"Tell Dothan: The Western Cemetery, with Comments on Joseph Free's Excavations, 1953-1964" Annual of the American Schools of Oriental Research 52 (1994) pp. 147-190.
The following photographs and descriptions have been prepared by Robert Cooley, director of the Dothan Publications Project, and Gary Pratico as an addendum to the article which appears above. These figures are intended to give a general impression of burial remains in the western end of Tomb 1 for Levels 1-4. Tomb photographs from Level 5 are not included.
Gratitude is expressed to Tom Charlton and Floyd Grace for their assistance in the preparation of this Internet publication.
Internet Addendum
Photo Sequences Directory:
- Aerial view of Tell Dothan, looking south. (Fig. 36)
- Details of the western end of Level 1 tomb remains. (Figs. 37-39)
- Details of Squares 2E, 2F, 2G, 3E, 3F and 3G in Level 1. (Figs. 40-45)
- Southwestern corner of Tomb 1, detailing Squares 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C. (Figs 46-50)
- Details of Level 1 tomb remains: Squares 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D. (Figs. 51-54)
- View through the collapsed ceiling of Tomb 1; details of the extreme western end of the Level 2 excavations. (Fig. 55)
- Level 2 excavations in Tomb 1, focusing on Squares 4A, 4B, 3A and 3B. (Figs. 56-59)
- Level 2 excavations; details of Squares 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G. (Figs. 60-65)
- Level 3 remains in the western end of the main chamber of Tomb 1. (Figs. 66-68)
- Section of the Level 3 grid system, focusing on Squares 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F. (Figs 69-72)
- Concentration of vessels in selected squares of Level 4 in Tomb 1. (Figs. 73-75)
- Supplement to the pottery plates of Figs. 19-35. (Figs. 76-81)
- Robert Cooley, field director of the western cemetery excavations at Tell Dothan and director of the Dothan Publications Project. (Fig 82)
Aerial view of Tell Dothan, looking south. The shaded side of the tell in the lower half of the photograph is the north side. Several areas of excavation are clearly discernable: Area L on the northwest side of the mound (lower right) and Areas A, B, D and T on the southern side. Area K and Tombs 1-3, the western cemetery, are located on the western edge of the tell (right side of the photograph). Compare this aerial view with Figure 1 above.
Figure 37 begins a sequence of three photographs (Figs. 37, 38 and 39) which details the western end of Level 1 tomb remains.
Although the grid lines (strings) are not in place as in other tomb excavation photographs below, the layout of the grid system is clear. Beginning in the western end of the tomb chamber, Squares 1A-G run from south to north (from Crypt A to Crypt C; see Tomb 1 plan in Fig. 5 above). Figure 37 documents Squares 1A-G, 2A-G, 3A-G and 4A-G, each grid line running from south to north and each line crossing the main chamber of Tomb 1 from Crypt A to Crypt C. From this perspective through the collapsed ceiling of Tomb 1, the rest of the grid system for the tomb excavations is not visible.
A number of architectural features are discernable in this first photograph which looks to the west and into the collapsed ceiling of the tomb chamber. The lower portion of the shaft entrance is visible in the top center of the photograph. What appears to be a barren spot in the midst of the tomb remains (note the meter stick) marks the point of the lower shaft's entrance into the main chamber of Tomb 1 (see Figs. 4, 6, 8, 9, 10 above). Most of Crypt C is visible on the right side of the image. A portion of the northern wall of Crypt A can be seen on the left side of the photograph. Pottery remians are heavily concentrated throughout Level 1 with some skeletal fragments discernable (note especially Squares 2D and 2E). The characteristic Level 1 pottery forms are visible throughout the remains, notably in the northwestern corner of the tomb chamber to the south of Crypt C.
This photograph focuses on the northwestern corner of the tomb chamber and the view is to the north-northwest. The lower shaft entrance is now on the left side of the image and Crypt C is visible in the top center, just above the meter stick. Squares 4E-G, running south to north across the tomb chamber, are clearly labelled.
This final photograph in the sequence details Level 1 remains in the southwestern corner of the main chamber of Tomb 1.
The perspective is looking to the south. Crypt A is clearly visible, though the stone wall which separates this loculus from the main chamber of the tomb remains buried beneath debris.
A few stones of this wall are discernable, however, above the line of the meter stick. Squares 4A-C run from south to north.
The following sequence of six photographs (Figs. 40-45) details Squares 2E, 2F, 2G, 3E, 3F and 3G in Level 1. This cluster of contiguous squares is located in the northwestern corner of the main chamber of Tomb 1, including a large portion of Crypt C. Squares 2E, 2F and 2G run from south to north. Squares 3E, 3F and 3G are contiguous to the east and are aligned on the same compass orientation. This group of squares is clearly labelled on Figure 37 above. All of the photographs, with the exception of the last in the sequence (Fig. 45), are looking to the west.
This photograph details Square 2E and the southern half of Square 2F. The meter stick is resting on the western end of Square 3E.
Rich pottery and skeletal remains in Square 2F. This photograph illustrates the concentration of vessels in Level 1. Squares 1E and 1F are visible to the west (top portion of the photograph).
This photograph focuses on Squares 1F, 1G, 2F and 2G in the extreme northwestern corner of the main chamber of Tomb 1. The western half of Crypt C is encompassed within Squares 1G and 2G. The tomb wall on the northern side of the loculus is visible on the top and right side of the photograph. The line of the east-west stone wall which constitutes the southern side of Crypt C is clearly discernable. This wall runs from the top left of the image to the bottom center. The vessels that are visible in Square 2F are just outside this southern stone wall of Crypt C.
This photograph details Square 3E, immediately to the east of Square 2E.
Contiguous to the north of Square 3E, Square 3F of Level 1 is here detailed.
Despite the orientation of the signage, this last photograph in the sequence is looking to the north. Square 3G is detailed. The upper half of the square encompasses material within Crypt C; the lower half documents a section of the east-west stone wall which constitutes the southern side of Crypt C. Though not labelled, the northern quarter of Square 3F is visible in the lower portion of the photograph.
Another sequence of photographs (Figs. 46-50) which details Level 1 tomb remains. This sequence focuses on the southwestern corner of Tomb 1, detailing Squares 1B, 1C, 2A, 2B and 2C. All photographs are looking to the west.
The first photograph in the sequence details the extreme southwestern corner of the main chamber of Tomb 1, just northwest of the western end of Crypt A. Portions of Squares 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C are visible and clearly labelled. Note the southwestern tomb wall in the upper left portion of the photograph. The large stone depicted in the lower left corner constitutes the western end of the stone wall which separates Crypt A from the main tomb chamber.
The perspective on Squares 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C is broadened in this photograph. Squares 1C and 2C are fully depicted. Though not labelled, Squares 1D and 2D are just coming into view to the right.
This photograph details Square 2A, documenting the Level 1 remains within the extreme western end of Crypt A. The southern and western walls of Crypt A are visible on the left and in the upper portion of the image. The line of the east-west stone wall which constitutes the northern side of Crypt A is discernable on the right. Note the characteristic Level 1 pottery forms.
Square 2B of Level 1 is detailed in this next figure. The image provides a clearer perspective on the western end of the east-west stone wall which creates the northern side of Crypt A.
Detail of Square 2C of Level 1
And still another sequence of photographs (Figs. 51-54) which details Level 1 tomb remains. Squares 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D are herein depicted. Note that these squares are contiguous with those presented in the previous sequence of images (Squares 2A, 2B and 2C). All photographs are looking west.
Square 3A of Level 1. Remains within the western end of Crypt A are depicted. The northern wall of Crypt A is barely discernable on the northern side of the square.
Square 3B of Level 1
Square 3C of Level 1
Square 3D of Level 1
Looking through the collapsed ceiling of Tomb 1, this photograph details the extreme western end of the Level 2 excavations. Squares 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G are marked with string and some are labelled. Squares 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F and 3G are also visible, though not marked with either string or signage. Most of Crypt C and the stone wall which creates its southern side are shown on the right side of the photograph. A few stones of the western end of Crypt A are visible on the left. The shaft entrance to the tomb chamber is discernable in the top center of the photograph (Cf. Fig. 37).
This sequence of four photographs (Figs. 56-59) depicts another section of Level 2 excavations in Tomb 1, focusing on Squares 4A, 4B, 3A and 3B. All photographs look to the east. Note the change in compass orientation of the photographs in this sequence and note the order of description. The four contiguous squares document tomb remains at the eastern end of Crypt A.
This photograph depicts Square 4A and documents Level 2 remains within the extreme eastern end of Crypt A. A section of the stone wall that creates the northern wall of Crypt A is visible on the left. The southern tomb wall of Crypt A is seen on the right. The meter stick is resting on the eastern end of Square 3A which is detailed in the following figure.
Detail of more Level 2 remains within the Crypt A chamber. Square 3A documents Level 2 remains to the west of Square 4A. Again, the northern wall of Crypt A is visible on the left side of the photograph; the southern tomb wall of this loculus is to the right.
Level 2 remains in Squares 4B and 4C to the north of the eastern end of Crypt A. The northern wall of Crypt A is visible to the right. The meter stick is resting on the eastern end of Squares 3B and 3C.
Detail of Level 2 remains in Square 3B. Most of the square documents a small section of the east-west wall which comprises the northern side of Crypt A. The northern side of Crypt A is visible to the right.
The following sequence of photographs (Figs. 60-65) details Squares 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F and 2G of Level 2. This line of contiguous squares is clearly labelled in Figure 55 above. All of the images in this sequence are looking west.
This figure focuses on a section of Squares 2A and 2B with portions of Squares 1A and 1B to the west. Level 2 tomb remains within the western end of Crypt A are here depicted. The southern tomb wall of Crypt A is visible on the left. The western tomb wall can be seen across the top of the photograph. A few stones of the northern wall of Crypt A are visible on the right in Square 2B. It is important to note that the remains depicted in this figure are within the extreme western end of Crypt A.
Detail of Square 2B of Level 2. The east-west line of stones that is discernable (top center to bottom center) represents the extreme western end of the northern wall of Crypt A.
Detail of Square 2C of Level 2.
Square 2D of Level 2. The lower end of the shaft entrance into the main chamber of Tomb 1 is located just to the west, beyond Square 1D at the top of the photograph.
Detail of Square 2E of Level 2.
This photograph focuses on Squares 2F and 2G of Level 2. Squares 1F and 1G are visible to the west (top of the photograph). Note the east-west line of stones, running from the bottom right to the top center of the image. This is the western end of the southern wall of Crypt C. This line of stones also creates the northern wall of Crypt B. The western end of Crypt C, together with its northern wall, are visible on the right.
The following sequence of three photographs (Figs. 66-68) shows Level 3 remains in the western end of the main chamber of Tomb 1. In Figure 66, the meter stick and the label for Level 3 are resting on the stairway of Tomb 1 at a point just below the vertical shaft. The lower section of the stairway remains buried beneath tomb debris. Most of Crypt C is visible on the right. The complete southern wall of this loculus is clearly depicted. The northern wall of Crypt A can be seen on the left. The characteristic forms of Level 3 pottery are discernable in the tomb debris. Looking west.
Detail of Level 3 remains in the southwestern corner of the main chamber of Tomb 1. The meter stick is resting on the northern wall of Crypt A. A section of the lower stairway is visible in the lower right. Looking south.
Detail of Level 3 remains in the northwestern corner of the tomb chamber. The lower stairway (bottom left) and Crypt C (top center) are shown. Looking north.
This sequence of four photographs (Figs 69-72) depicts a section of the Level 3 grid system, focusing on Squares 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E and 2F. This south-north line of squares spans the area between the western ends of Crypts A and C, crossing the lower section of the shaft stairway. The characteristic repertoire of Level 3 pottery forms is visible in these squares.
Looking west, this figure shows Square 2B of Level 3. The western end of the Crypt A stone wall is visible on the left side of the image.
Squares 2B and 2C of Level 3 looking southwest. In part, this photograph duplicates the previous image but with a different perspective on Square 2B. Square 2C is now visible. The western end of the Crypt A stone wall continues to be seen in the top left.
Squares 2E and 1E of Level 3 looking west. The northern quarter of Square 2D can be seen on the left.
Squares 2E and 2F of Level 3 looking northwest. A few stones of the western end of the Crypt C stone wall are visible in the top right.
This sequence of three photographs (Figs. 73-75) shows the concentration of vessels in selected squares of Level 4 in Tomb 1. The first photograph in the sequence (Fig. 73) focuses on the Level 4 remains in the western end of the main chamber of Tomb 1. The stairway leading to the vertical shaft is shown in the center of the image. The westernmost section of Crypt C is seen in the top right. Much of Crypt A is visible on the left. The grid system of Squares 1B, 1C, 1D, 1E, 1F and 2B 2C, 2D 2E, 2F is marked with string, though not all squares are labelled. Looking west.
Detail of Level 4 remains in Squares 1B, 1C, 2B and 2C. This is the area between the stairway (right side of the photograph) and the northern wall of Crypt A (left side) in the southwestern corner of Tomb 1. Looking west-southwest.
This figure details Level 4 remains to the right (north) of the stairway. Squares 1E, 1F, 2E and 2F are clearly marked with string. The tomb stairway is visible on the left. A few stones of the southern wall of Crypt C are seen in the top right of the photograph. Note also that a section of the southern wall of Crypt B is discernable to the right of the stairway, running from the upper center of the photograph toward the center of the meter stick (west to east). The sign that marks Level 4 is resting on stones that belong to this wall. Looking west.
As a supplement to the pottery plates of Figs. 19-35, the following figures present a selection of characteristic forms for Levels 1, 2 and 3.
Four decorated pyxides and two biconical jars (top center and bottom left), the latter with strainer spout and basket handle.
All vessels are from Level 1.
Four lamps and two chalices from Level 1.
Four lamps and two chalices from Level 2.
A decorated krater with two handles from Level 2.
Two jars (top right and bottom left) and two bowls from Level 3.
A krater-mug (top left), small jar (top center), small bowl (top right) and two biconical jars from Level 3.
Robert Cooley, field director of the western cemetery excavations at Tell Dothan and director of the Dothan Publications Project.
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