Unique meter-thick single-event destruction matrix. The destruction layer is 1 to 2 meters thick across the site Contains mixed matrix of brick, burnt wood, plaster, pottery, human bones, and debris No intact or broken pottery found in place on floors
The destruction layer at Tell el-Hammam is a remarkable 1 to 2 meters thick across the entire site, containing a mixed matrix of brick, burnt wood, plaster, pottery fragments, human bones, and general debris — all from a single catastrophic event. No intact pottery was found in place on floors, yet the flat platform created by wall shearing preserved everything in position afterward. This stratum contains over 20 classic bolide airburst microproxies that have only been found in this specific layer, providing unique forensic evidence of the destruction mechanism.
Key Facts
- The destruction layer is 1 to 2 meters thick across the site
- Contains mixed matrix of brick, burnt wood, plaster, pottery, human bones, and debris
- No intact or broken pottery found in place on floors
- Thousands of fragments from different vessels strewn in southwest-to-northeast pattern
- Post-event disintegration is virtually absent due to flat platform created by shearing
- Contains 20+ classic bolide airburst microproxies found only in this stratum
Related site: Tell el-Hammam — view location, images, and history on the Ancient Nerds map.
Source: Melted Brick, Airborne Pottery, Bones Burned - The Destruction Layer at Tal el-Hammam by The Cosmic Summit