AIA Site Preservation Projects
The archaeological site of Deir el-Ballas was a capital for the Theban kings at the end of the Middle Kingdom period and served as a military base when the Thebans waged a war against the Hyksos. Today, the site is at risk from looting and more significantly from the expansion of the modern town of Deir el-Gharbi. Preservation work at Deir el-Ballas will be undertaken by the Ancient Egyptian Heritage and Archaeology Fund and American University in Cairo. Project members, led by Dr. Peter Lacovara, will address the damage that has been done to the site, develop a long term site protection plan in conjunction with the state antiquities service, and engage the local population in the preservation efforts.
Reconstruction work on South Palace at Deir el-Ballas. Photo Courtesy Peter Lacovara.
South Palace clearing collapsed rubble at Deir el-Ballas
Deir el-Ballas South Palace stabilzation. Photo Courtesy Peter Lacovara.
Cleaning trash from North Palace at Deir el-Ballas
Deir el-Ballas Hose by North Palace threatened by Cemetery
Deir el-Ballas Site map
March 27, 2020
The AIA's 2019 Site Preservation Grant will fund preservation work taking place at Deir el-Ballas in Egypt.
The AIA is North America's largest and oldest nonprofit organization dedicated to archaeology. The Institute advances awareness, education, fieldwork, preservation, publication, and research of archaeological sites and cultural heritage throughout the world. Your contribution makes a difference.
