These two tufo blocks may be the first of their kind discovered at Gabii. Although purpose is unclear at this time, it is possible that they were intended to be weight bearing. Since 7303 is covered by 7269, it is most likely that these blocks predate the construction of the concrete walls in Room 7. It also suggests a strong relationship with Room 8, as there is a singular tufo platform in there as well (7296).
Room 7 analysis: Upon observation, this room underwent several different phases of modification. It appears that the room once had a more open layout (perhaps one single room with room 8) but was closed in by the construction of certain concrete walls. In the central south west portion of the room are two tufo blocks (7303) which possibly served as weight bearing platforms. Stratigraphic analysis indicates that these two tufo blocks were most likely part of the first phase of construction in this space, more or less contemporaneous with the ashlar walls (SU 7275, 7280, 7055, 7276). Since the cocciopesto floor (SU 7273) abuts the tufo blocks, this indicates that the floor most likely postdates the blocks. Further, the cocciopesto floor seems to abut all of the remaining walls, suggesting that it dates after the later walls as well (SU 7278, 7281, 7269, 7282, and 7344). These later walls, which are constructed with concrete, altered the original layout of the space by enclosing it. 7344 is separated from 7278 and 7268 by vertical cuts into the wall, possibly to accommodate a drain or a pipe. Finally, the plaster (SU 7298, 7299, 7300, 7301, 7302) covers the cocciopesto floor and all of the walls, suggesting that it is a part of the latest phases of the room. There are multiple layers of plaster, which indicates multiple renovations of the space.
Cocciopesto floor within Room H7