In 1996 we conducted a surface survey and mapped the site of Tell Abqa'in. In 1997 work concentrated on the excavation of the gateway that has previously been the most remarked-upon feature of the site. After a limited excavation around the visible surface masonry a number of observations could be made about the nature and construction of the gate. First, it was clear that the only stone elements in situ are two massive pedestals on which each of the jambs stood, the lower portion of the western jamb and one paving block. The lower portion of the eastern jamb is in a mangled state, having had at least one of its faces removed in modern times, but is essentially in place. The intended original positions of the jambs on the pedestals are indicated by the incised marking-out lines on the upper surface of the latter. The block which originally sat upon the lowest of the blocks comprising the western jamb still lies as Habachi saw it, semi-toppled from its original setting.

A corridor of mud brick runs north from the gate, formed by mud brick walls running in that direction for 6m from the rear (northern face) of each of the pedestals. The floor of this corridor was originally levelled using clean sand, with flooring slabs then laid on top, only one of which now remains in situ, wedged up against the eastern pedestal.