Archaeological investigation of the eastern extensions of the Karnak Temple using ground‐penetrating radar and magnetic tools

Abstract

AbstractEgyptologists have suggested there might be a hidden extension of the Karnak Temple, located in the Luxor governorate of Egypt. They believe that the temple contains some buried sections on its northern and eastern sides. During January and September 2002, ground‐penetrating radar (GPR) and magnetic surveys were carried out on an 80 × 40 m area near the eastern gate. The GPR data did not give a clear picture of some of the buried features. A clearer identification of the hidden features was accomplished by interpretation of the magnetic data using the analytic signal approach. Our study has revealed the presence of coffin‐ and tomblike structures built of mud bricks. Limestone blocks were also detected, which may be attributable to destroyed pillars or statues. © 2005 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.