Publications
The Necropolis Workforce and the Chronology of the 21 st Dynasty
A new analysis of Necropolis workmen's lists from Ancient Thebes reveals that only Jansen-Winkeln’s chronological hypothesis aligns with the dates recorded, suggesting these dates refer to Theban high priests of Amun rather than Tanite kings. This method also estimates a 14-year gap between year 10 of the Renaissance and year 1 of Pinedjem I, consistent with lunar observations and radiocarbon dating. Additionally, materials linked to scribe Horemkenese confirm his primary activity under Menkheperre, not Pinedjem I, reinforcing the study's chronological framework.
Thebes
A pioneering 19th-century account of Ancient Thebes and its necropolis, penned by Alexander Henry Rhind, reveals significant insights into the funerary practices and architectural innovations of ancient Egypt. Rhind's work, drawn from extensive excavations in the necropolis, documents the transition in tomb construction from rock-cut chambers to more elaborate structures, reflecting societal changes during the New Kingdom period (c. 1550–1070 BCE). The text also provides a rare contemporary record of the tombs' occupants, offering a glimpse into the lives and burial customs of Egypt's elite. Rhind's meticulous observations, combining archaeological fieldwork with historical analysis, laid foundational groundwork for modern Egyptological studies on funerary architecture and mortuary practices.
El paisaje en el antiguo Egipto
A groundbreaking study redefines the role of landscape in ancient Egyptian funerary practices, revealing it as a dynamic force shaping cultural evolution rather than merely a backdrop. By integrating landscape archaeology with cognitive neuroscience—specifically through experimental neuro-archaeology using eye-tracking techniques—the research challenges outdated frameworks and demonstrates how external factors like topography and culture influence cognition. Case studies in Umm el-Qaab and Thebes uncover sacred sites linked to natural phenomena, introducing a novel conceptual framework that underscores the landscape's cultural agency. This approach offers a nuanced perspective on Egyptian studies, defying conventional interpretations and advancing our understanding of cultural development.
From an Eighteenth Dynasty Elite Individual’s Tomb to a Coptic Structure: The Tomb of the Overseer of the Seal, Ty
Excavations at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis have uncovered evidence that the tomb of Ty, an 18th Dynasty overseer of the seal serving under Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, was repurposed during the Coptic or Late Antique Period. Unlike other tombs in the Wadi 300 necropolis, which remained as burial sites for high-status officials like Inebny, Montuiwy, and Renna, Ty’s tomb was transformed into a habitation structure. This discovery, conducted by the New Kingdom Research Foundation (NKRF) in November 2021, highlights the dynamic reuse of ancient structures across different historical periods, offering new insights into the evolution of Thebes' necropolis.
Metrología y Construcción Arquitectura Tebana de la XVIII Dinastía
A study of Ancient Thebes' religious architecture from the 18th Dynasty reveals precise metrological relationships and geometric modules underlying its design, centered around the Egyptian royal cubit (0.523 m). By analyzing dimensions, plans, and proportional relationships in temples and tombs, researchers identified a consistent modular system that reflects both ritual and functional concepts. This metrological framework aids conservation efforts by enabling accurate reconstruction of damaged or missing elements and facilitating the recontextualization of dispersed architectural pieces. The findings bridge modern restoration practices with ancient Egyptian design principles, offering insights into spatial organization and the philosophical underpinnings of Theban architecture.
Technological and compositional variation in pink and white pastes from a coffin set of the late Third Intermediate Period (Thebes, ca. 680–664 BCE)
A study of pink and white pastes on coffins from Ancient Thebes reveals distinct technological variations, with differences in micromorphology and elemental distribution indicating the use of multiple geological sources and workshop practices. Specifically, the inner and intermediate coffin of Pakepu, dating to 680–664 BCE, show contrasting surface layering and minor element compositions (Mg and Fe), suggesting divergent manufacturing protocols. The research employed minimally invasive techniques—optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy—to characterize these materials, providing insights into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship and provenance studies.
The Material Side of Heritage Construction and Beyond it: A Biographical Approach to an Egyptian Tomb History Throughout its Walls (WGF - Post-PhD Research Grant)
A novel approach to understanding the material transformations of cultural heritage reveals how a tomb in Thebes' Necropolis evolves from its initial construction into a site of heritage significance. By tracing the biographical journey of Tomb TT 93 through archaeological and archaeometric methods, this research uncovers distinct material imprints left by heritage-making processes, contrasting them with earlier stages of use and memory. This symmetrical analysis of material traces—from oblivion to heritage—highlights the tomb's layered history, offering a unique perspective on how cultural narratives are embedded in the physical fabric of ancient sites.
Geology, Architecture and Archaeological Overview of Four Ancient Rock-Cut Tombs in the Theban Necropolis at el-Khokha (Egypt)
Four ancient rock-cut tombs in the Theban Necropolis at el-Khokha, Egypt, reveal long-lasting funerary use spanning from the late Old Kingdom to the New Kingdom. These tombs, TT 184, TT 185, TT 412, and TT 413, were later reused as dwellings, altering their original structures. The study provides a detailed geological analysis of the Tarawan Chalk formation, which hosts these tombs, along with insights into the overlying Esna Shale and Thebes Limestone formations. It also offers an archaeological and architectural overview, including complex geometries, preservation conditions, and wall paintings. Additionally, the paper suggests potential preservation measures to inform future restoration efforts.
Three Cases of Concha Bullosa in Ancient Egypt (Luxor, Ca. Over 2000 Years Ago).
A rare pathological condition, Concha Bullosa (CB), has been identified in three ancient Egyptian skulls from the Dra Abu-el Naga necropolis in Luxor, dating back over 2000 years. This condition, often overlooked in paleopathological studies, involves the thickening of the middle turbinate bone in the nasal cavity. The study examined three adult male skulls using macroscopic and radiological methods, revealing one case with extensive bilateral CB without nasal septum deviation and two cases with unilateral involvement that also affected the nasal septum. The research highlights the significance of recognizing CB in archaeological remains, noting that its prevalence may be underestimated due to the destruction of nasal bones during brain extraction through the nose—a practice once reserved for elites but later adopted across social classes.
Conservation and Restoration of the House of Butehamon 21st Dynasty 1054 BC - The Medinet Habu Temple Precinct
A groundbreaking discovery in the conservation of ancient artifacts reveals that all identified mummies from the 18th through 21st Dynasties, except Tutankhamun's, were successfully reburied in secret caches (KV 35 or TT 320) during Butehamon's tenure as royal scribe and overseer of the treasury under Pinudjem I. This study sheds light on the historical significance of these caches, which not only preserved royal mummies but also facilitated the plundering of valuables for priestly rulers. The research employs a meticulous analysis of original materials and techniques used in construction, providing insights into both the history of the Theban necropolis and the nature of past and current deterioration problems. This approach offers a unique perspective on the end of the New Kingdom's tomb-making era and the transition to mummy reburial practices.
Conservation of the Mural Pantings at the Theban Tomb TT 340 at Deir El- Medina Necropolis, Western Thebes, Luxor, Egypt
A novel conservation approach for the mural paintings at Amenemhat's tomb (TT 340) in Deir el-Medina, Western Thebes, Egypt, has been successfully demonstrated. The study identified Klucel G 1% as highly effective for consolidating weak painting layers and Bio Estel for fragile mud plaster layers. Additionally, a specific mortar blend was found suitable for filling gaps and cracks, significantly advancing the preservation of ancient Egyptian tempera techniques. The research employed advanced analytical methods including SEM-EDS, XRD, FTIR, and colorimetric measurements to assess the current state and determine optimal conservation materials. This work provides critical insights into the long-term preservation of UNESCO World Heritage Sites with similar deterioration factors.
Iconography of the Rewarding Scenes from the Ancient Egyptian Private Tombs of the 20th - 21st Dynasties
A rare and significant finding in the study of Ancient Egyptian iconography reveals that scenes depicting kings rewarding court officials and warriors, which flourished during the New Kingdom Era, dramatically declined by the 20th–21st Dynasties. Analysis of private tombs in Thebes and surrounding necropolises, including those at Rifeh, Aniba, Dra Abu El Naga, and Tanis, shows only four such scenes from this period, with just one surviving image from Tanis during the 21st Dynasty. This shift contrasts sharply with earlier periods, where such scenes were more prevalent, suggesting a change in funerary art priorities toward themes of posthumous existence over earthly achievements.
In the Shadow of Ancient Thebes. Belgian Consular Representation in Luxor and Local Elites, 1860 and 1937
A study reveals how local Egyptian elites integrated into foreign diplomatic corps, using the case of Belgian consular agents in Luxor from 1860 to 1937. These agents, drawn from two prominent clans—the Ayads and the Bicharas—played pivotal roles in Belgium's consular representation near Ancient Thebes' necropolis. By analyzing their fragmented accounts and services, researchers uncover new dimensions of diplomatic culture, intersecting with tourism and archaeology. This approach provides a nuanced understanding of how local elites facilitated foreign interests during Egypt's transition from the 19th century to 1937, when the capitulation system was abolished.
Overlapping Histories: A Stratigraphical Approach to the Walls of Theban Tomb 123 (Luxor, Egypt)
A stratigraphic analysis of Theban Tomb 123 (Luxor, Egypt) reveals its walls as layered records of overlapping histories spanning 3400 years. The study documents 48 stratigraphic units, arranged in a Harris matrix, exposing multiple phases of use and transformation that challenge the perception of these tombs as pristine relics. This approach highlights the dynamic nature of ancient necropolises, where material and intangible changes converged over millennia, offering new insights into the complex ontologies of Theban burial sites.
Palaeopathological and demographic data reveal conditions of keeping of the ancient baboons at Gabbanat el-Qurud (Thebes, Egypt)
A new analysis of baboon mummies from Gabbanat el-Qurud in Ancient Thebes reveals that these animals, imported for ritual purposes, suffered from metabolic diseases linked to poor diet and lack of sunlight. This suggests they were likely bred locally rather than wild-caught, with anubis baboons originating from the Sudanese Nile Valley and hamadryas from the Horn of Africa or southern Arabia. Radiocarbon dating places the collection between the end of the Third Intermediate Period and the start of the Late Period, offering insights into trade routes and animal husbandry practices in ancient Egypt.
Sustainable urbanism and cultural tourism, the case of the Sphinx Avenue, Luxor
A sustainable relationship between heritage sites and surrounding communities can be achieved through strategic urban development, enhancing cultural tourism experiences. This study, focusing on the Sphinx Avenue in Luxor, Egypt, demonstrates that integrating UNESCO's principles of sustainable urbanism with thematic indicators for culture by 2030 improves accessibility and visibility of monuments, fostering deeper tourist engagement and community involvement. The research employed a mixed-methods approach, including site visits, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews with tourism companies, to evaluate the urban context and its impact on cultural tourism. Key findings suggest that thoughtful urban planning can create a rich user experience while supporting sustainable development goals.
The Book of the Dead in Tombs
A significant decline in the use of 'Book of the Dead' (BD) spells on tomb walls occurred during the Third Intermediate Period, marking a shift from widespread Ramesside-era practices to minimal usage. However, a notable revival emerged in Late Period Thebes, particularly in the Assasif necropolis, where high officials' tombs displayed long sequences of BD spells closely mirroring the canonical Saite recension. This resurgence reflects broader trends of archaism during the Twenty-fifth to Twenty-sixth Dynasties. While BD spell usage persisted sporadically through Ptolemaic and Roman periods in regions like Atfih, Siwa, and Dakhleh, its prevalence remained limited.
The Discovery of an Unusual Saff Tomb at Draa Abu El-Naga in Thebes
A rare and unique Saff tomb, designated NTTMP 91 (2014/2015), was discovered in the Theban necropolis during the demolition of houses at Qurna. This tomb stands out due to its distinctive architectural features, including a second elongated passage and a cult chamber, elements not previously documented in other Saff tombs. The discovery highlights the significance of the New Theban Tombs Mapping Project (NTTMP), which the author supervised, in uncovering and cataloging such unique archaeological finds. Comparative case studies from other Theban tombs (TT81, TT155, TT232, and -150-) were used to contextualize this exceptional find.
The Family of Ahmose, the Owner of theban Tomb 224 (New Data)
Newly uncovered inscriptions and scenes from Theban Tomb TT 224, combined with data from the tombs of Ahmose's sons, reveal significant details about the extended family of Ahmose, a high-ranking grain superintendent under Pharaoh Thutmose III. This research reconstructs Ahmose's family tree for the first time, identifying parents, siblings, spouses, and children, along with their titles, shedding light on his social status and professional career. The study also examines the relationship between Ahmose and Sennefer, his alleged son, using primary sources. The findings were facilitated by the Egyptian conservation team's restoration of TT 224, which had previously remained unpublished and unexplored due to its poor condition.
The War Years in Thebes: Ernest Mackay’s Work in Theban Tombs
Ernest Mackay's work in the Theban necropolis during the First World War (1913–1916) provides previously unknown insights into the archaeological exploration of ancient Egyptian tombs and the early career of Dorothy Mackay. The Mackay archive, now housed at the Griffith Institute, University of Oxford, reveals critical gaps in the history of Theban tomb exploration and offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced during wartime excavations. This collection, including excavation reports, photographs, and personal correspondence, enriches our understanding of this period while shedding light on the lesser-known beginnings of Dorothy Mackay's archaeological journey.
“A Crocodile Spirit, Crocodile-Faced”: Discovery of Crocodile Remains in the Early Middle Kingdom Tombs of the North Asasif Necropolis in Western Thebes (Egypt)
A recent discovery of Nile crocodile remains in the mortuary complexes of two high-ranking courtiers from the early Middle Kingdom in Western Thebes, Egypt, sheds light on the symbolic significance of reptiles in funerary contexts. The skeletal fragments—including skulls, mandibles, teeth, and osteoderms—were found in non-mummified form, suggesting a deliberate association with the crocodile god Sobek. Sobek, linked to pharaonic power, fertility, and the sun-god Ra, played a pivotal role in ancient Egyptian cosmology, symbolizing rebirth and the sun's eternal journey. This finding offers new insights into how reptiles were integrated into burial practices during this period, reflecting broader religious and mythological beliefs.
18th Egyptian Dynasty, Drilling a Stone Vase, c1504–1425 BCE
A facsimile of the New Kingdom wall painting 'Drilling a Stone Vase' from Rekhmire's tomb (TT 100) in Ancient Thebes provides unprecedented insight into ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, materials, and ergonomics. Painted by Nina de Garis Davies in 1929, this tempera-on-paper reproduction captures the original's dimensions, colors, and texture with meticulous accuracy. The painting depicts a craftsman using a crank drill to perforate a stone vase, offering rare evidence of drilling techniques dating back to the 3rd Dynasty. Analysis reveals traditional artistic conventions in human representation, pigment sourcing (e.g., arsenic sulphides for yellow), and tool design, including the transition from bagged to solid ballast drills. Additionally, the facsimile highlights the tomb's historical significance as a visual record of Rekhmire's administrative role during Egypt's 18th Dynasty, showcasing diverse crafts and hieroglyphic texts that document ancient Egyptian society and labor practices.
Damnatio Memoriae in Non-Royal Tombs: Case Studies in the Theban Necropolis
A rare act of ancient Egyptian 'damnatio memoriae'—the deliberate erasure of a person's memory—has been documented in non-royal tombs within the Theban Necropolis, part of Ancient Thebes. This study reveals that enemies targeted tomb owners by hacking out their images from decorative programs, aiming to obliterate both their remembrance among the living and their existence in the afterlife. The research focuses on three specific tombs (66, 75, and 76), demonstrating how this practice disrupted the funerary cult's role in sustaining the deceased's spirit through public veneration and offerings. By analyzing these case studies, the study sheds light on a lesser-known dimension of ancient Egyptian society, where tomb decoration served both commemorative and functional purposes, while also highlighting the vulnerability of non-royal figures to acts of historical erasure.
Post-New Kingdom topography and chronology of the Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari in light of new archaeological evidence
New archaeological evidence from the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology University of Warsaw expedition has revealed that the Hatshepsut Temple at Deir el-Bahari, a significant New Kingdom cult center, was repurposed as a burial ground shortly after its collapse around 1000 BCE due to an earthquake. The discovery of shaft tombs and numerous burial remains within the temple's ruins challenges previous understandings of the site's post-New Kingdom topography and chronology. This research also sheds light on the early exploration efforts, which had been largely overlooked due to inadequate documentation. By analyzing these new findings, the study provides a revised contextualization of the temple's reuse and the activities of its early explorers.
Rock Mechanical Laboratory Testing of Thebes Limestone Formation (Member I), Valley of the Kings, Luxor, Egypt
Research reveals that the Thebes Limestone Formation, crucial to ancient Egyptian civilization and home to the Valley of the Kings, exhibits distinct mechanical properties depending on the orientation of bedding planes. Marly limestone shows an average unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of 30 MPa when tested parallel to bedding (PA) and 39 MPa perpendicular (PE), while micritic limestone displays a UCS of 24 MPa (PA) and 58 MPa (PE). The study, the first to report critical crack thresholds for Member I, found these values within expected ratios relative to UCS. Additionally, micritic limestone's Young’s modulus varies significantly with orientation (19.5 GPa PA vs. 10.3 GPa PE), and Poisson’s ratio also differs (0.2 PA vs. 0.1 PE). The findings highlight the transverse isotropic strength behavior of these limestones, emphasizing the importance of considering force orientation for stability assessments in tombs and cliffs within the Valley of the Kings. This research contributes to the preservation efforts of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The Career of Amenemopet (TT 276)
Amenemopet, a nobleman from the mid-18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, rose to prominence through his distinguished career at the royal court. His titles and epithets, preserved in the remains of his tomb (TT 276) in Thebes' necropolis, reveal his progression from a royal nursery upbringing to becoming a trusted advisor and personal confidant of the king. The study, based on approximately 20 honorific, administrative, military, and religious titles, highlights Amenemopet's pivotal role as responsible for the king's personal suite, underscoring the significance of his position within the royal court.
Tomb Families: Private Tomb Distribution in the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis
Research on the New Kingdom Theban Necropolis reveals that private tomb distribution was not random but influenced by temporal, familial, and ritualistic factors. Spatial analysis using GPS surveying identified clusters of tombs built during specific reigns or by individuals with shared titles and familial ties. Notably, some tombs were oriented towards significant landmarks such as Karnak temple, royal mortuary temples, and festival processional routes, underscoring their importance to certain elites. This study deepens our understanding of how private tombs integrated into the broader sacred landscape of Thebes, linking personal and communal religious practices.
Masters and apprentices at the Chapel of Hatshepsut: towards an archaeology of ancient Egyptian reliefs
A groundbreaking analysis of the wall reliefs in Hatshepsut's Chapel at Deir el-Bahari, Ancient Thebes, reveals for the first time the sequence of artistic work and the ergonomic organization behind their creation. By examining the reliefs through an 'opératoire' lens, researchers distinguished the contributions of master sculptors from those of apprentices, uncovering intangible aspects such as interactions between them. This innovative approach offers new insights into ancient Egyptian artistry and could be applied to similar carved reliefs worldwide.
Metastatic carcinoma in human remains from TT110, Luxor, Egypt (ancient Thebes)
A rare case of metastatic carcinoma, potentially the oldest documented from ancient Egypt, was identified in human remains from TT110, Luxor. The findings suggest a young adult female, aged 25-40, likely suffered from late-stage breast cancer metastasis, given her age and sex. The diagnosis was confirmed through macroscopic and radiographic analysis of three bone fragments exhibiting osteolytic lesions, consistent with metastatic carcinoma or multiple myeloma. This discovery provides valuable insight into ancient Egyptian health and disease, contributing to our understanding of oncological history in the region.
Mobility in Ancient Egypt from the shape and strength of the femurs
A study of 71 femurs from ancient Thebes (Middle Egypt) dating to the 1st century AD reveals that individuals exhibited low robustness and a lifestyle characterized by relative sedentarism, with no evidence of intense physical activity in the legs. Sexual dimorphism was observed in certain metrics, such as the vertical diameter of the femoral head, but subtrochanteric size and shape showed no such differences. The findings suggest a daily routine involving light mobility without strenuous leg-based labor, alongside an apparent sexual division in activities. The research analyzed metrical, non-metrical variables, shape, and size indices to infer these patterns, providing insights into the physical demands and occupational profiles of this ancient population.
Nubians in Egypt during the 25th Dynasty
During the 25th Dynasty, Nubians in Egypt were not distinct as a separate ethnic group but were instead an integral part of Late Egyptian society. While they exhibited high levels of 'Egyptianization,' evidence from temple, cultic, and funerary contexts at sites like Karnak, Asasif, and Umm el-Qaab reveals their complex cultural identity beyond ancestry. Non-Egyptian names and foreign elements in personal representation suggest visibility as non-Egyptians, but generalized terms like 'the Nubians in Egypt' oversimplify their multifaceted presence. This study challenges the notion of a monolithic Nubian identity, emphasizing individuality and cultural integration.
Rediscovering Nestawedjat: Embalming residue analyses reunite the mummified remains of an ancient Egyptian woman with her coffins
A previously unidentified mummified individual from Ancient Thebes, held by the British Museum, has been definitively linked to her original set of three coffins through advanced residue analysis. Using Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS), researchers identified matching embalming residues—comprising beeswax, fat/oil, and possibly coniferous resins or oils—on the mummy’s bandages and the innermost coffin. This rare combination, devoid of resin, tar, or bituminous components, confirmed her association with the coffins, which entered the collection together. Initially misassigned as male due to earlier X-rays, CT scanning re-established her sex, revealing Nestawedjat, a woman from Thebes dating to around 700 BCE. This interdisciplinary study bridges gaps in provenance, offering new insights into ancient Egyptian mortuary practices and the significance of embalming materials.
The shifting Nile and the origins and development of ancient Karnak
Recent archaeological excavations at the Ptah temple within Karnak, Ancient Thebes, have uncovered the earliest securely dated stratigraphic sequence of this iconic ancient Egyptian religious complex. This discovery reveals that Karnak's development around 2200–2000 BC was facilitated by a retreating Nile riverbank, mitigating flood risks and enabling its expansion. The interplay between the shifting Nile, the growing temple complex, and the rise of Thebes under Eleventh Dynasty rule highlights a unique convergence of fluvial, religious, and political forces that paralleled early state formation in other ancient civilizations.
Un édifice au nom du roi Héqataoui (Ahmosé Ier) dans la nécropole thébaine
Recent archaeological findings in the Theban necropolis, specifically nine mudbricks stamped with the name of King Ahmose I (HqA tA.wy), challenge long-standing assumptions about the founder of Egypt's Eighteenth Dynasty. While Abydos serves as a prominent site for Ahmose's mortuary cult, evidence of his building activities in Thebes was previously scarce. This discovery sheds new light on the ideological significance of Ahmose's title and suggests a possible initial burial context for his mummy in the Theban Residence necropolis. The study analyzes a key passage from the Ahmose Stele at Karnak to support this identification, while also exploring the broader issue of material displacement and royal burials managed by public authorities.
“Yellow” Coffins from Thebes
A new formal typology for the 'yellow' coffin corpus from Ancient Thebes, dating to the 21st Dynasty, reveals significant variations in style and layout, offering deeper insights into coffin decoration evolution. This study builds on nine previously unpublished burial assemblages, employing a rigorous theoretical and methodological framework to analyze their characteristics. By systematically categorizing these coffins, researchers can better understand the cultural and artistic developments during this period, providing a fresh perspective on Theban funerary practices.
Choosing the Location of a ‘House for Eternity’. A Survey on the Relationship between the Rank of the Hatshepsut’s Officials and the Location of their Burials in the Theban Necropolis
A correlation exists between the rank of Hatshepsut’s officials and the location of their tombs within the Theban Necropolis, revealing strategic choices in burial site selection tied to social hierarchy. Using GIS-generated maps and topographical analysis, this study identifies how higher-ranking officials were more likely to be interred in prominent or elevated areas, suggesting that landscape features played a deliberate role in reinforcing status during the early Eighteenth Dynasty. This finding advances understanding of elite burial practices by linking official rank with spatial preferences, addressing gaps in knowledge about necropolis organization and social hierarchy.
Dra‘ Abu el-Naga, Ägypten. Ein angeblicher Fund aus Dra‘ Abu el-Naga: Die sog. Hundestele des Königs Wah-Anch Intef – Eine Forschungsgeschichte
A recent study challenges long-standing assumptions about the discovery of the 'dog stela' attributed to King Wah-Ankh Intef Aa ('Intef II') from Ancient Thebes. Contrary to Egyptological tradition, the stela was not discovered by Auguste Mariette in Dra‘ Abu el-Naga but rather by his assistant, Marius F. J. Bonnefoy, in 1858 at the adjacent cemetery of el-Târif. This finding corrects historical records and sheds new light on the provenance of a significant artifact from the Eleventh Dynasty. The study relies on comprehensive archival research to reconstruct the stela's discovery history, highlighting discrepancies between early publications and actual findings.
Dra‘ Abu el-Naga, Ägypten. Möbelfunde in Dra' Abu el-Naga
A comprehensive analysis of furniture fragments from the Dra‘ Abu el-Naga necropolis in Ancient Thebes has revealed a diverse range of previously unrecognized objects, significantly expanding our understanding of funerary practices and craftsmanship during this period. Initially, only five complete pieces were known, but ongoing research has identified numerous additional types of furniture through detailed examination of fragmentary remains. By analyzing construction techniques, surface features, and contextual associations within the necropolis, researchers have gained insights into manufacturing processes, object longevity, and the specific burial contexts in which these items were placed. This study provides a more nuanced picture of how furniture was used and preserved in ancient Egyptian burials.
Gordon Jelf and his Notes on the Work Conducted in the Theban Necropolis, 1909-1910
A previously unpublished notebook by Charles Gordon Jelf, detailing archaeological work conducted in the Theban Necropolis during the 1909-1910 season, sheds light on significant discoveries and methodologies of early 20th-century excavations. Jelf's meticulous records, now housed at the Griffith Institute, include details of unpublished excavations and finds, notably contributing to the rediscovery of the tombs of Kheruef (TT 192). This rare document provides invaluable insights into the collaborative efforts between Jelf and Arthur E. P. Weigall in compiling the Topographical Catalogue, offering a firsthand account of the period's archaeological practices and discoveries.
Research history and ancient DNA from Dr Granville’s Egyptian Mummy
Ancient DNA analysis of Dr Granville’s Egyptian mummy, dating to around 600 BC and originating from the necropolis of Thebes, reveals that tuberculosis was likely the principal cause of death. Using nested PCR targeting the IS6110 locus and mycolic acid detection in lung tissue and femurs, researchers identified Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex DNA, indicating a fatal pulmonary condition. While Dr Granville initially attributed her death to a benign ovarian cyst, modern histological examination suggests tuberculosis was the underlying factor. This study combines historical scientific records with advanced genetic techniques to shed light on ancient disease.
The Greek shield as a metal artifact and its reflection in the story of the Croesus’ gifts in Thebes
A groundbreaking study reveals that the term 'σάκος' (sakos) used by ancient Greek authors to describe shields, particularly in the context of Croesus’ gifts to Thebes, signifies a round shield with deep historical and religious significance. This interpretation is supported by archaeological evidence from Ancient Thebes, including an inscription mentioning 'φαενάν [ἀσπ]ίδα,' which suggests a connection to heroic antiquity. Researchers propose that these shields, dating back to the Late Bronze Age or later periods, were displayed in sanctuaries and served as symbols binding Thebans to their heroic past. The study combines archaeological data with literary tradition to offer new insights into the cultural and historical functions of Greek shields, supported by the Russian Science Foundation.
Two Notes on the New Croesus Epigram from Thebes
A significant epigraphic discovery from Ancient Thebes, uncovered during a 2005 rescue excavation, sheds new light on the historical connection between Lydian King Croesus and the hero Amphiaraus. The find—a column drum inscribed with two identical epigrams in Boeotian and Ionian scripts—was linked by Herodotus to a 'shining shield' dedicated by Croesus in the temple of Apollo Ismenius. This shield, described as having a chi-shaped orifice for attachment, was likely displayed prominently and interpreted by Herodotus (and possibly temple staff) as part of Croesus's quest to consult Greek oracles before his campaign against Cyrus of Persia. The dual inscriptions, analyzed by Papazarkadas in 2014, provide a composite text that bridges linguistic and historical gaps, offering fresh insights into the cultural and political dynamics of ancient Greece.
Improving Environmental Conditions in the Tomb of Tutankhamen
A collaborative project between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities (MoA) has successfully implemented a filtered-air supply and exhaust ventilation system in Tutankhamen’s tomb, significantly stabilizing its interior microclimate and reducing dust levels. This intervention addresses critical issues caused by mass tourism—such as increased humidity, elevated carbon dioxide, and natural ventilation—which previously exacerbated damage to wall paintings and artifacts while creating discomfort for visitors. By mitigating dust deposition on uneven surfaces, the system preserves the legibility of paintings and reduces the need for frequent cleaning, which further damaged them. The approach balances visitor comfort with long-term conservation, offering a scalable model for managing environmental challenges in high-traffic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
'Development and Landscape of the Sacred Space at Dra Abu el-Naga: A case study within the Theban Necropolis'
A new model for studying the sacred space of Dra Abu el-Naga, part of the Theban Necropolis, reveals how tombs were strategically positioned to reflect kinship, political marriages, and social hierarchies, demonstrating a deliberate effort to maintain connections in the afterlife. This research integrates prosopographical-genealogical, archaeological, and GIS data to reconstruct the palaeorelief and visualize the ritual landscape from 1550–1069 BC, offering precise geographic coordinates for the first time. The approach bridges textual and archaeological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of funerary landscapes that can be applied to other ancient Egyptian necropolises.
Tree Goddess Scenes in the New Kingdom Private Tombs at Thebes
Ancient Egyptian private tombs from the New Kingdom at Thebes feature 58 scenes depicting tree goddesses, revealing their diverse forms and roles. These goddesses, often linked to sycamore fig (nht) or persea (iSd), appear in varied shapes without a fixed placement within tombs. They present gifts to the deceased, symbolizing protection and sustenance. The study analyzes these scenes to deduce differences across cemeteries, including goddess attributes, deceased positions, and associated deities. Employing descriptive and analytical methods, it catalogs all scenes while focusing on preservation status. Findings highlight the cultural significance of tree goddesses in Egyptian funerary art, offering insights into religious practices and tomb design.
The Representation of Heart in Sheikh Abd El Qurna Private Tombs during the 18th Dynasty
Preliminary findings from Sheikh Abd El Qurna private tombs reveal that the heart held significant religious symbolism during the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The study highlights its representation across various locations, including walls of halls, inner rooms, burial chambers, and passages, in both funerary scenes (e.g., purification and opening of the mouth) and daily life depictions (e.g., offering food to the deceased). The research also emphasizes the symbolic meaning behind different colors and numbers of hearts, as well as their specific placements within tomb scenes. Additionally, it explores chapters dedicated to heart protection in the Book of the Dead, providing insights into Ancient Egyptian conceptions of the heart's role.
IntroductionFieldwork in the Territory of Others
A significant discovery sheds light on the long-standing issue of how local communities, such as the ʿAbd al-Rasul family, have historically sustained themselves through the illicit trade of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the Theban Necropolis. This study reveals that the necropolis has not only served as an ancient burial ground but also as a living space for generations of villagers in al-Qurna, who inhabited mud-brick houses near the Tombs of the Nobles and the Valley of the Kings. The research employs a combination of historical analysis and fieldwork to explore the complex relationship between the living and the dead, challenging modern antiquities legislation by examining past practices that would be illegal under current Egyptian laws.
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