The Beni Hasan el-Shuruq region in the Old Kingdom: A preliminary survey report

Abstract

Surveys carried out in 2012 and 2013 by Bart Vanthuyne (University of Leuven Deir el-Bersha Project) led to the discovery of early Old Kingdom rock circle tombs on the Nile-facing escarpment in the Beni Hasan el-Shuruq region. An Old Kingdom rock-cut mastaba was likewise found. The first excavations in the area had been conducted over a century ago by John Garstang. The article discusses Garstang’s finds and presents the new survey results in order to examine the development of the Beni Hasan el-Shuruq region in the Old Kingdom.

Keywords

• Old Kingdom
• Beni Hasan el-Shuruq region
• Sixteenth Upper Egyptian nome
• rock tomb
• rock-cut mastaba
• rock circle tomb
• pottery
• John Garstang