In the desert, during excavation work
Salam aleikum, Welcome to Egypt!
Having decided already in highschool to become an archaeologist and egyptologist, I had the chance to delve further into these fascinating subjects during my studies at Sohag University. Even after years of doing excavations my dedication has not wavered. Wondering what each site will bring still makes me feel full of awe and excited anticipation. A few years ago I was engaged in the excavation of eleven tombs that can be dated to the First Intermediate Period of Ancient Egypt (2181–2055 BC) - a good four thousand years ago!
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So what does the curriculum of an archaeologist who investigates Ancient Egypt excavation sites look like? It certainly takes multi-tasking to a new level, as it means juggling twenty-six tasks at once. These include inspecting and researching the site and its objects in question, seeing if a bigger expedition is needed to uncover all the secrets that time hid in the sands.
More precisely, it will look like this:
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But of course, like for any other job, paperwork is obligatory, too: monthly reports detailing the site and its current status need to be written. So me and my colleagues report to the ministry which restoration processes have to be observed and we record and document everything about the site.
Then in cooperation with other governmental offices some objects are put into storage, while others go into museums, where visitors from all over the world marvel at the wonders of Ancient Egypt. In 2008 I got my professional guidance diploma and since 2009 I have been so privileged to be able to take my guests on Egypt tours, where I can show them all of the country's ancient miracles.
Left: during excavation
Right: a hieroglyphs' fragment we found
This is one of my favourite Ancient Egyptian depictions. It is from an unknown artist; made around 3000 years ago. What is it?
Some say you can see a mouse or a hedgehog, representing one of the deities of the afterlife. Others say it means `resurrection´, as the deity or woman depicted is crowned with lotus. One of the countless mysteries of Ancient Egypt that fascinate me endlessly!
