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Abydos Survey for Paleolithic Sites Report of the 2000 Season
The goals of the 2000 season of the ASPS project were threefold: (1) to examine different topographic situations for the presence and density of Paleolithic sites; (2) to determine the chronological/cultural affiliation of the sites; and (3) to make a preliminary assessment of their taphonomic integrity and therefore their potential for future excavation. The areas investigated included the Wadi al-Jir, the Wadi Benni Hamil and a tributary wadi to it, and the Wadi Umm Ghab (including the high desert surrounding it and areas near its mouth. The results exceeded our expectations. In total more than 20 sites were identified including clear examples of chopper/chopping tool industries, Acheulian, Nubian type 1 and 2 industries including bifacial foliates, the so-called Nile Valley Middle Paleolithic Complex, and Upper Paleolithic. These sites formed discrete loci on the landscape with high densities of diagnostic lithic elements. They appear to have a high degree of spatial integrity given the presence of numerous refits including preserved lithic knapping episodes. This reconnaissance documents the presence of Paleolithic sites of these types in areas immediately adjacent to the Nile Valley, thus making a significant contribution to our understanding of the earliest occupations there. Based on these results we look forward to formulating and submitting a research plan of intensive systematic survey and excavation to fully realize the Paleolithic research potential at Abydos. Image caption: Harold Dibble (in the red Phillies hat) takes a ride on a camel at Abydos to survey the area for possible Paleolithic sites. |
From
January 19 through 23, 2000 the Abydos Survey for Paleolithic
Sites (ASPS) project conducted a reconnaissance survey within
the Abydos 15 k concession to ascertain the potential for future
Paleolithic research. The team consisted of Shannon P. McPherron
(Bishop Museum), Deborah I. Olszewski (University of Pennsylvania
Museum), Harold L. Dibble (University of Pennsylvania), and Marie
Soressi (University of Bordeaux).