Researches in Western desert

Czech egyptology is successful in researching not only on pyramidal fields in Abusir recently, but also in supporting and organizing smaller expeditions into egyptian Western desert. Czech expedition has been working even in slowly evanescent oasis El-Hajez since 2003, which is situated about 400 km to the south-west from Cairo. There are several water sources preserved in the area about 250 km2, about 200 km as the crow flies to the west from Nile valley up to these days.

One of the most interesting researches takes place in the area of Bír Šovíš - it is translated as "Cop's well". It was a nameless area before years, which was named by a retired cop, who was farming there for some time. Local remains come from 4. to 5. century, i.e. from the period of first documented early Christian communities in various areas of Egypt. However, there is no direct proof about Christian community there. There is St. Barholomew's Basilica of the same age in the neighbourhood area El-rízu.

Settlement of the Western Desert

The settlement was formed by three settlement areas in Roman period, which are recognizable up to this day only thanks to high concentrations of ceramics fragments or other artefacts. There were residential houses and workshop complexes as well. A network of manavárů bounded on the east, underground irrigating tunnels digged deep in underground (the tunnels are in the depth of 15–20 m). They are connected with the ground with ventilating and maintaining shafts about every 10 m. It is possible to make detailed maps of the networks just thanks to shaft's orifices on the ground. Their function was to concentrate underground water in the tunnels. The shafts descended gradually to the settlement, where they brought water to big collectors. Water was taken away from there and used as needed. This was the way for local people to survive and irrigate their beds, fields and gardens.

Research Western Desert Czech Egyptologists

The research focused on examining of settlement structures, houses built of raw bricks in 2005. Only some parts were examined up to now. A room with big pillar was discovered in the house no. 3. There was also a staircase descending in the depth of more then 4 meters and several surrounding stores. All rooms were rich in late roman ceramic. The second settlement structure appeared to be a workshop complex. Most of the vessels was preserved on the floor, which were used by ancient artisans. It is a unique discovery covering original inventory of one workshop. A careful analysis of single ceramic vessels' function should answer the question what production activity was proceeded there. Also first written texts were found since 2005. They are written in Greek on the fragments and their character is probably economic. These texts are translated nowadays.

The first Czech scientific expedition took place in Gilf Kebir area and Swimmer cave in egyptian Western desert in November 2008. Detailed information you can find in other part of these web sites.

Source: Czech institution of egyptology