Archaeological Investigations at El-Hibeh 1980: Preliminary Report

Excavations, surface sampling topographic mapping, and other archaeological and Egyptological researches were conducted at the site, of el-Hibeh between February 11 and March 16, 1980. Results indicate that el-Hibeh, a large (approximately 13 hectares), walled "town" on the Nile's east bank across from el-Fashn, was first occupied in the late 2nd millennium B.C. and remained an important site through much of the 1st millennium B.C. and into the first several centuries A.D. Excavations were conducted in stratified deposits in two areas of 1st millennium B.C. occupations, producing samples of ceramics, floral and faunal remains, architecture, and other artifacts. Aspects of the settlement's occupational history are reconstructed, and suggestions for future research are made.