, giving the fragment a triangular
Sindh Antiquities Journal 93

shape. This
shape. evidence testifiestestifies
This evidence that in athat veryinlate period
a very lateofperiodwhose
of ceramic assemblage
whose ceramic is the most
assemblage is theabundant among among
most abundant
the lifetime of Banbhore,
the lifetime the people
of Banbhore, the needed
people needed to restore those from
to restore thoseRoomfrom1Room and of1the andwhole
of theexcavation,
whole excavation, the red the red
and reuseand thereuse
localthe pottery
local when
pottery it when
was broken, probablyprobably
it was broken, ware represents
ware represents about the about70%theof 70% the local
of theunglazed
local unglazed
becausebecause
the localthe manufacture
local manufacture was notwas active notanymore
active anymore ceramicceramic
production, being the
production, greythe
being ware grey about
warethe 30%.the 30%.
about
at that time.
at that time. In SU 559,
In SUone559,of the onedeepest layers oflayers
of the deepest Roomof1,Room the red 1, the red
Moreover, the preliminary
Moreover, the preliminary pottery pottery
analysisanalysis confirmsconfirms ware is about
ware isthe 76%the
about and76%the grey
and the ware greyis the
ware 24%.is theThe 24%. The
that the that
soil theusedsoil forused making these fillings
for making was mostly
these fillings same situation
was mostly has beenhas
same situation noticed in the assemblages
been noticed in the assemblages of of
taken from
taken thefromnorthern area of the
the northern areapalace,
of the as suggested
palace, Room 2Room
as suggested (see Fusaro, § 2.2). § 2.2).
2 (see Fusaro,
by threeby objects
three objects(a splashed (a splashed
sgraffiato small dish,
sgraffiato small Moreover, the majority
dish, Moreover, of the local
the majority of theunglazed
local unglazedvessels, vessels,
inv.no. inv.no.
125.912;125.912; a yellowa yellow monochrome monochrome bowl, inv.no. have forms
bowl, inv.no. have typical
forms typicalof the latest
of theoccupation
latest occupationperiod of period of
115.901;115.901;
a splashed small jar,
a splashed smallinv.no.
jar, 125.911)
inv.no. 125.911) whose whose Banbhore. As for the
Banbhore. Asred for ware,
the redthe mostthe
ware, common
most commonclosed closed
fragments were found
fragments wereinfound SU 506 inside
in SU 506Roominside1Room and SUs 1 andforms
SUs are formsglobular pots with
are globular potsshortwithsquared neck and
short squared neck and
115 and115 125and outside BuildingBuilding
125 outside 1, the first 1, theis afirst a verythickened
veryishigh square-section
high thickened rim projecting
square-section rim projectingoutwards, also
outwards, also
surface layer,
surfacethe second
layer, the one
secondis justonebelow
is justthe layerthe
below layerof
with smaller
with size, or size,
of smaller the variant with thickened
or the variant roundedrounded
with thickened
ivory wastes
ivory and wastesoff-cuts related to
and off-cuts the ivory
related to theworkshop
ivory workshop rim, smaller
rim, smallerpots with pots shortwith roundedshort rounded neck and neck and
(Building 2) (Felici
(Building 2) et al. 2016).
(Felici et al. Several other ceramic
2016). Several other ceramictriangular-section
triangular-section rim projecting outwards,
rim projecting sometimes
outwards, sometimes
sherds found
sherdsinfound SU 506 in SUshow 506very show close
veryresemblances
close resemblances showingshowing
an innerangroove inner for
groove the lid,
for the potslid,withpotsshortwithorshort or
with sherds
withfrom sherds thefromuppermost
the uppermostlayers in the northern
layers in the northernmediummedium
roundedrounded neck andneck thickened square-section
and thickened rim
square-section rim
area ofarea Trenchof Trench9 outside BuildingBuilding
9 outside 1 (SUs 114, 1 (SUs 115, 114,projecting outwards;
115, projecting there arethere
outwards; alsoare potsalsoof medium
pots of mediumsize size
119), and119),they andmore they probably
more probably belong belong to the to same the without neck andneck
same without welland everted oblique oblique
well everted rim. rim.
objects. objects.
This seems Thistoseems pointto that the that
point people the refurbished
people refurbished As for the
Asunglazed
for the unglazed grey ware, greythe mostthe
ware, common
most commonforms forms
BuildingBuilding
1 with earth 1 with excavated
earth excavatedin an extensive
in an extensive are medium-large
surface surface are medium-large globularglobular
post with post short
withcylindrical
short cylindrical
area justareanorthjustthe northbuilding , without, without
the building any deepanyneck
digging digging deep andneckwell andeverted thickened
well everted roundedrounded
thickened rim andrim and
holes inholes
the ground.
in the ground. tapered tapered
lip projecting downwards,
lip projecting and large
downwards, andglobular
large globular
The sherds
The sherdsunearthed during during
unearthed the 2019 the excavations
2019 excavations pots withpotsverywithshort verycylindrical
short cylindrical neck and neckthickened
and thickened
underwent numerous
underwent human activities
numerous human activitiesafter theafter vessels roundedrounded
the vessels rim projecting outwards.
rim projecting outwards.
were broken,
were broken, some interventions
some interventions were intentional
were intentionalas Among the hatched
as Among the hatched
sgraffiato and sgraffiato
sgraffiato splashedsplashed
and sgraffiato
those described
those described above (smoothed
above (smoothed surfaces,surfaces,piercingpiercingwares, that
wares,are that
the are mosttherepresented
most represented glazed wares,glazed the wares, the
holes forholesrestoration),
for restoration), other were other were probablyprobably most common
most common forms are formstheareconical the conicalbowls with bowls with
unintentional or can or
unintentional be canconsidered
be considered post-depositional
post-depositional triangular-section rim projecting
triangular-section outwards
rim projecting and the small
outwards and the small
events. For
events.example, a good quantity
For example, of itemsoffrom
a good quantity itemsSUs fromhemispherical
SUs hemispherical bowls with bowls simple
with rim.simple rim.
506, 540,506,544, 540,559544,
show 559soot
show markssootormarks
fire traces
or firealso on also
traces There
on isThere
only isoneonly exception, that is the
one exception, thatassemblage
is the assemblage of of
the fractures, thus confirming
the fractures, thus confirminga contact with firewith
a contact afterfire SU 540,SU
after comprising
540, comprising also a good alsoamount
a good amountof unglazed red
of unglazed red
the breakage
the breakageof the vessels. Other sherds
of the vessels. Other show sherdsmetal closed vessels
show metal whose forms
closed vessels whosecan formsbe dated
can betodated an earlier
to an earlier
spots onspots
theiron surfaces such as such
their surfaces thoseasfound thoseinfound SUs 506in SUsperiod, mixed mixed
506 period, with the withlater the potslaterjust potsdescribed.
just described.
and 526and lower.526 lower. Something similar similar
Something has been has detected
been detected also inalso the in the
assemblages from SUs
assemblages 547SUs
from and547 549,andand 549, fromandone from of one of
According to the preliminary
According to the preliminaryexamination of the pottery,
examination the lowest
of the pottery, the layers
lowestSU 559.SU 559.
layers
it has been
it hasnotedbeenthat notedthe that
ceramic assemblages
the ceramic are moreare As
assemblages morementioned above, SU
As mentioned 506 SU
above, is the506 layer
is thewhere
layerthewheremostthe most
homogeneous
homogeneous internally and more
internally and more delimited abundant
delimited ceramicceramic
abundant materialmaterial
was found. was found.Due to Due the to the
chronologically,
chronologically,including mainly mainly
including wares dated warestodated the toimpressive amount amount
the impressive of pottery, this huge
of pottery, assemblage
this huge assemblage has has
11th-12th century,century,
11th-12th from the fromlayer the538layer downwards
538 downwards in the in widest
thevariety
widest of unglazed
variety and glazed
of unglazed andwaresglazeddatedwares todated to
Room 1Room and from 1 and thefromlayerthe 521 downwards
layer 521 downwards in Roomin2.Room the 2. Islamic
the Islamic period period ever found ever found during during the the
Nonetheless, this is just
Nonetheless, thisa isminimum
just a minimumdifference difference Italian-Pakistani
detected,detected, field work
Italian-Pakistani fieldat work
the citadel, thus giving
at the citadel, thusagiving a
with a withscarcea relevancy,
scarce relevancy, that does thatnot does change the comprehensive
not change the comprehensive overview of the products
overview of the productscirculating at
circulating at
chronological
chronological attribution proposed
attribution for these
proposed for layers. Banbhore
these layers. especially
Banbhore in thein timespan
especially the timespan of theof the
Moreover, it is worth
Moreover, it isconsidering
worth considering that the that lowest the layers 10th-12th/early
lowest layers 13th century.
10th-12th/early 13th century.
are the arelessthe excavated
less excavated and from andwherefrom awhere too small As far as
a too small Asthefar glazed
as the class glazedand the and
class imported items are
the imported items are
number number
of fragments of fragments was recoveredwas recovered to maketo any makeconcerned, there is there
any concerned, a mixture of waresofbelonging
is a mixture wares belonging to a to a
stratigraphic comparison
stratigraphic reliable.reliable.
comparison very early
veryIslamic period (8th-10th)
early Islamic period (8th-10th)found together with with
found together
In almostIn all the assemblages
almost all the assemblages just mentioned
just mentionedfrom both fromwares
both circulating
wares circulating in later in periods (11th-13th
later periods century).century).
(11th-13th
rooms ofrooms
Building 1, the unglazed
of Building local ceramics
1, the unglazed can be can
local ceramics Thebeearliest imports imports
The earliest are the are followings:
the followings: the so-calledthe so-called
divided divided
in red and in red grey and wares.
grey Their
wares.presence
Their presencewithin withintorpedo torpedo
jars withjars blackwithsubstance
black substanceinside, egg-shell jugs. jugs.
inside, egg-shell
each assemblage
each assemblage recovered during this
recovered during campaign
this campaignis, Sasanian-Islamic
is, Sasanian-Islamic turquoise jars, opaque
turquoise white glazed
jars, opaque white glazed
approximately,
approximately,that the that red ware
the red is ware
always is much
alwaysbetter vessels, vessels,
much better also with also turquoise
with turquoise splashes,splashes, earthenware earthenware
represented, being the
represented, double
being the or moreorfrequently
double more frequentlythree monochrome
three monochrome lusterware fragments
lusterware are all are
fragments imported
all imported
times than
timesthethan greytheware. grey For ware. example,
For example, in SU 506, in SU items506, from
items Iranian
from Iranian and Iraqi andregions
Iraqi regionsdated todated the to the
Sindh Antiquities Journal 94

8th-10th century; a few fragments with monochrome previous

yellow or green glaze and cut/engraved decoration, field-seasons, in
possibly attributed to the Umayyad period. There is also Trenches 8 and 9.
a few slip-painted vessels with red slip and white and These specimens
brown bichrome painting from Central Asia, especially have been
characterized by a dotted decoration, circulating from recognised as region-
the 10th-11th century (Figure 8) (Wilkinson 1973: al products (see
158-159, 165-166, 9th-11th century, inv.nos 24, 26 and Fusaro, § 6.3). The
especially 29, because one sherd from Banbhore is regional provenance of
almost identical to the latter; Shishkina, Pavchinskaja these products or a
1992: 101-102, end of the 10th-beginning of the 11th provenance from a site
century; similar vessels have been also found at Sharma, close to Banbhore is also
Rougeulle 2015: 240, fig.190/23, 11th-12th century). suggested by the features of
There have been found sgraffiato and dotted painted their fabrics, which are very
vessels, circulating from the late 11th-early 12th century similar to those of
and possibly coming from Afghanistan, polychrome the local ceramics
underglaze painted vessels. Hatched sgraffiato items are produced at
the most abundant findings and there Banbhore, testifying
Figure 9. Fragment of Dusun
are far lesser fragments that raw materials jar (inv.no. 506.1102) (Room
belonging to the come from a same 1, Building 1, SU 506)
splashed and splashed area/region, more
sgraffiato wares. There probably related to the geological environment charac-
are also items from Far East Asia: teristic of the Indus river.
a few fragments of Dusun jar, with a more
complete small jar (inv.no. 506.1102), These items are not common at all among the unglazed
possibly dated to the 8th-9th century wares locally produced at Banbhore. They are fine
Figure 9) (see comparisons with vessels, most of them are pots or jars of small and
Sohar, Rougeulle 1991: fig. 5-4, and medium sizes, sometimes with a globular body or with a
Siraf, high omphalos base. Some are characterized by black
and red painted decoration, enriched with horizontal
rows of large white dots painted with a thick slip. The
white dotted pattern is sometimes used also in
combination with moulded relief decoration or applied
strips (Figure 10): this complex decoration is the most
widespread among the regional products. Some items
have moulded relief decoration associated with black
and red painting, sometimes enriched with dusted mica
Figure 8. Specimens of bowls belonging
to the slip-painted ware with underglaze brown and
white painting over red slip (Room 1, Building
1, SU 506)

Tampoe 1989: 300-301; see also Guy 2011: fig. 13,

dated to the 8th-early 9th century), and of white
proto-porcelain (‘grès porcelaineux’, Zhao 2015:
293-294), especially those bowls with the characteristic
thickened well-rounded rim projecting outwards,
attributed to second half of the 10th century (Zhao 2015:
294, fig.203/1; Priestman 2005: 288, WWS.2-3, dated to
the 10th-11th century), also included a sherd of the
lotus-shaped bowl, whose dating is the end of the
10th-first half of the 11th century (Zhao 2015: 293, fig.
202/4-5,7-8).
A small but very characteristic group of sherds has been Figure 10. Unglazed fragments of
regional imports with moulded relief decoration
isolated within the unglazed pottery of SU 506; a few and painting (Room 1, Building 1, SU 506)
items of the same type have been also found in SU 547
and in Room 2. A few items were also found in
Sindh Antiquities Journal 95

on the onsurface (Figure(Figure

the surface 11). A 11). few Aitems few show items show
exclusively
exclusively
a combinationa combination of blackof and black red and
painting
red painting
with dusted
withmicadusted overmica it. over it.
AnotherAnother
interesting interesting
group of group unglazed
of unglazedproductsproducts has has
been identified,
been identified, mainly mainly for their for peculiar
their peculiar ceramicceramic
bodies, bodies,
but alsobut for also
theirfor forms,
theirthat forms,are that
unusualare unusual
among among
the typical
the typical
closed closed forms of forms the oflocal the vessels
local vesselsof of
Banbhore.Banbhore.
This group This comprises
group comprises sherds coming sherds coming from from
SUs 506, SUs525,506,526525,lower,526538, lower, 549, 538,
540. 549,The540. vessels
The arevessels are
mainly mainly
pots, sometimes
pots, sometimes with carinatedwith carinatedbody, and body, withand with
complexcomplex
shaped rims; shaped mostrims; of most
them of showthem sootshow markssooton marks onFigure 11. Unglazed fragments of regional
the exterior,
the exterior,
thus indicating
thus indicatingthat at least that at someleastofsome themof themimported pots with painted decoration and
dusted mica (Building 1, Room 1, SU 506)
were usedwereas usedcookingas cooking
vessels. vessels.
The ceramic The ceramicbodies of bodies of
these vessels
these vessels
frequently frequently
have a have double a double
colour colour(red (red
surfaces,surfaces,
black core), black resulting
core), resultingfrom a from peculiar a peculiar
firing firing
process;process;
their surfaces
their surfaces
are often areburnished
often burnished or polished or polished
(Figure(Figure
12). These 12). vessels
These vessels have been haverecognized
been recognized as as
vessels vessels
possiblypossiblycoming coming from Indian from Indianregions.regions. This This
hypothesis
hypothesis
seems toseems be confirmed
to be confirmed by the likenessby the likeness
betweenbetween
the ceramic the ceramic
body ofbody theseofvesselsthese vessels
with with
the fabric
theoffabric
a group of aofgroup
vessels of belonging
vessels belonging to to
the so-called
the so-called
red-temper red-temper
ware, found ware, atfound at
the Islamic
the Islamic
archaeologicalarchaeological
site al-Balid site al-Balid
in Omaninand Oman clearly
and identified
clearly identified as Indian as Indian
imports imports
(Fusaro (Fusaro
2019). 2019). Due toDue theirtolow their low
quality and
quality
the and
fact the
thatfactmost thatof most
them of arethemmerely are merely
functional
functional
vessels, vessels,
used forused cooking,for cooking,
it seemsitthat seems theythat they
were notwereimported
not imported
for theirfor intrinsic
their intrinsic
or aesthetic or aesthetic
value, value,
instead instead
it is possible
it is possible
that these thatvessels
these vessels
were brought were brought
as Figure as 12. Shoulder of
personalpersonal
items by itemsIndian by human
Indian human groups groups or an
settling settling unglazed coarse pot made
of aorfabric full of vegetal temper,
frequenting
frequenting
this sitethisduring site duringthe the the outer surface is burnished (Building 1, Room 1, SU 506).
Islamic Islamic
period. period.The hypothesisThe hypothesis
needs toneeds
be further
to be confirmed
further confirmed by the by the
future results
futureof results
this ongoing
of this ongoingstudy. study.
Three other
Three items
otherhave items beenhave selected
been selected
within the within
potterythe pottery
been studied.
been studied.
In the case
In theof case
Room of 2,Roomthe selection
2, the selection
corpus corpus
collectedcollectedin Building in Building 1 during 1 during
this 2019 this comprises
2019 comprises pottery pottery
from SUs from516,
SUs 521,
516,527,521,528,527,
530, 528, 530,
campaign.campaign.
They have They beenhave found
beeninfound SU 506, in SU Room506, 1Room 534,1546. 534, 546.
(inv.no. (inv.no.
1109), and 1109),
SU and 546,SU Room 546,2Room (inv.nos 2 (inv.nos
546.1110, 546.1110,
The preliminary
The preliminary
analysisanalysis
of the assemblages
of the assemblages
from Room from Room
546.1111),
546.1111),
respectively respectively
(see Fusaro, (see Fusaro,
§ 2.2). They § 2.2).shareThey share
2 widely2 confirms
widely confirms
the hypotheses
the hypotheses
already already
proposed proposed
on on
commoncommonfeatures:features:
buff body bufforbody cream or white
creamsurfaces
white surfacesthe basisthe of basis
the ceramic
of the ceramic
assemblages
assemblages
from Room from1.Room
It is 1. It is
and pinkish
and pinkish body; body; they are theywheel-thrown
are wheel-thrown and worth and noting
worth the noting
highthelevelhighoflevel
fragmentation
of fragmentation
of the of the
mould-made;
mould-made;they show theya show moulded a moulded
relief decoration
relief decorationvessels, vessels,
whose sherdswhose are sherdsscattered
are scattered
in the following
in the following
with geometric
with geometric
patternspatternson the globular/spherical
on the globular/spherical body. body.layers: 516,
layers:518,516,521,
518,
527,521,
528.527,
This
528.evidence
This evidence
confirmsconfirms
They belong
Theyto belong
jugs of tomedium
jugs of medium size andsize quite andthin
quite
walls.thin walls.
a same ahuman same human activity activity
producing producing
these fillings
these fillings
and, and,
Very similar
Very items
similarwere items collected
were collectedat the site at the
of Estakhr,
site of Estakhr,
therefore, therefore,
a same achronological
same chronologicalperiod, period,
that is thethatlate
is the late
located located
in the southern
in the southern
Iranian regionIranianof region
Fars, of and Fars,
dated and dated
12th century
12th century
and possibly
and possibly
later. later.
to the 9th-12th
to the 9th-12th
century century
(Fontana(Fontana et al. 2016: et al.76-80).
2016: 76-80).
If TheIf tiles Thefloor tiles discovered
floor discoveredin bothin rooms,both rooms,
which which
the future
the archaeometric
future archaeometric analysisanalysis on theseonitems thesewill itemsdefinitely
will definitely
marks an marks important
an important
occupation occupation
phase of phase of
confirmconfirm
this hypothesis,
this hypothesis, besides besides testifying testifying
trading trading
BuildingBuilding
1, can 1, be candatedbe according
dated according
to the to pottery
the pottery
relationships
relationships
of Banbhore of Banbhore with thewith Southern
the SouthernIranian Iranian
assemblagesassemblages
laying overlayingit,overevenit,if even
a moreif areliable
more reliable
regions regions
during the during early theIslamic
early Islamicperiod, period,this finding this finding
chronological
chronological
attributionattribution
will be proposed
will be proposed
in the future
in the future
could prove
coulda provemore aprecisemore precise
connection connection
with a specific
with a specific
with thewith examination
the examination
of the layers
of thejust
layers
belowjustthebelow
floor.the floor.
Iranian centre.
Iranian centre. To date,To thedate,
potterythe analysed
pottery analysed
gives a terminus
gives a terminus
ante quem ante quem
for the for arrangement
the arrangement of this of floor
thisduring
floor during
or slightly or slightly
2.2 Room 2.22Room 2 before the before
12ththe century.
12th century.
As above Asmentioned,
above mentioned, only theonly ceramicsthe ceramics
coming coming from thefrom In the
general,
In general,
we observed we observed
that thethat
ceramic
the ceramic
assemblagesassemblages
most interesting
most interesting
and important and importantstratigraphic stratigraphic
units have units found
have infound the layers
in the from
layersRoomfrom 2Roomshow 2very showsimilar
very similar
Sindh Antiquities Journal 96

features than those related to the pottery from Room 1
(see Fusaro, § 2.1). For example, reused sherds showing
smoothed fractures were recovered in layers 521 and
546. As in Room 1, many sherds underwent post-
depositional events or show traces of human activities
occurred in the room after their breakage: these are
items with soot marks or traces of fire also on fractures
(Figure 13), found in SUs 521, 527, 530, 534, 546, or
fragments with metal spots on fracture, recovered in
layers 521 and 527.
In conclusion, the study of the pottery contributes to
define the chronological upper and lower limits of the
lifetime of the large Building 1: the foundations of the
structure brought to light in 2015 were attributed to the
late 9th century; the very last phase of occupation and
refurbishing of the building has been identified during
the 2017-2018 and 2019 campaigns. It can be dated to

Figure 13. Two fragments of unglazed

closed vessels from Room 2, collected
in SU 527 (upper photos, inner and outer surfaces)
and SU 530 (lower photos, inner surface
and fracture) respectively, showing soot traces
on the inner surface and on broken
fracture (Room 2, Building 1)

Within the unglazed local ceramics, the red and the grey
wares show very similar proportions as those found in
the layers of Room 1. Indeed, as mentioned above, the
red ware is always much better represented, being
frequently three times than the grey ware. For example,
in the ceramic assemblage of SU 521 the red ware is
about the 80% of the local unglazed production, while
the grey ware represents only the 20%. In SU 530, one
of the deepest layers of Room 2, the red ware is about
75% and the grey ware is about the 25%. Figure 14. Specimens of unglazed fine jugs with moulded
Unglazed vessels identified as regional products coming relief decoration, collected in Building 1, Room 1
from other important Sindhi centres were also found in – SU 506 (inv.no. 506.1109, top photo) and
Room 2, but they are distributed in more layers: 521, Room 2 – SU 546 (inv.nos 546.1110, middle,
and 1111, bottom)
530, and 546.
Finally, concerning the most interesting imported
items found also in Room 2 during this field season, we the very late 12th century, or possibly the early 13th
recovered unglazed pots possibly identified as century. The ceramic vessels found inside Building 1,
low-quality imports from close Indian regions in SUs especially those indicating their reparation and reuse,
506, 521, and 530. There are also two fragments of are very much informative on the poor life conditions of
moulded relief decorated jugs from SU 546, that have the people inhabiting the citadel in the very last moment
been recognised as imports possibly coming from the of the history of Banbhore. The phases of construction
southern Iranian site of Estakhr (Figure 14). and occupation in between these two chronological
Sindh Antiquities Journal 97

limits will
limitsbewill the befocus the of focus futureof archaeological
future archaeological splashedsplashed
ware which ware bear whichpiercingbear piercing
holes for holesancientfor ancient
campaigns.
campaigns. restoration,
restoration, and white and carved
white carvedporcelain porcelain
and qingpai and qingpai
items. Theyitems.suggest
They suggest a date arounda date aroundthe latethe late 11th-12th
11th-12th
Therefore,
Therefore,
the ceramics the ceramics
testify that:testify that: century.century.
The other The glazed
other glazedwares found wares in found SU in 451SUmainly 451 mainly
- the building
- the building
was used was forused
a very forlong
a very timespan
long timespan
during duringcomprise comprise
sgraffiato splashedsplashed
sgraffiato and hatched and hatched sgraffiato sgraffiato
at least three
at least centuries
three centuries splashedsplashed
specimens, specimens,
which are which are the
the most most abundant,
abundant, along along
with fragments
with fragments with underglaze
with underglaze painted painted decoration decoration
in in
- it was -occupied
it was occupied
until theuntil verythe lastvery
phase lastofphase
the lifetime green, red
of the lifetime green,
andred brown.and brown.
Unglazed Unglazed
local redlocal wareredis ware the is the
of the ofsite, the while
site, the whilebuildings
the buildings located locatedaround around most common,
most common, the mostthewidespreadmost widespread closed forms closedare forms are
(Buildings
(Buildings
2 and 3)2were and 3) already
were already
abandoned. abandoned. pots with pots with
short shortneck
square square andneck and rectangular-section
rectangular-section rims rims
projecting projecting
outwards, outwards, while carinated
while carinated lids/bowls lids/bowls
with with
3. Outside 3. Outside
Building Building
1: The1:Outer The Outer inner carination inner carination are veryarecommon very common among among the open the open
North-EasternNorth-Eastern CornerCorner – 2017-2018 – 2017-2018 forms, forms,
followed followed
by conical by conical
lids/bowls. lids/bowls.
The grey Theware grey is ware is
also represented,
also represented, with pots withcharacterized
pots characterized by neckbyofneck of
Excavation Excavation differentdifferent
heights heights
and rounded and rounded
thickened thickened
rim folded rimand folded and
projecting projecting
outwards; outwards;
the grey thesherds
grey sherdswith incised, with incised,
The excavations
The excavations extendedextended also outside also outside
the building,the building,
in in
roulettedrouletted
or stamped or stamped
decoration decoration
on polished on polished
surfacessurfaces are are
the north-eastern
the north-eastern portion portion of the ofTrench the Trench 9 (see 9 (see
common, common,
among them among somethem aresome are carinated
carinated pots. pots.
Mantellini,
Mantellini,
Excavation, Excavation,
infra). The infra).stratigraphic
The stratigraphic units units
excavatedexcavated
in this area in this
have area
muchhaveless muchpottery,
less pottery,
except for except for
SU 451.SU This 451.layer
Thisis characterized
layer is characterized by a large byquantity
a large quantity
of of4. Building4. Building 3 – 2017-2018 3 – 2017-2018 Excavation Excavation
pottery pottery
mixed with mixeda with huge aamount huge amount of worked of worked
ivory ivory
offcuts and
offcutsironand items.
ironThis items.SUThis recalls
SU the recalls
stratigraphic During During
the stratigraphic the last the week last week of theof campaign, the campaign, the the
sequence sequence
found infound the northern
in the northern
side of Trench
side of 9Trench archaeological
during9 during archaeological
work has
work concentrated
has concentrated
on the western
on the western
the 2015the campaign:
2015 campaign:an extensive an extensive
dump ofdump ivoryofoffcuts part of part
ivory offcuts the Building
of the Building 3, first 3, brought
first brought
to lighttobylight the by the
(SU119)(SU119)
has beenhas found
beenjust found
under justa under
huge pottery
a huge dump Pakistani
pottery dump Pakistani
team inteam a trenchin a opened
trench openedEast of East the major
of the major
(SU 118),(SUwhich 118),'sealed'
which 'sealed'
the phase thewhen
phasethe when
areathe (and Building
area (and Building
1. The excavations
1. The excavations
conducted conducted
so far revealed
so far revealed
the building
the buildingjust north justofnorth it, called
of it, Building
called Building 2 (see 2 (seealternatingalternating
layers of
layers
more of compact
more compact
mud and mud looser
and looser
Mantellini,
Mantellini,
Excavation, Excavation,
infra) was infra)used wasas used
a workshop
as a workshop gravel clearly
gravel associated
clearly associated with thewith collapse
the collapse
of the mud of the mud
where where
high-quality high-quality
ivory and ivory bone and items bone were bricks
items were walls
bricks andwallsthe and
abandonment
the abandonmentof the structure
of the structure
(see (see
manufactured.
manufactured. It is evident
It is evident
that thethat potterythe pottery
discardsdiscardsMantellini,Mantellini,
Excavation, Excavation,
infra). The
infra).limited
The limited
amount amount
of of
started and
startedcontinued
and continued
to be accumulated
to be accumulated in the dump in theSU dumptheSU pottery
the pottery
found can found be broadly
can be broadlydivided dividedin two main in two main
118 when 118 thewhenareatheandareathe ivory
and the workshop
ivory workshopitself were itself groups.
nowere no groups.
The assemblages
The assemblages
of the of
uppermost
the uppermost
layers, layers,
longer occupied.
longer occupied. Differently, Differently,
in SU 451 in SUpottery
451 pottery especially
is well is well especially
those for those
SU 484
for SU
and 484
SU and
486, SUare 486,
very are
mixed,very mixed,
mixed with
mixed ivory
withoffcuts,
ivory offcuts,
and the and potterythe pottery
assemblage comprising
assemblage comprising
local vessels local vessels
typical typical
of the final of thephase finalofphase of
associated
associated
is similar is to
similar
that found
to thatinfound SU 118. in SU However,
118. However, production production
of the local
of the
workshops
local workshops
(such as (such
globular as globular
pots pots
compared compared
with thewith potterythe pottery
dump SU dump118,SU it seems
118, itthat with
seems that short
with square
short square
neck andneck lids/bowls
and lids/bowls
with inner
with inner
the ceramic
the ceramic
materialmaterial
in SU 451 in SU is less
451 uniform
is less uniform and carination
and carination
belonging belonging
to the local to theunglazed
local unglazed
red ware) redand ware) and
mixed with
mixed a few
withmorea fewancientmore ancient
items, which items, are which much
veryare very more
much ancient
more ancient
local vessels,
local vessels,
possibly possibly
belonging belonging
to to
badly preserved:
badly preserved: white opaque white opaque
glazed wares,glazed awares, the
uniquea unique pre-Islamic
the pre-Islamic
(Sasanian) (Sasanian)
period (such
period as (such
the pots
as the
with pots with
green monochrome
green monochrome glazed glazed fragmentfragment with carved with carvedwide splayed
wide splayed
rims related rims related
to the local to theunglazed
local unglazed red red
decoration,
decoration,
possiblypossibly
dated todated the Umayyad
to the Umayyad period, and ware).
period, and Instead,
ware). Instead,
the ceramic
the ceramic
assemblages assemblages
related to
related
the to the
an unglazed
an unglazed
mouldedmoulded relief decorated
relief decorated
sherd with sherddusted layers
with dusted layers
below below
are more are uniform
more uniform
and share
and many
share many
mica. Themica.formation
The formationof this of layerthiscan layer be can
probably similarities.
be probably similarities.
For example, For example,
concerning concerning
the localthe redlocal
ware, red ware,
explainedexplained
by a natural by a natural
event, such event,erosion
such erosion
and 'water the
and 'water most thecommon
most common
closed vessels
closed vessels
are those are with
those verywith very
washing'washing'
(water flowing(water flowing along the along
N-Sthe street
N-Saligned short
street aligned everted
short everted
neck and neck
triangular-section
and triangular-sectionrim with riminnerwith inner
with thewith
eastern the eastern
sides ofsides both of Building
both Building
1 and Building
1 and Buildinggroove, groove,
which sometimes
which sometimes are alsoare spouted;
also spouted;
they canthey be can be
2), which2), brought
which brought downstream downstream materials, materials,
originally possiblypossibly
originally interpreted interpreted
as potsasforpots pouring
for pouringwater for water for
depositeddeposited
further further
north, north, mixing, mixing, depositing depositingand washing
and washing
practices, practices,
also related
also to
related
the Islamic
to the Islamic
prayers. prayers.
accumulating
accumulatingall themall in them
the areain the where
area SU where 451 SU was 451 There
was are Therealsoare many alsopotsmany withpots short
withsquareshort neck squareand neck and
excavated.
excavated.
This canThis alsocan be also
proved be byproved
the fact by the
thatfact thisthatrectangular-section
this rectangular-section rim projecting
rim projecting
outwards, outwards,
while the while the
layer consists
layer consists of a very of a compactvery compact concretion of most
concretion of represented
most represented open vessels open vessels
are carinatedare carinated
lids/bowls lids/bowls
accumulated
accumulatedfine gravel.fine Therefore,
gravel. Therefore, it is possible that with
it is possible that inner
withcarination.
inner carination.It is also It worth
is alsomentioning
worth mentioning the the
SU 451 SU is associated
451 is associated
with a phase with alater phasethan later
SUthan119 SU and119finding
and finding
of a small of piece
a small ofpiece
sphero-conical
of sphero-conical vessel, which vessel, which
SU 118.SU 118. is a kindisofa peculiar
kind of peculiar
overfired overfired
earthenware earthenware
container, container,
not not
The chronological
The chronological markersmarkers of this layerof thisarelayer especially so common
are especially so common
in the regionsin the regions
along the along
Indian theOcean.
Indian Due Ocean. Due
three sherds
three sherds belonging belonging
to the tohatched the hatched sgraffiato to the very
sgraffiato to the
scanty
veryquantity
scanty quantity
of sphero-conical
of sphero-conical vessels vessels
Sindh Antiquities Journal
found at Banbhore (five pieces collected so far), these
items were surely imported.
The glazed class is very poorly represented. More
ancient productions are frequent and comprise white
opaque glazed specimens and Sasanian-Islamic
turquoise jars, imported from Iraqi and Iranian regions.
Along with them we have also found sgraffiato
splashed, hatched sgraffiato and splashed wares,
together with underglaze brown, red and olive green
painted specimens. These latter glazed wares have a
main chronological attribution related to the 10th -11th
century, circulating at least up to the early 12th century;
therefore, the suggested date for the collapse of the walls
and the abandonment of the Building 3 should be later.
In the meanwhile, these collapse layers sealed a quite
well-preserved mud floor, SU 498, which has been
found exclusively outside the building. According to the
ceramic material found above, the floor should have
been in use in the 11th or 12th century.
5. Pottery from the 2017-2018 survey
The survey outside the citadel of Banbhore, both in the
eastern and western areas, has revealed interesting
evidence, that shed light on the complexity of this site
and it surroundings (see Mantellini, Survey, infra). The
preliminary analysis of the pottery sherds collected at
each recorded evidence (“Wpt”) give some information
on their chronology. Indeed, thanks to the stratigraphic
analysis of the ceramic material already carried out for
the citadel of Banbhore, it has been possible to suggest
chronological attribution for the specimens scattered on
the sites visited during the survey, and therefore
proposing the main periods of occupation for each site.
Herein there will be presented only the mounds where
more ceramic specimens have been found and whose
preliminary chronology is more certain.
The site Wpt-2 gave a large quantity of ceramic slags,
especially concentrated in a restricted area. This finding
can suggest that in the area was probably located a kiln,
used for the production of pottery or bricks. The
possible presence of a production area, quite far from
the citadel, is a constant and expected feature in the
Islamic cities; indeed, in most cases the handicraft areas
were located in the suburbs (rabad). The ceramic
material associated with the slags can be attributed for
the most part to a period around at least the 11th century
and even also possibly up to the 12th century. Indeed,
we have collected ceramic sherds which are typical of
the assemblages found in the uppermost layers of the
citadel: one fragment of the hatched sgraffiato splashed
ware, local unglazed red lid/bowl with inner carination
and local unglazed red globular pots with short square
neck, several fragments of local unglazed grey ware,
also with polished surfaces and incised decoration.
98
Nonetheless, fewer objects seem later and can be
attributed to a chronology surely later than the 13th
century after the abandonment of the citadel. This
chronology has been proposed according to the strong
morphological and decorative resemblance of these
items with those found in the site of Lahori Bandar, that
has been dated from the 14th century onwards by M.
Kervran (1999: 88-89).
East of the citadel, F. A. Khan identified the lower city.
There, a sequence of mounds (Wpt-4-6) with a
West-East orientation, has been interpreted as an
embankment (see Mantellini, Survey, infra). Especially
in Wpt-6 the pottery sherds were particularly abundant.
The most important chronological markers collected
belong to the unglazed buff eggshell jugs,
Sasanian-Islamic turquoise monochrome jars, and also
the opaque white glazed wares related to the Samarra
Horizon. Together with local unglazed red ware
specimens, such as the pots with complex rims, and the
pots with quite high neck, thickened rim projecting
outwards with upper groove, they could suggest a date
to the 9th-10th centuries. For the record, a few unglazed
red specimens possibly attributed to the Sasanian-very
early Islamic period have been also collected. The
ceramic material from Wpt-3, which was probably
linked with the above mentioned sequence of mounds, is
highly comparable with that from Wpt-6.
In the area West of the citadel, only two (Wpt-9 and
Wpt-10) of the four mounds visited, produced many
sherds on the surface.
As for the mound Wpt-9, the most common sherds
found belong to jars, probably not locally produced. One
fragment is a tapering pointed base; two sherds show the
remains of a black substance covering the inner surface,
possibly identifiable as bitumen. Both features are
usually related to the amphorae or the so-called torpedo
jars, circulating in the Indian Ocean both during the
pre-Islamic and the early Islamic period. The good
quantity of these specimens found in this mound could
suggest that the area was related to the trade activities of
Banbhore, specifically to the arrival and the storage of
traded goods.
Associated with these amphorae and/or jars fragments,
there are some diagnostic ceramic items: the rim of a
thick and large Sasanian-Islamic turquoise monochrome
jar, and closed vessels of the local red ware, some
attributed to the 9th-10th century, some surely
belonging to the pre-Islamic, possibly Sasanian, period.
All considered, it is possible to suggest that the area was
surely occupied during the early Islamic period, at least
until the 10th century, but it is probable that it was
already in use since the pre-Islamic period.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 99

The moundThe moundWpt-10,Wpt-10,just eastjustof east the of mound the mound

above above2018 and 20182019),andseem2019), to seem
point to to point
a local tomanufacture
a local manufacture of of
described,
described,
is characterized
is characterized
by a large by amount
a large amount
of broken of broken
unglazedunglazed
pottery pottery
at Banbhore, at Banbhore, whose workshops
whose workshops and and
fired bricks
firedscattered
bricks scattered
on the surface,
on the surface,some ofsome themofarethem are were
kilns kilnslocated
were located
outside outside the citadel, the citadel,
probablyprobably in the in the
also overfired
also overfired
and badly andfired;
badlythere fired;arethere alsoare ceramic
also ceramic
northernnorthern
area. Wearea. cannot We exclude
cannot exclude that a small that aglazed small glazed
slags, possibly
slags, possibly
suggesting suggesting
the presence the presence
of kilns,ofalso kilns,
as also as ceramic
ceramic production production
was alsowas active,
also because
active, because among the among the
for Wpt-11.
for Wpt-11.
The potteryThe collected
pottery collectedmostly belongsmostly belongs
to the to the findings
findings collectedcollected
by F.A. by Khan F.A.(currently
Khan (currently kept in kept the in the
local redlocal
ware.redDifferent
ware. Differentforms have formsbeen haveidentified:
been identified:
storerooms storerooms
of the Banbhore
of the Banbhore museum; museum;
I am grateful I am grateful
to to
conical conical
bowls with bowlsribbedwith surfaces,
ribbed surfaces, lids/bowls lids/bowls
with Dr with Asma Dr Ibraim
Asma Ibraim to showto me show the me pictures
the picturesof this of this
inner carination,
inner carination,pots with potsshort with square
short square neck and neckmaterial)
and material)and those andcollected
those collected by the by Pakistani-Italian
the Pakistani-Italian
rectangular-section
rectangular-sectionrim projectingrim projecting outwards. outwards.
These Theseteam there team arethere
a few aredefective
a few defectiveitems and itemsevenand someeven kiln
some kiln
types seem
typescommon
seem commonin the late in thephase lateofphaseoccupation
of occupation
of furniture
of furniture
that point that to point
a possible
to a possible
manufacture, manufacture,at least of at least of
Banbhore,Banbhore,
at least from
at least thefrom11ththe century.
11th century.
A fragment A fragment
of monochrome
of monochrome glazed vessels.glazed vessels.
coin mould
coin hasmould beenhasalso been found.
also There
found.are Therealsoare somealso some
Specifically
Specifically
concerning concerning
the unglazed the unglazed
local productions,
local productions,
pots of the
potsredoflocal
the redware
localwhosewareforms whosepoint forms to point
an earlier
to an earlier
the preliminary
the preliminary
study leads study to leads
outline to anoutline
evolution an evolution
of the of the
chronological
chronological
attribution,attribution,
around around the 9th-10th the 9th-10th
century:century:
morphological,
morphological, stylistical stylistical
and technological
and technological featuresfeatures
pots withpotscomplex
with complex
rims, and rims, pots andwith potshigh withneck,high neck,
throughout throughout
the centuries; the centuries; some differences
some differences were were
roundedrounded
thickened thickened
rim projectingrim projecting outwards outwards
with anwith an
observedobserved
betweenbetween the wares theproduced
wares produced before the before
Arabthe Arab
upper groove.
upper groove.
Therefore, Therefore,
the preliminary
the preliminaryanalysisanalysis
of the of the conquest
conquest and afterand it but
afteralso it butduring also theduring Islamic the Islamic
phases phases
pottery pottery
could suggest
could suggest
a main aoccupationmain occupation of the area of the(forareaan in-depth
(for an in-depth
analysisanalysis especially especially
of the morphological
of the morphological
during the
during
Islamicthe Islamic
period (9th-11th/12th
period (9th-11th/12th centuries). centuries).evolution, evolution,
see Felici seeetFelici
al. 2016: et al.163-169).
2016: 163-169). Nonetheless, Nonetheless,
according according
to the analysis
to the analysis
of the pottery of the coming
pottery coming from thefrom the
6. General
6. Generaloverview overviewon theon pottery
the pottery study study long stratigraphy
long stratigraphy of Trench of Trench
9 excavated 9 excavated
in 2015,init2015, is it is
and itsand related
its related
socio-economic socio-economic issues issues possible possible
to suggest to suggest
that with thatthe with
arrivalthe of
arrival
the Muslim
of the Muslim
army there armywas there notwas a sweeping
not a sweeping change change in the local in the local
The continuous
The continuous
research-work
research-work carried out carriedat theoutsiteat the manufacture.
of site of manufacture.
The pottery
The pottery
workshops workshops
remained remained
active active
Banbhore Banbhore
since 2012 sinceby2012 the the by the Italianthe expedition
Italian expeditionin and incontinued
and continued
producing producing
vessels vessels
with a with
strong a local
strong local
collaboration
collaboration
with Pakistani
with Pakistani
and French and teams
Frenchhas teams
led to appearance,
has led to appearance,with very with peculiar
very peculiar
featuresfeaturesthat canthat be still
can be still
collect acollect
huge amount
a huge amount
of ceramic of ceramic
materialmaterial
from reliable recognised
from reliable recognised
in the modern
in the modern
manufacture. manufacture.However, However,
the the
stratigraphy
stratigraphy
and to acquire
and to acquire
a remarkable a remarkable
quantityquantity potters
of data of data slightly
potters slightly
readapted readapted
their products
their products
to new citizens,
to new citizens,
concerning
concerning
the ceramics,
the ceramics,
their chronological
their chronological attribution, with different
attribution, with different
culture cultureand religion. and religion.
This is This particularly
is particularly
their provenance
their provenance
and their andproduction
their production areas, and areas, evident
theand the evident
in the decoration:
in the decoration:
the vesselsthe vessels
produced produced
in the in the
changeschanges
among among pottery pottery
assemblages assemblages from different pre-Islamic
from different pre-Islamic
period show
period a show
wider avariety
wider of
variety
naturalistic
of naturalistic
layers and
layers
contexts.
and contexts. patterns,patterns,
ranging ranging from vegetal/floral
from vegetal/floral motifs motifs to to
The processing
The processing
of all these
of alldata theseanddata the andin-depth
the in-depth zoomorphic
study study zoomorphicand even and anthropomorphic
even anthropomorphic figures; figures;
the the
of the ofpottery
the pottery
from Banbhore
from Banbhore is currently is currently
ongoing.ongoing.pottery pottery
produced produced
in the Islamic in the Islamic phases are phases decorated
are decorated
Nonetheless,
Nonetheless,
the potterythe pottery
analysisanalysiscarried out carriedso farouthas with
so far has a preference
with a preference
for geometric
for geometric
patterns, patterns,
even if in
even theif in the
already already
given givensome interesting
some interesting results, results,
even ifeven early if Islamic
early Islamic period period (i.e. 8th-10th (i.e. 8th-10th century)century) some some
preliminary,
preliminary,
that can that becanfurther be further confirmed confirmed
and stylised
and stylised
vegetal and
vegetal zoomorphic
and zoomorphicrepresentations
representations are still are still
thoroughly
thoroughly
investigated.
investigated. visible, visible,
mainly representing
mainly representing
the flora theand flora
fauna and typical
fauna typical
Several Several
issues issues
have been have emerging,
been emerging, specifically of the Sindh
specifically of theregion
Sindhand region of theandarea of theof Banbhore.
area of Banbhore.
concerning
concerning
the potterythe manufacture
pottery manufacture located in located
Banbhore Another
in Banbhore Another
interesting interesting
change change
in fashion in fashion
concerned concerned
the the
with its with
technological
its technological
and stylisticaland stylistical
aspects,aspects,
but social unglazed
but social unglazed
grey ware,grey a ware,
fine production
a fine production
characterized characterized
by by
and economic
and economicissues can issuesbe can also be explored.
also explored.
This brief This black-grey
brief black-grey ceramicceramic bodies and bodies burnished
and burnished to polished to polished
overview overview
will specifically
will specifically
focus onfocus the pottery
on the dated surfaces,
potterytodated to surfaces,
with a withpredominance
a predominance of closed of closed
forms, forms,
the Islamic
the Islamic
period. period. especially especially
pots. According
pots. According
to its peculiar
to its peculiar
features, features,
this this
ware seems ware to seemshavetobeen haveproduced
been produced to imitate to imitate
more more
6.1 The6.1 localThe
pottery
local manufacture:
pottery manufacture: continuity continuity expensive expensive
metal vessels.
metal vessels.
A very A
few very grey few items
grey have
items have
and change and change been found
been in
found
the lowest
in the layers
lowest oflayers
the citadel,
of the citadel,
thus thus
The excavations
The excavations
carried out carried at the outcitadel
at the of citadel
Banbhore suggesting
of Banbhore suggesting
a beginninga beginning
of the ofproduction
the productionin the in the
so far have
so farbrought
have brought
to light to a huge
light amount
a huge amountof ceramics; pre-Islamic
of ceramics; pre-Islamic
period. period.Nonetheless, Nonetheless,the trend/fashion
the trend/fashion for for
many pottery
many sherds
potteryalsosherdsappear alsoscattered
appear scatteredon the surface this
on the surface peculiar
this peculiar
ware was ware much was moremuch widespread
more widespread
during during
of the site,
of the bothsite,
inside
bothand inside outsideand outside
the walled the citadel. the Islamic
walled citadel. the Islamic period, period, when when the potters the potters resumedresumed
The impressive
The impressive
abundance abundance
of the ceramicof the ceramic the experimenting
material,material, the experimenting the production the production of greyofpots, greythat pots, wasthat was
finding finding
of a fewofbadly a fewfiredbadly unglazed
fired unglazed
ceramicceramic probably
items initems in probably
lost duringlost some
during generations:
some generations:
if in the if early
in the early
the northern
the northern
area just areaoutsidejust outside
the citadel, the citadel,
and theand the Islamic Islamic
period their
period products
their products
were defective
were defective
and mostly and mostly
discoverydiscovery
of proper of wasters
proper wasters farther north-east
farther north-east(at the (atof thelow quality,
of low quality,
from thefrom 11ththe century
11th century
local potters local could
potters could
Wpt-2, identified
Wpt-2, identified
during the duringsurvey the conducted
survey conducted betweenbetween manufacturemanufacture
very high-quality
very high-quality
grey items,
grey showing
items, showing
a a
Sindh Antiquities Journal
greater control of the technology.
6.2 The imported items and the trading network
The pottery corpus of Banbhore also comprises
abundant ceramic items recognised as imports from
distant lands. It is worth noting that the Arab conquest of
Banbhore and the Sindh region and subsequently the
control of the city by several Muslim dynasties strongly
influenced the flow and arrival of imported goods.
Indeed, during the pre-Islamic period Banbhore was
much more connected with the western regions of the
Indian subcontinent (i.e. Gujarat, Rajastan, and
Maharashtra), from which high-quality ceramic
unglazed artefacts came and they were even locally
imitated; the presence of a few specimens of torpedo
jars also indicates trading relationships with lands along
the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean. During the
Islamic period, the trading network into which
Banbhore was integrated and involved was large-scale
and much more extensive than before. The provenance
study and the stylistical analysis of the imports testify
that this port was connected with China to the east
(Changsha bowls, carved lotus-shaped bowls, qingpai
items, celadon), Iraqi and Iranian regions to the west
(opaque white glazed vessels, lustre-painted items,
splashed and splashed sgraffiato specimens, underglaze
painted bowls, unglazed moulded relief decorated jugs),
lands along the Persian Gulf and the Indian Ocean
(torpedo jars, Sasanian-Islamic turquoise monochrome
jars, unglazed egg-shell jugs), and Central Asia to the
north (sgraffiato and dotted painted ware, slip-painted
ware) (see Felici et al., 2018). Among them, there were
several high-quality and luxury items that circulated at
Banbhore, but were also redistributed to other centres.
The flow of imported items from distant regions seems
continuous from the 8th to the 11th/early 12th century.
During the 12th century until the end of the citadel life
in the early 13th century, the pottery study confirms a
strong drop in the arrival of imports, especially good-
and high-quality artefacts. Therefore, local people
started repairing those goods already present at the site,
as clearly testified by many broken imported vessels
showing piercing holes, that were made for restoring
them by using wires. The relationship with the western
India did not stop in the Islamic period, but the items
arriving at Banbhore from those regions were of a much
lesser quality than before. Due to their very low quality,
we could not exclude that these vessels were brought as
personal items by Indian human groups settling or
frequenting this site.
6.3 The intra-regional relationships: Banbhore
and the Sindh region
The excavations of Building 1 during the 2019
campaign recovered a good amount of items that have
been recognised as regional products, according to their
strong resemblance or likeness with vessels found in
100
other Sindhi sites, such as Seḥwān Šarīf (Collinet 2004:
pl. 2, ‘stamped wares’), Tulamba (Mughal 1967: the
so-called ‘Tulamba Stamped Ware’, figs 27, 30, 32), and
Mansura (personal visit to the Karachi National
Museum, where ceramics from Mansura are displayed).
All these sites are located north of Banbhore, along the
Indus river. A few items were also found in previous
field-seasons, in Trenches 8 and 9.
The vessels characterized by painted white dots are
typical of the archaeological site of Sehwan Sharif,
while the other productions already described for the
assemblage from SU 506 have been also found at
Tulamba and Mansura. They have been dated to the
11th-13th century for Sehwan Sharif, to the 8th-12th
century for Tulamba, and can be ascribed to the 8th-11th
century for Mansura, according to the history of the city.
To date, these items were mainly found at Banbhore in
the uppermost layers of the city; therefore, as a
preliminary hypothesis, we could suggest that they
mainly circulated at this site in the 11th-12th century,
but more investigations are needed to precise this
attribution. Their presence at Banbhore testify to good
relationships within the Sindh region among major
centres, both of the inland and the coast. This is also
confirmed by the similarities detected between the local
products of Banbhore and the artefacts manufactured in
these Sindhi sites, suggesting that they shared a
common tradition in fashion and technology.
Bibliography
Collinet, A (2004), “Seḥwān Šarīf: The Islamic Period.
Chronology and Ceramics. 2nd-12th century AH/8th-18th
centuries AD”. Article based on a lecture given to the Sind
Workshop, AFEMAM 18th Congress, Lyon, July 2, 2004.
Felici, A. C., A. Fusaro, A. Ibrahim, K. Lashari, N.
Manassero, M. Piacentini, V. Piacentini Fiorani, and A. Tilia.
2016. “Archaeological Excavations at Banbhore, Sindh.
Preliminary Report of the Pakistani- Italian 2014 and 2015
Field Seasons.” Parthica 18: 125–73.
doi:10.19272/201603501008.
Felici, A. C., A. Fusaro, A. Ibrahim, K. Lashari, N.
Manassero, M. Piacentini, V. Piacentini Fiorani, and A. Tilia.
2018. “Banbhore, a Major Trade Centre on the Indus’ Delta:
Notes on the Pakistani-Italian Excavations and Research.” In
Proceedings of the 10th International Congress on the
Archaeology of the Ancient Near East.25–29 April 2016,
Vienna. Volume 2, edited by Felix Höflmayer, 2: 315–28.
Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz Verlag.
Fontana, M.V., Asadi, A.A., Rugiadi, M., Felici, A.C., Fusaro,
A., Mancini, S. 2016. “Estakhr Project - Third Preliminary
Report of the Joint Mission of the Iranian Center for
Archaeological Research, The Parsa-Pasargadae Research
Foundation and The Sapienza University of Rome, Italy”.
Vicino Oriente 20: 75–98.
Fusaro, A. 2014. Studio del corpus ceramico di età islamica
Sindh Antiquities Journal 101

dagli scavi
dagli
italiani
scavi aitaliani
Ghazni,a Ghazni,
Afghanistan
Afghanistan
(X-XIII (X-XIII
secolo): secolo):
York Graphic
York Graphic
Society. Society.
contributo
contributo
alla ricostruzione
alla ricostruzione
storica delstorica
palazzo
del sultaniale
palazzo sultaniale
e e
della “casa
delladei“casa
lustri”.
dei MPhil
lustri”.thesis,
MPhilSapienza
thesis, Sapienza
UniversityUniversity
of Zhao, of Bing.
Zhao,
2004.
Bing.
“L’importation
2004. “L’importation
de la céramique
de la céramique
chinoise chinoise
à à
Rome (unpublished),
Rome (unpublished),
Rome. Rome. Sharma (Hadramaout)
Sharma (Hadramaout)
au Yémen”. Annales Annales
au Yémen”. Islamologiques
Islamologiques
38: 255–284.
38: 255–284.
Fusaro, Fusaro,
A. 2019.A.“New 2019.project
“New on project
Islamic
on ceramics
Islamic ceramics
from from
al-Balīd:al-Balīd:
chronology,chronology,
technology,
technology,
tradition,tradition,
and Zhao,
and Bing.
Zhao,
2015.
Bing.
“III/4.
2015.La“III/4.
céramique
La céramique à Sharma:
chinoise chinoise à Sharma:
provenance”. Proceedings
provenance”. Proceedings
of the Seminar
of the Seminar
for Arabian
for Arabian
pou un pou
essaiund’étude
essai d’étude
typo-chronologique
typo-chronologique
et spatiale”.
et spatiale”.
In In
Studies 49:
Studies
129–146.
49: 129–146. Rougeulle,
Rougeulle,
A. (ed.),A.Sharma.
(ed.), Sharma.
Un entrepôt
Un entrepôt
de commerce
de commerce
medievalmedieval
sur la côte
surdula Ḥaḍramawt
côte du Ḥaḍramawt
(Yémen,(Yémen,
ca 980-1180).
ca 980-1180).
Guy, J. 2011.
Guy, J.“Rare
2011.and“Rare
Strange
and Goods.
StrangeInternational
Goods. International
Trade Trade
British Foundation
British Foundation
for the Study
for the
of Study
ArabiaofMonographs
Arabia Monographs
No. No.
in Ninth-Century
in Ninth-Century
Asia”. InAsia”.
ReginaIn Krahl,
ReginaJohnKrahl,Guy,
John
Keith
Guy, 17.
Keith
Oxford:
17. Archaeopress,
Oxford: Archaeopress,
pp. 277–321.
pp. 277–321.
Wilson, and
Wilson,
Julian andRaby
Julian
(eds),
RabyShipwrecked.
(eds), Shipwrecked.
Tang Treasures
Tang Treasures
and Monsoon
and Monsoon
Winds. Washington,
Winds. Washington,
DC: ArthurDC: M.Arthur
Sackler
M. Sackler
Gallery, Gallery,
Smithsonian Smithsonian
Institution,
Institution,
pp. 19–27. pp. 19–27.

Kervran,Kervran,
M. 1999.M.“Multiple
1999. “Multiple
Ports at Ports
the Mouth
at theofMouth
the River
of the River
Indus: Barbarike,
Indus: Barbarike,
Deb, Daybul,
Deb, Daybul,
Lahori Bandar,
Lahori Diul
Bandar,
Sinde”.
Diul Sinde”.
In Ray, In
H.P.
Ray,
(ed.),
H.P.Archaeology
(ed.), Archaeology
of Seafaring:
of Seafaring:
The Indian
The Indian
Ocean inOcean
the Ancient
in the Period.
AncientDelhi:
Period.Pragati
Delhi: Publications,
Pragati Publications,
pp. pp.
70–153. 70–153.

Khan, FKhan, F A.Banbhore.

A. 1976. 1976. Banbhore.
A Preliminary
A Preliminary
Report on
Report
the on the
Recent Archaeological
Recent Archaeological
Excavations
Excavations
at Banbhore.
at Banbhore.
Karachi:Karachi:
Department
Department
of Archaeology
of Archaeology
and Museum.
and Museum.
Government
Government
of of
Pakistan.Pakistan.

Mughal, Mughal,
M. R. 1967.
M. R. “Excavations
1967. “Excavations
at Tulamba,
at Tulamba,
West West
Pakistan”. PakistanPakistan
Pakistan”. Archaeology
Archaeology
4: 11–152.
4: 11–152.

Priestman,
Priestman,
S.M.N. 2005.
S.M.N.Settlement
2005. Settlement
& ceramics
& ceramics
in Southern
in Southern
Iran: AnIran:
Analysis
An Analysis
of the Sasanian
of the Sasanian
& Islamic& periods
Islamic in
periods
the in the
Williamson
Williamson
collection.
collection.
Durham Durham
thesis, Durham
thesis, Durham
University.
University.

Rougeulle,
Rougeulle,
A. 1991.A. “Les
1991. importations
“Les importations
de céramiques
de céramiques
chinoiseschinoises
dans le Golfe
dans le
Arabo-Persique
Golfe Arabo-Persique
(8-11èmes
(8-11èmes
siècles)”.siècles)”.
Archéologie
Archéologie
Islamique
Islamique
2: 5–46. 2: 5–46.

Rougeulle,
Rougeulle,
A. 2005. A.
“The
2005.
Sharma
“The Horizon:
Sharma Horizon:
Sgraffiato
Sgraffiato
Wares Wares
and Other
and
Glazed
OtherCeramics
Glazed Ceramics
of the Indian
of theOcean
IndianTrade
Ocean (c.Trade
AD (c. AD
980–1140)”. Proceedings
980–1140)”. Proceedings
of the of Seminar
the Seminar
for Arabian
for Arabian
Studies 35:
Studies
223–246.
35: 223–246.

Rougeulle,
Rougeulle,
A. 2015.A.“III/3.
2015.Les“III/3.
céramiques
Les céramiques
à glaçure”.
à glaçure”.
In In
Rougeulle, A. (ed.),A.Sharma.
Rougeulle, (ed.), Sharma.
Un entrepôt
Un entrepôt
de commerce
de commerce
medievalmedieval
sur la côte
surdula Ḥaḍramawt
côte du Ḥaḍramawt
(Yémen,(Yémen,
ca 980-1180).
ca 980-1180).
British Foundation
British Foundation
for the Study
for the
of Study
ArabiaofMonographs
Arabia Monographs
No. No.
17. Oxford:
17. Archaeopress,
Oxford: Archaeopress,
pp. 237–275.
pp. 237–275.

Shishkina,
Shishkina,
G.V., Pavchinskaja,
G.V., Pavchinskaja,
L.V. 1992. Terres
L.V. 1992.secrètes
Terres secrètes
de de
Samarcande.
Samarcande.
Ceramiques
Ceramiques
du VIIIedu auVIIIe
XIIIeausiècle.
XIIIeInstitut
siècle. Institut
du MondeduArabe,
MondeParis,
Arabe,
26Paris,
juin-27
26septembre
juin-27 septembre
1992; Musee
1992;deMusee de
Normandie,
Normandie,
Caen 23 Caen
octobre
23 1992
octobre
– 25
1992
janvier
– 251993;
janvierMusee
1993; Musee
des Augustins,
des Augustins,
ToulouseToulouse
4 mars –47mars
juin 1993,
– 7 juin
Paris,
1993,Institut
Paris, Institut
du MondeduArabe.
Monde Arabe.

M. 1989.M.Maritime
Tampoe, Tampoe, 1989. Maritime
Trade between
Trade between
China and
China
the and the
West. AnWest.
Archaeological
An Archaeological
Study ofStudy
the Ceramics
of the Ceramics
from Siraf
from Siraf
(Persian(Persian
Gulf), 8th
Gulf),
to 15th
8th to
centuries
15th centuries
A.D. Oxford:
A.D. Oxford:
BAR BAR
International
International
Series 555.
Series 555.

Wilkinson,
Wilkinson,
C. K. 1973. Nishapur.
C. K. 1973. Nishapur.
Pottery of
Pottery
the Early
of the
Islamic
Early Islamic
Period. New
Period.
York:
NewTheYork:
Metropolitan
The Metropolitan
Museum Museum
of Art, New
of Art, New
Sindh Antiquities Journal 102

Technical Reports
Topography and Digital Documentation

Alessandro Tilia
Since 1984 Alessandro Tilia has been working as an expert in various fields of
topography, documentation and digital data management in the cultural heritage sector,
both in Italy and abroad. Within the Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore of Milan he
took part to the international missions in Makran, Baluchistan (1992) and, starting from
2012, in the site of Banbhore, Sindh. Starting in 2006, he joined the Mission in the
Autonomous Region of Kurdistan, Iraq headed by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs
and International Cooperation, together with IsIAO and University of Rome La
Sapienza. Notable Projects in Italy: the “Santa Maria Antiqua Project" in the Roman
Forum, the documentation of the Vatican Necropolis, the virtual reconstruction of
various phases of the Quirinale hill, the collaboration with ENEA for the
experimentation of a new scanning laser system and the survey of the archaeological
area of Ostia Antica. He is proficient and regularly makes use of the most modern and
advanced equipment for the execution of: topographic and altimetry precision surveys,
laser scanning, close range photogrammetric surveys, drone photogrammetry, satellite
photogrammetry, cartography and cartographic updating, documentation of
archaeological excavations, 3D modelling and virtual reality.

Abstract:
The topographical documentation activity during the 2017-2018 and 2019
excavation campaigns was carried out using the existing network of stations and
following the grid established in 2012 with which trench 9 was positioned. Various
instruments were used such as total stations, pole mounted cameras and drones to
create, through topographic and photogrammetric survey techniques, plans, sections
and elevations. The documentation produced orthophotos, digital terrain models and
elevation maps that were then merged into an excavation GIS. All these
methodologies have been the subject of courses given to the staff of the Sindh
Department of Antiquities.

Keywords: Topography Photogrammetry, GIS

Introduction

The activities mainly concerned the topographic documentation of the

excavation of Trench 9 and Trench 111. The topographical network
built in 2012 has been used in order to guarantee a continuity with the
documentation with the previous campaigns at Banbhore. This
topographical network consists of 12 main stations with coordinates
referenced according to the UTM WGS 84 datum (Zone 42R).
Stations nos. 1 and 3 were used for Trench 9 and Trench 11.
Furthermore, the two trenches were laid out in relation to the 5 x 5 m
grid established during the first excavation campaign of 2012.

Topographic surveys were carried out using a Sokkia CX-105C total

station of 5" accuracy, provided by the Department of Culture,
Tourism and Antiquities of Sindh Governorate. The activities
concerned the acquisition of control points for: photogrammetric
surveys; excavation limit; and, positioning (x, y, z) of single
stratigraphic units and finds.

1. See also Appendix 2 in Felici et al. 2016: 169-170.

Sindh Antiquities Journal 103

Photogrammetry
Photogrammetry was realized
was realized
by means byofmeans
a telescopic
of a telescopic
that of training
that of training
the personnel
the personnel
of the Pakistani
of the Pakistani
team of team
the of the
pole onpole whichon awhich compact
a compact
digital camera
digital camera
Panasonic Department
Panasonic Department
aimed at aimed
illustrating
at illustrating
the techniques
the techniques
of of
Lumix LF1Lumix wasLF1 mounted
was mounted
and remotely
and remotely
controlledcontrolled
by the by photogrammetric
the photogrammetric and topographic
and topographic
survey, survey,
as usedas used
Image APPImage (©Panasonic)
APP (©Panasonic) installedinstalled
in the smartphone. A within
in the smartphone. A thewithin
archaeological
the archaeological
documentation
documentation
methodolo-
methodolo-
series ofseries
zenithal
of zenithal
photos were
photos obtained
were obtained
in orderintoorder gies, including
createto create gies, including
a first notions
a first notions
on the GIS
on the
application
GIS application
in in
georeferenced
georeferencedortophotoplan
ortophotoplan
and Digital
and Digital
Elevation archaeology.
Elevation archaeology.
Models Models
(DEM) (DEM) for the formostthesignificant
most significant
layers opened
layers opened
during during
the excava- the excava-
tion. Fortion.
the For
realiza-
the realiza-
tion oftion the ofphoto- the photo-
grammetric
grammetric
surveys,surveys,
1008 1008 photographic photographic
shots were
shotsmade were inmade in
raw format
raw formatand and
s u b s es qu ub es en qt luye n t l y
processedprocessed using using
special special
softwaresoftware to to
obtain obtain
a normaliza-a normaliza-
tion of tion
the of colours.
the colours.
The shots
The shots
were were
mainly mainly
taken from takena from a
zenithalzenithal
positionposition
with with
respect to
respect
the excava-
to the excava-
tion surface
tion surface
or to theor to the
surfacessurfaces
of the walls of the walls
and with and oblique
with oblique
angles angles
to better
to better
define the
define edgesthe of edges of
the artefacts.
the artefacts.
From From
the totality
the totality
of the of the
photographs
photographs
taken, taken, 68 7 images
68 7 images
were were
selectedselected
and processedand processed
using the using
appropri-
the appropri-
ate photogrammetric
ate photogrammetric software, software,
with the with the
support support
of 171 oftopographically
171 topographically
acquiredacquired
checkpoints.
checkpoints.
During Duringthe 2019 the season,
2019 season,
a a
©DJI Mavic
©DJIdroneMavicwas drone
usedwas
forused
the ortopho-
for the ortopho-
toplans toplans
of Trench of Trench
9 and the 9 and
general
the general
docu- docu-
mentation.
mentation.

An important
An important
phase ofphase
the work
of thewas
workrelated
was related
to the setting
to theupsetting
of a GIS
up offora GIS
the excavation,
for the excavation,
using theusing
openthesource
open QGIS
source software.
QGIS software.
All All
the georeferenced
the georeferenced
orthophotos
orthophotos
and DEMs andof DEMs of
this season
thiswere
seasonthenwere
uploaded
then uploaded
into GISintoandGIS and
combined combined
with thosewith processed
those processed
in the in the
previousprevious
campaigns.campaigns.
All the points
All thereferring
points referring
to the stratigraphic
to the stratigraphic
units (SUs)unitsexcavated
(SUs) excavated
in in
the 2017-2018
the 2017-2018 and 2019 and seasons
2019 seasonsand and
acquiredacquired
with totalwith station
total station
were then were then
includedincluded
into a shapefile,
into a shapefile,
after having
after having
established
established
a a References
References
procedureprocedure
for importing
for importing
data collected
data collected
throughthrough
the totalthe total
Felici et Felici
al. 2016et al. 2016
station. station.
The attribute
The attribute
table oftablethe shapefile
of the shapefile
containscontains
basic information
basic information
such assuch SU, aselevation,
SU, elevation,
date ofdate of A.C.,
Felici, Felici,
Fusaro,
A.C., A.,
Fusaro,
Ibrahim,
A., Ibrahim,
A., Lashari,
A., Lashari,
K., Manassero,
K., Manassero,
acquisition,
acquisition,
SU typeSU (filling,
type (filling,
wall, pit,wall,
etc.)pit,
andetc.)
general
and general
N., Piacentini,
N., Piacentini,
M., Piacentini
M., Piacentini
Fiorani, Fiorani,
V., Tilia,
V., A.,
Tilia, A.,
notes. notes. Archaeological
Archaeological
Excavations
Excavations
at Banbhore,
at Banbhore,
Sindh. Preliminary
Sindh. Preliminary
report ofreport
the Pakistani-Italian
of the Pakistani-Italian
2014 and2014
2015and
field
2015
seasons.
field seasons.
AnotherAnother
activity activity
carried carried
out within
out the
within
campaign
the campaign
was Parthica
was Parthica
18: 125-173.
18: 125-173.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 104

Archaeometric Notes
The Ivories of Banbhore: A Preliminary
Paleo-technological Report

Dr. Giorgio Affanni

Archaeologist,
Free Lance

Graduated and Specialized in Archaeology at the University of Bologna, he obtained his

PhD in Near Eastern Archaeology at Torino University with a dissertation on the
collection of ivories from the site of Arslan Tash (Turkey). He collaborated with several
international archaeological expeditions at Tell Afis and Tell Deinit (Syria), Arslan Tash
(Turkey), Old Nisa (Turkmenistan), and Banbhore (Pakistan). Since 2006 he has also
been engaged in a research and conservation project on Arslan Tash ivories in
collaboration with Musée du Louvre, University of Bologna and General Directorate of
Antiquities and Museums of Syria, where he was in charge of the paleo-technological
analysis of the ivories in the Museum of Alep, Musée du Louvre, Badisches
Landesmuseum - Karlsruhe, Metropolitan Museum, Ecole Biblique and Bible Lands
Museum. He actively participated to international congresses with papers on the ivories
subject and he published extensively on this matter in monographs and articles.

Abstract:
The unique assemblage of Banbhore ivories have been preliminary studied through a
fieldwork protocol in order to identify ancient production techniques and to
reconstruct the production cycle.The enormous amount of production waste suggests
that the area was used by ivory workshops, employing elephant tusks as raw material
and the bow lathe as the most used tool.

Keywords: Ivory, workshop, ivory production centre, production cycle, lathe.

Introduction
Studying artefacts made of valuable materials, like ivory, can be
deceptive. It is easy to consider them as works of art rather than
archaeological artefacts. When approached as mere pieces of art,
other aspects of these artefacts, such as typological or technological
features, can be overlooked. Technological features, however, can be
highly informative and become fundamental for the reconstruction of
ancient society and economy.

Technological features on ivory artefacts have come into focus only in

the last years thanks to some specific studies. G. Herrmann recorded
technical data in her catalogues on Nimrud ivories (Mallowan,
Herrmann 1974; Herrmann 1986; Herrmann 1992; Herrmann,
Laidlaw 2009; Herrmann, Laidlaw 2013). A. Caubet and F. Poplin
(1987), who undertook pioneering research on ancient manufacturing
techniques based on the Late Bronze Age ivories from Ugarit,
reconstructed how ancient ivory carvers used raw elephant tusk to
produce the plaques and objects to be carved and decorated. More
recently, a French-Italian team undertook a new study of the ivories
from Arslan Tash (Syria), and developed a protocol to re-approach
such objects as if they had never been studied before, documenting
Sindh Antiquities Journal 105

1. Alexander,
the ivories
the ivories
from theNearchus
from and point
technological the exploration
the technological
ofpoint
viewofand
viewMuhammad
growth
and growth
rings,
Ibnpresence
rings,
Qasim presence
in of pearls,
712-713 of(Kervran
pearls,
pulp, dentine
pulp, 261).
1995, dentine
and and
reconstructing
of Indusreconstructing
the ancient
the ancient
production
production
cycle (Affanni
cycle (Affanni
cementum)
Kervrancementum)
and
thinks of
thatthe
and
a manufacture
of the
reference manufacture
to (working
this (working
same tool marks,
tool
foundation marks,
2015). The 2015). framework
The framework of the technological
of the technological study has studyalphabetical
can hasbe found
alphabetical
signs
in Curtiusorsigns
marks); or marks);
Rufus 4)
(IX, carving, 4) carving,
8, 8), decoration
who addsdecoration
toand
his and
been taken beenfrom taken M.fromVidale M.(1992),
Vidale (1992),who pointed who pointed
out the out mounting
the mounting
techniques; techniques;
5)
short account the name of the new colony, not probable 5) probable
original original
position position
After deciding,
importance importance ofregretfully, to go back home,
micro-stratigraphic
of micro-stratigraphic analysisAlexander
analysis
and withinand the within
tusk. the tusk.
organised thesomedescent of the army and oftheories
theC. fleet mentioned by Arrian:
reinterprets
reinterprets evolutionary
some evolutionary
theories by byalong
Darwin, C. Darwin,
Indus’ course,
applying themfollowed
applying tothem
the study tobythe the exploration
ofstudy
artifacts. of thedefined
of artifacts.
Vidale delta. defined
Vidale Color pictures
Color picturesof the ivories of the were ivoriestaken werefollowing
taken following the the
The sources
the production enable
the production us
cycle ofcycle to state
any object that
of anyasobjectduring Alexander’s
the succession
as the succession “Here,
of a same of a set after
same offounding
criteria: athe
set of criteria: citycamera
(oppido
the cameraatcondito) at he
the zenith theordered
of
zeniththe of the
age Indus’
series ofseriesmouth
stages of in had
stages two in main
a sequential branches,
a sequential
logic. The logic.the western
individual
The individualto be called
pieces with
pieces Alexandria,
two twoheillumination
withillumination entered the sources,
sources, territory
a low of the
aangle
low angle
and the manufacturing
easternoperations
manufacturing ones (information
operations
can be therefore
can about itbroken
be thereforecome down from down
broken Musicani”
sidelightsidelight (Kervran
coming coming 1995,
from thefrom 260-261).
top left the angle
top leftofanglethe piece of the andpiece and
into a hierarchy
Strabo, into a and
Pliny hierarchy
ofArrian)
different of1 different
; levels.
while inlevels. the I century A.D., another another light diffused light diffused
from thefrom top. the In some
top. In cases,
somemore cases, more
the age in which the author of the Periplus of the I don’t
details were
details think
shotwereto however
document
shot to document that thesethetwo
the volume places
volume
of the ofrefer
carving,the carving,
The ancient
The ancient
technology technology
Erythrean sea (§ 38)2 was writing, the mouths researcher researcher
should should
look forlook
decoration,
for decoration,to the
carving same
carving
or foundation.
other or Arrian
techniques.
other speaks
techniques.
All ofAll
these a these
production production
fossils, fossils,
that
were seven; the piece of information is is, that
indicators
is, indicators
on the on
objects
the objects
photographs photographs
were shotwere with shotdaylight
with .
daylight
polis that was expected to be great and
1 1
.
themselves themselves
that can
resumed by Ptolemy (VII, 1, 2). that be can
identified
be identified
as the as
resultthe of
result of famous, Curtius of an oppidum,
production production
processes, processes,
like the like
sign the
left sign
by a
lefttool.
by The
a As
tool. The a result
As a ofresult the which
study
of theof isstudy
the selected
rather of athe selected
piecescitadel
fortified itpieces
is it is
Alexander explored both branches,
work shouldwork proceed
should proceed then to then the identification
to the identification of toolsof possible
tools possible to comment to comment some ofsome
(Zambrini the of
2004, most theinteresting
540-541). most But interesting
the western and the eastern;
and different
and different
production production
processes processes
employed by the byfeatures
employed the features
of the ivory of the collection.
ivory collection.
what is more relevant is that the
Nearchus
ancient descended
ancient
artisan. artisan. on the
contrary only along one of foundation referred to by
The firstThe consideration
first consideration is related is to related
the identification
to the identification of of
them,approach
This andThisthe approach
identification
has been of
hasapplied
been applied to the study to the ofstudy the ofthethematerial,
the material,
which iswhich Curtius
a homogenous Rufus
is a homogenous is assemblage
assemblage placed of of
the chosen
ivories from
ivories way,
Arslan
from asTashwe in
Arslan willSiria
Tash (Fontan,
in Siria (Fontan,
Affanni Affanni 2018) 2018)elephantelephant
ivory. The ivory. immediately
peculiar
The peculiar
conformation beforeofAlexander’s
conformation this kind of this of kind of
see,
and isOldnot
and certain
Nisa Old .
in Nisa
Turkmenistan
in Turkmenistan(Affanni (Affanni
2018) and
2018) has ivory,
and has such
ivory, as such
Schreger as entry
Schreger
lines, in Musicanus’
sub-circular
lines, sub-circular
growth kingdom:
rings,
growth rings,
3
made possible
made possible
the identification
the identificationof tools of and tools
techniques cement,cement,
and techniques pulp cavity, pulp and thispearls,
cavity, leads
and makes to identifying
pearls, its
makes it identification
identification
its more
used
During in carving
used
the in carving
and decorating
descent and and the decorating
the objects. the objects. unquestionable.
unquestionable. probably
Determining Determining withtheofaorigin
the origin thefoundation
rawof thetusks raw tusks
exploration, Alexander was instead
was instead
more following
problematic.
more the
problematic. one
The of the
tusk The polis
of tusk at
African the
of African
The assemblage
The assemblage
of
completed the foundation of ivory of
objects
ivory uncovered
objects uncovered
in Trench in 9 elephant
Trench 9 elephant
and the tusk
and the
of Indian
confluence,tusk of elephant
Indian
and elephant
are
precisely very are
withsimilar
very
the similar
during the
during2017-2018
the
cities, the fortification of 2017-2018and 2019 and seasons
2019 seasons
at Banbhore at so
Banbhore that it
so isthat
highlyit is difficult,
highly difficult,
if not impossible,
if
city in the territory of the Sogdi, founded not impossible,
to discern to discern
counts
citadelsto counts
morethe
and tothan
more 6,000 thanpieces
installation 6,000
of and piecessmall andfragments
small fragmentswhetherwhether an archaeological
byanAlexander
archaeological
object indeed belongs
object belongs
to oneentering
before tusk
to one or tusk or
(see Mantellini,
(see Mantellini,
Excavation, Excavation,
Table 1 Table infra).1Since infra).works another.another.
Since works The only The significant
only
Musicanus’ territory significant
difference difference
can
according tothe size,
be the
can size,
be
harbours. As it has been noticed by
in Trench in 9Trench
are still 9 are
in progress,
still in progress,
the number the number
is supposed as African
is supposed as African
elephantArrian elephant
may have may tuskshave
and Diodorus, and whose
tusks diameter
whose calleddiameter
is is
Hauben, the aim of this intense
to grow,tomaking
grow, making
it one ofitthe onemost of the abundant
most abundantrecoveryrecovery of more of than more 13thancm. 13 Thecm. ivoryTheobjects ivory objects
of Banbhore of Banbhore are are
activity was to construct a network Alexandria by the latter too.
ivory artefacts
ivory artefacts
ever. The ever.objects can of
The objects be divided
can be divided in two ingenerally
two generally small pieces, small and pieces,no one and preserves
no one preserves the former the former
fortifiedcategories.
harbour centres This city, with regard to which Arrian
categories. The majority The majorityofforthethe ofpurpose
fragments
the fragments
are production structurestructure
are production of the tusk of the thattusk could thatallow couldtoallow measure to measure
the the
of road
waste, but and
waste,
some naval
butfewsome brokenconnection,
few artifacts with
broken artifacts
are also are present. It diameter.
also present. It diameter.However, (VI, 15,
However,the4) geographical
refers
the not as much
geographical position toposition
the
of of
military
is interesting andto note
is interesting exchange
to
thatnote no that objectives
completeno complete
piece has piecebeenhas Banbhore,
been Banbhore, closer foundation
to
closer toas the
the Indian to the fortification
subcontinent
Indian subcontinent than(and to than to
(Haubenhitherto
hitherto 1976, 91
recovered ff).
recovered
in Trench in Trench
9. Hence, 9. Hence,
the enormous the enormous Africa,this
Africa, suggests could
suggests
that Indianexplain
thatelephant
Indian the elephant
use
tusks of could
oppidum
tusksbecould by be the
the
amount amount
of productionof productionwaste suggests waste suggeststhat the that areathe wasareamaterial
was material Curtius
used forused Rufus),
the objects was
for the found indeed
objectsthere. in the
found there. territory of
used as used
an ivory
1.1. Alexander as for
anworkshop.
ivory workshop.
the Indus/Acesines’If this hypothesis
If this hypothesis would be would be the Sogdi:
confirmed
confluence confirmed
this would
to Pattala this end would up endbeing up thebeing firstthe ancient Some information
first ancient Some information about the about
origin theoforigin
the raw of the
tuskraw might tusk might
ivory workshop
ivory workshop ever found ever in found an in archaeological
an archaeological come from come the fromnumerous
“Inthe that numerous alphabetical
placealphabetical
heinscriptions inscriptions
fortified
excavation.
The firstexcavation.
foundation mentioned by the present present
on some on (eteichizen)
ofsome the of pieces.theanother
pieces.
All thecity All
inscriptions
the inscriptions
(polis),
sources is the one of the cities at the uncovered uncovered
are written are written
on the outer
on thesurface
ordered to construct more shipyards outer surface
of tusks, of ontusks, on
For the For preliminary
the preliminary study ofstudy the objects
of the objectsit has been it has thebeen cementthe cement
(BB.17-18.O.921/2)
(BB.17-18.O.921/2) (Figure
and repaired the damaged ships”; (Figure
1). 1).
Sometimes Sometimes
confluence between Acesines (today’s
decideddecided
to browse to through
browse through the assemblagethe assemblageand select andtheselect the
Chenab)
most and Indus,
interesting
most interesting perhaps
production Alexandria
production
fossils among fossils the among pieces, the inpieces,
1. Allinthe photos
1. All the
in the
photos
present
in the
article
present
werearticle
takenwere
by the taken
Author.
by theThe Author.
photo The in photo in
of Opiane (one of the eighteen Later Alexander moved towards
order toorder
be able to beto reconstruct
able to reconstruct the production the productioncycle and cycleFigure
and98 was Figure
taken98 by
wasM. taken
Piacentini.
by M. Piacentini.
Alexandriae
the toolstheused listed
tools to used by to
work Stephen
theworkivory. theAivory.total A of total
74 piecesof 74 pieces Musicanus’ kingdom (VI, 15,
of Bisance,
have been s.v.
haveselected
been Ἀλεξάνδρειαι)
selected
for a specific for4 a specific
study. Furthermore,
study. Furthermore, 5).
.seven
Thispieces
city
seven haveis mentioned
piecesbeen haveselected by
been selectedfor comparisonfor comparison from from Diodorus (XVII, 102, 4)5 refers,
Arrian (VI,
the showcases 15,
the showcases2), who
of the museum expresses
of the museum himself
on the site like
on the this:
of Banbhore
site of Banbhore on the contrary, that in the territory of the Sodri
coming coming
from thefrom excavations
the excavations of F. A. of Khan.
F. A. Khan. (Arrian’s Sogdi?)( Goukowski 1976, 259), once more
“He ordered then to found (ktisai) a city (polis) at the before entering Musicanus’ kingdom, Alexander Figure 1.
The fieldwork
confluence Theof fieldwork
protocol
the two riversprotocol
used (he in the
used
hoped preliminary
in itthe
wouldpreliminary
study
be great ofstudy of Ivory
founded with
a great city along the river:
alphabetical
the selection
the selection
of ivories of ivories
of
and famous among people) and to construct shipyards Banbhoreof Banbhore
consisted consisted
in in
inscription
collecting collecting
for the ships”. autopticautoptic observations, observations, drawingdrawing and and(BB.17-18.O.9
photographing
photographing
the object. the object. 1. See Strab. V,21-2).
44-45; Plin. NH VI, 71 e 81; Arr. VI, 18-20. It is generally
considered that these sources reflect information supplied by Alexander’s
For the location of this foundation, whose name is not hystorians (Kervran 1995, 264 ff.; Kervran 1996, 48-49).
The dataThecollected
data collected
included:included:
1) measurements;
1) measurements;
2) state 2) 2.state
mentioned
of by Arrian,
conservation;
of conservation;different
3) a schematic sites havedrawing
3) a schematic
drawing been
of theproposed,
six
of sides
On Periplus see Schoff 1912, 19742; Casson 1989; Belfiore 2004 e 2013.
the six 3.sides
See the terms of the problem in Bucciantini 2015, 40-41.
including
of of Chacar
the pieces,
the withand
pieces, Uch;indication
indication
with itofhas
thebeen assumed
characters
of the for that
charactersthe for
4. the
But see Zambrini 2004, 539, who considers problematic the identification.
it couldidentification
be the
identification Ashkandra/Sekandra
of the of
rawthematerial conquered
raw material
(Schreger(Schregerby lines,
lines, 5. For a commentary on XVII, 102 see Prandi 2013, 168 ff.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 106

“In these places founded (ektise), along the river, a great the pieces
Later bearingreached
Alexander inscriptions havea been
Pattala, city cut
thatinispieces
well
city (polis) called Alexandria, after gathering ten known to
during thethe sources,
carving situated inmaking
operations, the place thewhere Indus
inscription
thousand inhabitants”. splits into two
incomplete. branches,
This mean perhaps
that the identifiable
inscriptions were madewith
Hyderabad
and (Arr.the
read before VI,activity
17, 5)(ofKervran
the artisan, 1995, 283 two
giving ff.;
Curtius Rufus’ Alexandria, founded in turn before Kervran 1996, 50 e 73) . Here he
options for the identity of the7 writers. They could have ordered to
entering Musicanus’ territory, is probably identical to Hephaestion to fortify the citadel (teichizein…akran)
been the artisans themselves, writing notes after having
the city of the Sogdi of Arrian and to the Alexandria of and to construct a harbour and some shipyards (VI, 18,
acquired and before starting to work on the tusk. Or, the
Diodorus (Zambrini 2004, 539). Various arguments lead 1-2); later he started exploring Indus’ mouth, which is
writers are the persons
worth dwelling on for awhowhile.handled the tusks before the
to this conclusion: the name of Alexandria, that can be artisans acquired them. They could have been merchants
found in Diodorus and in Curtius; the topography and or
1.2.palace
Alexanderofficials needing
in Indus’ deltato register the tusks and
the chronology, which put the foundation in the territory writing information directly on them.
of the Sogdi/Sodri (Arrian, Diodorus) and before the Alexander’s descent along the western branch covers
entry into Musicanus’ territory (Arrian, Diodorus, chapters
As regards 18-19
how theof Arrian’s
artisans of book VI (see
Banbhore Curt.
made useIX, 9).
of the
Curtius Rufus). It can be added that the sequence and the Alexander
ivory faced manythedifficulties,
tusk processing raw material dueandto extracting
the winds,the to
details of the account in Diodorus XVII, 102 and in the tidestoand
objects to the absence
be worked, of guides.toOnce
it is interesting note thatbackthe to
Curtius IX, 8 are absolutely identical: arrival between Pattala, Alexander found the citadel already
majority of the objects is taken from the lower end of the fortified
the Sambasti/Sabarcae/Sambagrae, holding in a (ten akrantusk.
elephant teteichismenen) and entrustedby
This area is characterized Hephaestion
the presence to
democracy; consistency of their army (60000 take care of fortifying the harbour and of constructing
of the pulp cavity (BB.17-18.O.901/4), traces of which
Figure 2. Ivoryknights,
disc (BB.19.O.100-8). shipyards, because he wanted to leave a fleet in Pattala.
infrantrymen, 6000 500 carts); peace remains on many objects. Furthermore, a lot of western
objects
Hence Alexander descended along Indus’
agreement; foundation of Alexandria; entry into show the presence of cementum, a
branch: the journey covers chapter 20 Arrian’s bookthin layer of harder
VI
Musicanus’ territory. After saying so, it is in any case tusk
(see Curt. IX, 10). Along this branch Alexander tell
which protects the inner dentine. This feature foundus
difficult the identification with posterior sites (Kervran that the artisans made good use of the ivory,
an easier way; once arrived to a great lake, in which sea using the
1995, 261-262). lower
fish wereendalready
of the tusk,
found, probably
he ordered lesstoexpensive
constructthan the
another
In Musicanus’ kingdom, Alexander fortified another harbour and
medium and other
uppershipyards
part, showing(VI, 20, 5) and went
a deliberate back to
strategy
city, according to Arrian (VI, 15, 7): Pattala.
use Later moved
the material from the towards
tusks astomuch the territory
as they could.of the
Arabitai (who fled into the desert) and of the Oritai (he
“Craterus received the order to fortify the citadel (ten defeated
The tools them);
used forafter reaching Rambakia,
the extraction of raw shaped the objects
largest
akran ekteichisai) within the city; these works were village of Oritai,
to be later carved was made using saw
done while Alexander was still present, and a garrison (BB.17-18.O.915/4) and an ax (BB.17-18.O.908/1 and
“He admired the place and thought that a city founded
was placed in the citadel”. BB.17-18.O.916/3) or carving knife (BB.17-
there by him (polis xynoikistheisa) would have been
18.O.910/1).
great and prosperous”, and left the task to Hephaestion
To the same fact refers, probably, Curt. IX, 8, 11, (VI, 21, 5). Afterwards, the story of the dramatic return
according to whom Alexander left a garrison in the city The raw objects
to Babylon throughwerethemade
Gedrosiain different shapes: square
desert begins.
of the Musicani. The possible location is still uncertain or rectangular
Curtius Rufus panels
(IX, 10,were usedthat
3) says to carve discs “founded
Alexander and rings
(Kervran 1995, 262-2). (BB.19.O.100/8;
a number of cities” Figure
during 2); the
fullcourse
cylindersof the (using the
descent
Finally, Arrian (VI, 16, 4) reminds Sindimana, capital of along the
upper parteastern
of thebranch,
tusk), to adding
carveanobjects
interestingin thedatum
round to
Figure 3. Object carved in the round (BB.17-18.O.915-1).
the province of Sambus, which opened the gates to him; Arrian, who speaksFigure
(BB.17-18.O.915/1; only 3); of hollow
the construction
cylinders (using of a
identifiable with the today’s Sehwan (Kervran 1995, harbour.
the lowerDiodorus,
part of theon thetuskcontrary, does not
and profiting thedwell on
natural
262), was situated in a strategic position and preserves the exploration of the delta. No useful
presence of the pulp cavity) to do objects like pyxides pieces of
information can be
(BB.19.O.100/20; Figure 4). found in Alexander’s Life by
the ruins of a citadel. Indeed, while referring to
Plutarch.
Sindimana, Arrian does not speak of foundations or
fortifications; Curtius Rufus (IX, 8, 11) says that They were laterjourney
1.3. Nearchus’s reduced in size, removing material,
Alexander, through a tunnel, he captured the most using lathe, knives, gouges and chisels in order to carve
powerful city of Sambus’ kingdom. We cannot say, the intended
Nearchus left,objects.
probably Many from traces lathe,(Kervran
Pattala thin incisions
1995,
however, that the two sources refer to the same city, parallel
288; Biagi to each
2017,other
259)8and, at perpendicular
the beginning to of the
the rotation
autumn
since the conquest modalities seem to be different6. axis of the lathe, have been found on many pieces. The
6. See Atkinson 2000, 546.
Arrian refers then to the fortification of other cities in lathe was used both to remove material, forming lines of
7. However, the identification is far from being certain (Biagi 2017, 257-258).
Musicanus kingdom (VI, 17, 1) and to the order given to different depths, or
The various hypotheses to engrave
are presented deeper
in Wilhelmy 1968lines
b, 258with
ff. (whoa
Hephaestion to gather inhabitants for the fortified cities decorative function (BB.19.O.100/20). Furthermore, the
thinks of Bahmanabad).
8. Nearchus probably departed from the naustathmon constructed close to
(VI, 17, 4): waste
Pattala byproduction from
order of Alexander. Thislathe operations
place could correspondare consistent
to the Xylinepolis
with
of Plin.a NH
bowVI,lathe, where 134
96 = FGrHist a strip of material
Onesicr. is attached
F 28 (Onesicriti et Nearchito
navigatio nec nomina habet mansionum nec
a curved stick to create a bow, which is then movedspatia, primumque Xylinepolis
“He advanced against the cities (poleis) subject to ab Alexandro condita, unde ceperunt exordium, iuxta quod flumen aut ubi
Musicanus: he razed to the ground some of them, after forward andexplanatur):
fuerit non satis backwards seeto apply
Biffi 2000,an alternating
185; Whitby 2016rotation
b. Pattala
movement to the
could be the Potana object
of Diod. to47,be9,carved
XIII, with afounded
“that Alexander chisel. This
along the
enslaving theFigureinhabitants;
4. Pixis withinlathe
others he introduced
and bow river Indus, willing to have a naval base for the coastal navigation along the
tool required only one worker to operate it, however,
garrisons anddrill decorations
fortified their(BB.19.O.100-20).
citadels (akras eteichise)” Ocean” (Kervran 1996, 73). Uncertain on the possibility to identify
holding
Xylinepolisand moving
Kervran thewho,
1996, 51, bow meant
however, that
thinks thatthe
the turner only
wood to which
… “he ordered to gather inhabitants for the already had oneofhand
the name to support
the settlement alludesthe
is thechisels,
one of theand so would
mangroves, whichoften
can be
fortified cities, ekteteichismenas poleis”. found in the lower part of the delta.
use his feet/toes to control them.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 107

Working
of Working
a piece
the year 326 aoronpiece
the B.C.
325 lathe
on theHis
means
lathe that
means
account itishas
that toit be
partially has to
and be BB.19.O.100/10
Nearchus’ andjourney BB.19.O.100/10
proceeds (Figure (Figure
later 8). stands
westward 8). along stands
for this thefor this
secured
preservedsecured
onbythe on
twothesides
Arrian’s two ofsides
Indiké :the
we of
rotation
aretheinterested
rotation
axis, the axis,possibility.
in the possibility.
territory of the Arabitai and the Oritai, already outside
9
headstockheadstock
particular and
in the and
chapter tailstock,
21,the tailstock,
whicheach of each
refers them
to ouroftouching
themand
area touching
the
in Indus’ the delta on which our survey focuses. I think that
piece with
piece
a metal
with a
point
metal which
point would
which leave
would a leave
tiny
which are described in detail the many stages followed from this hole
a tiny hole
Polychromy Polychromywas also
short was
employed
also employed
reconsideration to weembellish to embellish
could the
take pieces, the pieces,
two
in the piece.
in theMost
piece.ofMost
the time
of thethetime
verythe lastverypartlast
of the
part ofas thea as
final a treatment
final treatment(Figure (Figure
9). The 9). autoptic
The autoptic
by Nearchus’ fleet, with the indication of the different elements as acquired:
pieces, the
pieces,
one holding
the one holding
onto theonto
metal thepoints
metalwas points
cut was
out cut out
examination
1. The Alexandria of Curt. IX, 8, 8, called oppidum, haskind of
examinationmade possible
made possible
identifying identifying
two kind two of
toponyms
and and and
became of production.
became
waste the different
waste It hasgeographical
production. been been and
It haspossible possible
to pigments to pigments
topographical features. The source does not specify, nothing to(BB.19.O.100/12),
do with(BB.19.O.100/12),
the polis founded black and black
at the red.and Only
confluencered.the Only the
identifyidentify
differentdifferent
types oftypes
wasteofproduction
waste production
of this kindof thisresults
kind results
between of scientific
Acesines of and scientific
analyses
Indus, analyses
but itcould
ratherconfirm
could
corresponds confirm
the the
unfortunately,
in several throughitems,
in several
items, which
such Indus’
as branch
such BB.17-18.O.894/1;Nearchus composition
as BB.17-18.O.894/1; composition
of the pigments,
of the pigments,
but it is but
possible
it is possible
that the that the
to the Alexandria of Diod. XVII, 102, 4, the fortified
descended. Since Alexander
BB.17-18.O.906/1
BB.17-18.O.906/1 had
5); found
(Figure(Figure difficulties
and5);BB.19.O.100/4
and BB.19.O.100/4on black could blackbecould carbon be black
carbonand black
the and red an theironred derived
an iron derived
city in2the territory of the Sogdi di Arr. VI, 15, 4.
(Figure (Figure
6). branch,
the western 6). many believe that Nearchus colour . colour2.
2. Nearchus choose quite probably the right branch of
preferred the eastern branch (Eggermont 1975, 33 ff.; 2. Indus’ mouth,
In order 2.toInsupport
orderthetothese
western
support
hypothesis,one,
these forMario
hypothesis,
Prof hisProfdescentMario towards
Piacentini Piacentini
noted that noted that
BiagiFigure
2017,5.259
Lathe waste production (BB.17-18.O.906-1).
ff ); but the thing is not at all certain, during the see. the during
2015 field
the 2015
season field
(Trench
season9, (Trench
SU 153)9,the SUArchaeologist
153) the Archaeologist
Dr N. Dr N.
ManasseroManassero
found a small found
ivorya small
lid completely
ivory lid completely
painted with painted
a red pigment
with a red (see
pigment (see
since the problems faced by Alexander were due to the Figure These9).data The
Figure could
lid 9).
wasThe be
analysed useful
lid was situ for
inanalysed
using inussituto
the clarify
portable
using theXRF atspectrometer
portable least
XRF in spectrometer
monsoons, whose season was over at the moment of and partthethe issue
Raman
and the related
spectrometer totaken
Raman spectrometer thefromidentification
taken
the LANDA
from the(see of
LANDAthe sites
M. Piacentini,
(see M. toPiacentini,
Nearchus’ departure, on 20th Boedromion of 326/510; infra). whichThewe infra).
XRF analyses
The XRFwere
aresurface
interested. analyses
performed
were performed
on two small on areas
two smallof theareas
lid: area
of the lid: area
1 on a surface1 onofa fresh ivory
of fresh
that wasivorybroken
that was during
brokenthe during
excavation,
the excavation,
and area and area
which could have led the admiral, upon advice of the 2 on the red 2 on pigment,
the red respectively.
pigment, respectively.
With respect With to respect
area 1, to in area
area 1,2 the
in area 2 the
local guides, to prefer the western branch, leading him intensities Before proceeding,
intensities of theIfluorescence
of the fluorescence would like
lines associated toassociated
lines indicate
with Phosphorusa place
with Phosphorus of the
and Calcium and Calcium
decreased, decreased,
since the Xsince ray beam
the Xemitted
ray beam fromemitted
the ivory
fromatoms
the ivory
was atoms
attenuated
was attenuated
more quickly along the route towards the Persian Gulf11. passing Periplus throughof the
passing Erythrean
thethrough
red pigment
the redlayer,
pigment (§layer,
seawhereas 41), the whose
whereas the author,
intensities intensities
of the iron aof the iron
Thus we are not in the condition to say with absolute good connoisseur
fluorescence fluorescence
lines where of
lines
very Indus’
where
strong: verydelta’s
counts
strong: area,
measured
counts in most
measured
area 1: probably
Pin= area
733, 1:
Ca P = 733, Ca
= 33986, Fe= 33986,
= 357; Fe
counts
= 357;
measured
counts
on the ground of autopsy experience, while describingin
measured
area 2: P
in =area
374, 2:CaP == 374,
27574, Ca Fe
= 27574,
= Fe =
certainty which way was chosen by Nearchus, and this 9344. The 9344.
XRF analysis
The XRFsupports
analysisthe supports
above hypothesis,
the above hypothesis,
confirmingconfirming
that the that the
fact naturally creates many problems for us with regards red thepigment
wayred from theoncommercial
ispigment
based isiron,
basedprobably
on iron,redharbour
probably
ocher like of ocher
red Barbarikon
hematite,like that (we
hematite,
can bethat can be
leave
easily
to the identification of the sites mentioned by Arrian, an 2014-2015).2014-2015). at
foundeasilythe themoment
in found neighbourhood pending
in the neighbourhood of Banbhore the issue
of Banbhore of
(Felici, Piacentini the
(Felici, Piacentini
identification) to the gulf of Barygaza (Broach), in the
issue already complicated by the modification of the
interland of which was located the Scythian capital of
landscape.
Minnagara (Badora?)16, refers what follows:
Through different stages (Stura, Caumara, Coreestis)
Figure 7.
Nearchus’ fleet arrived to the sandy island of Crocala, in “Capital Rounded of the bit region is Minnagara, from where a lot of
the territory of the Indians called Arabi, on the river fabric is brought drill down to Barygaza. In the surroundings
Arabis (in Anabasis, VI, 21, 4, to which this passage of survive (BB.17-18.O.9
until nowadays evidences (semeia) of
18-11)
the Indiké refers espressely, population and river are Alexander’s campaign: ancient temples (archaia hiera),
called respectively Arabitai and Arabius)12. This foundation of camps (themelioi parembolôn) and
notation can perhaps help us to define the route followed enormous wells (phreata meghista)”.
by Nearchus: on the base of Anabasis, as a matter of
fact, we can locate the Arabitai and their neighbours The region, still in I century A.D., was indeed deeply
Oritai, with whom Alexander clashed before facing the signed Figure by Alexander’s
8. passage and preserving a series
of Drill hole
remains of it characterizing the landscape: temples
desert, westward, in the area inhabited by Gedrosii too (BB.19.O.10
(Arr. VI, 22, 1; see Strab. XV, 2, 1)13. From Crocala (indicating0-10) a more stable settlement), camps and wells
Nearchus restarted keeping mount Eiron on his right and (which indicate on the contrary military settlements of a
more temporary nature).
on his left a low island which formed a channel:

“After passing it, the moored in a harbour with a good 9. On which see Bucciantini 2015; Biffi 2000; Dognini 2000; Whitby 2016 a.
anchorage. Since this was large and beautiful, Nearchus 10. Thus in autumn 326, according to Arrian, but more probably in that of
325. For chronological problems see Biffi 2000, 184; Bucciantini 2015, 36 ff.
decide to call it Alexander’s harbour14. At the mouth of 11. Strabo (XV, 2, 5), unlike Arrian (VIII, 21, 1), says that Nearchus left
the harbour there is an island about two stadia away, despite the winds were not yet favourable, as he feared attacks by the side of
the barbarians; it must however be a confusion, since these same difficulties
which is called Bibacta, while the area as a whole is are placed by Arrian not at the moment of the departure, but after the arrival
called Sangada15. It is the island itself that, situated in to Alexander’s harbour, where the fleet stopped for 24 days due to the strong
winds and the place was fortified by the fear of attacks by the indigenous. See
front of the6. Lathe
Figure sea, waste
forms the harbour.
production Strong and Leroy 2016, 240-241.
(BB.19.O.100-4)
continuous winds blow there from the sea, and 12. See Biffi 2000, 187.
The decoration
Nearchus,Thefearing
decoration
of that
the pieces
of thebarbarians
some was
pieces
done wasthrough
donegather
could through
chisels,
to chisels,
13. Strabo, based on Nearchus (FGrHist F 24), calls Arbeis the population and
both hand-held
both hand-held
or with or thewith
aid the
of lathe
aid ofto lathe
maketolines,
make lines,
Arbys the river separating it from the Oritai; he states moreover that the
sack the camp, he ordered to fortify the place with a region of the Arabitai was situated on the boundary between India and Ariana.
hand drill
handto drill
maketo round
make doughnut
round doughnutshaped shaped
circles circles
stone wall. They remained there twentyfour days; 14. Dognini 2000, 133, proposes to identify it with the portus Macedonum
(BB.19.O.100/20).
(BB.19.O.100/20). quoted by Plin. NH VI, 110, situated close to the Arabius river (ibi portus
Nearchus narrates that the soldiers fished mussels, Macedonum et arae Alexandri in promunturio).
oysters,are
There and
notthe
There areso-called
enough
not enough solenes,
information ofto an
information extraordinary
determine
to determine
if the if15.the
On this toponym and on other similar toponyms (Sagara, Sagapa) that
size compared
pieces were
pieces to those
assembled
were of our
assembled
together sea,theand
together
but butmoreover
presence that oftake
the presence
of hole us back to Indus’ western branch, see Kervran 1995, 276.
hole Figure 9. The red ivory lid found in TR09, SU153
16. For the identifications see Belfiore 2004, 181-182, n. 251, and Belfiore
made with
made hand
with drill:
hand BB.17-18.O.918/11
drill:
they drank sea water” (VI, 21, 10-12). BB.17-18.O.918/11 (Figure (Figure
7) 2013.7) during the 2015 field season.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 108

Concluding, the preliminary results of the study gave Furniture from SW7, Fort Shalmaneser. London: The
lots of information for the reconstruction of the British School of Archaeology in Iraq.
production process of the ivories from Trench 9. In
particular, it was possible to identify the provenance of Vidale, M.
1992 Produzione artigianale protostorica.
the objects from within the tusk, the tools that were used
Etnoarcheologia e archeologia. Saltuarie dal Laboratorio
in processing the ivory, and to reconstruct carving and del Piovego 4, Padova: Dipartimento di Scienze
decoration techniques. The work should proceed with a dell’Antichità - Università degli Studi di Padova.
systematic analysis of the assemblage of ivories in order
to identify typologies, reconstruct the production cycle
of each kind of piece and get further insight into this
unique collection of ivory.

Bibliography
Affanni, G.
2015 Protocol for the Examination of the Ancient
Ivories from Arslan Tash: A Palaeo-Technological Approach.
In: C. E. Suter (ed.), Proceedings of the Workshop Levantine
Ivories of the Iron Age: Production, Consumption, and Style
held during the 61e RAI 2015, Altorientalische Forschungen,
42. Berlin/Boston: De Gruyter, p. 50-59.
2018 Studio paleotecnologico della mobilia
eburnea nisena. In N. Manassero, A banchetto con gli eroi: la
mobilia in avorio dalla Casa Quadrata a Nisa Partica,
Mnéme. Documenti, culture, Storia del Mediterraneo e
dell'Oriente Antico 10. Alessandria: Edizioni Dell’Orso, pp.
101-124.

Caubet, A., Poplin, F.

1987 Les objets de matière dure animale: Etude du
matériau. In: M. Yon (ed.), Ras Shamra-Ugarit III: Le centre
de la ville (38 e –44 e campagnes, 1978–1984). Paris:
Éditions Recherche Sur Les Civilisations, pp. 249–272.

Felici A. C., Piacentini, M.

2014-2015

Fontan, E., Affanni, G.

2018 Les ivoires d’Arslan Tash, Décor de mobilier
syrien (IXe-VIIIe siècles avant J.-C.). In: Corpus des
Antiquités Phéniciennes et Puniques France 5, Paris:
Éditions Picard, pagine.

Herrmann, G.
1986 Ivories from Nimrud (1949–1963) IV:
Ivories from Room SW37, Fort Shalmaneser. London: The
British School of Archaeology in Iraq.
1992 Ivories from Nimrud (1949–1963) V: The
Small Collections from Fort Shalmaneser. London: The
British School of Archaeology in Iraq.

Herrmann, G., Laidlaw, S.

2009 Ivories from Nimrud (1949–1963) VI: Ivories
from the North West Palace (1845–1992). London: The
British School of Archaeology in Iraq.
2013 Ivories from Nimrud (1949–1963) VII: Ivories
from Rooms SW11/12 and T10, Fort Shalmaneser. London:
The British School of Archaeology in Iraq.

Mallowan, M.E.L., Herrmann, G.

1974 Ivories from Nimrud (1949–1963) III:
Sindh Antiquities Journal 109

Archaeometric Notes
Glass finds from Banbhore: An Archaeological and
Archaeo-metric Approaches for the Study of the
Assemblages (Preliminary Report)
Dr. Tania Chinni
Research Fellow, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna
PhD in History Cultures and Civilizations, Tania Chinni is an archaeologist glass specialist in the
study and recognition of artefacts datable to the Middle Ages. She has participated in several Italian
and international archaeological surveys and published in several scientific international journals.
She collaborated on the ministerial project PRIN 2009 Continuity and discontinuity in High-Adri-
atic glass production between the 9th century BC and 15th century AD (Universities of Bologna
and Padua). She was tutor for the Single Cycle Degree Course in "Conservation and Restoration of
Cultural Heritage" of the University of Bologna (Campus of Ravenna) (2016/2017, 2017/2018).
Currently she collaborates with the Conservation Science Laboratory for Cultural Heritage and she
is the leader of the Italo-Armenian Project ROCHEMP: Regional Office for Cultural Heritage
Enhancement Management and Protection.

Dr. Sara Fiorentino

Research Fellow, Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna
PhD in Applied Physics to Cultural Heritage, Sara Fiorentino is a Conservation Scientist special-
ised in Archaeometry. Since 2012 she has been collaborating on study and consultancy activities
related to the field of applied Conservation Science, with specific interest in the study of production
technologies and the conservation issues of archaeological artefacts and historical building materi-
als. Co-author of several publications in indexed scientific journals, she has participated as a
speaker at national and international conferences. Teaching assistant for the Integrated Course in
Chemistry and Conservation of Materials at the School of Arts, Humanities and Cultural Heritage
of the University of Bologna, lectures and assistance to laboratory activities for students.

Dr. Mariangela Vandini

Associate Professor in Applied Physics to Cultural Heritage,
Department of Cultural Heritage, University of Bologna

After an initial period of scientific activity in the field of semiconductor materials for electronics,
since 1997 she has been carrying out research on scientific methodologies for the study of cultural
heritage. In particular, through archaeometric analysis and investigations on materials of
archaeological and historical-artistic interest, the research is aimed at characterising raw
materials and production technologies, as well as to provide data and evaluation of the state of
conservation of the artworks and finds, investigating the causes of deterioration through the
characterisation of degradation phenomena. Since 2000-2001 she is teaching at the Faculty of
Conservation of Cultural Heritage, now School of Letters and Cultural Heritage, in Specialisation
Schools, in master’s and in Doctoral Schools of Alma Mater Studiorum University of Bologna, as well as in numerous training courses. She
published extensively her research in highly recognized international scientific journals and book.

Abstract:
An assemblage of glass finds from the Banbhore excavation was selected for preliminary
recognition according to well-established and scientific-based methodological approach. The
available set, consisting of 173 fragments recovered from three trenches (nos. 7, 8 and 9), was
preliminarily observed by naked eye and recorded, distinguishing, where possible, between
diagnostic elements (hems, bottoms and loops) and wall fragments. After a preliminary cleaning
of surface deposits, the archaeological study of the finds was carried out by means of a
preliminary grouping of the original typologies in macro-categories, followed by the use of
non-invasive methods for an objective documentation and description of the colour. Following
these preliminary operations, the glassware fragments will undergo an integrated,
multi-methodological research approach. First, chrono-typological study will provide, through
a detailed comparison with published catalogues of assemblages from similar context, suitable
data to put the recognisable forms into proper contextualisation, taking into consideration the
Sindh Antiquities Journal 110

1. Alexander,
provenance site and its Nearchus and
peculiarities. The the exploration
archaeological the original Ibn
study of the Muhammad form of the
Qasim object (rim,
in 712-713 bottom,
(Kervran handle)
1995, 261).
fragments will, thus, be fundamental for the following analytical from those that can hardly be associated with objects (in
of Indus Kervran thinks that a reference to this same foundation
phases, that will allow to frame compositional features and raw
materials used in the manufacture of glasses from Banbhore within
particular
can be foundwalls, especially
in Curtius if lacking
Rufus (IX, 8, of
8),any
whodecoration),
adds to his
After
ancientdeciding, regretfully,into the
glass manufacturing, go back home,ofAlexander
perspective identifying and
shortto allow
account a first
thegeneral
name assessment
of the new of the set of finds.
colony, not
possible technological and/or compositional connections
organised the descent of the army and of the fleet along with mentioned by Arrian:
Middle Eastern and Eastern areas. Specific attention was payed to the evaluation of colour:
Indus’ course, followed by the exploration of the delta.
The sources enable us to state that during Alexander’s it was, after
“Here, first,founding
macroscopically checked,
a city (oppido distinguishing
condito) he ordered
Keywords: Ancient glass, Trade, Production, Archaeology, the
to befragments in larger chromatic
called Alexandria, he enteredgroups (blue, green,
the territory of the
age Indus’ mouth had two main branches, the western
Archaeometry
and the eastern ones (information about it come from colourless, etc.); then,
Musicani” (Kervran using
1995, the Natural Colour System
260-261).
Strabo, Pliny and Arrian)1 ; while in the I century A.D., (NCS), a more objective classification of chromatic
the age in which the Introduction
author of the Periplus of the shades was achieved
I don’t think however (Figure 1).these
that This two
method,
placeswhich
refer
Erythrean sea (§ 38)2 was writing, the mouths requires the use of same
to the colourfoundation.
comparison cards,speaks
Arrian allowsoftoa
The
were assemblage of glass
seven; the piece finds from isthe Banbhore
of information assign a code topolis the colour
that wasregistered
expectedby to the operator,
be great and
excavation delivered
resumed by Ptolemy (VII, to the Diagnostic
1, 2). Laboratory for with the advantagefamous, to go beyondCurtiusthe subjectivity
of an oppidum, limits
Cultural
AlexanderHeritage
explored(Department
both branches, of Cultural Heritage, that often afflict a punctual
which isdetermination of the citadel
rather a fortified colour
University
the western and the eastern; campus) consists of
of Bologna – Ravenna (https://ncscolour.com/). (Zambrini 2004, 540-541). But
173 fragments,
Nearchus recovered
descended on the from Trench 7 (n. 30 what is more relevant is that the
fragments),
contrary onlyTrench 8 (n.one
along 17 fragments)
of and Trench 9 (n. foundation referred to by
126 fragments).
them, and the identification of Curtius Rufus is placed
the chosen way, as we will immediately before Alexander’s
see, 1. Archaeological
is not certain3. study: methodology entry in Musicanus’ kingdom:
applied this leads to identifying it more
During the descent and the probably with a foundation
exploration,
The glass finds were Alexander
delivered in airtight bags with following the one of the polis at the
completed the foundation of
identification records of the original layer, stored inside confluence, and precisely with the
cities, the fortification of
a properly sealed rigid plastic container to preserve their city in the territory of the Sogdi, founded
citadels during
integrity and the installation of
transport. by Alexander indeed before entering
harbours. As it has been noticed by Musicanus’ territory according to
Hauben, the
According aim
to the of this
practice intense
adopted at the aforementioned Arrian and Diodorus, and called
activity was to construct a network
Laboratory, the assembly was, first, of subjected to a Alexandria by the latter too.
fortified harbour
preliminary centres
naked-eye for of
study thethe
purpose
fragments, to verify This city, with regard to which Arrian
of road and naval connection, with During this
their conditions of integrity and stability. (VI, 15, 4) refers not as much to the
military and exchange objectives
procedure, the fragments were extracted from their foundation as to the fortification (and
(Hauben packages,
original 1976, 91 ff). cleaned from surface earth debris this could explain the use of oppidum by
(without removing alteration layers), organised and Curtius Rufus), was indeed in the territory of
1.1. Alexander
recorded for the Indus/Acesines’
in a database and sealed again in clean airtight the Sogdi:
confluence
packages. to Pattala
“In that place he fortified
The cleaning
The first foundation
operations mentioned by the
were carried out without the use (eteichizen) another city (polis),
of water or any solvent, in order toatavoid
sources is the one of the cities the alteration to the ordered to construct more shipyards
confluence
state between Acesines
of conservation (today’s The removal of
of the fragments. and repaired the damaged ships”;
Chenab) and Indus, perhaps Alexandria
surface deposits was performed mechanically, using a
of Opiane (one
soft-bristle of the and,
toothbrush eighteen
occasionally, dental tools to Figure 1. Comparison of Later Alexander
samples with NCS moved
Chart fortowards
an
Alexandriae
test listed by
the consistency Stephen
of the larger deposits. The cleaning Musicanus’
objective definition kingdom
of the chromatic shade. (VI, 15,
of Bisance,
was delicate s.v.
and Ἀλεξάνδρειαι)
without insisting 4 on the most consistent
5).
.deposits,
This city is mentioned
in order by fragmentations.
to avoid further 2. Glass assemblage: general
Diodorus (XVII,description
102, 4)5 refers,
Arrian (VI, 15, 2), who expresses himself like this: on the contrary, that in the territory of the Sodri
Preliminary recording was made at the same time as (Arrian’s
This Sogdi?)(observation
preliminary Goukowskiallowed 1976, 259),
attesting once more
that the
“He ordered
cleaning, then to
leading to the
found (ktisai)ofa all
collection citythe
(polis) at the
identifying before entering
assemblage under Musicanus’
study showskingdom, a high degreeAlexander of
confluence of the two rivers (he hoped it would
elements of the context of origin, a general description be great founded a great city along the river:
fragmentation, with medium-sized finds. This situation
and the
of famous among people)
individual and toand
fragments construct
their shipyards
state of generally affects all archaeological contexts with
for the ships”.
preservation, macroscopic description of the colour and, continuity of occupation, as the objects were reused
1. See Strab. V, 44-45; Plin. NH VI, 71 e 81; Arr. VI, 18-20. It is generally
where possible, indication of the functional category of several times and discarded only if seriously damaged.
considered that these sources reflect information supplied by Alexander’s
For original
the the locationobjectof (beaker,
this foundation, whose
bottle, cup, name is
bracelet, not
slag). The fragments
hystorians (Kervran 1995,identified during
264 ff.; Kervran the preliminary
1996, 48-49).
mentioned by Arrian, different sites have
This recording operation has the dual function of been proposed, operations canSchoff
2. On Periplus see be 1912,
mostly
19742;related to Belfiore
Casson 1989; tableware, like
2004 e 2013.
3. See the terms of the problem in Bucciantini 2015, 40-41.
including Chacar
allowing and Uch;
a preliminary it has of
counting beentheassumed that
fragments, beakers and medium-size cups. Sporadic fragments
4. But see Zambrini 2004, 539, who considers problematic the identification.
distinguishing between those suitable for recognizing by
it could be the Ashkandra/Sekandra conquered referable to small
5. For a commentary on containers
XVII, 102 see have also 168
Prandi 2013, been ff. identified,
Sindh Antiquities Journal 111

for the
“In thesestorage
for the storage
places offounded
balsams of(ektise),
balsams
or otheralong orperfumed
otherthe perfumed
substance;
river, a great the dialogue
substance;
Later the dialogue
Alexander between between
archaeological
reached archaeological
Pattala, aand cityarchaeometric
thatandisarchaeometric
well
some thin
some
city (polis) glassthin filaments,
called glass filaments,
Alexandria,referable referable
afterto small tobracelets,
gathering smallten known to
data.
bracelets, the sources, situated in the place where Indus
data.
have also
thousand havebeen also
found.
inhabitants”. beenSome found.fragments
Some fragments of undefined and splits
of undefined and into two branches, perhaps identifiable with
roundedrounded shape could shape be could ascribed
be ascribed to glassto slags; Hyderabad
Analyses
glass slags; Analyses
will(Arr. VI,
be will
aimed 17, 5)(
be ataimed Kervran
determining 1995,
at determining 283
compositional ff.;
compositional
Curtius
however, Rufus’
however, Alexandria,
in the absencein the absence
of specificfounded
of specific in
data concerningturn before
data concerning Kervran
the featuresthe features1996,
of the of 50
glass, e 73)
the providing
glass, . Here
7 providing
he
information ordered
information
on raw to on raw
entering Musicanus’
presencepresence
of furnaces, territory,
of furnaces,
the existence is probably
the existence
of a possible identical to Hephaestion
local materials
of a possible local materials to
used asusedfortify the
vitrifying, citadel
as vitrifying, (teichizein…akran)
fluxing fluxing
and, eventually,
and, eventually,
the city production
of the Sogdi and to construct a harbour and some shipyards (VI, 18,
production is considered is of Arrian
considered
unlikely. and to the Alexandria of stabilising
unlikely. stabilising
agents. agents.
For coloured For coloured
fragments, fragments,
analysisanalysis
of of
Diodorus (Zambrini 2004, 539). Various arguments lead colouring 1-2); later he started exploring Indus’ mouth, which is
colouring
worth dwelling agents on foragents
anda while.
materials
and materials for obtainingfor obtaining the the
to thismajority
The conclusion:
The majority of thethename of Alexandria,
offragments
the fragments showsthat can beunstable
shows
unstable differentdifferent
chromatic chromatic
shades will shades alsowillbe also
carried be carried
out, to out, to
found inconditions,
conditions, Diodorus
with evidentand
within Curtius;
evident
and extensive the
andtopography
extensive
alterations and gain
alterations information
gain information
1.2. Alexander in on
Indus’related on related
delta technologicaltechnological
issues. The issues. The
the chronology,
clearly clearly
attributable which
attributableput
to the tothe foundation
burialthe conditions. in the territory
burial conditions. These These proposed proposed
analytical analytical
methodsmethods can be can summarised
be summarised as as
of the Sogdi/Sodri
alterations alterations (Arrian,completely
often completely
often Diodorus)
cover the and fragments,
cover before
the the Alexander’s
follows:
fragments, follows: descent along the western branch covers
entry into
preventing anMusicanus’
preventing exactanevaluation
exact territory
evaluation (Arrian,
of their of theirDiodorus,
colour. In
colour.
someIn some chapters 18-19 of Arrian’s book VI (see Curt. IX, 9).
Curtius Rufus).
cases, acases, general It can
a general be
assessmentadded that
assessment the
of the of sequence
colour and
the colour the
can be can •Alexander
Optical
be • Optical faced many
Microscopy difficulties,
Microscopy (OM): (OM): due Olympus
An to An
the winds,
Olympus
S761 to S761
details of
observedobserved the account
in section, in section, in Diodorus
where, however,
where, however, XVII,
the colour 102 and
thetends
colour in the tides and
stereomicroscope
totends to
to stereomicroscope the absence
(magnification of guides.
(magnification
up to ×45) Once
up to back
associated to
×45) associated
Curtius
be morebe IX, 8
intense. are
more intense. absolutely
It was also It was identical:
noticedalso noticed arrival
that the that between
occurrence
the occurrence Pattala,
with anwith Alexander
Olympus
an Olympus found the
Soft Imaging citadel
Soft Imaging already
Solutions fortified
Solutions
GMBH GMBH
the Sambasti/Sabarcae/Sambagrae, holding in almost (ten akran teteichismenen) and entrusted Hephaestion to
of whitish of whitish
or brownish or brownish
alterations alterations
affects affects
almost alla model all SC100
model SC100 camera camera will be will usedbeforused a preliminary
for a preliminary
democracy; consistency take care of fortifying the harbour and of constructing
tableware tableware
fragments, but not of
fragments, the theirthe bracelets.
but bracelets.
not army (60000 morphological
shipyards, morphological
because observations
he wantedobservations
toand
leave documentation
aand
fleetdocumentation
in Pattala. of of
infrantrymen, 6000 knights, 500 carts); peace selectedselected fragments, fragments,
as well as to
well
document
as to document
the eventual
the eventual
Hence Alexander descended along Indus’ western
agreement; 3.foundationGlass 3. studies:
Glass of studies:
Alexandria;
next steps nextentry stepsinto occurrence branch: occurrence of surface
the journey of surface
covers degradation
chapter degradation
20 Arrian’smorphologies
bookmorphologies
VI
Musicanus’ territory. After saying so, it is in any case (Figure (see Curt. (Figure
2).IX, 10). 2). Along this branch Alexander found
difficult the identification with posterior sites (Kervran an easier way; once arrived to a great lake, in which sea
The
1995,next The step
261-262). next
willstep consist
will in consist
the assessment
in the assessment of a more of a more
fish were already found, he ordered to construct another
detailed
In Musicanus’ kingdom, Alexander fortified another study.
detailed
documentation documentation of the fragments
of the fragments
under study.
under
harbour and other shipyards (VI, 20, 5) and went back to
The
city, findsThe
according selected
finds selected
as functional
to Arrian as functional
(VI, 15,and 7): informative
and informativefor the for the Later moved towards to the territory of the
Pattala.
recognition recognition
of a form ofora form
category or category
will be programmed
will be programmed in Arabitai in (who fled into the desert) and of the Oritai (he
a“Craterus
database,a database,
with descriptions,
with descriptions,
dimensions dimensions
and drawings
and drawings
received the order to fortify the citadel (ten defeated them); after reaching Rambakia, the largest
on an appropriate
on
akran ekteichisai)an appropriate
scale.
withinFor scale.
thethis For
purpose,
city; this purpose,
these the adopted
works the adopted
were villageFigure
of Oritai,2.
procedure procedure
will be will in beline in
done while Alexander was still present, and a garrison withline well-established
with well-established Example
archaeological
archaeological
procedure, procedure,
following following
appropriate appropriate “He admired
criteria criteria of vessel’sthe place and thought that a city founded
was placed in the citadel”. there by him (polis xynoikistheisa) would have been
for the for evaluation
the evaluationof dimensions of dimensions and profiles for an for an fragment
and profiles
great observation
and prosperous”, and left the task to Hephaestion
exact
To theand exact
precise
same and
factreproduction
precise
refers,reproduction of fragments.
probably, of fragments.
Curt. IX, 8, 11, (VI, 21, 5). underAfterwards, the story of the dramatic return
according to whom Alexander left a garrison in the city to Babylon optical
through the Gedrosia desert begins.
Where necessary,
Where necessary,
of the Musicani. photographic
The photographic
possible documentation
location documentation
is will alsowill alsomicroscope.
still uncertain Curtius Rufus (IX, 10, 3) says that Alexander “founded
be performed
(Kervran be1995,
performed
with appropriate
262-2). with appropriate metric and metriccolourandscales
colour scalesa number of cities” during the course of the descent
for the digital
Finally, for
Arrian the correction
digital
(VI, 16,correction
4)of tonalof
reminds deviations,
tonal deviations,
Sindimana, especially
capital especially
of along the eastern branch, adding an interesting datum to
to
therecord to details
province record of
details
of Sambus, peculiarof peculiar
which elements
openedelements detected
the gatesdetected
onhim;
to the onArrian,
the who speaks only of the construction of a
finds. Thefinds.
identifiable precise
The the
with cataloguing
precisetoday’scataloguing
of the fragments
Sehwan of(Kervran
the fragments
and1995,the and the
harbour. Diodorus, on the contrary, does not dwell on
graphic graphic
documentation documentation produced
262), was situated in a strategic position and preserves produced
will be will
fundamental
be fundamental the exploration of the delta. No useful pieces of
for the typological
for the typological
study, which
study, will
which take will
placetake through
place information can be found in Alexander’s Life by
through
the ruins of a citadel. Indeed, while referring to • Sampling
direct comparison
Sindimana, directArriancomparison
ofdoes
the produced
of the
not speakproduced
documentation documentation
of foundations with or be with • Sampling
Plutarch. and preparing:and preparing: Micrometric Micrometric
samplessamples will will
available available
literature, literature,
selected selected
by (IX,area by and takenbe fromtaken the from fragments,
the fragments, in orderin toorder prepare to prepare
fortifications; Curtius Rufus 8, area chronological
11) and
sayschronological
that cross-section
1.3. cross-section
Nearchus’s for laboratory
journey for laboratory
analyses. analyses.
Sampling Sampling
will be will be
framework.
Alexander, framework.
through a tunnel, he captured the most conducted conducted
under optical under microscope,
optical microscope, paying attention
paying attention
to to
powerful city of Sambus’ kingdom. We cannot say, sampling Nearchus left,
sampling
areas not probably
areas from
compromising Pattala
not compromising (Kervran
the integrity 1995,
the integrity
of the of the
however, 4. Archaeometric
that 4. theArchaeometric
two sources study: referstudy:
proposed
to the proposed
same city, fragment. 288; Biagi 2017,
fragment.
Polished 259) , at the beginning
Polished of thebeautumn
8sectionssections will bewill prepared prepared
by by
since the conquest analytical analytical
modalities approachseem approach
to be different6. embedding embedding
micro-samplesmicro-samples in a polyester
in a polyester
resin. resin.
6. See Atkinson 2000, 546.
Arrian refers then to the fortification of other cities in 7. However, the identification is far from being certain (Biagi 2017, 257-258).
Musicanus
Following kingdom
Following (VI, 17, 1) and
chrono-typological
chrono-typological to thestudy,
study, order given
archaeometric to •TheScanning
archaeometric various hypotheses are presented in Wilhelmy 1968 b, 258 ff. (who
• Scanning
Electron Electron
Microscopy Microscopy
(SEM):(SEM): Performed Performed
thinks of Bahmanabad).
Hephaestion
analysesanalyses to gather
will bewill inhabitants
carriedbe carried
out on out for the
carefullyfortified
on carefully cities
selectedselected on polished
8. Nearchus onprobably
polished
cross-sections,
cross-sections,
departed from the SEM analyses
SEM
naustathmon analyses
will close
constructed allowwill
to allow
(VI, 17,samples
samples 4):
among the among available
the available
assemblage assemblage
of fragments.of fragments. high-resolution
high-resolution
Pattala by order textural
of Alexander. This textural
and
place morphological
couldand morphological
correspond inspection
to the inspection
Xylinepolis
of Plin. NH VI, 96 = FGrHist 134 Onesicr. F 28 (Onesicriti et Nearchi
of the glassy
of thematrix,
glassy matrix,
detecting detecting
the eventual the eventual
navigatio nec nomina habet mansionum nec spatia, primumque Xylinepolis
presencepresenceof of
“Heaccordance
In advanced
In accordance against
with the
thewith citiesestablished
established
the (poleis)
procedure subject
procedure
at the to atinclusions
ab the inclusions
Alexandro ascribable
condita, undeascribableto exordium,
ceperunt eitherto iuxta
either
raw quod materials
raw
flumen materials
or
aut ubi or
Diagnostic
Musicanus: DiagnosticLaboratory
he razedLaboratory
to theforground Cultural
forsome Cultural
Heritage,
of them,Heritage, the precipitated
after thenon precipitated
fuerit phases. phases.
satis explanatur): Back-scattered
see Back-scattered
Biffi 2000, electron
185; Whitby 2016electron
b.signal
Pattala signal
could be the Potana of Diod. XIII, 47, 9, “that Alexander founded along the
definition
enslaving definition
of
thetheinhabitants;
analytical
of the analytical protocol
in others protocol
willhebeintroduced
will
aimed be ataimed (BSE) at will
river Indus,(BSE)
willingbe towill
acquired
have abe
navalacquired
forfor the
base forinspection
the coastal the inspection
navigation of
alongthe
the of the
integrating
garrisons integrating
andand completing
fortified andtheir completing data achieved
citadels data achieved
(akras throughthrough
eteichise)” morphological
morphological
Ocean” (Kervran features
1996, 73). features
of the glassy
Uncertain of the
on thepossibility
matrix,
glassy matrix,
coupled
to identifycoupled
previous
… “he previouschrono-typological
ordered chrono-typological
to study ofstudy
gather inhabitants thefor finds,
ofthethegranting
finds, granting
already
Xylinepolis Kervran 1996, 51, who, however, thinks that the wood to which
with EDS
with measurements
EDS measurements to achieve to achieve
a preliminarya preliminary
the name of the settlement alludes is the one of the mangroves, which can be
afortified
strongatrans-disciplinary
strong trans-disciplinary approach
cities, ekteteichismenas poleis”. approach
distinguishabledistinguishable
in in
qualitative qualitative
and semi-quantitative
and
found in the lower part of the delta. semi-quantitative elemental elemental
analysis. analysis.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 112

Images
of the year and 326 EDS spectra
or 325 B.C.will His beaccountcollected on a
is partially Nearchus’ journey proceeds later westward along the
low-vacuum
preserved byESEM Arrian’s FEIIndikéQuanta: 200, we equipped
are with an
interested in territory of the Arabitai and the Oritai, already outside
9
EDAX energy dispersive spectrometer
particular in chapter 21, which refers to our area and in (Figure 3). Indus’ delta on which our survey focuses. I think that
Analyses
which are will be performed
described in detail in thehigh-vacuum,
many stages followed using an from this short reconsideration we could take two
acceleration voltage of 25kV and an energy resolution of elements as acquired:
by Nearchus’ fleet, with the indication of the different
toponyms and of the different geographical and 1. The Alexandria of Curt. IX, 8, 8, called oppidum, has
topographical features. The source does not specify, nothing to do with the polis founded at the confluence
between Acesines and Indus, but it rather corresponds
unfortunately, through which Indus’ branch Nearchus
to the Alexandria of Diod. XVII, 102, 4, the fortified
descended. Since Alexander had found difficulties on
city in the territory of the Sogdi di Arr. VI, 15, 4.
the western branch, many believe that Nearchus 2. Nearchus choose quite probably the right branch of
preferred the eastern branch (Eggermont 1975, 33 ff.; Indus’ mouth, the western one, for his descent towards
Biagi 2017, 259 ff ); but the thing is not at all certain, the see.
since the problems faced by Alexander were due to the These data could be useful for us to clarify at least in
monsoons, whose season was over at the moment of part the issue related to the identification of the sites to
Nearchus’ departure, on 20th Boedromion of 326/510; which we are interested.
which could have led the admiral, upon advice of the
local guides, to prefer the western branch, leading him Before proceeding, I would like to indicate a place of the
moreFigure
quickly along the route towards the Persian Gulf . Periplus of the Erythrean sea (§ 41), whose author, a
3. SEM-EDS facility available at the Department 11
Thus we of areCultural
not inHeritage,
the conditionUniversity toofsay with absolute
Bologna. good connoisseur of Indus’ delta’s area, most probably
certainty which way was chosen by Nearchus, and this on the ground of autopsy experience, while describing
fact naturally createsdistance
many problems for atus 10with regards the way from the commercial harbour of Barbarikon (we
~ 200 eV; working will be set mm, spot
to the identification
size was between 4 and 5 μm. of the sites mentioned by Arrian, an leave at the moment pending the issue of the
identification) to the gulf of Barygaza (Broach), in the
issue already complicated by the modification of the
• Electron Probe Micro-Analysis (EPMA) and Laser interland of which was located the Scythian capital of
landscape.
Ablation different
fixed with Inductively CoupledCoreestis)
Plasma Minnagara (Badora?)16, refers what follows:
Through stages (Stura, Caumara,
Mass Spectrometry (LA–ICP–MS):
Nearchus’ fleet arrived to the sandy island of Crocala, in To be performed
on cross-sectioned micro-samples in order to determine “Capital of the region is Minnagara, from where a lot of
the territory of the Indians called Arabi, on the river fabric is brought down to Barygaza. In the surroundings
the bulk composition of the glass, measuring major,
Arabis (in
minor andAnabasis, VI, 21, 4, to
trace elements. Aswhichthesethisinstrumental
passage of survive until nowadays evidences (semeia) of
the Indikéarerefers
facilities espressely,
not available at thepopulation
Diagnostic andLaboratory
river are Alexander’s campaign: ancient temples (archaia hiera),
calledCultural
for respectively
Heritage, Arabitai and Arabius)
these analyses will 12.require
This foundation of camps (themelioi parembolôn) and
notation can perhaps
collaboration with otherhelp us to define thewith
laboratories, routewhich
followedour enormous wells (phreata meghista)”.
staff has successfully collaborated
by Nearchus: on the base of Anabasis, as a matter of in the past.
fact, we can locate the Arabitai and their neighbours The region, still in I century A.D., was indeed deeply
The
Oritai,analytical
with whom protocol
Alexander may be susceptible
clashed beforetofacingworkthe in signed by Alexander’s passage and preserving a series
progress changes, which could be necessary both for the of remains of it characterizing the landscape: temples
desert, westward, in the area inhabited by Gedrosii too
types of samples under study and for the data gradually (indicating a more stable settlement), camps and wells
(Arr. VI, and
obtained 22, 1; see Strab.
processed. The XV, 2, 1)13. of
necessity From Crocala
performing (which indicate on the contrary military settlements of a
further investigations with facilities available at and
Nearchus restarted keeping mount Eiron on his right the more temporary nature).
on his left a low
Diagnostic island which
Laboratory formed
(like a channel: 1 or
diffrattometric
spectroscopic2 analyses) will also be taken into
consideration.
“After passing it, the moored in a harbour with a good 9. On which see Bucciantini 2015; Biffi 2000; Dognini 2000; Whitby 2016 a.
10. Thus in autumn 326, according to Arrian, but more probably in that of
anchorage. Since this was large and beautiful, Nearchus 325. For chronological problems see Biffi 2000, 184; Bucciantini 2015, 36 ff.
One
decidethe analyses
to call will have
it Alexander’s been .completed,
harbour At the mouth data
of 11. Strabo (XV, 2, 5), unlike Arrian (VIII, 21, 1), says that Nearchus left
14
obtained from this study will be
the harbour there is an island about two stadia away, contextualised in the despite the winds were not yet favourable, as he feared attacks by the side of
available and updated literature on the topic, with the the barbarians; it must however be a confusion, since these same difficulties
which is called Bibacta, while the area as a whole is are placed by Arrian not at the moment of the departure, but after the arrival
prime aim of highlighting analogies and differences
calledpreviously
with Sangada15studied. It is the island itself
assemblages that, situated
of glass finds from in to Alexander’s harbour, where the fleet stopped for 24 days due to the strong
winds and the place was fortified by the fear of attacks by the indigenous. See
front sites,
other of theto sea, draw formsinferences the uponharbour. Strong and
the existence of Leroy 2016, 240-241.
continuous winds
eventual relationships. blow there from the sea, and 12. See Biffi 2000, 187.
Nearchus, fearing that some barbarians could gather to 13. Strabo, based on Nearchus (FGrHist F 24), calls Arbeis the population and
1, XRPD analyses will be performed on finely powdered samples, manually Arbys the river separating it from the Oritai; he states moreover that the
sack the
pressed on ancamp, he ordered
Ag sample holder intoa fortify the place
Rigaku Miniflex with a
diffractometer region of the Arabitai was situated on the boundary between India and Ariana.
stone wall. They remained there twentyfour 1°min-1.
employing CuKα1 radiation, in the range 2Ɵ: 4°-64°, Ɵ scan speed: days; 14. Dognini 2000, 133, proposes to identify it with the portus Macedonum
2. i.e. Raman Microscopy measurements, by using a Bruker Senterra quoted by Plin. NH VI, 110, situated close to the Arabius river (ibi portus
Nearchus narrates that the soldiers fished
dispersive Raman spectrometer equipped with an integrated Olympus BX40 mussels, Macedonum et arae Alexandri in promunturio).
oysters, and
microscope. A 785the so-called
nm He-Ne solenes,
laser will of an
be employed, extraordinary
in the 300-3500 cm-1 15. On this toponym and on other similar toponyms (Sagara, Sagapa) that
region. Analytical measurements will performed with a 25X or 50X long take us back to Indus’ western branch, see Kervran 1995, 276.
size compared to those of our sea, and moreover
working distance objective, operating at a power between 1 and 10 mW with
that 16. For the identifications see Belfiore 2004, 181-182, n. 251, and Belfiore
athey drank
spectral sea water”
resolution of 3.5 cm-1.(VI, 21, 10-12). 2013.
Sindh Antiquities Journal 113

2. Banbhore origin, the greatest of the rivers of the Erythrean Sea.

Archaeometric Notes
The river pours into the sea a lot of water, so that for a
The site of Banbhore, situated at Indus’ mouth, on Gharo large stretch and before approaching the earth you
Creek’s northern bank (which probably has to be encounter clear water offshore. A sign of the approach to
Archaeometry at Banbhore, Sindh
identified with the most western between the ancient the earth coming from high seas are the sea snakes
mouths of the river)17, 30 km from the current coastline, coming up from the bottom; thus like before and in the
in a middle position between Karachi and Thatta, a surroundings of Persia the signs are the so-called graai.
fortified citadel, surrounded by Anna a wide Candida
area of ruins FeliciThis river has seven mouths, narrow and marshy, and no
Laboratory for non-Destructive Analyses and Archaeometry, Department of
(including port facilities, urban and suburban one of them is navigable except from the central one,
Applied and Basic Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza, University of Rome
neighborhoods, warehouses, workshops, artificial where is the coastal trade centre of Barbarikon. In front
barriers), attesting a very largeGraduated settlement (aboutat the
in Physics there is
65University a little
of Rome “Laisland andSince
Sapienza”. in the
1992inland
she worksbehind it the
as researcher
km2). The excavations in the site, at the who
Department of Basic and
had already metropolis
Applied Science of forScythia,
EngineeringMinnagar; it is of ruled
of the University Rome “La by
Sapienza”. She has performed researches
Parthians, in who
the field
areofconstantly
solid-state physics
in and in between
conflict archaeometry.
them. At
attracted the attention of the scholars at the end of the
the present she is director of the Laboratory for Non-Destructive Analyses and Archaeometry –
nineteenth century, were started LANDA in a systematic
“Sebastiano way at “. The
Sciuti
ships more safely at Barbarike and all the goods are
As archaeometrist she studied: • the Lupa Capitolina, Rome • the
the end of the 50s by F.A. Khan, but were
Maxentius’ continued
Imperial t r a nPalatino,
insignia from s p o r t e dRome • the silver mirror from Vallerano (Museo
during the last few years Nazionale first thanks Romano,toRome) along
the • the Etruscan the mirrors from the Gorga’s collection, Rome • metal
Pakistan-Italian-French mission directed by A. Ibrahim, river to theOrientale, Rome • Roman and Pompeian mural
artefacts from the Museo Nazionale di Arte
paintings • the Andrea Pozzo’s mural paintings of the Trinità dei Monti convent in Rome • Attic,
M. Kervran and V. Piacentini (2011-2013), later thanks capital, to the
Etruscan, Roman and Islamic ceramics • the Papa Adriano I’s epitaph in the St. Peter Basilica in
to the Italian mission, that is stillVaticano
active,• metal
directed by V.
artefacts king.Syria
from Ebla, In (studied
this in situ) • Roman coins from Pompei, Ebusus and
Piacentini
Massalia • the18
commercial
. Mayadevi temple in Lumbini, Nepal (UNESCO World Heritage) (studied in situ) • findings from Banbhore, Pakistan (studied
in situ) • Islamic ceramics from Estakhr, Iran (studied in situ). She teaches centre
Physicssimple
Methods for Cultural Heritage at the Science Faculty of
the University “La Sapienza”.
The excavations reports and the publications available clothes in fair
today19 enable us to highlight some very significant quantity, and
aspects. First of all, the site Prof. presentsDr. Mario Piacentini
a significant a little of
Archaeometrist and Full Professor of Physics at Sapienza
residential continuity since I century B.C. until XII-XIII those of
University of Rome, retired
century A.D. (from Parthian age to the Islamic one), i m i t a t i o n ,
with subsequent reconstructions;Hedespite has beentheFulltechnical multicolored
Professor of Physics at the Faculty of Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome,
impossibility to proceed with systematic excavations
retired in November 2014. Beyond embroidered
teaching Physics, he taught Archaeometry for the Specialisation
more in deep, corings pointed outProgramme at least two in Archaeological
meters of d Heritage, r e s s eDipartimento
s, di Scienze dell'Antichità, and Physics
Methodologies for the Cultural Heritage for the Laurea in Applied Sciences for Cultural Heritage,
stratigraphic level still to be explored.Faculty ofMoreover,
Mathematics,the
chrysolites,
Physics and Natural Sciences.
finds returned by the site (quality He has artifacts in metal,
been working coral, storax,
in Archaeometry for more than 20 years within the Laboratory of Non
stone, glass, shells, bone, ivory, Destructive
terracotta,Analyses
ceramic, andto i n c e n Sapienza,
Archaeometry, s e , University of Rome, developing new portable
analytical instruments
which we have to add coins and coinages of Islamic age) and g l a
performings s w ina r e , analyses of many different types of artifacts. He
situ
collaborated with several Cultural Heritage Italian Superintendencies and Museums, and with a
make us think to a lively centre of production and silver and
special investigation group of Guardia di Finanza dedicated to forgery identification and to the recovery of stolen cultural assets. Since 2012
market. Kervran writes that “aucun site de cette gold plate,
he has been performing archaeometric analyses within the Italian archaeological mission at Banbhore.
importance n’est connu dans le delta de l’Indus” and not much
(Kervran 1996, 75). wine have
market. In
The extraordinary features of this Abstract:
site raised a lively e x c h a n g e ,
debate about its identification Archaeometry
with the is theknown
application of the analysis methodologies of natural sciences to the Cultural
c o s t u excavation,
Heritage. In the case of archaeological s , it is extremely important to have an
settlements. Its very long life, Archaeometry
in particular, leads to
laboratory equipped b d ewithl l iportable
u m , instruments during the field season. Nowadays
suspect that Banbhore could haveArchaeometry something givesto do awithstrong lycium,
support tonard, archaeological studies. For this reason, a small
one of Alexander’s foundations, even it for the timehas been
Archaeometry Laboratory t u r set
q uupo during
i s e , the Banbhore 2012-2015 field seasons using the
being archaeology is not able to provide portable usinstruments of the Laboratory of Archaeometry and Not Destructive Analysis LANDA of
confirmation lapis lazuli, Seric skins, cotton cloth, silk yarn, and
the Department of Fundamental and Applied Sciences for Engineering, Sapienza, University of
of what remains only a suggestiveRome. working hypothesis.
The Archaeometry Laboratory hasThe
indigo. beenones who help
of valuable navigate
during with theseasons,
the field Indiansince
winds
it
has been possible to determine take in situthe
manysea aroundof the
properties month We
the findings. of discuss
July, that
some is Epiphi;
examples
3. Barbarikon of the studies, continued also innavigation
the followingisyears,dangerous,
performedbut with a groups
on important quite offavourable
findings.
However, Several examples of archaeometric studies on Banbhore findings are discussed.
wind and shorter”.
The literary tradition preserves the memory of a site
providing remarkable affinities keywords: with Banbhore. Banbhore It Archaeometry
is What are Laboratory,
the featuresnondestructive
emerging analysis,
from moulds, coins,
the Periplus?
ceramics
Barbarikon, presented in this way in the Periplus of the Barbarikon is shown as a trade centre on the sea
Erythrean sea (§§ 38-39): (emporion parathalassion) which refers to the capital of
Introduction 1
17. See infra, n. 38.
“Beyond this region, the continent makes a wide curve 18. More detailed information in Piacentini 2016, 125-128.
from the east across the depths From
of thethebays.
secondThehalflowof the last century, archaeological
19. Piacentini-Manassero studies
2015 (for the period rely more
2011-2015); and
Piacentini 2016
(for the campaigns 2013-2015). Thanks to Prof Piacentini I had the
coastal regions of Scythia follow, extending towards the possibility to read also the still unpublished report Dr by S. Mantellini for the
north. From them the river Sinthos
1. Photos(=
and Indus) takes campaigns
graphic elaborations in the present article have been done by authors.
2017-2018.
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 114

more
moreononthe themethods
methodsofofanalysis
analysistypical
typicalofofnatural
natural archaeological
archaeologicalexcavations
excavationsatatthe thesite
siteofofBanbhore,
Banbhore,
sciences,
sciences, i.e. i.e. physics,
physics, chemistry,
chemistry, mineralogy,
mineralogy, lasted
lastedfrom
from20102010toto2015,
2015,obtained
obtaineda asmall smallroom
roombyby
environmental
environmentalsciences,
sciences,etc. etc.The
Thereason
reasonstems
stemsononthe the cutting
cuttingoutoutthe
thespace
spaceinside
insidea alarge
largeconference/working
conference/working
deeper
deeperinsights
insightsthatthatsuch
suchtechniques
techniquescan canoffer
offerininthethe room
roominina abuilding
buildingatatthethesite
siteofofBanbhore,
Banbhore,Sindh. Sindh.InInthis
this
study
studyofofthe
thefindings,
findings,ofofbothboththethepresent
presentand andthe
thepast
past room
roomthe thetransportable
transportableinstruments
instrumentsofofthe theLANDA
LANDA
environment
environmentofofthe theexcavation
excavationarea,area,ofofthe
therestoration
restoration (Laboratorio
(Laboratorio didi Archeometria
Archeometria eded Analisi Analisi Non Non
and
andpreservation
preservationofofthe thearchaeological
archaeologicalgoods.goods.SuchSuch Distruttive
DistruttivedidiArcheometria
Archeometria“Sebastiani
“SebastianiSciuti”,
Sciuti”,ofofthethe
investigations
investigations have have turned
turned toto bebe fundamental
fundamental inin Dipartimento
Dipartimento didi Scienze Scienze didi Base Base eded Applicate
Applicate
reconstructing
reconstructingthe theculture,
culture,thethetechnological
technologicaladvances
advances all’Ingegneria,
all’Ingegneria,Sapienza
SapienzaUniversità
UniversitàdidiRoma),Roma),brought
brought
and
andthe
theenvironment
environmentofofthe thepopulations
populationsthatthathad
hadlived
livedonon toto Banbhore
Banbhore during during the the field
field seasons,
seasons, couldcould bebe
the
the archaeological
archaeologicalsite, site,asaswell
wellasastheir
theirinterchanges
interchanges accomodated.
accomodated.InInthis thisway,
way,for forthethefirst
firsttime
timea asmall
small
with
withother
othercultures.
cultures.Archaeometry
Archaeometryisisthis thisnew
newfield
fieldofof Archaeometry
ArchaeometryLaboratory
Laboratorywas wasrealised
realiseddirectly
directlyononthe the
studies
studiesenclosing
enclosingthe theapplication
applicationofofthe theinvestigation
investigation archaeological
archaeologicalsite sitefor
forstudying
studyingininsitu situthethefindings
findings
techniques
techniquestypical
typicalofofnatural
naturalsciences
sciencestotothe thecultural
cultural (Figure
(Figure1).1).ThisThisfactfacthas
hasbeenbeenananimportant,
important,unique
unique
heritage.
heritage. Since
Since Archaeometry
Archaeometry covers covers a a veryvery wide
wide achievement
achievementthat thatcharacterised
characterisedthe the2012-2015
2012-2015field field
spectrum
spectrumofoffields,
fields,scholars
scholarshavehavespecialised
specialisedinindifferent
different seasons
seasonsofofthe theFrench-Italian-Pakistan
French-Italian-Pakistancollaboration
collaboration
branches,
branches,dueduealso
alsototothe
therequirement
requirementofofsophisticated,
sophisticated, (AA.
(AA.VV. VV.2011-2012,
2011-2012,AA. AA.VV. VV.2014-2015).
2014-2015).During During
delicate,
delicate,expensive
expensiveinstruments.
instruments. these
thesefield
fieldseasons
seasonswe weanalysed
analysedseveral
severalsingle
singleobjects
objects
with
withthethepurpose
purposeofofdetermining
determiningtheir theircomposition,
composition,and and
AnAnimportant
importantbranch
branchofofArchaeometry
Archaeometryisisrelated relatedtotothethe a alarge
large number
number ofofdifferent
different groups
groups ofoffindings:
findings: metal
metal
determination
determination ofof the the elemental
elemental and/or molecular artefacts,
and/or molecular artefacts, coins,
coins, moulds,
moulds, ceramic
ceramic shreds,shreds, glass
glass
composition
compositionofofthe thefindings
findingsfor fortwotwomain
mainpurposes.
purposes.The The fragments,
fragments, … …
first
firstone
oneconsists
consistsininthe thecharacterisation
characterisationofofthe thematerial
material
ofofwhich
whichthe theobjects
objectsare aremade,
made,the thesecond
secondone oneinin
determining
determiningthe thetechnical proceduresused
technicalprocedures usedfor fortheir
their
production.
production.AmongAmongthe themanymanyinformation
informationthat thatthethefirst
first
study
studycancanprovide,
provide,ananimportant
importantrole roleisisplayed
playedbybythe the
origin
originofofthe thematerials,
materials,whetherwhetherthey theyare arethe therawraw
materials
materialsused usedororwhether
whetherthe theartefacts
artefactsare arefinished
finished
products.
products.Clearly
Clearlyallallthis
thisisislinked,
linked,ononthe theone
onehand
handtotothe
the
resources
resourcesavailable
availabletotothe thelocal
localpopulation
populationand, and,ononthethe
other,
other,totoitsitseconomic
economicand andcommercial
commercialcontacts.
contacts.The The
manufacturing
manufacturingtechniques
techniquesofofthe theartefacts
artefactsare areclosely
closely
connected
connectedwith withthethelevel
levelofofcivilisation
civilisationachieved
achievedbybythe the
various
variouscultures.
cultures.InInmany manycases, cases,highly
highlydeveloped
developed
techniques
techniquesappear
appearonlyonlyinincomplex
complexand andstructured
structuredsocial
social
systems,
systems, since
since experiments
experiments and and communication
communication oror
exchanges
exchangesbetween
betweendifferent
differenttypes typesofofartisans
artisansleads
leadstoto Figure 1. The small Archaeometry Laboratory realised inside
technological
technologicalprogress.
progress. the large conference/working room of a building at the Banbhore
site. The instruments are brought from the
LANDA, during the field seasons.
AtAtthe thebeginning
beginningthe thearchaeometric
archaeometricresearches
researcheswerewere
performed
performedmostly mostlyononartefacts
artefactspresent
presentininmuseum
museum
collections,
collections,the theorigin
originofofwhich
whichnot notalways
alwayswas waswellwell During
Duringthethe2017-2018
2017-2018and and2018-2019
2018-2019fieldfieldseasons,
seasons,run
run
known,
known,for forexample
examplebecause
becausethey
theybelonged
belongedtotoa aprivate
private under
underthetheMOUMOUsigned
signedbetween
betweenthe theItalian
ItalianCatholic
Catholic
collection
collectionacquired
acquiredbybythe themuseum.
museum.Presently,Presently,thethe University
University ofof the the Sacred
Sacred Heart,
Heart, Milan
Milan andand thethe
archaeologists
archaeologistscan cansupply
supplya alimited
limitednumbernumberofofsamples
samples Directorate
DirectorateGeneral
GeneralofofAntiquities
Antiquities&&Archaeology
Archaeologyofof
the
the Culture,
Culture, Tourism
Tourism and and Antiquities
Antiquities Department,
Department,
ofoftheir
theirfindings
findingstotothe
theproper
properscholars
scholarstotoanalyses
analysesthem,
them,
Government
GovernmentofofSindh,
Sindh,it itwas
wasnonolonger
longerpossible
possibletotobring
bring
partly
partlydueduetotothe
thelong
longtime
timeand
andcost
costrequired
requiredtotoanalyze
analyze
totoBanbhore
Banbhorethe theportable
portableinstruments
instrumentsofofthe theLANDA
LANDA
a alarge
largenumber
numberofofsamples.
samples.Thus,
Thus,it itisisofofinvaluable
invaluablehelp
help
and
and the
the archaeometric
archaeometric activity
activity waswas reduced.
reduced. WeWe
for
forthethearchaeologist
archaeologisttotohave,have,ononthe theexcavation
excavationsite,
site,
concentrated
concentratedononthe themoulds,
moulds,ononthe thecoins
coinsandandononthe
the
expert
expertscientists
scientistswith
withananarchaeometry
archaeometrylaboratory
laboratoryforfora a
metal
metalartefacts,
artefacts,continuing
continuingthe thestudies
studiesbegun
begunininthethe
first
firstanalysis
analysisononmany
manyselected
selectedfindings.
findings.InInmany manycases,
cases,
previous
previousfield
fieldseasons
seasonsfrom
from20122012toto2015.
2015.
these
thesefirst
firstanalyses
analysescancananswer
answerthethequestions
questionsasked
askedbyby
the
thearchaeologist.
archaeologist.
The
TheDifferent
DifferentCoin
Coin
For
Forthis
thisreason,
reason,Dr.
Dr.Kaleemullah
KaleemullahLashari,
Lashari,coordinator
coordinatorofof
the
theFrench-Italian-Pakistan
French-Italian-Pakistancollaboration
collaborationagreement
agreementforfor InInthis
thissection
sectionwe
wewant
wanttotoillustrate
illustratewith
withananexample
examplehow
how
Sindh Antiquities Journal 115

important
importantit itisistotohave
haveananarchaeometry
archaeometrylaboratory
laboratoryononthe the depressions
depressionswith witha aflat flatbottom:
bottom:these
thesemoulds
mouldswere were
field.
field. During
During the the numerous
numerous fields fields seasons
seasons several
several probably
probablyused usedfor
forthe
theproduction
productionofofcopper
coppercoins
coinsofoflittle
little
hundreds
hundredsofofcoppercoppercoinscoinshave
havebeen beenfound.
found.They Theywerewere value
value(Landon
(Landon2016) 2016) . .Instead,
3 3
Instead,the
themajority
majorityofofthe the
covered
coveredbybythe thesoilsoiland
andbybya alayer
layerofofthe
thegreen
greencorrosion
corrosion moulds
mouldshave havesimple
simpleconcave
concavedepressions;
depressions;ininsome some
products
productsofofcopper;copper;both bothcould
couldbeberemoved
removedpartially
partially moulds
mouldssmall smalldroplets
dropletsofofcopper
copperwerewerefound.
found.These
These
with
witha agentle
gentlebrushing.
brushing.InIndoing doingso,so,ininthe the2015
2015field
field moulds
mouldscould
couldhavehavebeenbeenused
usedtotomelt
meltsmall
smallchunks
chunksofof
season,
season,oneonecoin
coinappeared
appeareddifferent
differentfrom fromthe theother
otherones:
ones: copper
copperartefacts,
artefacts,probably
probablytotoproduce
producethe
thesmall
smallcopper
copper
itsitssurface
surfacewaswasgray.
gray.We Weasked
askedourselves
ourselveswhat whatmaterial
material pellets
pelletsofofthe
thesame
samesizesizeand
andweight
weightfound
foundnearby.
nearby.
waswas mademade of.of. The The different
different coin coin was was analysed
analysed
immediately
immediatelywith withthe thetransportable
transportableXRF XRFspectrometer.
spectrometer. According
AccordingtotoA.A.F.F.Khan Khan(Khan
(Khan1969),
1969),from
fromthese
these
InInfigure
figure2 2(AA.
(AA.VV. VV.2014-2015)
2014-2015)we weshowshowthe theXRFXRF pellets
pelletsthe
thecoins
coinscould
couldbebeproduced
producedsubsequently
subsequentlyininthe
the
spectrum
spectrumofofthe thedifferent
differentcoin,
coin,compared
comparedwith withthat
thatofofa a dies
diesbybya aheavy
heavyblow
blowfrom
fromthe
thesledgehammer.
sledgehammer.
copper
coppercoin.
coin.TheTheXRF XRFanalysis
analysisofofthe thecopper
coppercoin coinshows
shows
thethepresence
presenceofofcoppercopperalloyed
alloyedwith withlead.
lead.Instead,
Instead,the the The
Thereverse
reversesides
sidesofofthethemoulds
mouldswere wereprobably
probablyinin
XRFXRF analysis
analysis ofof the the different
different coin coin shows
shows strong
strong contact
contactwith
withthethehigh
highheat
heatsource
sourceinsideinsidethethekiln,
kiln,and
and
fluorescence
fluorescence emissions
emissions from from silver,
silver, copper
copper and and they
theyshow
showdifferent
differentdegrees
degreesofofvitrification,
vitrification,asasshown
showninin
bromine:
bromine:sosoit itwaswasa asilver
silvercoin.
coin.InInagreement
agreementwith withother
other the
theright panelofofFigure
rightpanel Figure3.3.Since
Sincewe wefound
foundonlyonlysmall
small
silver
silver coins
coins that that we we havehave analysed
analysed (AA. (AA. VV. VV. fragments
fragmentsofofthe theentire
entirepizzas,
pizzas,it itisisnot
notpossible
possibletotosaysay
2011-2012),
2011-2012),the thesilver
silverwas
wasalloyed
alloyedwith witha asmall
smallamount
amount whether
whetherthe theamount
amountofofvitrification
vitrificationwas wasa alocal
localresult
resultofof
ofofcopper,
copper,the thecorrosion
corrosionproducts
productsofofwhich whichcausedcausedthe the a anot-uniform
not-uniformheating
heatingororwhether
whetherit itwas wascommon
commontotothe the
green
greenlayer
layerobserved
observedatatthe thebeginning.
beginning.Silver Silverreacts
reacts entire
entire“pizza”.
“pizza”.InInany
anycase,
case,this
thisisisananindication
indicationofofthe the
easily
easilywith
withsulfur,
sulfur,chlorine
chlorineand andbromine,
bromine,the thelatter
lattertwo
two high
hightemperatures,
temperatures,which
whichthe thefragments
fragmentswere weresubjected
subjected
elements
elementsbeingbeingpresentpresentininthe themarine
marineenvironment,
environment, to.to.
forming
forminga adark darkpatina
patinaononthe thesilver
silversurface.
surface.Our OurXRF XRF
spectrometer
spectrometerhad hada avery verylow lowsensitivity
sensitivityfor forlowlowZ Z
elements
elementsand andwe wecould
coulddetect
detecteasily
easilyonly
onlybromine.
bromine.

Figure 3. Fragments of moulds. (a) Left panel: upper surfaces

showing the different shapes of the depressions.
(b) Right panel: bottom surfaces showing different
degrees of vitrification.

The
The melted
melted metals
metals have
have wetted
wetted thethe walls
walls ofof the
the
depressions,
depressions, thatthat can
can bebe analysed
analysed easily
easily using
using
Figure 2. The XRF spectra measured on the different coin
non-destructive
non-destructive technologies.
technologies. We We analysed
analysed several
several
(black line) and on a copper coin for reference (red line).
mould
mouldfragments
fragmentsusing
usinga aportable
portableXRFXRFspectrometer.
spectrometer.InIn
particular,
particular,twenty-one
twenty-onemould
mouldfragments
fragmentshavehavebeen
beentaken
taken
The
TheMoulds
Moulds totoItaly
Italywith
withthe
thepermission
permissionofofthe theDirectorate
DirectorateGeneral
General

The
Themoulds
mouldsare arelarge
largepizzas
pizzasofofclay
clayabout
about1212mm mmthick
thick 2. 2.
In In
thethe
citadel,
citadel,concentrations
concentrations of of
mould
mould fragments
fragments were
were observed
observed in in
many
many
limited
limited areas
areasonon thethe
surface
surface and and
also
alsoin in
thetheupper
upperlevels
levelsof of
thethe
excavations.
excavations.
with
with impressed
impressed anan orderedordered grid grid ofof cup-shaped
cup-shaped TheThe moulds
moulds werewerevariously
variously interpreted
interpreted byby thethe
earliest
earliestexplorers,
explorers, butbut
currently
currently
depressions
depressionswherewheremetal
metalscraps
scrapshave beenmelted
havebeen melted. .InIn
2 2 it is
it thought
is thought that
that
they
theywerewereconnected
connected with
with thethelocal
local
coincoin
making
making device.
device.Coin
Coin
moulds
moulds have
have been
beenobserved
observed in in
many
many other
other contemporary
contemporary Islamic
Islamic sites
sites
of of
thethe
fact
factthethemoulds
mouldsmust musthavehavebeenbeensubjected
subjectedtotososohighhigh subcontinent
subcontinent andandthethe
neighbouring
neighbouring areas
areas(Khan
(Khan 1969).
1969).
temperatures
temperaturestotovitrify
vitrifythe
thebottom
bottomsurfaces
surfacesofofseveral
severalofof 3. 3.Coin
Coin moulds
moulds havehavebeenbeen found
found in in
a large
a large number
number of of
archaeological
archaeological sites
sites
them.
them.Notwithstanding
Notwithstandingthat thatthe
thecurrent
currentinterpretation
interpretationisis from
fromthetheironironageageto tothetheRoman
Romantimes.times.The TheworkworkbybyLandonLandon(2016)
(2016)is isa a
reference
reference forfor
thethe
study
study of of
coin
coinmoulds.
moulds. OneOne aspect
aspectof of
thethe
coin
coinmoulds
moulds is is
thatthat
that
thatthey
theywere
wereusedusedforformaking
makinglocally
locallylittle
littlevalue
valuecoins
coins thethedepressions
depressions werewerealways
always almost
almost cylindrical
cylindrical with
with
a flat
a flat
bottom.
bottom. These
These coin
coin
(Khan
(Khan1969),
1969),the
thepurpose
purposeofofthisthismetallurgical
metallurgicalactivity
activityisis moulds
moulds have
have been
beenusedused forforpreparing
preparing flatflat
discs
discs either
eitherof of
gold,
gold,or or
silver
silveror or
still
stillnot
notyet
yetwell
wellunderstood.
understood.The Thedepressions
depressionshave have copper
copper or or
copper-lead
copper-lead bronze.
bronze. In In
other
other cases,
cases, thethe
coin
coinmoulds
moulds were
were used
usedto to
prepare
prepare pellets
pelletsof of
thethe
samesame sizesize
andandweight,
weight, from
from which
which thethe
coins
coinscould
couldbebe
different
differentsizes
sizesandanddifferent
differentshapes,
shapes,asasshown
shownininthetheleft
left produced
produced subsequently
subsequently in in
thethedies
dies
byby a have
a have blow
blow from
from thethe
sledge
sledge hammer
hammer
panel ofof Figure
panel Figure 3.3. Some Some fragments
fragments have have round
round (Khan
(Khan 1969).
1969).
 Sindh Antiquities Journal 116
more
moreononthe themethods methodsofofanalysis analysistypical typicalofofnatural natural archaeological
archaeologicalexcavations excavationsatatthe thesitesiteofofBanbhore,
Banbhore,
ofofAntiquities
ofAntiquities
Antiquities &&Archaeology
&Archaeology
Archaeology ofoftheofthe the
sciences,
sciences, i.e. i.e. physics, physics, chemistry, chemistry, mineralogy, mineralogy, lasted lastedfromfrom2010 2010toto2015, 2015,obtained
obtaineda asmall smallroom roombyby
Culture,
Culture,
Culture,Tourism Tourism
Tourismand and andAntiquities
Antiquities
Antiquities Table 1. Fragments of moulds taken to Rome for a thorough set of archaeometric
environmental
environmentalsciences, sciences,etc. etc.The Thereason reasonstems stems on on thethe cutting
cutting outout thethe space
space inside
inside a a
large
large conference/working
conference/working
Department,
Department,
Department, Government
Government
Government ofofSind,
ofSind, Sind, for forfor analyses, with the permission of the Directorate General of Antiquities & Archaeology
deeper
deeperinsights insightsthat thatsuch suchtechniquestechniquescan canofferoffer inin
of the thethe room
Culture, roominin
Tourism a abuilding
and buildingatDepartment,
Antiquities atthe
thesite
siteofofBanbhore,
Banbhore,
Government ofSindh.
Sindh.In
Sindh. Inthis
For this
being
being
being studied
studied
studied ininmoreinmore more detail,
detail,
detail, i.e.i.e. for
i.e. forfor
study
studyofofthe thefindings,
findings,ofofboth boththe thepresent
presentand andthe
each thepast
mould past room
room
fragment we thethetransportable
show itstransportable
front and rear instruments
instruments
surface picture.of ofreport
We thetheLANDA
LANDA
also the
looking
looking
looking for for the
for the metals
the metals
metals thatthat have
that have have beenbeenbeen elements that have wetted the walls of the depressions with X, XX, XXX, that indicate,
environment
environmentofofthe theexcavation
excavationarea, area,ofofthe restoration (Laboratorio
therestoration (Laboratorio didi Archeometria Archeometria eded Analisi Analisi Non Non
melted
melted
melted inside
inside
inside the the depressions
the depressions
depressions and andandtototo in increasing order, their relative amounts as detected with the XRF analyses.
andandpreservation
preservationofofthe thearchaeological
archaeologicalgoods. goods.Such Such Distruttive
DistruttivedidiArcheometria
Archeometria“Sebastiani
“SebastianiSciuti”,Sciuti”,ofofthe the
detect
detect
detect the the thedifferent
different
different temperatures
temperatures
temperatures atatat
investigations
investigations have have turned turned toto bebe fundamental fundamental in in Dipartimento
Dipartimento di di Scienze
Scienze didi Base
Base ed ed Applicate
Applicate
which
which
which they
theythey underwent
underwent
underwent bybyby means
means
means ofofof Inv. No. Provenance Photo Copper Zinc Tin Lead
reconstructing
reconstructingthe theculture,
culture,the thetechnological
technologicaladvances advances all’Ingegneria,
all’Ingegneria,Sapienza SapienzaUniversità
UniversitàdidiRoma), Roma),broughtbrought
mineralogical
mineralogical
mineralogical analyses.
analyses.
analyses. InInTable
InTableTable 1 1we 1we we
andandthe theenvironment
environmentofofthe thepopulations
populationsthat thathad hadlived toto Banbhore
livedonon Trench Banbhore during during the the field
field Xseasons,
seasons, could
couldXXX bebe
report
report
reportthethe list
the list ofofthe
list ofthe fragments
the fragments
fragments takentaken
taken tototo BB.17-18.O.864/1 9, SU 414 X
thethe archaeological
archaeologicalsite, site,asaswell wellasastheir interchanges accomodated.
theirinterchanges accomodated.InInthis thisway,
way,for forthethefirst
firsttimetimea asmall
small
Italy
Italy with
Italy withwith theirtheir
their pictures
pictures
pictures and and andwithwithwith the thethe
with
withother othercultures. cultures.Archaeometry Archaeometryisisthis thisnew newfield fieldofof Archaeometry
ArchaeometryLaboratory Laboratorywas wasrealised
realiseddirectly
directlyononthe the
metals
metals
metals thatthat wetted
that wetted
wetted the the depressions;
the depressions;
depressions; the thethe
studies
studiesenclosing enclosingthe theapplication
applicationofofthe theinvestigation
investigation archaeological
archaeological site
site for
for studying
studying in insitu
situ thethe findings
findings
analyses
analyses
analyseswere werewerecarried carried
carriedout out outinininthe thethe
techniques
techniquestypical typicalofofnatural naturalsciences sciencestotothe cultural (Figure
thecultural (Figure1).1).This Thisfactfacthashasbeen beenananimportant,
important,unique unique
LANDA.
LANDA.
LANDA. InInaddition
Inaddition
addition totothe tothe character-
the character-
character- BB.17-18.O.868/1 Trench 9, SU 426 XX XXX
heritage.
heritage. Since
Since Archaeometry
Archaeometry covers
covers a a very
very wide
wide achievement
achievementthat thatcharacterised
characterisedthe the2012-2015
2012-2015field field
istic
istic elements
istic elements
elements ofoftheofthe clay,
the clay,
clay, inside
inside
inside the thethe
spectrum
spectrumofwe ofwe
fields,
fields, scholars
scholars have have specialised
specialised inindifferent
different seasons
seasons of of thethe French-Italian-Pakistan
French-Italian-Pakistan collaboration
collaboration
depressions
depressions
depressions found
we found
found copper,
copper,
copper, zinc,
zinc,
zinc,tin,
tin,tin,
branches,
branches, due due also
also to tothe the requirement
requirement of ofsophisticated,
sophisticated, (AA.
(AA.VV. VV.2011-2012,
2011-2012,AA. AA.VV. VV.2014-2015).
2014-2015).During During
antimony
antimony
antimony and and andlead.
lead.
lead. The The The intensities
intensities
intensities ofofof
delicate,
delicate, expensive
expensive instruments.
instruments. these
thesefield
fieldseasons
seasonswe weanalysed
analysedseveralseveralsinglesingleobjects
objects
the
the X-Ray
the X-Ray
X-Ray fluorescence
fluorescence
fluorescence lines
lines
lines ofofof the thethe
BB.17-18.O.869/1 with
with
Trench 9,the
the428
SU purpose
purposeofofdetermining
determiningtheir their
XX composition,
composition,
XX and
and
XX
single
single
single elements
elements
elements detected
detected
detected inside
inside
inside the thethe
An Animportant
depressions important
depressions
depressions depend branch
depend branch
depend of
strongly ofArchaeometry
strongly
strongly Archaeometry
not not only
not onlyisisrelated
only relatedtotothe the a alarge
largenumbernumberofofdifferentdifferentgroupsgroupsofoffindings:
findings:metal metal
determination
determination of of the the elemental
elemental and/or
and/or molecular
molecular artefacts,
artefacts, coins, coins, moulds,
moulds, ceramicceramic shreds, shreds, glass glass
onononthethethetypetype type ofofof metal
metal
metal alloy
alloy
alloy melted
melted
melted
composition
composition of ofthe the findings
findings for fortwo two main
mainpurposes.
purposes.The The fragments,
fragments, … …
inside,
inside,
inside,but but also
but alsoalsoon on the
on the procedures
the procedures
procedures andand and BB.17-18.O.869/2 Trench 9, SU 428 XX XX
first
the
thefirst oneone
materials
the materials consists
materials consists
(for(for
(forin in the
example, the
example, characterisation
example, characterisation
the the theclayclay
clay of ofthethe material
material
ofmixtures)
ofwhich
mixtures)
mixtures)which used the
used the
used byobjects
byobjects
the
by the are
artisans
the aremade,
artisans
artisans made,
during
during the
during thesecond
secondone oneinin
determining
theirdetermining
their
theirwork.
work.
work. the
Thus, the
Thus,
Thus, technical
technical
in ininTable
Table
Table procedures
procedures
1,1,1, the thethe used usedfor fortheir
their
production.
production.
symbols
symbols
symbols X,X,X, Among
XX, Among
XX, XX, and and the
andthe
XXX many
XXX many
XXX information
indicateinformation
indicate BB.17-18.O.875/1first Trench 9, SU 445
indicate that
that thethefirst
X XXX XX
study
theirstudy
their
their can
relativecan
relative
relativeprovide,
provide,
amounts,
amounts,
amounts, an an important
important
ininincreasing
inincreasing role
increasing roleisisplayedplayedbybythe the
origin
origin
order.
order.
order.In ofInofIn
12 the
12 the
12 materials,
moulds materials,
moulds
moulds we we we whether
foundwhether
found
found the they
the theyare
the arethe theraw raw
materials
materials
remnants
remnants
remnants used
ofofof used
leadlead or
lead or whether
brass, whether
brass,
brass, i.e.i.e. the the
copper,
i.e. artefacts
copper, artefacts
copper, areare finished
finished
products.
zinc products.
zinc
zinc and and Clearly
and Clearlylead; allallthis
lead;
lead; this
one isone
oneislinked,
linked,
mould
mouldononthe
mould theoneonehand handtotothe the
BB.17-18.O.876/1 Trench 9, SU 446 XXX X XXX
resources
resources
(BB.17-18.O.869/2)
(BB.17-18.O.869/2)
(BB.17-18.O.869/2)available
available tocontained
tocontained
the
contained thelocal local population
simple populationand,
simple
simple and,ononthe the
other,
brassother,
brass to(copper
brass(copper to(copper
itsitseconomic
economic
and and andzinc); and andcommercial
zinc);
zinc); commercial
mould mould contacts.
mould contacts.The The
manufacturing
manufacturing
BB.17-18.O.874/1,
BB.17-18.O.874/1,
BB.17-18.O.874/1, techniques
techniques
a afragment
afragment of
fragment of thethe
com- artefacts
com- artefacts
com- areare closely
closely
connected
posedconnected
posed with
posedbybybya a asingle with the the level
single level of of
singledepression, civilisation
depression,achieved
civilisation
depression, achievedbybythe the
BB.17-18.O.876/2 Trench 9, SU 446 X XXX XXX
various
various
contained
contained
contained cultures.
cultures.
onlyonlyonly copper; In
copper; In
copper; manymany
fivefivefive cases,
cases,
moulds
moulds
moulds highly
highly developed
developed
techniques
techniques
showed
showed
showed the the appear
the appear
presence
presence
presenceonlyonly ofinofin complex
complex
bronze,
of bronze,
bronze, and
an and
an anstructured
structuredsocial social
systems,
alloysystems,
alloy ofofcopper
alloy since
ofcopper since
copper with experiments
with experiments
with tintintin
and andandlead,
lead, and
lead,and
and,and, communication
and,communication oror
exchanges
exchanges
ininin four
four four between
cases,
cases, between
cases, alsoalsoalso different
withdifferent
withwith zinc.
zinc. types
types
zinc. The Theof
Theartisans
of artisansleads leadstoto
technological
technological
presence
presence
presence ofofof progress.
fairly
fairly progress.
fairly large
large large amounts
amountsamounts ofofof
BB.17-18.O.876/3 Trench 9, SU 446 XXX X XX XXX

zinc
zinc zinc inside
insideinside the the the depressions
depressions
depressions suggests
suggestssuggests
At
the
the At thethe
production
production
the beginning
production beginningofofsmall
ofsmallthe the
small archaeometric
brass
brass archaeometric
brass pellets.
pellets.pellets. It It Itresearches
researcheswere were
performed
performed
isishard
ishard
hardtotobelieve mostly
tobelieve mostly
believe that thaton on
the
that theartefacts
artefacts
brass
brass
the brass present
discs
discs present in in
discs BB.17-18.O.876/3museum
museum Metal droplet present
collections,
collections, the the origin
origin of ofthe
which
which notnotalwaysalwayswas waswell well During
During
Trench 9, SUthethe
446 2017-2018
2017-2018
on Sample 16C and
and2018-2019
2018-2019XXX field
field
Xseasons,
seasons,
XX run
XXXrun
obtained
obtained
obtained fromfromfrom themthemthem after
after after the the heavy
heavy heavy
known,
known,
from
from from afor for
a asledge-hammer example
examplebecause
sledge-hammer
sledge-hammer because
werewerewere they
used they
used
used belonged
asbelonged
asas private under
totoa aprivate underthe theMOU MOUsigned signedbetweenbetweenthe theItalian
ItalianCatholic
Catholic
collection
collection acquired
acquired University
University of of the
the Sacred
Sacred Heart,
Heart, Milan
Milan and
and the
the
little
little
little value
value value coins.
coins. coins. InInby In by the
ancient
ancient themuseum.
ancient museum.
times, Presently,
times,
times, Presently,the the
archaeologists
archaeologists can can supply
supply a alimited
limited number
number ofofsamples Directorate
Directorate
samples Trench 9, SU 447
BB.17-18.O.877/1 General
General ofofAntiquities
Antiquities X & & Archaeology
Archaeology
XX XXXof
of
brass
brass coins
coins
brass coins havehavehave been
been been produced
producedproduced during
during during
thethe Culture,
Culture, Tourism Tourism and and Antiquities
Antiquities Department,
Department,
ofdifficult
oftheir
their
difficult
difficult findings
findings
economic
economiceconomic to tothe theproper
periods
periods periods proper scholars
totosubstitute scholarstotoanalyses
tosubstitute
substitute analysesthem, them,
Government
GovernmentofofSindh, Sindh,it itwas
wasnonolonger
longerpossible
possibletotobring bring
partly
the
the partly
gold
gold
the due due
ones,
gold ones,toto
ones, the
not the
not long
for
not long
for for timetime
little
little little and
value
value andcoins.
value costcost
coins. required
coins. requiredtotoanalyze analyze
totoBanbhore
BanbhoreMetal thetheportable
portable
droplet insideinstruments
instruments ofof thetheLANDA
LANDA
a alarge
largenumber numberofofsamples. samples.Thus, Thus,it itisisofofinvaluableinvaluable help
BB.17-18.O.877/1 help Trench 9, SU 447 XXX XX
andand the the archaeometric
archaeometric
one depression activityactivity was was reduced.
reduced. We We
forforthe thearchaeologist
Particularly
Particularly
Particularly archaeologist
interesting
interesting
interesting totoarehave,
arehave,
are on onthe
moulds
moulds moulds theexcavation
excavationsite, site,
concentrated
concentratedononthe themoulds,
moulds,ononthe thecoins
coinsand andononthe the
expert
expertscientists
BB.17-18.O.688/1
BB.17-18.O.688/1 scientistswith
BB.17-18.O.688/1 with
and and anan
and archaeometry
archaeometry
BB.17-18.O.laboratory
BB.17-18.O.
BB.17-18.O. laboratoryfor fora a
metal
metalartefacts,
artefacts,continuing
continuingthe thestudies
studiesbegun begunininthe the
first
firstanalysis
871/1,
871/1,
871/1, analysis
formed
formed formed on
by on
by many
amany
by athin
athinselected
thinselected
slabslabslabofof findings.
findings.
fired
of fired InIn
fired manymanycases,cases, Trench 9, SU 470
BB.17-18.O.887/1
previous
previousfield fieldseasons
seasonsfrom from2012 2012toXXto2015.
2015. XX XX
these
clay
clay these
clay first
with
with first
with analyses
analyses
almost
almost almost can cananswer
cylindrical
cylindrical
cylindrical answer the
depres-
depres- thequestions
depres- questionsasked askedbyby
the
sions
sionsthearchaeologist.
sions archaeologist.
with
with with a aflat aflat flat bottom,
bottom, bottom, wetted
wetted wetted bybyby
copper
copper
copper andand and lead.
lead. lead. We We We think
think think thatthat these
these
that these The
TheDifferent
DifferentCoin Coin
ForFor
mould
mould this
mould this reason,
reason,Dr.
fragments
fragments
fragments Dr.
have Kaleemullah
have Kaleemullah
have beenbeenbeen usedused Lashari,
used Lashari,
for forfor coordinator
coordinatorofof
BB.17-18.O.871/1 Trench 9, SU 434 X XXX

the
the theFrench-Italian-Pakistan
French-Italian-Pakistan
production
production
production ofofof small
small small lead collaboration
lead collaboration
lead bronze agreement
bronze
bronze agreementfor for InInthisthissection
sectionwe wewant
wanttotoillustrate
illustratewithwithananexample
examplehow how

BB.17-18.O.871/2 Trench 9, SU 434 XX XX X

 BB.17-18.O.871/1 Trench 9, SU 434 X XXX
Sindh Antiquities Journal 117
important
importantit itisistotohavehaveananarchaeometry
archaeometrylaboratory
laboratoryononthe the depressions
depressionswith witha aflat flatbottom:
bottom:these thesemoulds
mouldswere were
Presently,
Presently,
Presently, inincollaboration
incollaboration
collaboration with
with
with
other
other
other
field.
field. During
During the the numerous
numerous fields fields seasons
seasons several
several probably
probablyused usedforforthetheproduction
productionofofcopper coppercoins
coinsofoflittle
little
scholars,
scholars,
scholars,
3 3 wewe we
areareare
ofofthe
ofthe
the
moulds
moulds
moulds ininorder
inorder
order
hundreds
hundredsofofcopper
BB.17-18.O.871/2
copper coins
coinshave
Trench 9, SU 434
havebeen beenfound.
found.They Theywerewere
XX
value
XX
value(Landon
(Landon
X
2016)
2016) . .Instead,
Instead,the themajority
majorityofofthe the
tototodetermine
determine
determinetheir their
theirmineralogical
mineralogical
mineralogical
covered
coveredbybythe thesoil
soilandandbybya alayer layerofofthe
thegreen
greencorrosion
corrosion moulds
mouldshave havesimple
simpleconcaveconcavedepressions;
depressions;ininsome some
performing
performing
performing thethethe
mineralogical
mineralogical
mineralogical analyses
analyses
analyses
products
productsofofcopper; copper;both bothcould couldbeberemoved
removedpartially
partially moulds
mouldssmall smalldroplets
dropletsofofcopper copperwere werefound.
found.These These
onononthin
thin
thin
sections
sections
sections composition
composition
composition andand
and
thethe
the
with
witha agentle
gentlebrushing.
BB.17-18.O.879/1 brushing.
Trench 9, SUIn Indoing
450 doingso,so,ininthe the2015
2015field
field
XX moulds
XXmouldscouldcould
XXX havehavebeen beenusedusedtotomelt meltsmall
smallchunks
chunksofof
mineral
mineral
mineral transformations
transformations
transformations induced
induced
induced bybyby
season,
season,one onecoincoinappeared
appeareddifferentdifferentfrom fromthe theother
otherones:
ones: copper
copperartefacts,
artefacts,probably
probablytotoproduce producethe thesmall
smallcopper
copper
thethe
the
heating,
heating,
heating, with
with
with
the
the
the
aim
aim
aim
totoobtain
toobtain
obtain
thethe
the
itsitssurface
surfacewas wasgray.
gray.We Weaskedaskedourselves
ourselveswhat whatmaterial
material pellets
pelletsofofthe
thesame
samesize sizeand
andweight
weightfound foundnearby.
nearby.
temperatures
temperatures
temperatures reached
reached
reached inside
inside
inside
thethe
the
kilns
kilns
kilns
waswas made made of.of.
BB.17-18.O.879/2 The
The
Trench 9, SUdifferent
different coin
450 coin was was analysed
analysed
XX XX XX
forfor
for
melting
melting
meltingthe thethe
metal
metal
metalfragments.
fragments.
fragments.
immediately
immediatelywith withthe thetransportable
transportableXRF XRFspectrometer.
spectrometer. According
AccordingtotoA.A.F.F.Khan Khan(Khan (Khan1969), 1969),from fromthese these
InInfigure
figure2 2(AA. (AA.VV. VV.2014-2015)
2014-2015)we weshowshowthe theXRFXRF pellets
pelletsthe
thecoins
coinscould
couldbebeproduced
producedsubsequently
subsequentlyininthe the
spectrum
spectrumofofthe thedifferent
differentcoin, coin,compared
comparedwith withthat
thatofofa a dies
diesbybya aheavy
heavyblow blowfromfromCopper
Copper
the Copper
the Coins
Coins
sledgehammer.Coins
sledgehammer.
copper
coppercoin.coin.The
BB.17-18.O.879/3
The XRFXRFanalysis
analysisofofthe
Trench 9, SU 450
thecopper
coppercoin coinshows
shows
X X

thethepresence
presenceofofcopper copperalloyedalloyedwith withlead.
lead.Instead,
Instead,the the The
Thereverse 384
reversesides 384
384
sidescopper
ofcopper
ofcopper
thecoins,
the coins,
coins,
moulds
moulds covered
covered
covered
were byprobably
byby
wereprobablya athick
athick
thick
inin
XRFXRF analysis
analysis ofof the the different
different coin coin shows
shows strong
strong contact
contactwith
withthe green
green
green
thehigh corrosion
corrosion
corrosion
highheat
heatsource layer
layer
layer
sourceinside andand
and
also
also
insidethe also
partially
partially
partially
thekiln,
kiln,and and
fluorescence
fluorescence emissions emissions from from silver,
silver, copper
copper and and they
theyshow corroded,
showdifferent corroded,
corroded,
differentdegrees
degreeshave
have
ofhave
been
beenbeenfound
ofvitrification,found
vitrification,foundduring
asduring
during
asshown the
shown thethe
inin
XXX 2017-2018
2017-2018
2017-2018 field
field
field
season.
season.
season.After
After
Aftera afirst,
afirst,
first,
BB.17-18.O.882/1
bromine:
bromine:sosoit itwas Trench 9, SU 458
wasa asilver
silvercoin.coin.InInagreement
agreementwith X
withother
other XXX XX
the
theright panelofofFigure
rightpanel Figure3.3.SinceSincewe wefound
foundonly onlysmall
small
silver
silver coinscoins that that we we have have analysed
analysed (AA. (AA. VV. VV. fragments
fragmentsofofthe gentle
thegentle
gentle
entire cleaning
entire cleaning
cleaning
pizzas,
pizzas, it done
itisdone
done
isnot with
not with
with
possible a asmall
possible ato
small
small
tosaysay
2011-2012),
2011-2012),the thesilver
silverwas wasalloyed
alloyedwith witha asmall
smallamount
amount whether
whetherthe brush,
theamountbrush,
amountbrush,
many
ofof many
many coins
coins
vitrification coins
vitrification appeared
appeared
was appeared
was cast,
a alocalcast,
local cast,
with
with
result
resultwith
ofof
ofofcopper,
copper,the thecorrosion
corrosionproductsproductsofofwhich whichcausedcausedthe the a anot-uniform
not-uniformheating
heatingororwhether
whetherit itwas wascommon
commontotothe the
BB.17-18.O. 882/2 Trench 9, SU 458 XX XX XX
green
greenlayerlayerobserved
observedatatthe thebeginning.
beginning.Silver Silverreacts
reacts entire
entire“pizza”.
“pizza”.InInany
anycase,
case,thisthisisisananindication
indicationofofthe the
easily
easilywithwithsulfur,
sulfur,chlorine
chlorineand andbromine,
bromine,the thelatter
lattertwo
two high
hightemperatures,
temperatures,which
whichthe thefragments
fragmentswere weresubjected
subjected
elements
elementsbeing beingpresent
presentininthe themarine
marineenvironment,
environment, to.to.
forming
forminga adark
BB.17-18.O.882/3 darkTrench
patina
patina onon
9, SU 458thethesilver
silversurface.
surface.Our OurXRF XRF
XXX XXX X XXX
spectrometer
spectrometerhad hada avery verylow lowsensitivity
sensitivityfor forlowlowZ Z
elements
elementsand andwe wecould
coulddetect
detecteasilyeasilyonly
onlybromine.
bromine.
BB.17-18.O.884/1 Trench 9, SU 463 XX XXX XXX

Trench 9, Building
BB.17-18.O.959
2
XX XX XX Figure 4. Coins with minted surfaces
found in TR09 SU426 NW corner.

discs,discs,
discs, probablyprobably
probably low low lowvalue value
value coins coins
coins (Landon(Landon
(Landon 2016). 2016).
2016). ToToToananan image
image
image present
present
present ononon oneone one
ororboth
orboth both faces,
faces,
faces, asasshown
asshown
shown ininin
support
support
support thisthisthis
hypothesis,
hypothesis,
hypothesis, the the the
“copper”
“copper”
“copper” coins coins
coins thatthatthat
we we we
have
havehaveFigure Figure
Figure 4,4,4,alike
alike
alike coins
coins
coins found
found
found ininin the the the previous
previous
previous field
field
field
analysed
analysed
analysed actuallyactually
actually are are are
mademade made ofofcopper-lead
ofcopper-lead
copper-lead bronze; bronze;
bronze; theytheytheyseasons.
seasons.
seasons. Some
Some
Some patterns
patterns
patterns repeated
repeated
repeated ininseveral
inseveral
several coins.
coins.
coins. TheThe The
also also
also havehave have almost almost
almost thethe the same
samesame size size
size ofofof the the thecylindrical
cylindricaldiameter,
cylindrical diameter,
diameter, thickness
thickness
thickness and andand weight
weight
weight ofofof each eacheach coin
coin
coin were
werewere
depressions.
depressions.
depressions. measured.
measured.
measured. The The Thevalues
values
values obtained
obtained
obtained for for for
their
their
their weights
weights
weights were
werewere
affected
affected
affected bybyby the thethepresence
presence
presence ofofof the thethecorrosion
corrosion
corrosion materials.
materials.
materials.
Another
Another
Another interesting
interesting
interesting feature feature
feature ofofof thethethemould mould
mould fragments
fragmentsInstead,
fragments Instead,
Instead, thethe the
values
values
values obtained
obtained
obtained forfor for
their
their
their diameters
diameters
diameters were
werewere
andand
revealedthe thetwo
revealed
revealed by two
bythe
byfragments
thefragments
the
XRF XRF XRF analysesfrom
fromconsists
analyses
analyses Banbhore
Banbhore
consists
consists ininwithinwith
the the the inventory
inventory
presence
presence
presence ofofofrather The Theprecise,
melted
melted metals
metals have
have
rather
rather precise,
precise, because
because
because most
mostmost ofwetted
ofwetted
the
ofthe the
coins the
coins theretained
coins walls
walls
retained
retained of of
their the
their the
their
numbers
numbers
lead lead
lead alsoalso BB.19.P.546.1110
alsoBB.19.P.546.1110
inside inside
inside the the theclay clay
clay and
andand
and BB.19.P.546.1111.
and BB.19.P.546.1111.
ononon the the the
reverse reverse
reverse The
faces. The
faces.
faces. depressions,
almost depressions,
almost
almost circular
circular
circularthatthat can
shapes. can bebe
shapes.
shapes. TheTheanalysed
Theanalysed
diameters
diameters
diameters easily
easilyrangedusing
rangedusing
ranged
measurements
measurements performed performed onon the the four four fragments fragments
Among Among
Among the the the
elements
elements
elements making making
making upupthe upthethe
copper copper
copper alloys, alloys,
alloys, LeadLeadLead continuously
non-destructive
non-destructive technologies.
technologies. We We analysed
analysed several
several
BB.19.P.506.1109,
BB.19.P.506.1109, belonging belonging toto a a unique unique vessel, vessel, continuously continuously between
between
between 5 5mm 5mm mmand andand12 12 mm;
12mm; mm; tenten ten
coins
coins
coinswere
werewere
is the
is is
the
instead, the
element
instead,have element
element with
havea ahigh withwiththe the
highcontent the
lowest lowest
lowest
contentofofstrontiummeltingmelting
melting
strontiumandtemperature,
temperature,
temperature,
andare arelocated thus
located thus
thus mould
even
evenmould
even larger.fragments
fragments
larger.
larger. A A more
A using
more
moreusing a
detailed a
portable
detailed portable
detailed analysis XRF
analysis
analysisXRF of spectrometer.
of spectrometer.
the
ofthethe
diameter
diameter
diameter InIn
it itmelts
it
ininthe melts
melts
theupper and and
upperpart andseparates
separates
separates
partofofthe first
theplot. first
first
plot.For withwithwithrespect
Forallallthese respect
respect to
thesefragments to the
to the
fragmentswe theother other
other we particular,
data
dataparticular,
data shows
shows
shows twenty-one
twenty-one
thatthat
thatsome
somesome mould
mould
values
values
values fragments
arefragments
are are
moremoremore have have
frequent been
frequent been
frequent taken
thantaken
thanthan
elements,
elements,
elements,
obtained
obtained a diffusing
amuch diffusing
diffusing
much inside
The
larger
largerThe inside
inside Mouldsthe
Moulds
amount
amount the theclayofclay
ofclay mixture
calcium
calcium mixture
mixture onon and,
and,
the and,others.
the toothers.
toItaly
others. Italy
For with
For with
For the
example, thepermission
example,
example, permission
about
about
about 25% of25%
25% ofthe
ofthe
ofallDirectorate
of Directorate
all all
the the the
coins
coins General
coins General
hadhad hadaaa
possibly,
possibly,
possibly,
external
externalsurface facilitating
facilitating
facilitating
surface(upper (upperrightthe thethevitrification
rightarea) vitrification
vitrification
area)ofofthe of of
thesherds of
thethe
sherdsthanthereversereverse
reverse
thanonon diameter diameter
diameter ofof9.6±0.3
of9.6±0.3
9.6±0.3 mm.mm.mm.
surfaces
their
Thesurfaces
surfaces
their
The internal
moulds ofofthe
internal
moulds ofthe the
sidemoulds
side
are are moulds
moulds
(upper
large(upper
large .pizzas
4 4 4
.pizzas
. leftarea).
left area).
of ofclay This
clay This
about isisthe
about the
12 12result
mm result
mmthick of of 2. 2.In Inthethecitadel,
thick citadel, concentrations
concentrations of of
mould
mould fragments
fragments werewere observed
observed in inmanymany
limited
limited areas
areasonon thethesurface
surface and andalso
alsoin in
thethe upper
upper levels
levels of of
thethe
excavations.
excavations.
thethe
with firing,
with firing,
impressedwhich
whichenriches
impressed enriches
anan ordered with
orderedwithcalcium calcium
gridgrid ofof the the external
external AThe
cup-shaped
cup-shaped Afull
Afull
The full
study
moulds study
moulds study
were ofof
were all
ofallthe
variously allthe
variously the
coins
coins
coins
interpreted can
interpreted can
by can
by bethe
the be achieved
be achieved
earliest achieved
earliest explorers,when
when
explorers, when
butbut they
they
currentlythey
currently
surface
surface
depressions ofofa avessel
depressions vessel
where
where with
with
metal respect
metal respect
scraps
scrapstotothe the
have
haveinternal
internal
beenbeenmelted oneone
melted . The
. .The
6 62 2
.InInare are
it are
is
itproperly
properly
properly
thought
is thought that cleaned
that cleaned
they cleaned
theywerewerefrom
from
from
connected the
connected the the
corrosion
with corrosion
with corrosion
the the
local
local layers
coin layers
coin layers
making and
making andand
when
device.
device.when
whenCoinCoin
data
data
fact obtained
obtained
factthe themoulds fromfrom
mouldsmust the the samples
musthave samples
havebeen fromfrom Istakhr
beensubjected Istakhr (red(red
subjectedtotososohigh circles
circles hightheir moulds
moulds
their
their have
alloy have
alloy
alloy been
been observed
composition observed
composition
composition in in
many
hasmany
has other
has other
beenbeen contemporary
beencontemporary
measured.
measured.
measured. Islamic
Islamic
ForForsites
Forsites
theseof ofthethe
these
these
in4.
in
figure
figure 6) 6) seem
seem subcontinent
subcontinent andand thetheneighbouring
neighbouring areas
areas (Khan
(Khan 1969).
1969).
4. temperatures
temperatures
Glass
4.
Glass
Glass
is is
obtained
is
obtained
obtained
from toto
tofrom to
from fill
vitrify fill
vitrify
silica,
silica,the
silica, the
ofthe
oftheintermediate
which
of intermediate
bottom
whichbottom
which
thethesea
the surfaces
sea
sand
seasand isareas
surfaces
sand areas
is
rich.
is of
rich. of
of
rich.
The ofThe
The the
several
claythe
several
clayplot.
clay
withplot.
of
with ofreasons
with
3. reasons
reasons
3.CoinCoin about
moulds about
about
moulds 100
have 100
have 100
coins
been
been coins
coins
found
found were awere
inwere
in a taken
large taken
large taken
number totoofItaly,
number toofItaly,
Italy,
with
archaeological with
with
archaeological the the the
sites
sites
which
which
which
thethemoulds
themoulds
mouldsarearemade
aremademade
contain
contain
contain
silica
silica
silica
andandand
thethebottom
thebottom
bottomsurface
surface
surface
of oftheofthethe
them.
them. Notwithstanding
Notwithstanding thatthat the the current
current interpretation
interpretation is is
°C.°C.°C.permission
permission
permission
from
from thetheiron ofofthe
ironage ofthe
age to the
toDirectorate
thethe Directorate
Directorate
Roman
Roman times. General
times. The General
General
The workworkofofAntiquities
by ofAntiquities
by Antiquities
Landon
Landon (2016)
(2016) &&isa&a
is
In Inorder
moulds order
moulds
moulds to
probably toimprove
probably
probably improve
hashasbeen
hasbeen this
been this
covered
covered analysis,
coveredanalysis,
withwith
with
send.
send. wewe
send.
Silicamade
Silica made
Silica
melts
melts the
melts
at the
at
about
atPrincipal
aboutPrincipal
about
160016001600
reference
reference forfor
thethestudy
study of of
coin
coinmoulds.
moulds. OneOne aspect
aspect of ofthethe coin
coinmoulds
moulds is is
thatthat
Thethat
Thethat
The
Component they
Component theyof
addition
addition
addition were
were
ofother used
ofother used
other
Analysis oxides,
Analysis for
oxides, for
oxides,inmaking
making
inparticular
(PCA)inparticular
(PCA) locally
particular locally
natrium
natrium
using natrium
using little
orlittle value
orpotash
the value
orpotash
the potash coins
(sodium
RStudio coinsArchaeology
(sodium
RStudio (sodium
theArchaeology
Archaeology
the depressions
depressions of
werewere the
ofalways
ofalways
the the
Culture,
Culture,
Culture,
almost
almost Tourism
cylindrical Tourism
Tourism
cylindrical withwith aandaand
flat and
flat Antiquities
bottom. Antiquities
Antiquities
bottom. These
These coincoin
carbonate
carbonate
carbonate
(Khan
(Khan or orpotassium
1969),orpotassium
1969), potassium
the thecarbonate,
carbonate,
carbonate,
purpose
purpose respectively,
ofrespectively,
ofrespectively,
thisthis thatthat
metallurgicalthat
at athigh
metallurgical athigh
high
temperatures
temperatures
temperatures
activity
activity isisDepartment,
software.
software.
react
react
react
releasing
releasing Since
releasing Since
CO2CO2 CO2
and the
and the counts
becoming
and counts
becoming
becoming for
oxides), for
oxides),
oxides),thethe different
depending
dependingdifferent
depending onto
ontoonto
whichelements
whichelements
which
of ofthem
ofthemthem
Department,
Department,
moulds
moulds have
have Government
been
been Government
Government
usedused forfor ofofSindh,
preparing
preparing of
flat Sindh,
Sindh,
flatdiscs for
discs for
eitherfor
analysing
either ofanalysing
analysing
of
gold,
gold, them
or or
silverthem
them
silver or or
still
differ
was still
differ
waswas
more
more not
by
morenot
by
easily yet
two
easily yet
two
easily wellwell
orders
available, orders
available,
available, understood.
understood.
of
strongly
stronglyofdecreases
stronglymagnitude,
magnitude,
decreases
decreases TheThe
thethe depressions
we
melting
the depressions
wetemperature
melting
meltingpreferred
preferred
temperature
temperature have
even have
to
even to
even in copper
in copper
in
detail. or or
copper-lead
detail.
detail. copper-lead
Their Their
Their bronze.
bronze.
composition In In
other
composition
composition other cases,
cases,
was was thethe
was coincoin
measured moulds
moulds
measured
measured were
were
with
withused
used
with a to to
aa
prepare
prepare pellets
pelletsof ofthethe same
same sizesize
and andweight,
weight, fromfrom whichwhich thethe
coins
coinscould
could bebe
different
below different
below
below
1000
standardise 1000
standardisethe 1000
°C. sizes
°C.sizes
Also
°C.Also and
Also and
lead
thevariableslead different
leaddifferent
oxide
oxide
oxide
variables(i.e., can can shapes,
shapes,
decrease
can decrease
(i.e.,the decrease
the as
the
thecounts as shown
melting
the shown
melting
countsread melting in
temperatureinthe
temperature
readfor the
temperature
foreach left
of left
each portable
of of portable
portable
produced
produced XRFXRFXRF
subsequently spectrometer
subsequently spectrometer
spectrometer
in in
thethedies
diesbybyconsisting
a consisting
a consisting
havehave blowblow of
from from the
ofthe
ofthe thethe
Amptek
sledge
sledgeAmptek
Amptek
hammer
hammer
silica,
silica,
silica,
which,
which,
which,in inour
inourcase,
ourcase,
case,
is ispresent
ispresent
present
in inthe
inthemoulds
themoulds
moulds or orcovers
orcovers
covers
thethebottom
thebottom
bottom
panel
panel
spectrum
spectrum
surface,
surface,
surface,
thus
of
thus
of
for
thus
helping
Figure
for
helping
Figure
each
helping each
thethe
3. 3.
element),
vitrification
the
vitrification
Some
element),
vitrification
Some
of of
theofin
the
rear
fragments
in
the
fragments
order
rear order
rear
side
sideside
of of to
theofto
the
have
make
moulds.
the
have
make
moulds.
moulds.
round
them round
them Mini
6. 6.
I Mini
Mini
(Khan
(Khan
amI am X-ray X-ray
X-ray
1969).
1969).
indebted
indebted generator
to to generator
generator
Serenella
Serenella and
Mancini and
Mancini andthe
for the
for the
Amptek
explaining Amptek
Amptek
explaining me me 1-2-3
this 1-2-3
1-2-3
this