Deir El Research Articles

An Intriguing Inscription from Hatshepsut’s Punt Portico Mentioning a Royal Elephant Hunt

The aim of this article is to re-analyse an inscription about a royal elephant hunt in the land of Niyi, carved on the west wall of the Punt Portico in the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el- Bahari. A re-examination and new collation of the original text led to the conclusion that the inscription was a later addition, whose insertion required a modification of the original decoration of this section of the wall. The author observed that, contrary to the generally accepted view of scholars, the cartouche in the first column of the inscription does not include Thutmose I’s throne name but rather that of Hatshepsut, which was subsequently changed to Thutmose II’s. This article also discusses the historical ramifications of the abovedescribed reconstruction of the creation process and the subsequent modification of the inscription in question.

Evolution of salinity in the Gaza Strip over the last five decades deduced from field data

Gaza coastal aquifer has been exposed to severe overexploitation to meet the human needs for water supply. This exploitation has resulted in lowering of the groundwater level to by more than 15 m below mean sea level in the south and around 5 m in the north. Groundwater level drop has exposed the aquifer to seawater intrusion and inland saline upconing in the central south and south-east of the Gaza Strip.We developed five cross sections based on wells drilled over the past five decades representing aquifer stratigraphy in the five governorates (North, Gaza, Deir El Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah) of the Gaza Strip. Those cross sections have been used to map the chloride concentration over the past five decades (years 1972, 1980, 1990, 2000, 2010, 2017 and 2021).The results show three main sources of aquifer salinity: (1) seawater intrusion, (2) lateral inflow from Eocene rocks in the east and/or from agricultural return flow as a result of using treated wastewater for irrigation in Israel close to the eastern border and (3) upconing due to fossil marine salt water trapped at the bottom of the aquifer. The clay layers which are subdividing the aquifer have caused a difference in sub-aquifer level chloride difference. Before the year 2000, the public water supply wells were placed far away from the sea and no seawater intrusion was noticed especially in the south of Gaza Strip (Khan Younis and Rafah governorates), while afterwards public water supply wells appeared within 2 km from the Mediterranean Sea. From then on, seawater intrusion has been taking place due to heavy groundwater abstraction. Also, lateral inflow with chloride concentrations of more than 1,000 mg/l is well noticed during the different years, related to eastern inflow from Eocene rock formation where the coastal aquifer rests directly on it, 10–15 km from the coast. Inland areas with high chloride contents were observed as a result of upconing from deep saline groundwater. Cumulative Distribution Function (CDF) curves were created for all wells in each cross section and showed a remarkable shrinkage of freshwater percentage in the aquifer.

Development of Flood Defense Alternaives for the Beach of Deir El Balah Camp, Palestine

The development along the coastal zone has led to the host of problems such as erosion, siltation, flooding, loss of coastal resources and the destruction of the fragile marine habitats. The erosion threatens the coastal zone, which affects people's economic, tourist, and recreational life. The main reason of the erosion is due to Khan Younis breakwater and the sea waves working on empty the beachy sand, thereby flooding and scouring the area as it ebbs and removing part of the unconsolidated sand. This study uses Geographic Information System to detect changes in the coastline along Deir El Balah coast during the 1972–2020 period. Shoreline change rates in the form of erosion and accretion patterns are quantified. In addition, four alternatives are proposed to to mitigate the current problems raised by repeated flooding and erosion through reefballs, cubes, geotubes and seawalls and analyze their impacts on coastal protection to provide the best possible mitigations in environmental, economical and engineering terms. Multi criteria analysis is used to assess the alternatives with respect to criteria that capture the key dimensions of the selection process. Multi criteria have been selected and addressed the most important factors when planning, designing, financing, and implementing coastal protection measures. Based on the analysis, the best alternative of three-row reefballs submerged breakwaters is recommended.

The metal sheet figurines from Byblos: evidence of an Egyptian import and adaptation

This paper considers some peculiar types of figurines found in Byblos, which are cut from a tiny, thin sheet of metal (copper alloy, silver, or gold). They represent human figures, mainly male, in a standing position. These figurines have been documented in various deposits in the acropolis of Byblos and their chronological range spans from 2100 to 1650 BC. Usually presented as a Gublite product, these figurines may actually be part of an Egyptian tradition, directly imported to Byblos and then developed and readapted locally. The evidence for an Egyptian import is provided by a foundation deposit discovered at Deir el- Bahri, in the mortuary complex of Montuhotep II (c. 2020 BC), which presents similar sheet metal figurines, but of clear Egyptian manufacture and conception.

Article 5

The archeological sites in El-Kharga oasis represent a tangible cultural heritage of outstanding universal value. Such monuments have suffered environmental and climatic hazards, especially the climate extreme and climate change throughout thousands of years. The current research focuses on determining the deterioration response that has occurred for hundreds of years to the impacts of environmental and climatic hazards in El-Kharga oasis since the Twenty-sixth Dynasty (664 BC) such as the temple of Hibis and beyond many Greek-Roman temples of 13 largest archeological sites (i.e. Umm El Dabadeb, Ain Amur, El-Nadoura, Kasr El-Zayyan, Doush temple, Deir El Monira, Ain El Labkha, Kasr El-Ghawieta, El Gib, Qasr El Somira, Al Tarakwa, El Dabashya and Remains of prehistoric times as in Gebel el-Teir). The current study aims to determine the environmental hazards that affect archaeological sites that represent a tangible cultural heritage in the study area under investigation, to understand and predict the type, nature, and magnitude of environmental hazards that affect the archeological sites in El-Kharga oasis. The fieldwork was accomplished with laboratory tests for some rock samples selected from sites with delegated weathering type and deterioration group of all the archeo-logical sites under investigation. Seventy-one samples have been tested by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD), polarizing microscopy (PLM), and scanning electron microscopy equipped with an energy-dispersive X-ray analysis system (SEM-EDX). Based on the results of the current study, it has been concluded that most archaeological sites under investigations have reached the categories of severe damage, based on laboratory analyzes and periodic field studies. The present study concluded that there are several potential environmental hazards with significant impact on archaeological areas in El-Kharga oasis include (weathering hazard represents 45%, underground water hazard represents 18%, sand encroachment hazard represents 12%, human-induced hazard represents 15% and climate extremes and climate change hazards represent 10%) of total deterioration ratios, and in some cases, through graffiti.

Computed tomography examination of the screaming mummy \u201cUnknown-Woman-A\u201d

BackgroundThe Royal Cache at Deir el Bahari in Luxor, Egypt, contained the mummy of a princess named Meritamun of uncertain identity, who was consequently designated “Unknown-Woman-A.” The mummy has a widely opened mouth as if screaming, with the unusual posture of her head tilted to the right and partially flexed legs cross at the ankles. We postulated that computed tomography (CT) would help to provide insights on life and death of “Unknown-Woman-A.”ResultsCT findings indicate that “Unknown-Woman-A” died in her fifties (sixth decade of life) and suffered from advanced diffuse atherosclerosis. “Unknown-Woman-A” was well mummified and eviscerated, and her body cavity was filled with resin. The desiccated brain had shifted to the right inside her skull. We presume that “Unknown-Woman-A” died of a sudden and massive myocardial infarction. Death spasm induced her unusual posture, and the contracted body was apparently mummified before relaxing her postmortem position.ConclusionsThis CT study has provided useful information about the mummy designated “Unknown-Woman-A” including her mummification style, underlying advanced cardiovascular atherosclerosis disease, and her possible death circumstances.

Human remains from the Tomb of Khety (MMA 508/TT 311) in North Asasif

The North Asasif Necropolis, adjacent to the New Kingdom temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari, has been the subject of several excavations over the past century, first by H.E. Winlock in the early 20th century, and since 2013 by the Asasif Project. Most of the tombs in the necropolis are rock-cut tombs of honored officials dating to the Middle Kingdom. One of these officials, named Khety, was buried in a tomb designated by Winlock as MMA 508 (also known as Theban Tomb 311), though the tomb was subsequently reused for another burial (or burials) during the Third Intermediate Period. Though Winlock excavated this tomb in the early 20th century, he left much archaeological material behind, and systematic documentation of this excavation debris by the Asasif Project has yielded a wealth of information. This study focuses specifically on the human remains recovered from MMA 508 during the 2019 season. Despite the commingled nature of the MMA 508 assemblage, much information has been gleaned from the human remains. The remains of at least twenty individuals, including infants and children as well as adults, were recovered from the tomb debris. Evidence for systemic physiological stress and infection was observed in some of the remains, and both male and female individuals were identified. Various aspects of body treatment testify to the elite status of the individuals interred in this tomb. The relatively high percentage of sub-adult remains may support theories that the tombs in this part of the necropolis were sometimes used as multi-generational family tombs. Further study of the human remains from MMA 508 may shed light on burial practices from the Middle Kingdom and Third Intermediate Period.

Preliminary assessment of human remains from the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari

Excavations over the course of many seasons by the Polish-Egyptian Mission in the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari have revealed the presence of multiple intrusive burials within and around the temple structure itself. These burials are dated much later than the construction of Hatshepsut’s temple, most of them seemingly from the Third Intermediate Period, and have been heavily disturbed over the millennia. This article presents a preliminary assessment of human remains from some of these burials. The remains are highly fragmentary and in varying states of preservation, from mummified to completely skeletonized. Only two individuals are present as nearly complete mummies. A brief inventory indicates the presence of multiple individuals, both adults and juveniles, and both male and female. At least one instance of a healed traumatic injury is visible in one of the mummified individuals. This preliminary study is intended to establish a foundation for future research regarding the life histories of these individuals.

Studying the Scenes of the Abdw fish on the Coffins of the Second Find of Deir El Bahri, 21 Dynasty.

The Abdw fish is considered one of the most important to the religious characteristics in Ancient Egypt, especially during the journey of the heavenly god Re as appeared on the coffins of the second find of Deir El Bahari of the priests of Amun. The desire of the deceased was to accompany Re in his heavenly journey of resurrection and renewal to protect and nurture him in the afterlife. The research aims to: 1- Study the appearance of the Abdw fish on the second find of Deir al-Bahri. 2- Study the relationship of the Abdw fish with the gods that appears with them. 3- Show the location and importance of the Abdw fish in the heavenly journey of Re. 4- Highlight the importance of depicting the Abdw fish on the coffins of the priests of the 21 Dynasty.

A Preliminary Analysis of Human Remains from Tomb MMA 514 in North Asasif, Egypt

Since 2013 the Asasif Project has conducted excavations of several tombs in the North Asasif Necropolis, adjacent to the temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el Bahari in southern Egypt. Under the direction of Patryk Chudzik, this work has yielded large numbers of human remains. This article describes the results of a preliminary inventory of the human remains from one of these funerary complexes, originally discovered by H.E. Winlock in the early 20th century. Tomb MMA 514 was reused at least twice, and although the human remains are in various stages of preservation and are highly fragmented, it is possible to identify at least nine separate individuals.

New insight on the recent instrumental seismic activity along the Serghaya fault, Syria

This study presents detailed observations and analyses based on the recent instrumental seismic activity along the Serghaya fault. The earthquake activity, recorded by short period stations between 1995 and 2009, reveals sig-nificant activity often associated with known surface traces of steps-over along Serghaya fault. Spatial clusters could be related to the fault steps-over; e.g., at Deir el Acheir and Ham. Some clusters have been observed in the Hermel region, and could be related to a probable extension of Serghaya fault in the NE of Lebanon. This seismogenic zone could coincide with the suggested location of linkage from Serghaya fault to the Jhar and Bishri faults. Such evidence completes the findings of previous studies, which have demonstrated that the latest destructive earthquake was located on the Serghaya fault and could be younger than the earthquakes of Yammouneh fault. Therefore, Serghaya fault is, probably, the most plausible source of earthquake hazard in Syria and Lebanon.

Die Eremiten der Höhlenklöster. Das Beispiel der Felsenklöster in Phoenice Libanensis, Syrien

The following four selected monasteries, which are situated in the so called Phoenice Libanensis (Phoenice II), belong to the early Byzantine and Late antique rock monasteries of Syria: Deir Zagal in the region of Palmyra, Ma˙garet el- Ruhban, Wadi el- Ruhban in the Hermon Mountain and Deir el- Cherubim in the Qalamoun mountain range.In these cave-monasteries diverse eremitical practises have been shown, which take place in a coenobitic monastery or in a laura/lavra, which is a loose union/connection of hermits. But also an honourable hermit could withdraw himself from the community, which in the 6th-7th century was something very usual in Syria. These hermits had an alternative monastic life in comparison to other Syrian monasteries. The roots of this phenomenon however are to be found very deep in the Syrian ascetical literature.

دراسة عن أشکال المعبود خبری على توابیت الخبیئة الثانیة للدیر البحری

Khepri, the Egyptian solar god of sunrise , personification of dawn, was represent on a lot of ancient Egyptian monuments especially on temples and scenes on the coffins of Amun priests found in the second cache at Dier el Bahari. The Egyptian name Khepri means “rising from, come into being it self, to change”. It is the creation god who represented the rising sun particularly when the sun first rises from the Underworld. This research aimed to: - Study the different forms of Khepri on the coffins of the second cache at Deir el Bahari; - The relationship between Khepri and the other gods on these coffins.

The role of geoarchaeology in the preservation and management of the Theban Necropolis, West Bank, Egypt

A World Heritage Site since 1979, the Theban Necropolis was built by the Pharaohs of the 18th to 20th Dynasties ( c. 1539 – 1075 BCE). A variety of pharaonic (and lesser nobles') tombs, funerary temples and sanctuaries were located/excavated in the lower part of the c. 400 m high pyramidal El Qurn in a variety of lithofacies (predominantly marine limestones and shales). These monuments are located in regionally persistent structural entities as well as gravitational collapse structures (GCS) whose probable origin and timing are reviewed and updated here, based on information that was unavailable to us at the time of writing a complementary paper in 2008 (but only published in 2015). We review here the historical development of the Theban Necropolis in the framework of the geological and geomorphological landscape and the first geological map of the region prepared by our Working Group for the Theban International Geoarcheological Project (TIGA) in 2011. We conclude with a preferential prioritizing of the perceived short- and long-term threats to the preservation of the Theban Necropolis and its monuments: least vulnerable to destabilization are the Valley of the Kings, Valley of the Queens, Block of Sheik Abdel Qurnah – El Khokkah; more vulnerable are Deir El Medina, Qunet Mura'I and El Assasif; most vulnerable are the Village of the Workers, Deir El Bahari and the Valley of the Colors. Accordingly it will be necessary to devise geotechnical solutions to prevent the destruction of (at least) some of the monuments under consideration here.

Kissing the earth’ scene in Pashedu Tomb

The scribe‘Pashedu’ lived during the reign of King Seti I and King Ramses II,he had the titles: Servant in the Place of on the west of and Scribe in the Place of truth . His Tomb is located in Deir el Medina Necropolis on the West Bank at Luxor, dating to the early years of Ramses II’s reign, it was decorated with one of the best known scenes in Thebes Necropolis ,the scene of :kissing the earth”. The kneeling ritual was also one of the daily rituals in Temples, when the high Priest enters the sanctuary, he kisses the ground with the face down ,this ritual was called: rA sn tA iw Hr m Hr:kissing the ground with the face down. This paper attempts to discuss the concept of kneeling and bowing down in Ancient Egyptian religious beliefs, by analyzing Pashedu tomb’s scene at Deir el-Medina, to display different studies concerning this scene, who may reflect an act of praying or drinking water.

Implementation of spectroscopic techniques for characterization of icons of Deir El Sankoria, El Minia, Egypt

Four icons from church of Saint Theodore El Shatby, Deir El Sankoria, El Minia, Egypt, have studied by micro-destructive spectroscopic methods: Attenuated Total Reflection–Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (ATR–FTIR), Raman Spectroscopy (RS), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy–Energy Dispersive X-ray Spectroscopy (FESEM–EDX), X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) and Inductively Coupled Plasma–Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP–OES). This study gave information about the materials used in the icons painting, state of the icons, and evaluation of the effect of environmental conditions. ATR–FTIR and Raman methods showed the characteristic bands of lithopone and lead white as a ground material, gum Tragacanth as a binder, and chrome oxide green, mars yellow, mars red as a pigment. EDX microanalysis exhibited the elements of mars yellow and mars red pigments, and ICP–OES method showed the concentration of chromium element that is characteristic for chrome oxide green pigment. The results were authenticated by XPS method to ensure the materials used in the painting. SEM images showed the cracking of the paint surface. Degradation of the chemical structure of gum Tragacanth binder was attributed to metal oxides of the pigments in presence of sunlight and artificial light which led to promotion of the oxidation process and then deterioration of the painting through peeling of the painting surface and cracking of the paint film.

Notes on Three South Canaanite Sites in the el-Amarna Correspondence

The author addresses three geographical issues that emerge from the el-Amarna correspondence, all related to south Canaan: the identification of Yurza and Bit-NIN.URTA and the location of a coastal polity between Ashkelon and Jaffa. He suggests placing Yurza at Tel Haror, Bit-NIN.URTA at Deir el-‘Azar (biblical Kiriath-jearim) and identifying Yavne-Yam (Mu azu) as a center of a south Canaanite city-state.

Study of scenes of Animal Motherhood in the private tombs in Ancient Egypt

The ancient Egyptian reared some animals for food, while other animals were kept as pets. They were very important in his life, and he had a daily contact with the animals, so he was clever enough to show the details of the animal life especially the scenes which reflect their motherhood like scenes of giving birth, suckling, milking the cows, and other maternal scenes. Most of such scenes appeared in the tombs of Saqqara and Giza during Old Kingdom. while it appeared in a lesser extent during Middle and New Kingdoms in tombs of Beni Hassan, Al Bersha, Meir , Al moaala , Deir El Bahari, Sheikh aAbd_el-Qurna and El Kab.

Influence of Applying Value Engineering Concept in Project Case Study: Deir El Balah Desalination Plant

One of the most important challenges that face the people in developing countries is the scarcity of natural water resources along with continuous growth of consumption level. A huge deficit in aquifers balance forces the authorities to look for an optimal alternative source to overcome the scarcity of water through seawater desalination. The aim of this research is to use the Value Engineering concept in desalination water station. A survey was conducted to elaborate the most important factors affecting the establishment of the desalination plant. Moreover, several interviews were conducted with experts in the field to crosscheck the validity of the survey results. The findings of field investigation were used in applying the Value-Engineering concept on a selected case study located in Gaza Strip: Deir El Balah desalination plant in order to examine the impact of application of Value Engineering on the project effective cost. It was found that there is direct impact in cost saving of approximately 10.33 % for the project cost in design and tendering stages. It was confirmed that applying Value Engineering is very helpful tool for such projects, which will lead to significant cost saving.

Human brains found in a fire-affected 4000-years old Bronze Age tumulus layer rich in soil alkalines and boron in Kutahya, Western Anatolia

Undecomposed human bodies and organs always attracted interest in terms of understanding biological tissue stability and immortality. Amongst these, cases of natural mummification found in glaciers, bog sediments and deserts caused even more attention. In 2010, an archeological excavation of a Bronze Age layer in a tumulus near the Western Anatolia city Kütahya revealed fire affected regions with burnt human skeletons and charred wooden objects. Inside of the cracked skulls, undecomposed brains were discernible. To analyze the burial taphonomy of the rare phenomenon of brain preservation, we analyzed brains, bone, teeth and surrounding soils elements using Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). Adipocere formation or saponification of postmortem tissue fat requires high levels of alkalinity and especially potassium. Indeed, ICP-MS analysis of the brain, teeth and bone and also of the surrounding soil revealed high levels of potassium, magnesium, aluminum and boron, which are compatible with the famous role of Kütahya in tile production with its soil containing high level of alkalines and tile-glazing boron. Fatty acid chromatography revealed simultaneous saturation of fats and protection of fragile unsaturated fatty acids consistent with soil-presence of both pro-oxidant and anti-oxidant trace metals. Computerized tomography revealed protection of diencephalic, metencephalic and occipital tissue in one of the best-preserved specimens. Boron was previously found as an intentional preservative of Tutankhamen and Deir el Bahari mummies. Here, in natural soil with its insect-repellant, anti-bacterial and fire-resistance qualities it may be a factor to preserve heat-affected brains as almost bioporcellain specimens.