[M-IS02] Geomaterials in cultural heritage: weathering, investigation techniques, and conservation

[MIS02-P06] Engineering geology of limestone tombs in Theban Necropolis (Egypt)

*Akos Torok¹ (1.Department of Engineering Geology and Geotecnics, Budapest University of Technology and Economics)

キーワード：limestone, Egypt, weathering, Pharaonic time

Egyptian Dynasties used the Theban Mountains for funerary purposes. The site is located on the west bank of the river Nile, in Central Egypt, near Luxor. The use of this necropolis was long-lasting. Four tombs were studied representing periods of the late Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period. The tombs were reused as dwellings till the end of the past centuries. This use caused severe alterations in their conditions. The galleries of the tombs have complex geometries. The horizontal passages were excavated in the local limestone formations representing Tarawan Cretaceous, Esna Shale and Theba Limestone formations. The interior parts of the tombs are partly covered by wall paintings. The preservation conditions are very poor. Therefore, an archaeological mission has been working on the exploration and conservation of the site. The current study focuses on the geological conditions and structural aspects of the tombs as preservation measures. It describes the main host rock and gives an overview of its properties. The most important deterioration forms and the trigger mechanism are also explained. The wall paintings and their current conditions were mapped. Non-destructive tests were also made, including vertical moisture and surface strength profiling using a Schmidt hammer. An overview of possible preservation measures and protection of these tombs are also given.