season_2001

In the 2001 April-May season, NKOS completed a preliminary survey of the area including the Roman sites of Ain Gib, Qasr Sumayra to its southern boundaries, Ain Tarakwa, Ain Dabashya and Umm el-Dabadib. We carried out a walking survey (non theodolite) of all these sites and an aerial survey using a kite. Pottery was also collected and drawn and is stored in the Kharga Inspectorate. We also made a preliminary examination of the forts at el Deir and Ain Lebekha.

At Ain Gib and Qasr Sumayra we prepared sketch plans of the forts and sketch maps of the surrounding areas (C. Rossi). Special attention was paid to the lines of vertical shafts that may indicate the presence of subterranean aqueducts. At both sites we took aerial photographs using a kite (R. Knisely-Marpole). We also explored the area south of Qasr Sumayra and its necropolis (S. Ikram and N. Warner). The water catchment areas and aqueducts associated with this group of buildings were also marked. Further south of this area two groups of tombs were found.

The positions of Ain Tarakwa, Ain Dabashya, and associated necropolis were located and placed on a map. These sites were photographed from the ground and from the air. We also explored the area between these two sites and Ain Lebekha and recorded the position of two ancient cemeteries. Here the exposed human remains were briefly examined.

At Umm el-Dabadib we prepared sketch plans of the fortress and sketch maps of the surrounding settlement (C. Rossi). A typology of the exposed house types was started (N. Warner). This was done by identifying examples of the different types, drawing them (as much as was possible, given the sanded over conditions), and photographing them. Despite the fact that the site is largely covered by sand, a few distinctly different types of domestic architecture could be identified at both the northern and fortified settlements during the course of the walking survey.

Aerial photographs using the kite were taken of the fort and the fortified settlement, as well as the northern settlement (R. Knisely-Marpole). Photography from the ground was also carried out. Special attention was paid to the exploration of the areas east and west of the settlement, looking for traces of the Darb Ain Amur, the ancient caravan route along which Umm el-Dabadib lay. Sources for sandstone were also explored, and a small area in the northern part of the site was identified as a source for some of the sandstone used. The two religious structures were examined, and we also examined the exposed human remains in the necropolis and recorded information on mummification process and burial equipment (S. Ikram).

After looking at the surface scatter of pottery at the forts of Ain Gib, Qasr el-Sumayra and Umm el-Dabadib, it was decided to do a controlled pick-up of sherds from all the sites as well as a random surface collection of diagnostics, in particular rims. Each pick-up was a 2x2m square laid out and within this square every sherd was collected (A. Dunsmore).