What's Next for the Karnak Stone Project?
Continued Monitoring
Regular assessments of stone block conditions using non-destructive testing methods like ultrasonic testing, thermal imaging, and colorimetry to detect emerging threats.
Material Testing
In-depth analysis of the blocks' mineral composition, structural integrity, and response to previous restoration efforts to refine conservation strategies.
Origin Research
Studying where the stone blocks came from, how they were quarried, and the techniques used to transport and carve them for historical accuracy in preservation.
As our 2024 season draws to a close, the work at the Karnak Temples is far from over. The ongoing conservation of this ancient marvel is a long-term mission, and we are already laying the groundwork for the next phase of our efforts. Our commitment to preserving Karnak's historical and architectural legacy remains steadfast, and the steps we take now will set the stage for future conservation and research.
Looking ahead, we are also focused on expanding our efforts in public engagement and education. As the digital models of Karnak become more refined, they will serve as interactive tools for visitors and scholars worldwide. These models not only allow virtual exploration of the temple but also provide a way to educate people about the ongoing conservation efforts and the importance of preserving such a significant cultural heritage site.
Preserving Karnak is not just a project; it's an ongoing responsibility. With each step, we are ensuring that this iconic temple continues to stand as a testament to Egypt's glorious past while remaining accessible for future generations to study, learn from, and appreciate. The work may be continuous, but our dedication to its protection is unwavering.
Plant Removal (an important for Conservation at Karnak Temples)
Clearing invasive plants at the Karnak Temples was a critical step not only for maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the site but also for ensuring its long-term preservation. The process went far beyond mere landscaping, it was a key conservation effort aimed at protecting the structural integrity of the temple's ancient stonework. Invasive species, such as Halfa grass, is considered a significant threat to the sandstone blocks that make up the temple.
While these plants may seem harmless at first glance, their roots can penetrate deep into the porous surface of the sandstone. Over time, these roots work their way into the stone, causing microfractures and contributing to the disintegration of the material. As the roots grow, they exert pressure on the stone, exacerbating cracks and accelerating decay, a process that can be devastating to delicate structures.
By carefully removing the vegetation, we were able to halt this destructive cycle. The removal not only prevented further mechanical damage caused by plant roots but also helped to reduce moisture retention around the stone blocks. Plants tend to trap moisture, creating a microenvironment where humidity can damage the surface, leading to the growth of salts and minerals that accelerate stone degradation. Without the invasive plants, the temple's stonework remains more resilient to the elements. This step also made the site more accessible for ongoing study and conservation work.
Clearing the vegetation provides a clearer view of the architectural details, helping researchers and conservators better understand the condition of the stone blocks. It also allows for easier access to perform essential maintenance, such as cleaning, material testing, and monitoring the health of the structure over time.
Bringing History to Life with Digital Models
Detailed Digital Capture
Photogrammetry and 3D scanning create highly accurate, life-like models of each stone block, capturing intricate details, carvings, textures, and even subtle pigment traces that might be lost over time.
Research Without Handling
Researchers can study the temple's architecture, stonework, and decorative elements remotely without physically handling the delicate blocks, allowing for detailed examinations of complex hieroglyphs.
Virtual Reconstructions
Digital models enable the recreation of ancient scenes, visualization of the temple's original layout, and simulation of how stones may have been arranged in the temple's original design.
Thanks to the combination of photogrammetry and 3D scanning, we've been able to create highly detailed digital models of the stone blocks at the Karnak Temple. These models are not just digital representations, they serve as powerful tools for preserving the past and bringing it to life in innovative ways.
For the public, these models open up a world of discovery. People from anywhere in the world can now virtually explore the temple, allowing for an immersive educational experience. By interacting with these digital models, users can learn about the temple's history, its artistic details, and its significance in Egyptian culture in ways that traditional methods of exploration could never provide.
Ultimately, these digital models are not only helping preserve the history of Karnak but are also making this historical treasure accessible to a global audience, ensuring its knowledge and beauty endure for generations to come.
The Hidden World Inside the Stones
Ultrasonic Testing
Ultrasonic testing, which uses high-frequency sound waves to assess the internal integrity of the stones, can identify subtle fractures or weaknesses that could compromise the structural stability of the blocks. These fractures, if left unchecked, may expand over time, especially with temperature fluctuations or water penetration.
Thermal Imaging
Thermal imaging complements this by detecting temperature variations across the stone surfaces. These variations can indicate areas where moisture has infiltrated or where heat is retained within fractures, offering insight into areas of concern that might require immediate attention.
Ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging have opened up an entirely new perspective on the hidden world inside the stones at the archaeological site. These advanced techniques are revealing hidden internal fractures and areas of moisture accumulation that are not visible to the naked eye. Such invisible vulnerabilities in the stonework are a serious concern, as they have the potential to cause catastrophic damage over time if left untreated.
Moisture accumulation, on the other hand, can accelerate the degradation of stone, promoting the growth of salts and other minerals that can erode the surface, further weakening the material. Both methods together help create a more comprehensive map of the site's vulnerabilities.
By identifying these hidden risks, we can implement preventative measures to stabilize and preserve the stonework. Ongoing monitoring of these problem areas is important for long-term conservation. Without addressing these internal fractures and moisture pockets, the stones could deteriorate rapidly, risking irreversible damage to this invaluable historical site. As such, these non-destructive testing methods are indispensable tools in safeguarding the durability of the site for future generations to study and appreciate.
The Science of Stone Decay at Karnak Temples
Temperature Fluctuations
Extreme temperature changes between day and night (often exceeding 40°C during day) cause thermal stress through expansion and contraction, creating microfractures in the stone's surface.
Wind-Driven Sand
Harsh desert winds carry fine particles of sand that gradually erode the surface through abrasive action, wearing away inscriptions, carvings, and the stone itself.
Groundwater Rise
Moisture from the ground rises into the stone, causing salt crystallization within the pores of the sandstone, which expands and puts pressure on the stone.
Biological Factors
Plant growth and microbial activity such as algae and fungi colonize the stone's surface, feeding on moisture and causing chemical changes in the stone structure.
Ancient stones like those that form the magnificent temples of Karnak, are remarkable in their ability to withstand centuries of history. However, even the strongest materials are not impervious to the ravages of time. Our analysis of the stone blocks at Karnak has revealed that several environmental factors contribute to the gradual deterioration of these ancient stones.
Understanding the science of stone decay is crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and ensuring the long-term protection of this iconic site. By studying these decay mechanisms in detail, we can develop more targeted and effective conservation strategies to protect Karnak's ancient stones.
For example, understanding the impact of temperature fluctuations allows us to design protective coatings and materials that can buffer the stones against extreme heat and cold. Similarly, we can implement measures to reduce the effects of wind erosion, such as building protective barriers or using soft, non-invasive cleaning methods to remove accumulated sand without causing further damage.
Collaboration is Key to Karnak Preservation
Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Provides essential oversight, support, resources, and permissions for archaeological work, ensuring alignment with national standards and legal frameworks.
Local Egyptian Archaeologists
Bring deep contextual understanding of Karnak's history, architecture, and cultural significance as custodians of the heritage and invaluable local knowledge.
International Experts
Contribute cutting-edge technology, specialized knowledge, and global best practices in archaeology, materials science, and conservation techniques.
Preserving Karnak is not just the work of one team or one nation; it is a collective effort that brings together experts, archaeologists, and institutions from around the world. The monumental task of conserving and studying one of Egypt's most iconic ancient sites requires diverse expertise and resources. That's why our work at Karnak is not only about the technical aspects of conservation but also about collaboration, communication, and shared knowledge.
Beyond technical expertise, collaboration fosters an exchange of ideas and innovation. Regular communication between Egyptian and international teams ensures that the work we do is sensitive to the site's cultural heritage, while also being informed by the latest advancements in conservation science. Together, we work to create a preservation strategy that is not only effective but also sustainable in the long term.
By working side by side, we are able to protect Karnak for future generations, ensuring that this magnificent monument to Egypt's ancient civilization will continue to stand as a testament to human achievement. Collaboration truly is the key to preserving Karnak, and as we continue our efforts, we look forward to strengthening these partnerships, learning from one another, and sharing our progress with the world.
Linking the Blocks to the Great Hypostyle Hall
One of the most exciting aspects of Karnak stones project team at Karnak is the process of linking individual blocks to their original locations within the Great Hypostyle Hall, one of the most iconic features of the temple complex. Through meticulous documentation and historical comparisons, we've been able to trace several blocks back to their original positions near Columns 134 and 132 of the Hall, key elements of the structure.
These connections are not just archaeological discoveries; they are imprtant pieces of the puzzle in reconstructing the temple's lost architectural layout. The Great Hypostyle Hall, with its towering columns and intricate carvings, was once a marvel of ancient Egyptian architecture, serving both a religious and political purpose. Its scale and grandeur were designed to reflect the divine power of the pharaohs and the gods they worshipped.
By carefully documenting the stone blocks in the mastabas (M1, M2, M3) and comparing them with historical records, we've identified several that can be definitively linked to the Great Hypostyle Hall, particularly Columns 134 and 132. These columns, which once stood at the heart of the Hall, acted as important references in our investigation.
However, like much of Karnak, the Hall has suffered from centuries of erosion, natural disasters, and human intervention. As a result, large sections of the structure have been lost or displaced over time, leaving behind scattered blocks that hold the key to understanding its original form.
The inscriptions, carvings, and measurements on the blocks allowed us to make these connections, providing valuable insights into how the Hall might have originally looked and how these scattered pieces fit together within its grand design. This process of linking the blocks is not just about identifying their origins; it's about piecing together the fragmented history of Karnak.
Each block that we can confidently connect to the Hall adds another layer to our understanding of how the temple once stood, helping us visualize its original splendor. These results are not only significant for their historical value but also for their role in future reconstruction efforts. By understanding where these blocks came from and how they relate to the structure, we can begin to reassemble lost sections of the temple with greater precision.
Our work is not just about conserving individual stones; it's about reconstructing the history of a monument that was once the center of religious and political life in ancient Egypt. As we continue to study and document these blocks, we are getting closer to restoring a fuller picture of Karnak's architectural evolution, one that can inform both future scholarship and preservation strategies.
Mitigating Salt Damage with the Karsten Tube Test
Understanding Salt Crystallization
Salt crystallization is one of the most persistent and damaging threats to the preservation of sandstone structures at Karnak. Over time, moisture from the environment seeps into the stone, and when the water evaporates, salts trapped within the stone can crystallize. These salt crystals can expand, causing internal fractures and surface flaking.
Applying the Karsten Tube Test
To better understand and combat this issue, we used the Karsten Tube Test, a widely recognized method for studying the water absorption properties of porous materials like sandstone. A small, transparent tube is placed against the stone surface and filled with water. As the stone absorbs the water, the rising water level within the tube indicates the rate of absorption.
Analyzing the Results
Faster absorption rates suggest that the stone is more porous, meaning it can take in larger amounts of moisture, which increases its vulnerability to salt crystallization. By conducting these tests on various blocks across the site, we've been able to pinpoint areas of the temple that are most at risk from salt damage.
This phenomenon, known as salt weathering, poses a significant risk to the long-term survival of the temple's stone blocks. The Karsten Tube Test provides an understanding of the overall moisture dynamics within the stone. It helps us identify how deeply moisture penetrates the blocks and whether the stone retains water over time, which could create a conducive environment for further damage.
These vulnerable blocks are prioritized for more targeted conservation efforts, ensuring that resources are allocated effectively to prevent further deterioration. This knowledge is important for developing a tailored conservation strategy that addresses both the immediate and long-term needs of the site.
The information gathered from the Karsten Tube Test will guide our ongoing conservation work, helping us take preventive measures to mitigate salt damage and preserve Karnak's sandstone blocks for future generations. By carefully monitoring moisture absorption and salinity levels, we're able to protect these ancient treasures from the destructive forces of nature and human intervention.
The study of salt damage is just one piece of the larger puzzle, but it is essential in preserving the integrity of Karnak's architectural marvels. Through meticulous testing and targeted conservation efforts, we aim to ensure that these monumental blocks continue to stand as a testament to the ancient Egyptian civilization for centuries to come.
A Closer Look at Ancient Pigments at Karnak Temples
Ancient Color Palette
Remnants of vibrant pigments - red, blue, yellow, and black - offer a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian civilization, revealing the vibrancy that once defined Karnak's architectural splendor.
Advanced Analysis
Using advanced color analysis techniques to measure shifts in chroma and hue caused by centuries of exposure to the elements, we gain insights into the original hues and the environmental factors that contributed to their deterioration.
Symbolic Meaning
These colors were not just decorative; they had symbolic meaning, representing gods, royal authority, and divine protection, forming part of intricate scenes depicting religious rituals, pharaohs' lives, and mythological stories.
As we carefully examine the stone blocks at Karnak, we've discovered remnants of something truly remarkable: traces of the vibrant pigments that once brought the temple walls to life. These ancient hues, red, blue, yellow, and black, offer a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian civilization.
By studying the chemical composition of these pigments, we're able to identify the natural materials used by the ancient craftsmen. For example, red pigments were often made from ochre or hematite, while blue pigments may have been derived from the semi-precious stone lapis lazuli. These materials were sourced from various regions, some far beyond Egypt, demonstrating the extensive trade networks and the wealth of knowledge that the ancient Egyptians had access to.
In addition to offering insights into the pigments themselves, this analysis also provides valuable information about the techniques used in their application. The wear patterns and the types of brushes or tools used by the artists can be deduced from the way the pigments have been applied to the stone, further shedding light on ancient Egyptian artistic practices.
Beyond their scientific and historical value, these pigments evoke a sense of wonder about the visual splendor of Karnak as it once stood. The temple walls, which today are marked by the patina of time, would have been a riot of color in their prime, an artistic achievement that is hard to imagine in the absence of those vibrant hues.
As we continue our work at Karnak, the study of these pigments not only helps us understand the site's past but also informs our conservation efforts. By analyzing how these colors have changed over time, we can develop better strategies for preserving and protecting these fragments of ancient Egyptian artistry for future generations to admire and study. The traces of red, blue, yellow, and black that we find on the stone blocks are more than just colors; they are the echoes of a bygone era, and through careful analysis, we are piecing together the vibrant visual history of Karnak.
The Power of Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI)
How RTI Works
RTI works by photographing the stone under varying angles of light, capturing how the surface reflects light from multiple directions. The data collected is then processed into a detailed digital model that allows us to manipulate the light direction virtually, highlighting subtle textures, tool marks, and even cracks that are otherwise concealed.
What's remarkable about RTI is its ability to reveal nuances in the stone's surface that go unnoticed under typical lighting conditions, such as worn inscriptions, fine scratches, and grooves left by the ancient sculptors.
Benefits for Conservation
This technique is particularly invaluable for understanding the history of the blocks. Many of the stone surfaces at Karnak bear evidence of past craftsmanship, including marks from chisels and tools used by ancient artisans. RTI not only helps us identify these tool marks but also sheds light on the methods and techniques employed by the stoneworkers of the time.
Furthermore, RTI is instrumental in assessing the current condition of the stones. Many blocks are weathered by centuries of exposure to the harsh Luxor climate, and cracks, erosion, and surface degradation can threaten their structural integrity.
At Karnak, every stone block has a story to tell (Every scratch and groove tells a story), but many of these stories are hidden beneath layers of weathering and time. To reveal these concealed details, we turned to an extraordinary technique: Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). This cutting-edge method allows us to capture the finest surface details of the stones, bringing out features that would otherwise be invisible to the naked eye.
By examining these finer details, we gain insights into the evolution of the site's construction and the intricacies of its artistic expression. RTI enables us to detect even the smallest signs of damage that might otherwise go unnoticed, allowing us to monitor the stone's condition over time and make more informed decisions about conservation efforts.
Perhaps most compelling of all is the way RTI helps us piece together the blocks' broader history. Every scratch, groove, and imperfection tells a story of human effort, natural forces, and the passage of time. By using RTI, we're able to uncover layers of this history, creating a more complete understanding of Karnak's past.
As we continue to apply RTI across the site, we unlock a deeper level of detail in our documentation and conservation efforts. These digital records not only preserve the stones as they are now, but they also offer a window into the ancient world, one that will continue to reveal its secrets for generations to come.
Hidden Histories (Microscopic Analysis of the Stones)
Geological Composition
Digital microscopy reveals a dominance of quartz grains forming the core structure of the sandstone, contributing to its durability. Traces of muscovite laminas (thin, flat layers of mica) provide information about the stone's geological origins and formation conditions.
Weathering Patterns
Microscopic examination shows how the stone surface has been shaped by years of exposure to Luxor's harsh climate: intense heat, UV radiation, and abrasive desert winds. These microstructural changes provide insights into how the stone responds to environmental stress.
Conservation Implications
Understanding the sandstone composition aids in choosing appropriate conservation materials compatible with the original stone, ensuring interventions will stand the test of time while maintaining the site's authenticity.
Beneath the surface of each stone at Karnak lies a wealth of geological information, waiting to be uncovered. Through digital microscopy, we've been able to explore the intricate details of sandstone samples from the site, revealing vital clues about the stones' composition and the effects of centuries of exposure to the elements.
The analysis has uncovered a dominance of quartz grains, which form the core structure of the sandstone, contributing to its durability. Alongside these, traces of muscovite laminas have been identified, thin, flat layers of mica that help inform us about the stone's geological origins and the conditions in which it was formed. These results offer a glimpse into the ancient environment where the stones were quarried, providing valuable context for understanding their physical properties.
Equally important are the signs of weathering that are visible at the microscopic level. The surface of the stone has been shaped by countless years of exposure to Luxor's harsh climate: intense heat, UV radiation, and the abrasive desert winds. By studying these microstructural changes, we gain insights into how the stone has responded to environmental stress over time.
This knowledge is important for formulating effective conservation strategies, as it helps us understand the specific challenges each block faces and the best materials and techniques to use in their preservation. Through these microscopic investigations, we are able to peer into the hidden histories of the stones, tracing their origins, examining their weathered surfaces, and ensuring their preservation for generations to come.
Carving Techniques at Karnak Temples
Raised Relief
In raised relief, figures and hieroglyphs are carved so that they stand out from the stone surface, creating a dramatic contrast between the carved elements and the background. This technique was often used for more prominent figures and deities, giving them a sense of prominence and power within the design.
Sunken Relief
Sunken relief involves carving the figures into the surface, creating a more subtle effect where the image appears to emerge from the background as if it were cast in shadow. This technique was favored for finer details and intricate scenes, allowing the carvings to blend seamlessly into the surrounding stone.
The stone blocks at Karnak are not just relics of the past; they are intricate works of art that speak to the technical and artistic mastery of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. Among the most fascinating aspects of these blocks are the distinct carving techniques used to create the elaborate reliefs that adorn them.
These techniques are not just artistic choices but hold valuable clues about the blocks' original placement within the temple complex. Raised relief figures, for instance, were typically placed in locations where they would catch the light and be easily seen, while sunken relief may have been used in areas where detail was key but not necessarily the immediate focus of attention.
The positioning of these reliefs can reveal much about how the ancient Egyptians designed their spaces and how they guided the viewer's experience within the temple. By documenting and analyzing these distinct carving techniques, we are uncovering clues to the original layout of the temple, which has been obscured over centuries of wear, destruction, and changes to the landscape.
These details are vital for reconstructing the temple's lost architectural and artistic grandeur, helping us understand how the ancient Egyptians used art to enhance their religious and ceremonial spaces.
Mapping History; The Power of Planimetry
1
Precise Documentation
Planimetry serves as the backbone of our preservation work at Karnak, allowing us to map the site with exactitude. Every block becomes a piece of a puzzle that must be recorded with its exact location and condition.
2
Block Identification
Our team mapped each stone block, geolocating them with precision. The historical French numbering system was present on some blocks, offering insight into original arrangement, while unnumbered blocks received new identifiers.
3
Creating Permanent Records
This effort creates a permanent record of the site's topography, giving us the ability to track changes over time, visualize the entire layout, spot patterns in stone arrangement, and detect areas needing further conservation.
4
Foundation for Future Research
The mapping process lays the groundwork for future research, enabling scholars to refer back to these records for comparisons or reconstructions, particularly when parts of the site may need to be reassembled or restored.
Precise documentation is the backbone of our preservation work at Karnak, and one of the most essential tools in this effort is planimetry, the art of mapping the site with exactitude. As we explore the ancient stones of Mastabas 1, 2, and 3, every block becomes a piece of a puzzle, and it is vital that we record each one's exact location and condition to ensure its preservation.
Over the course of the mission, our team mapped each stone block, geolocating them with the utmost precision. The historical French numbering system was present on some blocks, offering insight into the stones' original arrangement, but many others lacked any form of identification. To remedy this, we carefully assigned new identifiers to these unnumbered blocks, ensuring that each piece is now traceable within a digital and physical archive.
This effort goes far beyond simple documentation, it creates a permanent record of the site's topography, giving us the ability to track changes over time. The mapping process allows us to visualize the entire site's layout, spot patterns in the stone arrangement, and detect areas that might need further conservation or study. It also lays the foundation for future research, enabling scholars to refer back to these records for comparisons or reconstructions, particularly when parts of the site may need to be reassembled or restored.
Cleaning and Revealing the Site at Karnak Temples
The Threat of Invasive Plants
Over time, nature had begun to reclaim parts of Karnak, with invasive plants like Halfa grass weaving their roots deep into the cracks of ancient stone blocks. These plants exerted mechanical pressure, slowly widening fractures, dislodging fragments, and accelerating the weathering of precious inscriptions and carvings.
Left unchecked, this vegetation threatened the stability and stability of these invaluable remnants of Egypt's past.
Meticulous Cleaning Process
Throughout the mission, our team undertook a meticulous cleaning process, carefully extracting plants and their root systems to prevent further damage. We filled 25 large containers, each 6 meters long, with vegetation and debris, gradually clearing the mastabas and surrounding areas.
Special attention was paid to the narrow passages between stone clusters, where dense plant growth had obscured key architectural elements.
This massive effort not only safeguarded the blocks from ongoing biological deterioration but also revealed long-hidden details of the site's layout. With the stones now fully visible, we could begin detailed documentation through photogrammetry, sketching, and 3D laser scanning.
These newly exposed features provide invaluable clues to the original arrangement of the structures, bringing us closer to understanding their historical context and guiding future restoration initiatives. By reclaiming the site from encroaching vegetation, we've taken a important step toward preserving Karnak's legacy, allowing the stones to tell their stories without nature's interference.
Battling the Elements; Weather Challenges in Luxor, Egypt
40°C+
Extreme Heat
Daytime temperatures in Luxor regularly exceed 40°C, causing thermal stress as stones expand in the heat and contract during cooler nights, leading to micro-fractures over time.
365
Days of UV Exposure
Intense UV radiation throughout the year accelerates surface degradation of the ancient stones, affecting both structural integrity and any remaining pigments.
30°C
Temperature Fluctuation
The daily temperature swing between scorching days and cooler desert nights creates constant expansion and contraction cycles that stress the stone material.
Luxor's unforgiving climate presents a relentless challenge for the preservation of the ancient stone blocks at Karnak. With daytime temperatures often soaring above 40°C, followed by cooler desert nights, the stones endure constant thermal stress, leading to expansion and contraction that can cause micro-fractures over time.
Intense UV radiation accelerates surface degradation, while dry winds whip up fine desert sand, gradually abrading intricate carvings and inscriptions that hold centuries of history. Our team is meticulously monitoring these environmental effects, using techniques like ultrasonic testing, glossometry, and colorimetry to assess changes in stone durability, surface reflectivity, and pigment stability.
We're also employing 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry to create detailed digital models, allowing us to track deterioration with precision. By studying the stones' responses to these extreme conditions, we aim to develop data-driven conservation strategies tailored to Karnak's unique environment.
Uncovering the Past (The Importance of the Scattered Blocks), Karnak Temples
The scattered blocks in the northeast corner of Karnak are more than just remnants of a glorious past, they're vital pieces of ancient Egyptian history. Many blocks, linked to the reigns of Seti I and Ramesses II, still carry traces of colorful pigments and intricate carvings depicting religious ceremonies and historical events.
These fragments offer valuable clues to the construction techniques and artistic evolution of the New Kingdom. However, centuries of weathering, human activity, and environmental stress have left their mark.
Preserving these blocks means preserving knowledge, and our team is working tirelessly to document each piece, ensuring future generations can continue studying and appreciating this extraordinary heritage.
Follow our journey as we piece together the stories of Karnak, one block at a time!
Meet the Team Behind the Karnak Stones Project (KSP)
Project Leaders
Our Spanish-Egyptian joint mission is led by Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy, Prof. Dr. Salvador Domínguez Bella, Prof. Dr. Eduardo Molina Piernas, and M.Sc. Ana Durante Macías, bringing together expertise from both countries.
Support Team
We're supported by a hardworking team of local collaborators, archaeologists, conservators, engineers, and field assistants, whose deep knowledge of the site is invaluable to our conservation efforts.
Collective Mission
From documenting carvings to conducting high-tech material tests, every member plays an important role in uncovering and protecting Karnak's history for future generations.
Preserving Karnak's ancient legacy takes a dedicated team of experts, each bringing unique skills and passion to the project. Together, we're not just studying stone, we're preserving stories, connecting with the past, and building a legacy for future generations.
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