March 2018


A couple of months ago we were informed of the Ministry of Antiquities priority areas for excavation. Unfortunately, the area we applied to work during summer 2017 no longer conforms to these new regulations and so our application for fieldwork was rejected in February... As we continue to work alongside the Egyptian authorities, it is important for us to remain adaptable to changing circumstances as Egyptian heritage faces further challenges of preservation. We remain confident that our fieldwork programme addresses these areas as our support for the Delta Survey in particular continues. This region continues to witness unparalleled urban and agricultural expansion into archaeological zones and we remain committed to survey and investigate these areas before they are lost.

Our fieldwork and research strategy will continue to develop and a new approach will be adopted over the coming year which will enable us to maintain our relationship with the Egyptian authorities and place our efforts where they are most required.

A new request for a flagship site in line with these new priorities will be made next year and we hope that this can be received by the Ministry of Antiquities in due course. We will of course keep you informed of these developments via our website (www.ees.ac.uk) and on my blog. 

In the meantime, thanks to the support of our members and donors, the Egypt Exploration Society remains highly active by supporting more than 15 archaeological projects carried out across Egypt and also Sudan. Training and education at these sites remains our first priority alongside the preservation of the remains and the creation of a lasting record of the archaeology for future generations. We remain committed to the exploration and preservation of Egypt’s unique heritage and look forward to further collaboration with the Ministry of Antiquities at a new flagship archaeological project soon.

 I thank you again for your support and I hope to bring you happier news next time. 

 Cedric Gobeil

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