#itj-tawy

[ancientstuff]

Documentation of archaeological site “Lisht” completed

The joint team of the Ministry of Antiquities and the University of Alabama in Birmingham (UAB), the United States, finished the documentation, mapping and 3D topographic survey at Lisht necropolis.

This is an interesting survey. 802 Middle Kingdom tombs located, which is an enormous amount. I’m a little surprised that the article seems to imply that Itj-tawy IS Lisht, but as far as I’m aware, the actual city site has not been discovered. Perhaps just hyperbole on the part of the reporter?

[ancientstuff]

More Than 800 Egyptian Tombs Revealed in Ancient Burial Ground

Described for the first time, the 4,000-year-old "rabbit's warren" represents one of the largest groupings of Middle Kingdom burials.

This is a great find - a good indication that Itj-tawy is close by. And the Middle Kingdom really seems to get short shrift in the archaeological record, particularly its temples, which were dismantled wholesale by the later New Kingdom kings for the already-dressed stone. Having a cemetery this large of Middle Kingdom tombs will undoubtedly considerably advance our knowledge of the period, despite the looting.