Egypt - Karnak

Areas of research

1. Documenting the site: since their discovery during the clearing of the monumental part of the site, from 1858 to 1954, thousands of blocks scattered on the ground were wearing away. Starting in 1987, the blocks were arranged on benches so they could be documented and salvaged. This operation also cleared the surface of the non-excavated parts of the site.

2. Restoring the site

3. Setting up a lab for the conservation of stone and archaeological artefacts.

4. Studying and publishing all of the site’s monuments, extending from the third pylon to the East temple.

After this publication, it will be possible to excavate in the untouched parts of the site, which cover two-thirds of the area.

5. Training students in Egyptology, restoration and architecture.

Means of intervention

Restoration work is always performed in the context of an architectural and Egypt-oriented study.

One-third of the members of the CFEETK are involved in restoration work.

 Long-term restoration (e.g. anastolysis).
 Salvaging and maintaining the temple.

Scientific scope

The scientific programme complies with the CFEETK’s two-fold mission to restore and preserve the site’s monuments while they are being studied. The two operations are complementary, in fact, because taking apart and restoring a building provides an excellent opportunity to study the builder’s techniques.

Disciplines

Archaeology, Egyptology, ancient architecture, conservation - restoration, geology, publication, documentation.

Regional scope

The members of the CFEETK are often contacted to consult in the field of heritage conservation, either by the Egyptian authorities, or by foreign missions working in Egypt. They also contribute their expertise to conservation projects in Jordan and Palestine.