The Gebel el-Silsila Archaeological Project
Our Story
The Gebel el-Silsila Archaeological Project was established in 2012 by Dr Maria Nilsson and John Ward of Lund University, in collaboration with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. The project seeks to document and preserve the archaeological evidence contained within this 30km² site which includes quarries, monuments and inscriptions. The harsh desert environment poses significant challenges to the conservation of stone structures, and the project works to mitigate the effects of weathering and looting. The Gebel el-Silsila Archaeological Survey Project engages local communities and the broader public through educational outreach and the dissemination of findings, offering a deeper understanding of Egypt’s ancient industrial activities and their cultural significance.
The Gebel el-Silsila quarries were in active use from the New Kingdom period (c. 1550–1070 BCE) through to Roman times, with the site yielding important evidence of quarrying methods, transport systems, and the labour force involved.
Our Mission
The project aims to explore the methods used by ancient Egyptians to extract and transport the large sandstone blocks, which involved sophisticated tools and techniques. Quarry marks, inscriptions, and unfinished stone blocks help provide insights into these practices. The survey also focuses on identifying the remains of workers’ settlements, which can offer clues about the lives of laborers, who were likely seasonal workers, as well as the organization of the workforce. This includes investigating workers’ camps, residential structures, and related infrastructure. Inscriptions and reliefs found in the quarries reveal that the area had religious significance, with temples and shrines dedicated to local deities. The project examines the role of religious and administrative activities in the quarrying process, highlighting how quarrying and worship were intertwined.
Overall, the project contributes greatly to the broader understanding of ancient Egyptian quarrying practices and the socio-economic and cultural context in which they occurred, shedding light on the complexities of labour, technology, and administration in the ancient world.
Vision
Our vision is to learn about the past lives of the people of Gebel el-Silsila (in ancient times, known as Kheny). Our Archaeological Mission adopts an inclusive approach and is working continuously to publish in both academic and popular journals, as well as deliver talks and lectures on this amazing site.
