Abu Qreiya

In one of the many places called Abu Qreiya (this one is in Wadi Qena about 40 km. before that debouches in the Nile valley) is this hydreuma. In the centre the modern, concrete well can be seen that was sunk here in the beginning of the 20th century:
 
Just west of the hydreuma in Abu Qreiya are these large animal lines. Against the backdrop of the modern railway and the even more recently built asphalt road, they nicely illustrate the continuous urge which men feels to travel:
 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 
Objective of visit:
 
To draw a measured plan of the site and study the surface remains (including the ceramic finds).
Date of visit:
  - June 1999
Fellow visitors:
  Prof.Dr. Steve Sidebotham (University of Delaware).
Results: A survey was performed using the Global Positioning System and a theodolite with Electronic Distance Measuring. Off-site assistance was given by pottery expert Dr. Roberta Tomber (Museum of London). No excavations took place. A full publication of this site is pending.
Approximate position and date of the site:   The hydreuma at Abu Qreiya is in the north-western part of Egyptian Eastern desert, just north of the Qena-Safaga asphalt road and about 40 km. east of Qena in the Nile valley. Surface pottery dated to the beginning of the Roman period (ca. 30 BC- 300 AD).
Short description of the site:   The hydreuma in Abu Qreiya was a stop on the ancient road between the Nile and the Red Sea where travelers could find water, food and shelter for the night. Judging by the size of the ancient remains, Abu Qreiya was important for the traffic, as the area obviously still is today.
Additional remarks: About 500 metres west of this hydreuma are the remains of a second one which is heavily disturbed by the modern railway that passes through the southern half of it. Our work was sponsored by the University of Delaware and private donors.
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