Archaeological Expeditions

Yale University has a long history of archaeological work, including participation in the Nubian Salvage Campaign and excavations at the site of Abydos (for the results of this work, see Yale Egyptological Publications).

Under the aegis of the Yale Egyptological Institute in Egypt, funded by the William K. and Marilyn M. Simpson Endowment for Egyptology, Yale currently has several archaeological and epigraphic projects in Egypt. Current Yale expeditions include work on Predynastic through Early Dynastic sites in the Wadi Hilal of the southeastern portion of the Eastern Desert, and the recording of Coptic monastic remains in the Wadi Natrun west of the Nile Delta. Associated expeditions work in both the Eastern and Western Deserts, and extend into the regions of the First Cataract and beyond.

Within this area, the TDRS YTDS surveys ancient caravan routes through the Western Desert of Egypt, recording the numerous associated rock inscription sites, habitation areas, way stations, and military structures. The important Persian temple and settlement at Gebel Ghueita in Kharga Oasis is the site of further epigraphic and archaeological work. The Yale Egyptological Institute in Egypt is also involved in the archaeology of Coptic Egypt. In addition to the monastic sites and Coptic remains in the concession of the Theban Desert Road Survey, the Institute supports the work of the Yale Monastic Archaeology Project (YMAP), organized under the executive direction of Stephen J. Davis. YMAP currently sponsors work at two centers of early Christian monasticism: the White Monastery near the town of Sohag, and the Monastery of St. John the Little in the Wadial-Natrun. The White Monastery project involves excavation and analysis of monastic remains; restoration and conservation of wall paintings; and architectural documentation of the main church, led by Bentley Layton. The Wadi al-Natrun project has conducted excavations of a monastic and a large mud-brick residence, as well as archaeological surveys of almost one hundred other structures, including a central church.