Methods of site survey and excavation in Egypt

Abstract

Site survey and excavation, within the subject of Egyptology, have historically aimed at the ‘discovery’ of monuments and objects. Gradually survey and excavation methodologies have shifted to a search for information. Current excavation and recording methodologies provide an understanding of site formation processes, while modern site survey methods provide alternatives to intrusive—and by their nature, destructive—excavations. Contemporary challenges concerning excavation methods in Egyptian archaeology include excessive focus on ‘discoveries’ rather than information, and a general dearth of archaeological context, which often neglected or poorly understood. A perceived lack of practical archaeological training has been partially addressed by field-schools.