LO S T E G Y P T EGYPT

LOST EGYPT
Background Information
EGYPT
Located in northeast Africa, Egypt is a Middle Eastern country that includes
part of the Sahara Desert, the Nile River, and the Suez Canal, which connects the
Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea. To the north is the Mediterranean Sea;
to the east is the Red Sea; to the south is Sudan; and to the west is Libya.
Modern Egypt is approximately 386,874 square miles
(1,002,000 sq. km.). The capital city is Cairo.
Ohio – approx. 44,825 sq. miles (116,096 sq. km.) – Egypt is approximately 8.5 times the size of Ohio.
Massachusetts – approx. 10,555 sq. miles (27,336 sq. km.) –
Egypt is approximately 36.5 times the size of Massachusetts.
Minnesota – approx. 86,939 sq. miles (225,171 sq. km.) –
Egypt is almost 4.5 times the size of Minnesota.
California – approx. 163,696 sq. miles (423,970 sq. km.) –
Egypt is almost 2.5 times the size of California.
Oregon – approx. 98,981 sq. miles (254,805 sq. km.) –
Egypt is almost 4 times the size of Oregon.
Pennsylvania – approx. 46,055 sq. miles (119,283 sq. km.) –
Egypt is almost 8.5 times the size of Pennsylvania.
Texas – approx. 268,581 sq. miles (695,621 sq. km.) – Egypt is almost 1.5 times the size of Texas.
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MAP OF EGYPT IN AFRICA Visualization by Paul Morin of the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics and the
Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota
LOST EGYP
Visualization by Paul Morin of the National Center for Earth-Surface Dynamics
and the Department of Geology and Geophysics, University of Minnesota
The Nile River was the lifeblood of ancient Egypt. The longest river in the world, the Nile flows north
from the higher altitudes of central Africa over waterfalls and through desert until it reaches the
Mediterranean Sea. Ancient Egypt was divided into Upper Egypt in the south and Lower Egypt in the
north.
The ancient Egyptian civilization developed along this primary source of water, and even today,
over 95% of the population still live in the Nile Valley or Delta. In the harsh desert environment, life
depended on the yearly rise and fall of the Nile. Agriculture, transportation, commerce, and even the
religion of the ancient Egyptians depended on the river. Today, archaeologists find most ancient sites
near the Nile, or along the oases in the western desert.
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LOST EGYPT
A STATUE OF RAMESSES II AT THE TEMPLE OF LUXOR
Photograph © 2008 Brad Feinknopf
The period of Egyptian history covered in Lost Egypt is the nearly 3,000 years from approximately
3110 B.C. to 343 B.C., when Upper and Lower Egypt were unified. This time is divided into dynasties. A dynasty is defined as a line of rulers who were related to each other by blood or marriage or who
shared the same point of origin (like the same hometown) or who ruled from the same capital.
There are 31 known dynasties in ancient Egypt, grouped together in Kingdoms and Periods. For more
information visit http://www.thebanmappingproject.com/resources/timeline.html
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LOST EGYP
CAMEL ON THE GIZA PLATE AU
Photograph © 2008 Brad Feinknopf
Today, camels are utilized for transportation and tourism in Egypt, but they weren’t regularly used
until long after the pyramids were built, at a time when the pharaonic dynasties were coming to an end.
Foreign rulers, (possibly the Persians or Greeks) probably brought them into Egypt as part of their
invasion forces. Once they arrived, though, the ancient Egyptians were quick to utilize their unique
characteristics.
Camels are able to go days without drinking and several months without eating. Though popular
myths regarding the camel’s humps aren’t true, they do help to keep the animal alive when food is
scarce. The humps are fatty deposits, which the camel can use when it is lacking food. Water is actually
stored in the camel’s bloodstream. Camels are primarily plant eaters, with their leathery mouths and
strong teeth allowing them to eat thorns, branches and tough plant materials without any problems. If
plant materials are unavailable, camels can survive on meat, skin and bones.
Their broad feet spread their weight to prevent them from sinking in the sand, while their thick
eyelashes and clear inner eyelids keep the sand out of their eyes, and their nostrils can close tightly
during a sudden sandstorm.
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LOST EGYPT
Archaeology
Archaeology is the scientific study of historic people and their cultures by
excavation and analysis of their material remains, including artifacts, inscriptions,
monuments, artworks, and human, floral and faunal remains.
The science of archaeology is nearly 130 years old. Prior to the late 1800’s, expeditions to find artifacts
were religious crusades or treasure hunts. The treasure hunters were usually after gold and precious
stones, and would dig into a site, shove everything out of the way, and then steal the valuable artifacts.
Whole tombs were destroyed this way, and much information has been lost.
Archaeologists learn about past people and cultures by studying the things they left behind. These
items may be buried in centuries of dirt and sand. Archaeologists dig, or excavate, artifacts to recover,
document and analyze them. When many different artifacts are studied at a site, a story of the people
and culture begins to emerge.
DJOSER PYRAMID COMPLEX, UNDATED Photograph by Brooklyn Museum
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LOST EGYP
An artifact is any object manufactured, used or modified by humans. These include everything from
funerary objects such as coffins, canopic jars or an offering stone to items from daily life, such as
pottery jars used to bake bread or hold beer, clothing, jewelry, and furniture. Artwork and writing is
found as well, such as statues, amulets, papyrus scrolls and tomb paintings.
The goal of modern archaeology is much different than that of the past treasure hunters . Today,
archaeologists work together to develop a better understanding of the people and cultures of the past.
Often, the most important information comes from studying the remains of common people, rather
than just finding and analyzing impressive tombs of great pharaohs.
Technology has changed the work of
archaeologists. While simple tools such as the
trowel (a hand tool for digging) are still vital,
archaeologists also use high-tech equipment
such as CT scans and satellite images. Modern
tools help archaeologists search for artifacts
more efficiently, and protect the environment
from unnecessary digging.
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LOST EGYPT
Archaeology is a team effort. It takes a whole
crew to document, protect and study a site.
GIS specialists and surveyors locate the
site; excavators do the actual digging; and
photographers and illustrators document
architecture and artifacts, along with many
others. When a house is found, a ceramicist
studies the pottery and dishes used by the people
who lived there. A faunal analyst examines
the animal bones from the food they ate. An
archaeobotanist researches the plants that grew
nearby that might have been used for food,
medicine, or daily items. And an osteologist
studies bones found in human burials. All of this
information is combined to tell the story of the
people who once lived in the house.
AERA WORKERS STU
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EXCAVA
LS AT
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DYING ARTIFACT
S
THE LO
ST CIT Y
SITE
AERA STOREROO
M All three – Photograph
courtesy of AERA
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LOST EGYP
Specialists who may be involved in a project include:
Anthropologist -– A person who studies what it is to be human in past and modern societies. beings
and their ancestors, including the origin, behavior, and physical, social and cultural development of
humans.
Archaeobotanist – A person who studies ancient plants found on archaeological sites.
Archaeologist - A person who studies historic people and their cultures. by excavation and analysis
of their material remains
Ceramicist – A person who studies the ceramics and pottery found on archaeological sites.
Egyptologist - A person who specializes in the study of ancient Egypt. Egyptologists may be
archaeologists, historians, linguists, or art historians, among others.
Faunal Analyst – A person who studies animal bones and other food refuse in order to determine
diet.
Forensic Anthropologist – A person who studies human remains to help identify the individual
and their cause of death.
Geologist – A person who studies the earth and land.
Geomorphologists – A person who studies landmasses and how they have changed over time.
GIS (Geographic Information Systems) Specialist – A person who specializes in computer
mapping.
Illustrator – An artist responsible for drawing and excavation site and its related artifacts.
Lithics Specialist – A person who studies stone tools and artifacts.
Osteologist - A person who studies the structure and function of human bones.
Surveyor – A person who determines the site’s position on the earth’s surface and studies sites for
future excavation.
Zooarchaeologist – A person who studies animal remains found on archaeological sites.
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LOST EGYPT
Bad Archaeology
There is a wealth of information available (in print, on television, and over the internet) that purports
various “scientific” conclusions that fly in the face of accepted archaeological beliefs on ancient Egypt. Typically, this information falls into one of three categories:
• Astronauts came to Egypt from outer space and gave the ancient Egyptians the knowledge/
technology/assistance necessary to create their wonders.
• Survivors from Atlantis or another “lost civilization” came to Egypt and gave the Egyptians the
knowledge/technology/assistance necessary to create their wonders.
• The monuments of Egypt are much older or younger than what Egyptologists contend.
Knowing how these pseudo-scientists share their knowledge is needed when helping the public to
separate fact from fiction.
Alternate theorists typically set up “straw man” arguments, or arguments that misrepresent a person’s
ideas, to establish why their explanations are necessary. For example, a person using a “straw man”
version of the commonly accepted scientific theory on pyramid construction may state, “Archaeologists
don’t know how the pyramids were built.” This statement is misleading. While scientists may differ
on the specifics of pyramid construction, there is a great deal of commonly accepted archaeological
data relating to how pyramid stones were cut, the location of the quarries they were cut from, and the
methods used to move them into place. Stating that archaeologists don’t know how the pyramids were
built ignores all of the information scientists have gathered on the construction of the pyramids.
Alternate theorists often “cherry pick” the facts they wish to
use in favor of their arguments, ignoring any evidence that is
contrary to the point they are trying to make. Take for example
the theory of the so-called “Dendera light bulb”. Some have
suggested that this carving depicts ancient electrical technology
(specifically, a light bulb). The theory ignores the hieroglyphs
surrounding the image that describe it as a solar barge (not a
light bulb). Further, certain images on the carving (such as the
djed column, a symbol of stability, supporting the near end of
the barge and the lotus flower, a symbol of creation and rebirth,
attached to the far end) have commonly accepted meanings in
ancient Egyptian art (meanings that, again, don’t pertain to light
bulbs).
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THE SO-CALLED “DENDERA LIGHT BULB”
LOST EGYP
As another example, look at the following
photograph, taken in the tomb of Ptah-Hotep at
Saqqara:
Does this look like an alien? Some people argue that it does.
Now look at the picture in context with the rest
of the mural:
Does it still look like an alien? Or is it simply part
of a larger offering scene?
Note that the alien’s “eyes” very closely resemble
leaves that are used elsewhere in the mural, and
that its “body” is incredibly similar to the vases
that appear beside and above it. While the smaller
photo, when taken out of context, may look like
something else, it’s difficult to argue that it’s an
alien in light of the entire mural.
If a guest approaches you with these
pseudoscientific beliefs, inform her that
CARVING OF
AN “ALIEN ” IN
everything presented in the exhibit represents
CONTEXT OF
OFFERING SC
LARGER
ENE TOMB OF
PTAHHOTEP,
SAQQARA the current thinking of the Egyptian
Photograph©2
008 Brad Feink
nopf
archaeological community. Invite her to try
the Archaeological Process activity, where she can analyze individual artifacts in order to learn how
they work together to tell a bigger story. Encourage her to research the evidence she is citing to learn
everything she can about it, looking carefully at the context from which it was taken. Finally, remind
the guest that all true archaeological discoveries are based on evidence, and a thorough analysis of
that evidence using the scientific method. It’s not enough to speculate that the ancient Egyptians had
helicopters because one tomb art image exists that may depict a helicopter. An archaeologist would
need to discover a helicopter (or parts of a helicopter) in situ, examine the artifact, determine its age
based upon stratigraphy, radiocarbon dating, and context, find supporting evidence of helicopters in
ancient Egypt (such as clearly marked landing pads, the remains of refueling stations or helicopter
factories, and hieroglyphic texts of training manuals), site the existence of Egyptian helicopters in a
scientific journal, and allow her peers to review her evidence and critically comment upon it before the
scientific community would accept her finding.
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LOST EGYPT
Finding the Site
Looking for buried remains from the past can
be impossible if you do not know where to dig. Archaeologists use a variety of methods to find
good dig sites. The best place to start is where
artifacts were found in the past, or in locations
that seem habitable. Common locations for sites
include places that have easy access to water,
food and shelter, such as caves, lakes, streams and
shorelines. Archaeologists find these sites by using
ancient and modern maps, tips from local people,
aerial photography, and even satellite images from
space. In Egypt, the majority of settlements are
near the Nile River, which is the major source of
water in the desert environment.
Once scientists identify a potential archaeological
site, they conduct visual scans and searches
around the area. When searching in any
unexcavated area, archaeologists use a technique
called surveying. This involves walking around the
site and looking at the ground for any artifacts, as
well as digging test pits, which are small circular
holes placed at consistent distances from one
another. Test pits help to find sites and determine
their size.
Technology is also used to locate potential sites.
Remote sensing is the process of looking at things
without touching them. It limits the intrusive
nature of archaeological by helping to pin
point locations for excavation. Remote sensing
equipment also speeds the process of surveying
and can provide a bird’s eye perspective, allowing
archaeologists to get a sense of the landscape. An
aircraft taking photographs of the ground, Earth
observation and weather satellites, and even x-rays
of bones inside your body are all examples of
remote sensing.
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LANDSTAT
SATELLITE
IMAGE OF
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Image courtes
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MEDINET HABU h Parcak
Image courtesy of Sara
LOST EGYP
Ground-penetrating radar (GPR) lets
archaeologists see structures and artifacts buried
in the sand. A GPR unit shoots high-energy
pulses into the ground. If the pulses strike
something below the surface, they echo back
at different rates. This tells researchers where
important items may be hiding.
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Magnetometers measure the strength of a
magnetic field. They are used to find anomalies
buried underground. Magnetometer surveys
track contrasts in the magnetic property of the
feature of interest and its surroundings. In the
1990s, a German expedition used magnetometer
to map an area in Qantir, Egypt, which they
suspect was the location of the capital of Egypt
under Pharaoh Ramesses II. The area is mostly
farmland and this process of surveying, while
expensive, was deemed the most suitable for
exploring the site. USING A MAGNETOMETER
AT THE LOST CITY SITE Photograph courtesy of AERA
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LOST EGYPT
Excavation
Once a site has been found, archaeologists begin the exciting process of
excavation and recovery of ancient artifacts.
EXCAVATION AT THE LOST CITY SITE
Photograph courtesy of AERA
Before archaeologists begin digging, they determine the size of each hole. Digging areas are sectioned
off with rope, usually in one-by-one meter squares. In order to map the area and document findings,
each side of the square is aligned with the cardinal directions (North, South, East, and West).
Once the grid is finished, the excavation can
begin. Holes are dug down in even levels, which
can allow for a 3-dimensional reconstruction
of the site. This helps archaeologists uncover
artifacts, and see changes in soil color and texture,
which may indicate a feature or the beginning
of a new level. Archaeologists sift all of the soil
through a sieve, which is a screen they use to
ensure they do not overlook any artifacts.
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SIFTING AT THE LOST CITY
SITE
Photograph courtesy of AERA
LOST EGYP
Documentation
MAPPING AT THE LOST CITY SITE Photograph courtesy of AERA
Recording and mapping all findings during excavation is one of the most important tasks an
archaeologist performs. Once a site has been excavated, the archaeologists have no way to go back and
re-check for any overlooked information. Therefore, archaeologists must record every detail about
uncovered remains. They document the exact location and assign a number that represents the specific
location the artifact was found. With this information, archaeologists can reconstruct the entire area
even after removing the artifact from the site, maximizing the data learned from the site. Illustrations
and photographs further document the excavation.
All of the information gained from the precise
process of excavation helps archaeologists answer
who, what, where, when, why, and how an object
came to rest in that location.
PHOTOGRA
PH
Photograph co ING ARCHAEOLOGICAL
urtesy of AERA
FE ATURES AT
THE LO
40
ST CITY SIT
E