When it comes to preserving ancient structures like those at Karnak, detecting hidden damage withinthe stones is just as important as preserving their visible surfaces. To achieve this, we employedultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) testing, a powerful non-destructive...
Beneath the surface of each stone at Karnak lies a wealth of geological information, waiting to beuncovered. Through digital microscopy, we’ve been able to explore the intricate details of sandstonesamples from the site, revealing vital clues about the stones’...
The stone blocks at Karnak are not just relics of the past; they are intricate works of art that speak tothe technical and artistic mastery of ancient Egyptian craftsmen. Among the most fascinating aspectsof these blocks are the distinct carving techniques used to...
Precise documentation is the backbone of our preservation work at Karnak, and one of the mostessential tools in this effort is planimetry, the art of mapping the site with exactitude. As we explorethe ancient stones of Mastabas 1, 2, and 3, every block becomes a piece...
Over time, nature had begun to reclaim parts of Karnak, with invasive plants like Halfa grass weavingtheir roots deep into the cracks of ancient stone blocks. These plants exerted mechanical pressure,slowly widening fractures, dislodging fragments, and accelerating...
Luxor’s unforgiving climate presents a relentless challenge for the preservation of the ancient stoneblocks at Karnak. With daytime temperatures often soaring above 40°C, followed by cooler desertnights, the stones endure constant thermal stress, leading to expansion...
