Scientific Gathering for Egyptian Archaeologists

drhawass.com (Zahi Hawass)

The Ministry of State for Antiquities hosted a four-day meeting for Egyptian archaeologists. Today, 16th June, is the final day. Despite being an annual event, this particular occasion was significant for two reasons. It was the first gathering of Egyptian archaeologists since the revolution on 25th January and the first to bring a broad range of specialists together. In previous years, separate meetings took place for distinct archaeological specializations: Ancient Egyptian, Islamic, Coptic, Greco-Roman, and site or museum restoration.

We have been fortunate to have such a diverse selection of papers. There was a presentation about objects stolen from the Egyptian Museum during the revolution in El Tahrir Square. Another paper discussed how archaeologists and site guards thwarted an attempt by looters to steal a statue of Senusret III in Ehnasia and we had a variety of papers concerning MSA excavation work in Alexandria, Saqqara, Ismailia, Sohag, and Medinet Habu on Luxor’s west bank, to mention just a few.

Papers also covered important new methodological research concerning human bone and pottery analysis. What insights can be gained from understanding the type of clay used and methods of production, for example? Restoration work and architectural considerations form a further integral part of recent research.