Long Barrack Archaeology Update - March 15

Two excavation units, EU-10 and EU-12 were active this week.

In EU-10, archaeologists reached a depth of approximately 70 cm below surface. During excavations, two distinct features were encountered. The first feature was evidence of a burning episode and the fractured remnants of a caliche surface. The only portions of the surface still intact was in the northeast corner of the unit and extended approximately 7 cm to west. Immediately below the surface was a dark sediment rich in charcoal. The burning extended across the northeast quadrant of the unit. The deposit appears to continue below into the next level. There were not many artifacts found within the deposit but did include ceramics and lithic debitage.

Archaeologists in EU-12 reached an approximate depth of 110 cm below surface. At this depth archaeologists encountered remnants of packed lime surface. This type of surface, also revealed in previous excavation units, indicates an intentional effort to install a surface in the courtyard. Lime and caliche surfaces were commonly installed in workspaces to provide a clean, level, and stable surface. The surface does not extend the entirety of the unit, but is likely due to natural deterioration. Artifacts recovered during the week include Spanish Colonial ceramics, lithic debitage, brick, and mortar fragments.