DESCRIPTION:

In an early phase of its existence, the Tenta settlement was surrounded by an outer stone wall which probably had a mudbrick superstructure (Structure 1). Buildings such as Structure 37 indicate that the settlement subsequently expanded beyond the line of the wall, but it is not clear whether this enlarged settlement was also enclosed by a similar wall futher out. Parts of a ditch were revealed outside the wall in this area of the site, and defence (or at least confinement of the settlement within a well-defined space) was clearly considered important.

DEATH AND EVERYDAY LIFE

Within the southern area of the site enclosed by Structure 1 lies a series of domestic buildings of varied size. Structures 9 and 10 are notable for the human burials found beneath their floors. A total of 14 burials containing a minimum of 18 individuals was excavated in various contexts on the site. Five burials were found under the floor of Structure 9, in pits close to the house wall (two adults, two young children and one newborn infant). The only artefact found in association with a burial was a small lump of worked red ochre found with a child buried on the north side of Structure 9. The remains of four infants were interred in a small pit inside Structure 10.