THE BERKELEY MAP OF THE THEBAN NECROPOLIS: REPORT OF THE SECOND SEASON, 1979

Abstract

No area of the world contains as many famous and important archaeological monuments as the West Bank at Luxor. Yet, in spite of the centuries-old interest in such features as the Valley of the Kings, the Tombs of the Nobles, and scores of other monuments, there exists no accurate or complete map of the Theban Necropolis. Fewer than ten percent of its monuments have ever been mapped and planned, and very few of these have been plotted accurately. This project seeks to establish a survey network over the Theban Necropolis; to prepare a suitably detailed 1:500 archaeological map with 1:250 and 1:100 plans and sections of significant archaeological features; to publish these maps and plans together with more detailed records of measurements, in an accurate and permanent form; and to accompany these graphic aids with a concordance and catalog of West Bank archaeological materials. Such a project as this will provide a useful tool for Egyptologists, but it also will play a significant role in the preparation of long-range plans for the protection and preservation of the rapidly-deteriorating monuments at Thebes. During the first season of the project, the grid network was established on the West Bank and several tombs in the Valley of the Kings were planned.