The chief objectives of work at the site include the chronology of its occupation by Coptic monks, the nature of the monastic foundation, and reconstruction of everyday life. Even small features, like masonry benches and the fill of hollows in the rock floor are explored in minute detail in view of the shallow stratigraphy. Feature 4/S was examined this season to establish the southern-most extent of the complex. Finds from both the Christian and pre-Christian periods are studied systematically — this season human and faunal skeletal remains were examined, as well as textiles.