I worked in the far-eastern excavation unit, numbered 23. I just want to make a quick blog post explaining how EU 23 fits into the archaeological context of Vigla.

Well first it should be noted that, compared to EU 20 and 24 finds in EU 23 were quite minuscule, with maybe two exceptions. Despite being part of the fortification, EU 23 didn’t return very many military-related finds. However, on the other hand, personal items such as beads and a bronze fibula were found. To me this implies that this was the domestic barracks of the fort. A place where they lived. But there is also the chance that this is a storage area.

One thing supporting the storage room theory is the existence of the ashlar. Underneath the ashlar there was some weaponry and it would appear that these were purposefully sealed for whatever reason.

Another important thing to note is that there are two different occupation levels/two floors. In the earlier/lower level a Cypro-Classical/Hellenistic sherd was found, giving us a supposed time period. This would mean that the later level of occupation must be hellenistic era, it is unlikely to be from pre-hellenistic eras.

Another interesting thing about this EU is that, due to the ashlar, many of the SUs are contemporary. SUs 8506, 8509, 8511, and 8512 are all contemporary.

On the search for bedrock (SU 8513), a charred root was uncovered in the sieve. This would be the third root sample found in EU 23 this year which is quite neat. Charred roots will help with carbon dating and eventually dating this site.

So to conclude, EU 23 brings a level of domesticity to the hypothesized fort!

Hunter Powell