Alcaeus 48 (B 16) and the Fall of Ascalon (604 B. C.)

Abstract

large irregular stones which were probably a foundation course. Because of the cramped quarters at the bottom of the pit it was impossible to go deeper without enlarging the whole test area, and the approaching close of the campaign made this impossible. We did, however, find a little MB II A pottery here which is rare at Beitin. After removing dangerous fallen rock on the south face of the pit we were able to trace the gateway (?) face of this MB wall where it ended in an S-shaped bulge c. 3 m. from the city wall proper, indicating that the wall is broken beyond this point. Some stones are missing and some have toppled outward under pressure. This MB II wall was reused by the LB population, but it was destroyed at the end of LB. Since the season's work was devoted to the city's defenses, only a small number of important objects were found. In addition to those already described were 2 scarabs, a jar handle with a scarab impression, a jar handle with a Hebrew inscription, and an unusual jar in modified crater form, 55 cm. wide and 62 cm. high. Two ceramic observations, however, are in order. The cooking pot of MB I with steam holes was represented only by a couple of sherds, although other types of cooking pot sherds were very plentiful. MB II cooking pots without steam holes were found in great quantities. Also the trumpet-foot ware of this campaign represented a high percentage of poor work, in striking contrast to the fine craftsmanship of the best work found.9