As our 2024 season draws to a close, the work at the Karnak Temples is far from over. The ongoing conservation of this ancient marvel is a long-term mission, and we are already laying the groundwork for the next phase of our efforts. Our commitment to preserving Karnak’s historical and architectural legacy remains steadfast, and the...

Clearing invasive plants at the Karnak Temples was a critical step not only for maintaining the aesthetic beauty of the site but also for ensuring its long-term preservation. The process went far beyond mere landscaping, it was a key conservation effort aimed at protecting the structural integrity of the temple’s ancient stonework....

Thanks to the combination of photogrammetry and 3D scanning, we've been able to create highly detailed digital models of the stone blocks at the Karnak Temple. These models are not just digital representations, they serve as powerful tools for preserving the past and bringing it to life in innovative ways. Photogrammetry, which involves...

Ultrasonic testing and thermal imaging have opened up an entirely new perspective on the hidden world inside the stones at the archaeological site. These advanced techniques are revealing hidden internal fractures and areas of moisture accumulation that are not visible to the naked eye. Such invisible vulnerabilities in the stonework...

Ancient stones like those that form the magnificent temples of Karnak, are remarkable in their ability to withstand centuries of history. However, even the strongest materials are not impervious to the ravages of time. Our analysis of the stone blocks at Karnak has revealed that several environmental factors contribute to the gradual...

Preserving Karnak is not just the work of one team or one nation; it is a collective effort that bringstogether experts, archaeologists, and institutions from around the world. The monumental task ofconserving and studying one of Egypt’s most iconic ancient sites requires diverse expertise andresources. That’s why our work at Karnak is...

One of the most exciting aspects of Karnak stones project team at Karnak is the process of linkingindividual blocks to their original locations within the Great Hypostyle Hall, one of the most iconicfeatures of the temple complex. Through meticulous documentation and historical comparisons,we've been able to trace several blocks back to...

Salt crystallization is one of the most persistent and damaging threats to the preservation ofsandstone structures at Karnak. Over time, moisture from the environment seeps into the stone, andwhen the water evaporates, salts trapped within the stone can crystallize. These salt crystals canexpand, causing internal fractures and surface...

 s we carefully examine the stone blocks at Karnak, we’ve discovered remnants of something truly remarkable: traces of the vibrant pigments that once brought the temple walls to life. These ancient hues, red, blue, yellow, and black, offer a rare glimpse into the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian civilization. The pigments,...

At Karnak, every stone block has a story to tell (Every scratch and groove tells a story), but many ofthese stories are hidden beneath layers of weathering and time. To reveal these concealed details, weturned to an extraordinary technique: Reflectance Transformation Imaging (RTI). This cutting-edgemethod allows us to capture the finest...

Our work at Karnak goes far beyond the technical aspects of studying and conserving ancient stones.It’s a deep commitment to preserving a cultural legacy that has stood for millennia, connecting past,present, and future generations. Each step we take, from documenting every crack in the stones toscanning each block and removing invasive...

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 create the elaborate reliefs that adornthem. Two primary techniques stand...

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 of a puzzle, and it is vital thatwe record each one’s exact location...

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 the weathering of preciousinscriptions and carvings. Left unchecked,...

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 and contraction that cancause micro-fractures over time. Intense UV...

The scattered blocks in the northeast corner of Karnak are more than just remnants of a glorious past,they’re vital pieces of ancient Egyptian history. Many blocks, linked to the reigns of Seti I andRamesses II, still carry traces of colorful pigments and intricate carvings depicting religiousceremonies and historical events. These...

Preserving Karnak’s ancient legacy takes a dedicated team of experts, each bringing unique skills and passion to the project. Our Spanish-Egyptian joint mission is led by Dr. Abdelrhman Fahmy, Prof. Dr. Salvador Domínguez Bella, Prof. Dr. Eduardo Molina Piernas, and M.Sc. Ana Durante Macías. We’re also supported by a hardworking team of...

The Spanish-Egyptian archaeological mission, led by the University of Cádiz, began its 2024 season at the northeast corner of Karnak, focusing on preserving scattered sandstone blocks that hold centuries of history. These blocks, adorned with inscriptions and carvings, face significant threats from environmental stress, plant...