11 April 1929

[By George Horsfield and possibly Agnes Conway]
​G. H.
​
Went on with dig, which was showing signs of reaching undisturbed level. Cleared up all the dangerous overhanging parts.  The pottery coming out is mostly fragments of cookery pots – large wine jars with inscribed handles – and some fragments of black glazed ware undecorated.  (This Mr Crowfoot says is dated 300-150 BC).  A small black lamp slightly oval with a small projection on one side – and poorly modelled – and a spoon-handle broken, same as another found yesterday, came out.  
 
Took photographs of S wall and Zantour.
 
In early afternoon bottom was definitely reached at six metres – red crumply sandstone.  Have decided to dig a long trench into the tell on S. side near the Habis – beginning Saturday, as that seems to be the most ancient and the deepest place.
 
Paid the men for two weeks’ work; no grumbles and all passed off in an orderly manner.

George Horsfield paying workmen at Petra during excavations in the mid 1930s. Copyright UCL Institute of Archaeology.

The High Commissioner arrived and is staying with Cooks.  [Austen] Harrison write to say he was unable to come and visit us.
 
A.E.C. spent the morning on the nearer El Ma’aisera ridge looking at Kennedy’s Memorandum queries in connection with the great tomb, Fives court etc.  She could find no sign of a sanctuary, but think the whole lay-out may be an elaborate example of the type of enceinte described on the Turkomanya tomb.  A new type of tomb turned up, and two unfinished very early tombs, as well as more cisterns.  A complete investigation of the ridge might be done and would be interesting if there is time for anything intensive.  She took 5 panorama telephoto views from the Edomite circle in the afternoon glow.

Reference: Horsfield, G [and probably Conway, A] 1929 (transcribed by A. Thornton). Petra Exploration Fund Diary. "Business Papers to be Kept", Horsfield Collection Box 8, UCL Institute of Archaeology, 11 April: 31-32.