The 7th season of work at Tell el-Borg occurred between 11 March 2007 and 7 April 2007. Our thanks to Dr. Mohamed Abd el-Sammie, Director for North Sinai and our inspector, Mr. Ezzat Fathy Masaoud for their cooperation. The American mission stayed at the Sinai Archaeological Centre at Qantara Sharq, which is under the supervision of Mr. Rifaat Gindy.

One purpose of this season was to complete the geo-physical (magnetometer) survey that we began in 2006 and to investigate any architectural features that the survey identified. Tomasz Herbich of the Polish Institute directed the survey.

Two important features were identified and EXCAVATED. The first was a long narrow structure in Field VI on the northwest side of the site. It turned out to be the remains of a MOAT that apparently encircled the earliest settlement of Tell el-Borg. The section that survived was excavated. Approximately 175 meters of the moat survived which ran in a north-south direction. The best area preserved was at the southern end where a height of more than one meter of the mud brick still stands. However, at least one meter of the walls was destroyed by ancient erosion and recent military activity at the site. The walls were one brick thick and were laid at a 60o angle. The two previous moats discovered at Tell el-Borg were made at a 45o angle. Within the excavated moat there were CERAMIC and OSTEOLOGICAL materials. As the moat proceeded north its preservation decreased to the point that it disappeared completely.

On the eastern side of the tell, a second feature was detected that looked like the other side of the moat. Two sondages were made in this area to check on the feature, however, it turned out to be Nile silt from the shoreline of the Nile branch that passed by Tell el-Borg in ancient times. The shorelines appeared in the magnetometer because they were made of the same Nile mud as the bricks around the site. Based on this survey, no further traces of this moat survived. It appears to date to the early New Kingdom.

Secondly, we wanted to complete excavation of the gate area of Field V where the Ramesside fortress once stood. Here several dozen fragments of a broken GRANITE stela of Ramesses II were discovered. More of this material had been discovered in 2006. Similarly we uncovered further examples of broken limestone pieces from the gate area. There were architectural pieces as well as some inscribed fragments. We had hoped that in this broken material would be the name of the fort, but unfortunately this did not happen. Fragments of the cartouches of Ramesses II and Merneptah were found, however.

The third goal of this season was to have a TEAM continue conservation, drawing and photographing materials in preparation for the publication of the first volume of the Tell el-Borg excavations. We also prepared objects for transfer to the El-Arish Museum. More than a dozen objects were set aside for this purpose.

Future plans

Excavations at Tell el-Borg by the Trinity International University mission ended this season. However, we realize that more time is needed for study and conservation. It is our goal to secure the funds for a 3-week study season in 2008 or 2009 to complete all our work.

In the coming six months we will be writing final studies for the publication of the first volume with Eisenbraun’s Publishers. As of this date 12 articles and reports have been published or are in press about the work at Tell el-Borg (see PRESSROOM ).

We have appreciated our eight seasons of work in North Sinai, beginning with the initial survey in May 1999. We are grateful to Dr. Mohamed Abd el-Maksoud, Dr. Mohamed Abd el-Sammie and all of the North Sinai Inspectorate for their assistance over these years. We have had very good results and without their help and support, none of this would have been possible.

James K. Hoffmeier- Project Director  

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