In January-February and April-May 2004 a trial excavation was conducted in the northern part of Lod (Permit No. A-4079; map ref. NIG 190789-849/652077-127, OIG 140789-849/152077-127; Fig. 1), prior to construction activity. The excavation, on behalf of the Antiquities Authority and with the financial support of the Africa-Israel Company, Ltd., was directed by E. Haddad, with the participation of Y. Arbel, H. Torge and U. 'Ad (area supervision), S. Ya'aqov-Jam and E. Bachar (administration), A. Hajian (surveying and drafting), T. Sagiv (field photography), Y. Nagar (physical anthropology), C. Amit (studio photography), Y. Bukengolts (pottery restoration) and M. Avissar (preliminary ceramic analysis).