Second season at Gebelein in southern Egypt begins
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Wojciech Ejsmond and Daniel Takacs analysing ornaments in the rock temple of Hathor [Credit: P. Witkowski] |
A characteristic feature of the landscape in Gebelein are two limestone rocks that tower over the Nile and the surrounding desert.
"At the dawn of the history of ancient Egypt this was an administrative centre, very well positioned strategically and in terms of natural resources. There are signs that we are studying the capital of one of the proto-states, of which the Egyptian state emerged at the turn of the fourth and third millennia BC"- told PAP the project leader, Wojciech Ejsmond from the University of Warsaw.
This year's goal of the interdisciplinary research team is to continue the inventory of hundreds of tombs from different periods and document the inscriptions that cover the walls of rock shrines, discovered last year.
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Piotr Witkowski documenting the inscriptions [Credit: W. Ejsmond] |
According to the project leader, development and expansion of the network of contemporary fields and settlements threatens the monuments in Gebelein. Therefore, research is urgently needed to save as much as possible of the rich archaeological heritage of Egypt.
"Fortunately, we have the ongoing assistance of the Ministry of Antiquities and understanding of the local population, welcoming us warmly. Sometimes it is difficult refuse invitations to lunch or tea during work time" - reported Ejsmond.
Like last year, researchers are using new techniques and methods of documentation in the field. They will include geophysical surveys that will allow to learn more about what lies beneath the surface of sand without the need for excavation.
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Julia Chyla at work with mobile GIS device [Credit: W. Ejsmond] |
The studies, which this year will continue until mid-March, have been made possible by a grant from the Advisory Council for the UW Student Research Movement and research grants awarded by the Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology, University of Warsaw, and funded by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and the company Svantek sp. z.o.o., and under the auspices of TVP Historia.
Source: PAP - Science and Scholarship in Poland [March 11, 2015]
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