Growth in the Dakhleh Oasis of Egypt during the Roman Period

Abstract

This thesis examines the question of whether the first three centuries CE (the 'Roman Period') were witness to a rapid expansion of settlements and other sites in the Dakhleh Oasis of Egypt's Western Desert. I accomplish this through an examination of the archaeological evidence from the Oasis, primarily pottery, but also buildings and other forms of material remains. I conclude that economic, and probably demographic, growth is probable based on this evidence.