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 three archaeological projects
in Egypt. The concession of the Theban Desert Road Survey (TDRS)/Yale
Toshka Desert Survey (YTDS), both directed by John Coleman Darnell,
co-directed by Deborah Darnell, encompasses much of the desert region
between the northern edge of the Qena Bend, extending west to Kharga
Oasis and south to Dunqul Oasis and the region of Aniba. 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 work at the White Monastery at Sohag, coordinated at Yale
by Bentley Layton. Research at the White Monastery involves archaeological,
architectural, and epigraphic study of an important early monastery
directly associated with the work of the influential monastic leader
Shenoute. Stephen J. Davis directs work at Kellia-Pherme on the western
edge of the Delta, and at the monastery of St. John the Little in
the Wadi Natrun. Through survey and excavation the work of the Institute at those
two northern sites will provide important comparative material for
the life of monastic communities.
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 three archaeological projects
in Egypt. The concession of the Theban Desert Road Survey (TDRS)/Yale
Toshka Desert Survey (YTDS), both directed by John Coleman Darnell,
co-directed by Deborah Darnell, encompasses much of the desert region
between the northern edge of the Qena Bend, extending west to Kharga
Oasis and south to Dunqul Oasis and the region of Aniba. 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 work at the White Monastery at Sohag, coordinated at Yale
by Bentley Layton. Research at the White Monastery involves archaeological,
architectural, and epigraphic study of an important early monastery
directly associated with the work of the influential monastic leader
Shenoute. Stephen J. Davis directs work at Kellia-Pherme on the western
edge of the Delta, and at the monastery of St. John the Little in
the Wadi Natrun. Through survey and excavation the work of the Institute at those
two northern sites will provide important comparative material for
the life of monastic communities.