Publications
Water logging problems in Egypt’s Deserts: Case study Abu Mena archaeological site using geospatial techniques
Rising groundwater levels at Abu Mena, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Egypt's desert, pose significant threats to archaeological monuments due to water logging and salt accumulation. The study attributes this phenomenon to hydrological changes, poor drainage systems, and unregulated irrigation practices exacerbated by urban sprawl in the West Al-Nubaria area. Geospatial techniques were employed to analyze these issues, revealing severe land and water resource degradation. The research recommends implementing controlled irrigation, drainage, and sewage management strategies to mitigate these environmental challenges.
Movement as sacred mimesis at Abu Mena and Qal’at Sem’an
Archaeological remains at Abu Mena and Qal’at Sem’an reveal how late antique pilgrimage sites structured the movement of pilgrims, shaping their sensory experiences and the narratives they constructed. The layout of these sites, particularly the narrow passageways and terraces at Abu Mena, guided pilgrims through a prescribed path that enhanced the sacred mimesis—mimicking the journey of Saint Menas himself. This physical navigation facilitated a deeper connection to the cult of Saint Menas, one of Egypt’s most popular late antique religious centers, attracting both local and distant pilgrims drawn to the Holy Land's loca sancta.
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