Issue 36

This issue is devoted to Egypt. Over the years, some of the greatest discoveries in this extraordinary land have been made by members of the Egypt Exploration Society (EES). Founded in 1882 by the redoubtable Amelia Edwards, they employed Flinders Petrie (1853-1942) as one of their first excavators, so launching one of the greatest figures in archaeology. But what have they been doing in more recent years?
As the current issue illustrates, some of their most remarkable discoveries have been at North Saqqara. There, in the shadow of the Pyramid of King Djoser (as shown on the front cover), they have found a cemetery dedicated not to mummified people but to mummified animals. At first it was thought that this area might mark the site of the tomb of Imhotep, the pyramid's architect. Instead, excavations revealed catacombs crammed with literally millions of animal mummies. The EES has been examining this conundrum. Thereafter, we journey across Egypt to offer more of the latest EES digs, discoveries and projects, including their crucial work in the Delta, notably at the royal city of Sais.
Other highlights include a travelogue by Bob Partridge, the editor of Ancient Egypt magazine, who reflects on his experiences of visiting Egypt over the past 30 years. Finally, our thanks to Paul Nicholson for facilitating this issue; we urge all those fascinated by the discoveries in Egypt to join the EES to learn more.

Issue 36

Latest news from our sister site the-past.com

New discoveries on Rat Island
These new discoveries could indicate that the harsh treatment on these prison ships was not a punishment solely reserved for men.
Confirming Plague victims in medieval Cambridgeshire
‘Even during Plague outbreaks, individual people were being buried with considerable care and attention.'
Anglo-Saxon cave dwelling identified in Derbyshire
It may be ‘the only intact domestic building to have survived from the Saxon period.’
Remains of 4,000-year-old ancient city revealed in Iraq
The first excavations began in April 2021, and were focused entirely upon Tell al-Duhalia, which is home to hundreds of archaeologically significant sites, such as the Great Ziggurat of Ur.

Digs, Discoveries, Travel, Exploration

Issue 36

CWA 36

Egypt Exploration Society

Saqqara

North Saqqara

Delta

Sais

Oxyrnchus

Shell Tools Rewrite Australasian Prehistory

‘Foot Shaped’ Enclosure found in the Jordan Valley

Digging Deeper

World’s Oldest Venus?

Scanning Rome’s Catacombs

Suggestions

Issue 36