ASPS 2002-03 Abydos Survey for Prehistoric Sites Preliminary Report of the 2002-2003 Season Prepared for the

Supreme Council for Antiquities

By Shannon R. McPherron, Deborah Olszewski, Harold A. Dibble and Jennifer Smith, with contributions by Dawn Landua-McCormick and Isabelle Couchoud

Isabelle Couchoud Institut de Prhistoire et de Gologie de Quaternaire Batiment de Gologie Avenue des Facults 33405 Talence France Harold A. Dibble Department of Anthropology University of Pennsylvania 33rd and Spruce Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA Dawn Landua-McCormick University of Pennsylvania 33rd and Spruce Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA Shannon R. McPherron Department of Anthropology George Washington University 2110 G St. NW Washington DC, 20052 USA Deborah Olszewski University of Pennsylvania Museum 33rd and Spruce Streets Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA Jennifer Smith Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences Washington University Campus Box 1169 1 Brookings Drive Saint Louis MO 63130-4899

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Abstract ............................................................................................................................... 1 Introduction......................................................................................................................... 2 Geology (Jennifer Smith and Isabelle Couchoud) ............................................................. 3 Regional Setting.............................................................................................................. 3 Taphonomy ..................................................................................................................... 4 Raw material ................................................................................................................... 4 Potential for stratified sites ............................................................................................. 5 Prehistoric Period Survey ................................................................................................... 6 Methods........................................................................................................................... 6 Results ............................................................................................................................. 7 Historic Period Survey (Dawn Landua-McCormack) ........................................................ 9 Monastic Structures......................................................................................................... 9 Roman Period Structures .............................................................................................. 10 Shafts............................................................................................................................. 11 Limestone Quarry ......................................................................................................... 11 Historic Period Summary.............................................................................................. 11 Conclusion ........................................................................................................................ 12 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................... 12 References ......................................................................................................................... 13 Figures............................................................................................................................... 16

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Abstract The Abydos Survey for Paleolithic Sites (ASPS) is a long-term effort to investigate the distribution and character of Paleolithic occurrences in the high desert adjacent to Abydos, Egypt. ASPS uses a landscape approach to: 1) reconstruct Paleolithic landscape use in the Middle Egyptian high desert through systematic, intensive archaeological survey combined with geological studies of landscape formation processes; 2) pursue an in-depth examination of lithic raw material sources and raw material acquisition for use in the high desert; and 3) construct a comprehensive understanding of Paleolithic lithic technology present in the high desert, and its relationship to that of the Nile Valley corridor and the oases. Data generated during this project will provide detailed insight into Lower and Middle Paleolithic behaviors in a region considered one of the premier routes out-of-Africa. The 2002/03 season consisted of 18 field days in the high desert. During this time 60 sites were identified. These are in addition to the 20 sites recorded in the 2000 ASPS season. During the 2002/03 season, 196 survey sample units were also collected, and more extensive and intensive collection and excavation at Sites ASPS-A46 and ASPSA49 was conducted. The analysis of these materials is still on-going, but it is clear that Middle Paleolithic remains are the most frequent in the project area. In addition to the survey for Paleolithic occurrences, a preliminary investigation of historic period sites was also undertaken. This work resulted in the identification of monastic and Roman period sites, quarry sites, and potential burial sites. Finally, an initial geological survey was also undertaken.

Introduction It is increasingly clear that subSaharan Africa was the source of several dispersal events that took place over the late Pliocene and Pleistocene (Bar Yosef 2002; McBrearty and Brooks 2002Rightmire 2001; Van Peer 1998; Vermeersch 2001). The timing, nature and even the route of these dispersals are poorly understood. Egypt, situated between subSaharan Africa and Asia, is one likely route out of Africa, especially by the Middle Pleistocene as the Nile River formed its current course providing a natural passage through the Sahara. Although well-dated contexts are still relatively rare, the archaeological record of Egypt shows Middle and Upper Pleistocene (Lower and Middle Paleolithic) occupation in a variety of contexts including the Nile Valley itself, desert oases, desert ancient river courses, and along the Red Sea coast. The Abydos Survey for Paleolithic Sites (ASPS) project is a landscape approach to collecting data about early Upper Pleistocene adaptations in the relatively unexplored Middle Egyptian high desert (Libyan Plateau) (Figure 1). The lack of systematic research in the high desert has meant that we do not have a comprehensive understanding of the adaptations in this region that lies on a route intermediate between subSaharan Africa, and the Near East/Europe. The goal is to combine data from the ASPS project with the already substantial information from the Nile Valley, its terraces, and the desert oases (eg. Churcher and Mills 1999; Churcher et al. 1999; Close 1980; Haynes et al. 1997; Hill 2001; Lubell 1974; McDonald 1991; Phillips 1973; Vermeersch 2000; Wendorf 1965, 1968a, 1986b; Wendorf and Schild 1976; Wendorf et al. 1989a, 1989b, 1993, 1994). From a landscape perspective, the Nile Valley is interesting because of the contrast between the Nile Valley proper (floodplain and low desert), the terraces of the Nile Valley, and the immediately adjacent high desert. Each of these zones, which are within a few kilometers of one another, offer potentially different resources and, therefore, may reflect differing adaptations. Tightly defined landscape studies yield data that, when integrated with the existing site based dataset, offer an opportunity to examine behavior at a scale that can capture its many dimensions (Blumenschine and Peters 1998; Potts et al. 1999; Rogers et al. 1994; Rossignol and Wandsnider 1992). The long-term goal is building predictive models that incorporate behavioral and taphonomic variables to explain the distribution of artifactual materials across the paleolandscape. The focus of the ASPS project is on documenting the geological context of the archaeological remains including building models of landscape formation and alteration, and on developing a methodology for sampling the archaeological landscape both extensively, as well as intensively at some locales. In addition, because this was the first survey work of its kind in this area, and because it was likely that important historic period features would also be encountered, an historical period survey was also conducted.

Geology (Jennifer Smith and Isabelle Couchoud) The eastern edge of the Libyan Plateau near the site of Abydos is a diverse region, proving a variety of settings for occupation over the course of the Quaternary Period. As the Plateau occupies the local high ground, it has been subject to significant erosion, both eolian and fluvial. As a result, little sedimentary record of the recent geologic past remains atop the Plateau. The lack of record makes direct paleoenvironmental reconstruction or establishing a relative stratigraphy for archaeological sites difficult. Geological investigation can still provide information about regional scale landscape evolution, processes involved in site formation and preservation, and raw material availability and distribution. Regional Setting Geomorphology Most of the project area lies within the geomorphic province known as the Libyan Plateau, which occupies a sizable portion of the land area of Egypt. The Plateau typically represents a 150-200m offset in elevation from either the Nile Valley along its eastern border or the oasis depressions along its western border. In the Abydos region, there are relatively mature, deeply incised drainage systems on the plateau surface. Numerous straight wadi reaches suggest underlying structural control on drainage patterns (i.e., tectonically controlled sets of fractures (joints or faults) or planes of weakness within the bedrock create regions which are more easily eroded, and as such tend to become principal channels). Many of these straight reaches are oriented either NW-SE or NESW. No major faults are mapped within the surveyed area. The major embayment in the escarpment south of the survey area (Wadi Bani Hamil and southwards), however, does appear to be fault-controlled. The ampitheater-like heads of many of the wadis suggest that groundwater sapping has played an important role in the headward erosion of the wadis (Luo et al., 1997). The almost total lack of gravel terraces within the wadis suggests that fluvial sediments are routinely flushed out of wadis during storm events. In addition to fluvial processes, eolian erosion is indicated by fluted and polished limestone outcrops, and eolian deposition has resulted in both major dunes damming several wadis and discontinuous silty layers in small hollows. The major dunes are probably Holocene in age. However, dunes are likely to have existed in similar locations in earlier arid phases given that wind patterns have probably been relatively consistent in successive arid phases (though different in humid phases, Kutzbach and Liu, 1997). The desert pavement covering the majority of the Plateau surface is also a result of eolian processes (see taphonomy below). As the bulk of the bedrock on the Plateau is carbonate, solution weathering is also important, despite the current arid climate. Solution activity would have been enhanced during humid climatic phases. The most obvious evidence of enhanced solution

weathering is the caves, which are particularly frequent along the Wadi al-Jir. Some of the caves had a few meters of sediment, largely inblown eolian material and roof fall. Gravity-driven processes seem to have a relatively small role in this region. There are few obvious landslides, debris flows or slumps. Mass-wasting in this region takes the form only of talus (breccia) formation along slopes. Over the region, rates of surface lowering can be expected to have exceeded the 3-8 m/my (30-80 cm/100ka) rate of weathering on granite inselbergs in the Central Namib desert where the climate is similar to that of Egypt (Cockburn et al., 1999). The presence of salts (presumably gypsum and halite) in subsurface profiles suggests that salt weathering may have played an important role in surface lowering. Estimates on surface lowering at the base of the Libyan Plateau in Dakhla (where the materials being eroded are sandstone, shale, lacustrine carbonates and gravels which are probably less resistant than the plateau top limestones near Abydos) are on the order of 10 m/100 ka (Kleindienst, personal communication). Thus current elevations along the Plateau are probably not drastically different from those of the Middle-Upper Pleistocene. Taphonomy The vast majority of archaeological materials are from desert pavement localities, while a few are from areas disturbed by colluvial or fluvial processes. Thus, understanding the formation of desert pavements is critical to understanding site formation processes for most of the archaeological remains. Though desert pavements are often considered one of the most stable of landforms, they actually represent a dynamic equilibrium. Experimental clearing of small plots of desert pavement showed that over 5 years 1-10% of the cleared area was resurfaced per year, with bioturbation being a major factor in the movement of clasts (Haff and Werner, 1996). Stones moved in to a cleared patch of pavement are on average smaller than what had been there originally. Thus, pavement stones cannot be assumed to move only vertically, nor to retain the same size distribution with time. However, movement is likely to happen only over a small scale (on the order of 10-30 cm). On the meter scale, pavements should be fairly stable. The desert pavement surface is likely to integrate multiple occupations, as there is no burial of artifacts. Eolian dust trapped by the eddies surrounding artifacts accumulates below the surface clasts, growing the stratum up (e.g., Wells et al., 1995). Thus there is no stratigraphic separation between successive habitation phases. Raw material Several varieties of chert were frequently observed either cropping out or as a part of the desert pavement in the surveyed area. The most common is a gray-brown chert with a dark red-brown varnish. Other cherts can be found weathering out of the limestone within the survey area, with the morphology, color, and cortex of the chert being particular to different limestone strata. We repeatedly observed a succession of distinctive strata with characteristic chert nodules. It is most likely that each stratum represents one sequence (such as a transgression or regression) which is repeated throughout the deposition of the formation (this is typical in carbonate deposition).

The most obvious source we noted for large (10 cm and up) well-rounded cobbles of brown chert are the gravel mounds which occur intermittently throughout the survey area but principally in the western portion. These gravels probably never were particularly well-cemented, so extracting the nodules would require little to no effort. We rarely saw similar ball-shaped nodules actually weathering out of limestone outcrop. Despite the current ubiquity of chert as a principal component of the desert pavement covering the vast majority of the Libyan Plateau, chert in intact nodules, or even large pieces, is only found locally and generally at freshly eroding outcrops. Salt and hydration shattering of rock in desert climate have been well-documented (Amit et al., 1993), and are the likely culprits in breaking up chert.

Potential for stratified sites Plateau top There is little potential for Middle Pleistocene or older stratified sites on the Plateau top in the absence of playa basins. It is possible that these exist outside the area covered by satellite imagery. For example, significant playa deposits are known from the Libyan Plateau near Kharga and Dakhla oases (Caton-Thompson, 1952; Brookes, 1993). It is more likely that Epipalaeolithic or Neolithic sites leeward of bedrock prominences may be preserved within a stratigraphic context. Wadi systems Gravel terrace remnants within the Plateau drainage system are rare. When they do exist, they can several meters thick, but often the outcrops are less than a meter wide, with a great likelihood that the artifacts within the gravel were transported to that locale. The best chances for intact sites associated with the wadis would be to find remnants of lacustrine sediments which were deposited when a dune dammed a wadi. Despite their porosity, dunes can impound lakes significant enough to represent valuable water resources for animals; there are examples of Holocene playas from the Gilf Kebir which were formed from dune dams (Kropelin, 1987). Escarpment flanks and base The potential for stratified archaeological materials along the base of the escarpment is high. The loss of stream carrying capacity at the edge of the escarpment, due to decreased gradient, results in all the material eroded off the Plateau being dumped at its base. The potential for untransported stratified archaeological materials is much lower. It is possible, however, that inactive or rarely flooded terraces would have been attractive locations. If deposition were renewed after a period of stability, it would be possible to preserve relatively undisturbed artifacts. This would probably be the exception rather than the rule in these deposits. Caves Cave deposits hold moderate promise for buried archaeological material. The stratigraphic sections in the caves visited, however, did not appear to be very thick, on the order of 3-10 m. Either the caves are flushed out relatively frequently, in which case little

will be preserved, or deposition rates are very slow, which would result in little stratigraphic separation between temporally distinct artifact horizons. The lack of precipitates within the caves rules out the use of U-Th dating techniques, leaving only luminescence-based techniques to date Pleistocene deposits. Spring deposits Though spring deposits have not been identified within the survey area, Said (1990b) mentions and Klitzsch et al. (1987) maps such deposits south of the Wadi Bani Hamil. These deposits could yield stratified, directly datable sites. A reconnaissance survey of this area will be included in the next ASPS season. Prehistoric Period Survey Methods Survey of the high desert consisted primarily of one or two teams of three to four individuals spaced at approximately 5-10 meter intervals walking transects across the landscape (Figure 3a). Initially these transect lines crossed the landscape without regard to topography. Later, as patterns started to emerge, transect lines focused on ridge tops and intermediate terrace features in the high desert. As described below, two kinds of data were collected. First, collections were made every 100 meters regardless of artifact densities. Second, if an area of high artifact densities was encountered, it was collected separately and given a separate name. Based on an initial reconnaissance survey in 2000, it was clear a) that artifacts were distributed over a large areas of the high desert and b) that some locations have elevated densities in contrast to the immediately surrounding area. In the 2000 survey, high density areas were called sites and recorded in more detail. In all, 20 such sites were identified. In the 2002/03 survey a minimum of approximately 5 artifacts per square meter was used to define sites or localities with high artifact densities. When the survey crews identified a site, a datum was placed roughly at its center. These datums were later surveyed with a total station, and, in addition, were given UTM coordinates based on a non-differential GPS reading. A collection of material from each site was made from a one meter radius circle centered on the datum (Figure 3b). Sites were named with a letter code of A followed by a sequential number (eg. ASPS-A45). In addition, regardless of whether a site was located, survey teams also made similar collections each 100 meters. At these locations a one meter radius circle was collected and the UTM coordinates of the point were recorded with non-differential GPS. A datum was not left at these locations, and they were not surveyed with the total station. These locations are called samples, and they were named with a letter code of S followed by a sequential number. Because two teams surveyed simultaneously, one team was assigned odd numbers and the other team was assigned even numbers. Thus, while the numbers are sequential, they do not necessarily follow one after the other in terms of the order in which they were identified.

The second focus of this field season addressed the nature of these high density locales or sites. We wanted to gain a better understanding of the distribution of materials within these locations, the relationship between the high density areas and the artifact densities in the surrounding landscape, the nature of the stone tool industries at these locations, and the potential for subsurface deposits. Two sites were identified for further work to address these goals: ASPS-A46 and ASPS-A49. The methodology at both of these sites was similar. First, a grid of approximately 5 x 5 meters was placed in the area of the highest concentration and all artifacts were collected from the surface. This resulted in a large sample of artifacts from adjacent collection units and increased the probability that the artifacts can be examined for refits as part of the same assemblage. Second, in order to determine the limits of the site and its relationship with the surrounding landscape, units were placed radiating from the central point. These units were sometimes contiguous and sometimes placed at intervals of 3-5 meters. At these locations, samples were collected in either one meter square units or in .5 meter radius circles. Third, test excavations were conducted to assess the possibility of subsurface deposits. Fourth, a detailed topographic map was made of each site using the total station. Results In the 2002/03 season, 196 sample units were collected (see Figure 1) representing approximately 20 kilometers of transect survey. Given that each transect covered an area approximately 20 meters wide, the survey area comprised about 40 hectares. While the analysis of the data from these sample units is still underway, what is immediately clear is that the high desert is rich in traces of Paleolithic behavior. Of the 196 samples, 148 (75%) contained at least one artifact. Of the samples with at least one artifact, the average artifact density was 3.49 artifacts per square meter and the highest density recorded was 53.4 artifacts per square meter. In addition, in the process of surveying this area, 62 (60?) additional high-density locations (sites) were also identified and sampled. The average density in these locations was 21.16 artifacts per square meter with a maximum density of 144.83. Some patterns can be preliminarily identified on the basis of the work to date. First, the highest artifact densities are on the ridges adjacent to the central wadi system of Umm alQaab and its tributaries (Figure 4). Artifact densities are highest in the upper reaches of this wadi system where access to the wadi was easiest. In the lower reaches of the wadi system, the walls of the wadi are too steep to allow access to the ridges. Second, it appears that artifact densities are quite low at the edge of the escarpment overlooking the Nile Valley itself. This pattern is the opposite of what was initially anticipated. It was expected that artifact densities would be greatest at the valley edge and would fall-off as one penetrated deeper into the high desert. This pattern may still hold true at a large scale, but at a smaller scale, such as within the current ASPS project area, microtopographic features are structuring the distribution of artifacts. Third, Middle Paleolithic artifacts, primarily Levallois cores, Nubian cores and Levallois flakes (Figure 5, 6, 9 artifact ASPS-A56-1), are the most common in this landscape. Middle Paleolithic artifacts occur in high-density clusters and as isolated finds. Lower

Paleolithic and Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic artifacts are less common. The Lower Paleolithic is marked by Acheulian style handaxes (Figure 7). With one exception, these occur as isolated finds. The one exception is Site ASPS-A20 which was identified in the 2000 season. This site consisted of multiple, large, and fairly crude handaxes. The Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic shows a different pattern. These artifacts, including blade cores, end-scrapers, backed blades, truncated elements, and burins, are found in highdensity clusters rather than as isolated finds, and these high density locations are relatively close to the Nile Valley (Figures 8 and 9 except artifact ASPS-A56-1). In other words, specific locations on the landscape attracted Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic peoples. In addition to this survey work, two sites were identified for more intensive investigation: ASPS-A46 and ASPS-A49. ASPS-A46 is situated on a crescent shaped ridge overlooking the junction of several major tributaries to the Wadi Umm al-Qaab (Figure 10). One of these tributaries provides relatively easy access to the site. A quick reconnaissance of the ridge showed that artifact densities are quite high throughout, but also that there are at least two areas of particularly high artifact densities. One of these is at the southwestern limit of the ridge and was subsequently named ASPS-A46A. This area was characterized primarily by large, broken bedrock boulders with sand between them and Middle Paleolithic artifacts distributed in such at way that they appeared to represent possible knapping episodes. These lithics were piece-provenienced with a total station and numbered individually for analysis. The other high density area (ASPS-A46) is at the bend in the ridge on a piece of high ground that has a commanding view of the Wadi Umm al-Qaab and offers one of the best lines of sight back into the Nile Valley. A desert pavement of shattered flint characterizes this portion of the ridge. As a result, the area of highest artifact density was not discovered until we began systematically collecting artifacts from a grid of metersquare units (Figure 11). The extent, orientation and density of collection units were modified as the collection progressed. Additionally, a five by five meter grid was placed near the area of highest density to collect artifacts that might form behavioral units (i.e., lithic reduction episodes). The analysis of these lithics is still underway, but it is primarily characterized by Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic elements. Units were then collected along the ridge to get a better idea of how this high-density area articulated with surrounding landscape. As one moves away from the high-density area, the artifact density quickly falls to an average of 5 artifacts per square meter and remains fairly constant. However, this background density is mainly Middle Paleolithic. Thus, a highdensity Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic pattern is superimposed on a low-density background pattern of Middle Paleolithic use of this ridge. The other site selected for this kind of sampling was ASPS-A49. ASPS-A49 is on the opposite (east) side of Wadi Umm al-Qaab from ASPS-A46 (Figure 12). It is closer to the Nile Valley escarpment than ASPS-A46 and somewhat further from the Wadi Umm al-Qaab and its tributaries. As with ASPS-A46, it occupies the high ground in the immediate vicinity and artifact densities within the site appear to be directly correlated with changes in elevation. A desert pavement of shattered flint characterizes the surface

of this site. Intensive collection was undertaken in order to better understand the relationship between the high-density areas and the surrounding landscape . In this case, a radial system centered on the area of highest artifact densities was used (Figure 13). The stone tool industries are characterized by Middle Paleolithic elements and horizontal integrity of the assemblages is shown by numerous instances of multiple refits encountered during collection. Historic Period Survey (Dawn Landua-McCormack) Although the focus of the ASPS project is on understanding Pleistocene use of the high desert, a survey for historic period activity in this area was also undertaken in the 2002/03 season. This work included the basic recording of architectural features and ceramic material as well as the evaluation of the potential for future large-scale projects in the region. As this work represents an initial attempt to understand the diversity of historic period remains in the Abydos high desert, the survey methodology emphasized nonsystematic coverage of large areas with diverse topographic settings. The recording of sites included obtaining GPS coordinates, sketching plans, and taking photos of all cultural remains encountered. In many localities, modern treasure hunting, graffiti (in paint and in stones), and camping are threatening the survival of the ancient structures and the preservation of cultural data. One of the Roman Period encampment clusters is almost completely destroyed as the majority of the stone structures have been dismantled so that the rocks can be arranged to form Arabic phrases on the plateau. Ceramics were recorded in detail as 449 sherds were collected, and 117 profiles were drawn. All diagnostic and decorated examples were photographed. The sample is currently too small to create a comprehensive typology of the forms, but the means of solving this problem is outlined in the conclusion below. In the future, research will be undertaken to compare the Roman Period and Early Christian material gathered from the Abydos area cliffs with that found in other contexts within Egypt. The final goal of the historic period survey was to determine the potential for future and more in-depth projects in the ASPS concession. As a result of the 2002/03 season, it is clear that many such opportunities are present. Monastic Structures During the Monastic movement within the Coptic Church, many monks chose to live in the desert away from the distractions of everyday life. In the cliffs above the Abydos region, there are many examples of simple, makeshift shelters used for the living quarters of such religious figures. During the 2002/03 ASPS season, ten of these structures were identified. In most cases, the structures were built into natural caves, caverns, or rock shelters. Rooms were delineated with the use of walls constructed of uncut stones. Stairs of the

same material were also not uncommon. The majority of the shelters were not decorated, but two examples did have paintings and/or texts. The most elaborately decorated of the structures was composed of three rooms, a courtyard with two benches, a staircase, and a water diversion system (Figure 14). This monastic structure is on the edge of the cliffs within the upper section of a wadi. Ceramic debris was found within the structure, as well as down the hill in front of the courtyard. Around the walls of the two largest rooms, there was a beautifully rendered Coptic inscription along with graffiti in other hands. Many times, the textual material was outlined with decorative borders including a yellow, green, and red braided rope pattern. Other features of this shelter included multiple niches and a basin. Another shelter had complex architecture as well as painted decoration. This structure occupied an area at the edge of a wadi within a gallery in a large-scale limestone quarry (see below). The shelter had multiple rooms extending beyond where one could go without adequate light and may have supported many people. Roman Period Structures On the cliffs to the east and west of Wadi Umm al-Qaab, there were areas with encampment structures in which Roman Period pottery was found. In the east, multiple clusters seem to form a giant complex, which occupies two different levels of the cliffs. Unfortunately, the structures closest to the mouth of the wadi have almost been destroyed by modern activities. Other areas, however, are preserved very well, and ceramic evidence seems to indicate that there was specialization of space and location. The main cluster in this area had an estimated 70-80 individual structures. To the west of the wadi, there are two other main groups of encampment structures. One seems to have an area for settlement, a lookout tower, and a possible cemetery as part of a single complex. Further toward Wadi al-Jir, there was another cluster on two different levels of the cliff (Figure 15). In both the eastern and western areas, towers occupy the ridges with the best vantage points for looking out over the valley. The presence of these structures must have played an important role in the encampment complexes. In fact, these towers may have been positioned to ensure the protection of the sacred space around the Early Dynastic royal cemetery, which was the center of the cult of the god Osiris and is known in modern times as Umm al-Qaab, in the valley below. Other reasons for the construction of the encampments could have been to observe travel in the Nile Valley or for supporting mining operations (though no quarrying was found in this area). Another important problem with the encampments is the means by which they were supplied with food and water. An attempt was made during the ASPS 2002/03 season to identify the existence of wells, but none were found. There are water diversion systems, but they do not seem to collect rain and are often associated with the Early Christian structures rather than the encampments. Nonetheless, there is a hill on the eastern side of the wadi, which has a large deposit of sherds (Pottery Hill). It is possible that this area

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served as a support and distribution center for the complexes below it. From this point, trails lead over a thin ridge from which South Abydos may be accessible from paths leading up the face of the cliffs. Elsewhere in the upper desert, more Roman structures, including windbreaks, are present. Though the purpose of many of these features is unclear, some of them are along trails. One horseshoe-shaped example, found during the survey, was located at the intersection of two footpaths. Many cairns also line trails or points of interest while others seem to have no obvious significance. Shafts In the area behind Wadi al-Jir, on the upper desert plain, two shafts were discovered. They are about 4 x 3 meters and have a depth of about 30 meters. Roman Period/Early Christian pottery was found in the area along with a shelter, an unnatural pile of rubble topped with a cairn, and the possible outline of additional shafts. Modern digging had occurred as ropes, a basket, cans, and a hoe were found nearby. Limestone Quarry One of the more significant finds in the project area is an extremely large limestone quarry (Figure 16). This quarry was previously located by survey expeditions (searching for quarries in the Nile Valley) such as that of James Harrell (personal communication), but it has been neither extensively studied nor published. The huge amount of stone removed from this site might suggest that many monuments of Abydos may have been constructed from stone locally mined from here. In future seasons it is expected that one or more encampments, which housed the stonecutters of the quarry, will be found, providing data as to the date of the site. Historic Period Summary The information collected during the ASPS 2002/03 season suggests several lines of further research. The area of highest research value is the limestone quarry. With the anticipation of related encampments and possible inscriptions, this region will require additional survey. Ceramic, inscriptional, geologic, and cultural evidence will need to be collected and studied to understand the nature of this quarry and its contribution to the development of the Abydos cult complexes. The second most important area is Pottery Hill and the nearby complex of 70-80 Roman encampment structures. A detailed ceramic analysis of the vessels atop the hill in the proposed supply/distribution center could be used to establish a comprehensive typology of the vessels found in the clusters. An archaeological investigation of the large encampment could be undertaken to determine the nature of these structures through the objects and pottery types found within them. Mapping would also be an important part of this proposed project. An additional line of research could be directed at an epigraphic and ceramic study of the more interesting monastic sites, as well as a distributional study of the shelters as a whole.

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Conclusion The 2002/03 ASPS season was the first of what will likely be a 4-5 year project to systematically survey a portion of the high desert adjacent to Abydos, Egypt. The primary focus of this work is on the identification Paleolithic occurrences, but numerous historic period sites were also identified. Based on the geological evidence and on test excavations in two locations, stratified deposits with cultural materials are unlikely. Most of the prehistoric archaeology comes from the desert pavement that characterizes most of the study area and which has likely been fairly stable for the last several hundred thousand years. Thus far, there is extensive evidence of Middle Paleolithic occupation of the high desert as shown by the presence of Levallois and Nubian style cores. Some Middle Paleolithic locations have very high artifact densities and appear to have been favored locations on the landscape. Lower Paleolithic occurrences, seen in the presence of Acheulian style handaxes, are relatively rare. Only one location, identified in the 2000 season, has multiple handaxes. The remaining handaxe finds are isolated occurrences. Similarly, artifacts from the Epipaleolithic/Early Neolithic period are also relatively rare in the landscape. From the historic period, multiple Coptic and Roman period sites were identified. These include both habitation sites and perhaps cemeteries. The most significant and impressive historic period feature in the survey area is an extremely large limestone quarry.

Acknowledgements We would like to thank the Supreme Council for Antiquities and Dr. Zahi Hawass Secretary General for granting us permission to do this work. We would also like to thank Mr. Zein el Abdin Zaki Director General of Antiquities for Sohag, Mr. Mohammed Abd El Aziz Chief Inspector Balliana, and Mr. Ashraf Sayeed Mahmoud Inspector of Antiquities. We would also like to extend our warm and appreciative thanks for Madame Amira of the ARCE for all her help in making this project possible, and we thank Matthew Adams and David OConnor of the Penn-Yale-IFA Expedition to Abydos for facilitating our work in the desert. Lastly, thanks to the crew of 2002/03 for their efforts.

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References Amit, R., Gerson, R. and Yaalon, D.H., Stages and rate of the gravel shattering process by salts in desert Reg soils, Geoderma 57 (1993), 295-324. Bar-Yosef, O., The Upper Paleolithic Revolution, Annual Review of Anthropology 31 (2002), 363-393. Blumenschine, R.J. and Peters, C.R., Archaeological Predictions for Hominid Land Use in the Paleo-Olduvai Basin, Tanzania, During Lowermost Bed II Times, Journal of Human Evolution 34 (1998), 565-608. Brookes, I.A., Late-Pleistocene basinal sediments, Dakhla Oasis region, Egypt: A noninterglacial pluvial, in U. Thorweihe and H. Schandelmeier (eds), International Conference on Geoscientific Research in Northeast Africa (Berlin, 1993), 627633. Caton-Thompson, G., Kharga Oasis in Prehistory (London, 1952). Churcher, C.S. and A.J. Mills (eds.), Reports from the Survey of the Dakhleh Oasis 19771987 (Oxford, 1999). Churcher, C.S., M.R. Kleindienst, and H.P. Schwarcz. 1999. Faunal Remains from a Middle Pleistocene Lacustrine Marl in Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt: Paleoenvironmental Reconstructions. Palaeogeography, Palaeoclimatology, Palaeoecology 154: 301312. Close, A.E. (ed.), Loaves and Fishes: The Prehistory of the Wadi Kubbaniya (Dallas, 1980). Cockburn, H.A.P., Seidl, M.A. and Summerfield, M.A., Quantifying denudation rates on inselbergs in the central Namib Desert using in situ-produced cosmogenic (super 10) Be and (super 26) Al., Geology (Boulder) 27(1999), 399-402. Goudie, A.S., Viles, H.A. and Parker, A.G., Monitoring of rapid salt weathering in the central Namib Desert using limestone blocks, Journal of Arid Environments 37 (1997), 581-598. Haynes, Jr., C.V., T.A. Maxwell, A. el Hawary, K.A. Nicoll, and S. Stokes, An Acheulian Site near Bir Kiseiba in the Darb el Arbain Desert, Egypt, Geoarchaeology 12 (1997), 819-832. Haff, P.K. and Werner, B.T., Dynamical processes on desert pavements and the healing of surficial disturbances, Quaternary Research 45(1996), 38-46.

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Hill, C.L., Geologic Contexts of the Acheulian (Middle Pleistocene) in the Eastern Sahara, Geoarchaeology 16 (2001), 65-94. Klitzsch, E., List, F. and Pohlmann, G., Geological Map of Egypt: NG 36 NW Asyut . (Conoco-EGPC, Cairo, 1987). Kropelin, S., Palaeoclimatic evidence from early to mid-Holocene playas in the Gilf Kebir (southwest Egypt), Palaeoecology of Africa and the Surrounding Islands 18 (1987), 189-208. Kutzbach, J. and Liu, Z., Response of the African monsoon to orbital forcing and ocean feedbacks in the Middle Holocene, Science 278 (1997), 440-443. Lubell, D., The Fakhurian. A Late Paleolithic Industry from Upper Egypt, The Geological Survey of Egypt Paper No. 58 (Cairo, 1974). Luo, W., Arvidson, R.E., Sultan, M., Becker, R., Crombie, M.K., Sturchio, N. and Alfy, Z.E., Ground-water sapping processes, Western Desert, Egypt, GSA Bulletin 109 (1997), 43-62. McBrearty, S. and A.S. Brooks, The Revolution That Wasnt: A New Interpretation of the Origin of Modern Human Behavior, Journal of Human Evolution 39 (2000), 453-563. McDonald, M.M.A, Technological Organization and Sedentism in the Epipalaeolithic of Dakhleh Oasis, Egypt, African Archaeological Review 9 (1991), 81-109. Phillips, J.L., Two Final Paleolithic Sites in the Nile Valley and their External Relations, The Geological Survey of Egypt Paper No. 57 (Cairo, 1973). Potts, R., Behrensmeyer, A.K. and Ditchfield, P. Paleolandscape Variation and Early Pleistocene Hominid Activities: Members 1 and 7, Olorgesailie Formation, Kenya, Journal of Human Evolution 37 (1999), 747-788. Rightmire, G.P. Patterns of Hominid Evolution and Dispersal in the Middle Pleistocene, Quaternary International 75 (2001), 77-84. Rogers, M.J, Feibel, C. and Harris, J., Changing Patterns of Land Use by Plio-Pleistocene Hominids in the Lake Turkana Basin, Journal of Human Evolution 27 (1994), 139-158. Rossignol, J. and L. Wandsnider (eds.), Space, Time, and Archaeological Landscapes (New York, 1992). Said, R. (Editor), The Geology of Egypt (Amsterdam, 1990a).

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Said, R., Quaternary, The Geology of Egypt (Rotterdam, 1990b), 487-510. Van Peer, P., The Nile Corridor and the Out of Africa Model: An Examination of the Archaeological Record, Current Anthropology 39(supplement)(1998), S115S140. Vermeersch, P.M. (ed.), Palaeolithic Living Sites in Upper and Middle Egypt (Leuven, 2000). Vermeersch, P.M., Out of Africa from an Egyptian Point of View, Quaternary International 75 (2001), 103-112. Vermeersch, P.M., E. Paulissen, S. Stokes, C. Charlier, P. Van Peer, C. Stringer, and W. Lindsay, A Middle Palaeolithic Burial of a Modern Human at Taramsa Hill, Egypt, Antiquity 72 (1998), 475-484. Wells, S.G., McFadden, L.D., Poths, J. and Olinger, C.T., Cosmogenic (super 3) He surface-exposure dating of stone pavements; implications for landscape evolution in deserts, Geology (Boulder), 23(1995), 613-616. Wendorf, F. (ed.), Contributions to the Prehistory of Nubia (Dallas, 1965). Wendorf, F. (ed.), The Prehistory of Nubia (2 volumes and atlas) (Dallas, 1968a). Wendorf, F., Summary of Nubian Prehistory, in F. Wendorf (ed.) The Prehistory of Nubia, Vol. 2 (Dallas, 1968b), 1041-11059. Wendorf, F. and R. Schild, Prehistory of the Nile Valley (New York, 1968b). Wendorf, F., R. Schild, and A.E. Close (eds.), The Prehistory of the Wadi Kubbaniya, Vol. 2. Stratigraphy, Paleoeconomy, and Environment (Dallas, 1989a). Wendorf, F., R. Schild, and A.E. Close (eds.), The Prehistory of the Wadi Kubbaniya, Vol. 3. Late Paleolithic Archaeology (Dallas, 1989b). Wendorf, F., R. Schild, and A.E. Close (eds.), Egypt During the Last Interglacial: The Middle Paleolithic of Bir Tarfawi and Bir Sahara East (New York, 1993). Wendorf, F., R. Schild, A.E. Close, H.P. Schwarcz, G.H. Miller, R. Grn, A. Bluszcz, S. Stokes, L. Morawska, J. Huxtable, J. Lundberg, C.L. Hill, and C. McKinney, A Chronology for the Middle and Late Pleistocene Wet Episodes in the Eastern Sahara, in eds. O. Bar-Yosef and R.S. Kra (eds.) Late Quaternary Chronology and Paleoclimates of the Eastern Mediterranean (Tucson, 1994), 147-168.

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Figures

Figure 1. Map of the project area showing all sample locations and all high density locations (sites).

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Figure 2. Bedrock geologic map with collection localities shown for reference. (Klitzsch et al., 1987)

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Figure 3. a) Walking survey transects across the high desert (above) and b) collecting artifacts from a 1 meter radius circle at ASPS-A67 (below). 18

Figure 4. Density of lithic remains across the landscape.

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Figure 5. ASPS-A22-4 Nubian core. S92-1 l Levallois core. S58-1 Nubian core.

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Figure 6. ASPS-A17-6 Levallois point. ASPS-A33-20. Levallois point. ASPS-A22-1 Levallois flake. ASPS-A46A-805 Levallois point.

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Figure 7. S85-4 Handaxe.

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Figure 8. ASPS-A46-84.1 Blade core. ASPS-A46-80.53 Backed bladelet. ASPS-A4687.12 Burin. ASPS-A46-81.11 Bladelet core. ASPS-A46-102.62 Truncation.

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Figure 9. ASPS-A56-1. Foliate biface. ASPS-A46-80.52 Microburin. ASPS-A16A305 Backed bladelet. ASPS-A46-88.41 Truncation. ASPS-A46-78.84 Endscraper.

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Figure 10. View of site ASPS-A46 (looking just east of north).

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Figure 11. Density of finds on Site ASPS-A46. Contours are every .25 meters.

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Figure 12. View of Site ASPS-A49 (looking approximately north).

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Figure 13. Density of finds on Site ASPS-A49. Contours are every .25 meters.

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Figure 14. Complex Monastic structure with three rooms.

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Figure 15. Lower level of Roman Period encampment.

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Figure 16. The limestone quarries near the site of Abydos.

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