Publications
El paisaje en el antiguo Egipto
A groundbreaking study redefines the role of landscape in ancient Egyptian funerary practices, revealing it as a dynamic force shaping cultural evolution rather than merely a backdrop. By integrating landscape archaeology with cognitive neuroscience—specifically through experimental neuro-archaeology using eye-tracking techniques—the research challenges outdated frameworks and demonstrates how external factors like topography and culture influence cognition. Case studies in Umm el-Qaab and Thebes uncover sacred sites linked to natural phenomena, introducing a novel conceptual framework that underscores the landscape's cultural agency. This approach offers a nuanced perspective on Egyptian studies, defying conventional interpretations and advancing our understanding of cultural development.
Metrología y Construcción Arquitectura Tebana de la XVIII Dinastía
A study of Ancient Thebes' religious architecture from the 18th Dynasty reveals precise metrological relationships and geometric modules underlying its design, centered around the Egyptian royal cubit (0.523 m). By analyzing dimensions, plans, and proportional relationships in temples and tombs, researchers identified a consistent modular system that reflects both ritual and functional concepts. This metrological framework aids conservation efforts by enabling accurate reconstruction of damaged or missing elements and facilitating the recontextualization of dispersed architectural pieces. The findings bridge modern restoration practices with ancient Egyptian design principles, offering insights into spatial organization and the philosophical underpinnings of Theban architecture.
Improving Environmental Conditions in the Tomb of Tutankhamen
A collaborative project between the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) and Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities (MoA) has successfully implemented a filtered-air supply and exhaust ventilation system in Tutankhamen’s tomb, significantly stabilizing its interior microclimate and reducing dust levels. This intervention addresses critical issues caused by mass tourism—such as increased humidity, elevated carbon dioxide, and natural ventilation—which previously exacerbated damage to wall paintings and artifacts while creating discomfort for visitors. By mitigating dust deposition on uneven surfaces, the system preserves the legibility of paintings and reduces the need for frequent cleaning, which further damaged them. The approach balances visitor comfort with long-term conservation, offering a scalable model for managing environmental challenges in high-traffic UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
'Development and Landscape of the Sacred Space at Dra Abu el-Naga: A case study within the Theban Necropolis'
A new model for studying the sacred space of Dra Abu el-Naga, part of the Theban Necropolis, reveals how tombs were strategically positioned to reflect kinship, political marriages, and social hierarchies, demonstrating a deliberate effort to maintain connections in the afterlife. This research integrates prosopographical-genealogical, archaeological, and GIS data to reconstruct the palaeorelief and visualize the ritual landscape from 1550–1069 BC, offering precise geographic coordinates for the first time. The approach bridges textual and archaeological perspectives, providing a holistic understanding of funerary landscapes that can be applied to other ancient Egyptian necropolises.
Tree Goddess Scenes in the New Kingdom Private Tombs at Thebes
Ancient Egyptian private tombs from the New Kingdom at Thebes feature 58 scenes depicting tree goddesses, revealing their diverse forms and roles. These goddesses, often linked to sycamore fig (nht) or persea (iSd), appear in varied shapes without a fixed placement within tombs. They present gifts to the deceased, symbolizing protection and sustenance. The study analyzes these scenes to deduce differences across cemeteries, including goddess attributes, deceased positions, and associated deities. Employing descriptive and analytical methods, it catalogs all scenes while focusing on preservation status. Findings highlight the cultural significance of tree goddesses in Egyptian funerary art, offering insights into religious practices and tomb design.
The Representation of Heart in Sheikh Abd El Qurna Private Tombs during the 18th Dynasty
Preliminary findings from Sheikh Abd El Qurna private tombs reveal that the heart held significant religious symbolism during the 18th Dynasty of Ancient Egypt. The study highlights its representation across various locations, including walls of halls, inner rooms, burial chambers, and passages, in both funerary scenes (e.g., purification and opening of the mouth) and daily life depictions (e.g., offering food to the deceased). The research also emphasizes the symbolic meaning behind different colors and numbers of hearts, as well as their specific placements within tomb scenes. Additionally, it explores chapters dedicated to heart protection in the Book of the Dead, providing insights into Ancient Egyptian conceptions of the heart's role.
IntroductionFieldwork in the Territory of Others
A significant discovery sheds light on the long-standing issue of how local communities, such as the ʿAbd al-Rasul family, have historically sustained themselves through the illicit trade of ancient Egyptian artifacts from the Theban Necropolis. This study reveals that the necropolis has not only served as an ancient burial ground but also as a living space for generations of villagers in al-Qurna, who inhabited mud-brick houses near the Tombs of the Nobles and the Valley of the Kings. The research employs a combination of historical analysis and fieldwork to explore the complex relationship between the living and the dead, challenging modern antiquities legislation by examining past practices that would be illegal under current Egyptian laws.
The nexus of inter-regional relations established by creators and artisans in the Ancient sanctuary and the town of Delphi
Research at the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Thebes with its Necropolis reveals that inter-regional relations among artisans and creators played a significant role in shaping cultural interactions, particularly in the sanctuary and town of Delphi. The study identifies distinct contributions from artists across regions such as Argos, Thebes, the Aegean, Pergamon, Asia Minor, and the East, highlighting affinities between works like the Riace statues and those found in Delphi. It also explores how imported materials and specialized craftsmen influenced local workshops and Delphian craftsmanship. By analyzing epigraphic sources, design treatments, and workforce dynamics, the research assesses the impact of cultural exchanges on indigenous populations, providing insights into the complex nexus of artistic collaboration and regional specialization during antiquity.
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