From the Archives

A Sherd's-Eye View of Abydos over a Century of Excavation (1899-2020) by Wendy Doyon

A curious pottery sherd labeled “UQ” emerged in last year’s excavations, during the 2020 field season at the predynastic brewery site in north Abydos. After identifying the label as Flinders Petrie’s designation for the tomb of King Qa’a — excavated by him in 1899 — the “Petrie sherd” took its place among a number of exciting finds reflecting the “archaeology of archaeology” at Abydos last season. Details in our latest video.

Read More

What Is the Shunet el-Zebib? Part One by Wendy Doyon

This is the first installment in a series covering the history of exploration at the Second Dynasty cultic enclosure of King Khasekhemwy (c. 2700 BCE) in North Abydos, known today as the Shunet el-Zebib, or simply as the Shuneh. Join us as we take you on a tour of the most exciting discoveries and important milestones of the last three decades of excavation and architectural conservation at this 5,000-year-old building — one of the oldest surviving structures in the world.

Read More