# Inspector task sheet

Adulis: why did the Red Sea port lose its role?

## 1. Trace the earliest accessible record

For Adulis: why did the Red Sea port lose its role?, record author or storyteller, collection date, language, translation, page and exact scope. Distinguish evidence of a story being told from evidence of its events. Note which full documents remain unavailable.

Status: proposed; not completed.
Evidence found:
Source and page:
Limits:
Next action:

## 2. Investigate the central question

Compare stratigraphy, pottery dates and reused buildings by excavation area. Treat ancient literary references separately from material evidence. Require matched dates before linking local damage to a region-wide political event.

Status: proposed; not completed.
Evidence found:
Source and page:
Limits:
Next action:

## 3. Compare explanations without merging evidence

Compare securely dated imports and settlement phases with other ports. Compare final-use deposits and later occupation across additional excavated areas. Preserve contradictions and unsuccessful searches; proposed work remains unperformed.

Status: proposed; not completed.
Evidence found:
Source and page:
Limits:
Next action: