Charax

Stefan and Robert plan for the day. As we are now in the last week it is crucial that everything is neatly tied up, enough time budgeted for mapping and final photos, and of course the unglamorous but essential task of back-filling to protect what remains of this vulnerable ancient city. Archaeology requires a large array of skills, and project planning is an important one of these.

As the climate crisis gets worse, we've probably all started thinking about how a world without electricity or petrol might be. The citizens of Charax had a luxurious lifestyle without these things. This little oil lamp once cast a soft background light. there is still smoke-blackening around the spout.
People also recycled things in the ancient past. The spout has broken off (probably an annoying frequent accident) and the break has been filed down so the wick could still do its job.

People have always lost small change out of their pockets. The Arsacid people of Iraq in the 2nd century AD were no different. Bad luck for them, but good for us! Now we will see if the coins can be read to tell us the exact date they were minted. We must not be too optimistic, as most are in poor condition due to centuries of salination and flooding. But with care and patience something might emerge.