BOOKS by Patryk Chudzik
The book "Tajemnice egipskich grobowców/Secrets of Egyptian tombs" is a concise description of fu... more The book "Tajemnice egipskich grobowców/Secrets of Egyptian tombs" is a concise description of funerary beliefs of ancient Egyptians. The author shows the stages of the "passing" of the human soul to the Land of the Dead on the basis of the latest research conducted by archeologists from Wrocław at the North Asasif necropolis. Artefacts held in Polish museum collections, displayed at the first Wrocław exhibition focussing on the subject of life and death in ancient Egypt, are an important supplement of the research.
Egyptian Archaeology by Patryk Chudzik
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean, 2022
Around 1000 BCE, an earthquake brought down many temples in Western Thebes, thus putting an end t... more Around 1000 BCE, an earthquake brought down many temples in Western Thebes, thus putting an end to the cult centre at Deir el-Bahari which had been a key site for the celebration of the Beautiful Feast of the Valley all through the New Kingdom. Within a few dozen years the deserted chapels and rooms of the Hatshepsut temple were turned into a burial ground. The necropolis established on the ruins of one of the most famous temples of Egypt was first excavated in the 19th century; however, current work by the Polish Centre of Mediterranean Archaeology University of Warsaw expedition in the Hathor cult complex of the temple of the female pharaoh has resulted in the discovery of a group of shaft tombs and a great number of burial remains. These new finds have instigated a revisiting of both the topography and the chronology of this reuse of the older monument, as well as a contextualization of the work of the early explorers which has gradually been forgotten partly through lack of proper documentation.
Journal of African Archaeology, 2022
The recent discovery of Nile crocodile remains in the mortuary complexes of two high-ranking cour... more The recent discovery of Nile crocodile remains in the mortuary complexes of two high-ranking courtiers of Nebhepetra Mentuhotep II, located in the early Middle Kingdom necropolis in the valley of North Asasif, opened the way to an exploration of the role of reptile remains in funerary contexts. The skeletal remains, which were not mummified, consisted of fragments of the skull and mandible, loose teeth, and osteoderms. This paper explores the association that may have existed between the deceased and the crocodile god Sobek, whom the ancient Egyptians identified with pharaonic power, inundation and fertility. From the Middle Kingdom, Sobek, who was believed to have risen from the Primeval Waters, was merged with the sun-god Ra, and in the solar form of Sobek-Ra was made part of the eternal journey of the sun from the east to the west. This association was also reflected in the Spells of the Coffin Texts, in which the deceased became Sobek.
Deir el-Bahari Studies 3 (=Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 30/1), 2021
Throughout its existence the Temple of Hatshepsut, as well as two other royal sanctuaries, the te... more Throughout its existence the Temple of Hatshepsut, as well as two other royal sanctuaries, the temples of Mentuhotep II and Thutmose III, located in the great bay of Deir el-Bahari, have been under constant threat of falling rocks from the overhanging Theban cliff. The PCMA UW archaeological expedition at Deir el-Bahari, which has progressed with the study and conservation of the Hatshepsut temple since the 1960s, has implemented a project designed to address the issue of the protection of the temple from damages that could be caused by environmental processes (rainwater and seismic activity) affecting the Theban cliff behind the monument. In a geological survey of the fractured limestone cliff, the evidence from 31 observation stations was appraised and samples of Esna Shale and Theban Limestone were examined in order to ascertain the degree of the cliff's instability and fragility. The results were used to prepare a 2D model presenting the environmental processes threatening the ancient substance.
Deir el-Bahari Studies 3 Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 30/1), 2021
The paper presents the results of archaeological exploration in parts of the Hatshesut Temple, ca... more The paper presents the results of archaeological exploration in parts of the Hatshesut Temple, carried out by the Polish-Egyptian team in the 2020/2021 season. Excavations focused on the Southern Room of Amun on the Third Terrace of the Temple, the platform of the Hathor Shrine on the Middle Terrace level, and the so-called Hathor Path located between the southern retaining wall of the Middle Terrace and the northern stone wall of the main enclosure of Mentuhotep II's mortuary complex. Of particular interest are the finds from an early Middle Kingdom rock-cut tomb in the western part of the Hathor Path, where remains of the original burial assemblage, a large deposit of votive offerings to the goddess Hathor and fragments of a yellow coffin were discovered.
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean 29/2, 2020
The early Middle Kingdom mortuary complexes of Khety and Meru continued to be the main research t... more The early Middle Kingdom mortuary complexes of Khety and Meru continued to be the main research target of the Polish Archaeological Mission to North Asasif in the two winter seasons of 2018/2019 and 2020. The rubble dump on the eastern side of Khety's forecourt, left over from the 1922/1923 excavation, was now explored, leading to the discovery of hundreds of objects-fragments of wooden statues and models, cartonnages and coffins, shabti figurines and pottery-shedding light on the Middle Kingdom burial assemblages as well as the later usurpation of the tomb, mainly in the Third Intermediate Period. Conservation objectives included treatment of the decorated burial crypt and sarcophagus in the tomb of Meru and stabilization and cleaning of the plaster decoration in the mortuary cult chapel of Khety. The season in 2018/2019 was also devoted to a reconnaissance of the underground structures and protection of tomb MMA 507. Specialists studies of finds from the excavations, both recent and earlier, were continued.
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean, 2018
Middle Kingdom burial assemblages as well as funerary equipment from the Third Intermediate Perio... more Middle Kingdom burial assemblages as well as funerary equipment from the Third Intermediate Period uncovered at the North Asasif necropolis during the recent fourth season of archaeological research in 2017 have provided important insight into the development of the necropolis during the Pharaonic era. Seven Middle Kingdom funerary complexes: tomb of Khety (TT 311), MMA 509, MMA 511, MMA 512, MMA 514, MMA 515 and tomb of Meru (TT 240) were targeted in this fieldwork. At the same time, the presence of a Coptic hermitage inside the tomb of Meru, revealed in the process of cleaning the funerary complex, demonstrated its continued use in the late Roman age.
Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean, 2017
In the third season of the Polish Asasif Project at the North Asasif Necropolis in West Thebes ar... more In the third season of the Polish Asasif Project at the North Asasif Necropolis in West Thebes archaeological fieldwork concentrated on six of the Middle Kingdom rock-cut tombs: MMA 508/TT 311, MMA 509, MMA 512, MMA 514, MMA 515 and MMA 517/TT 240. The corridors and chambers were cleared and the architecture documented and restored. A surface survey was carried out on the slope. Of greatest interest among the finds are Middle Kingdom stone-mason's tools and cartonnages from the Third Intermediate Period.
The article describes the architecture of the tomb of Horhotep, an offi cial at the court of Senw... more The article describes the architecture of the tomb of Horhotep, an offi cial at the court of Senwosret I, which is situated at the necropolis of North Asasif in Western Thebes. The structure was built in the row of sepulchral complexes, which belonged to high-ranking offi cials from the times of the reign of Mentuhotep II. The tomb belongs to the rock tomb type. The layout and shape of the chambers and passages corresponds with the local Theban tradition of the construction of private sepulchral complexes. The exceptional character of the complex can be seen in the layout of the parts carved in the bedrock. As a result of the research into the architecture of the tomb, two phases of its development have been distinguished. The fi rst was associated with the carving of the classic tomb for Horhotep. In the second phase, another cult chapel and the second burial chamber were added, where, as one can only speculate, the son of the offi cial was supposed to be buried.
Investigations in the North Asasif necropolis, conducted by a team of Polish archaeologists in 20... more Investigations in the North Asasif necropolis, conducted by a team of Polish archaeologists in 2015, focused on three Middle Kingdom complexes: MMA 508/TT 311, MMA 511, and MMA 517/TT 240. A surface collection of finds from the courtyards was studied and prepared for storage, and artifacts from inside the tombs were documented. The overall picture of illicit penetration of the complexes in later periods and their reuse, mainly in the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period, is supported by the finds. Moreover, proof of the presence of Coptic monks was found in tomb MMA 517/TT 240.
Excavations in the area of tomb MMA 1152 at Sheikh Abd el-Gurna, conducted since 2003, have uncov... more Excavations in the area of tomb MMA 1152 at Sheikh Abd el-Gurna, conducted since 2003, have uncovered a substantial set of faience objects coming from burials made there during the later Pharaonic Period, before the tomb became a hermitage for Coptic monks. Analysis of the material points to several episodes of reuse of the original Middle Kingdom structure in the Third Intermediate Period and the Late Period.
In the 2013/2014 season, a Polish team from the University of Wrocław started work in the norther... more In the 2013/2014 season, a Polish team from the University of Wrocław started work in the northern part of the Asasif necropolis, near the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut in Deir el-Bahari. An archaeological survey was carried out on the Asasif slope. Cleaning work and documentation were undertaken of the architecture of four private tombs: MMA 509/TT 312, MMA 512, MMA 513/TT 314 and MMA 514, as well as the archaeological finds thereof. The rock-cut tombs belong to a Middle Kingdom necropolis and were all reused in later times, especially in the Third Intermediate Period and Late Period.
Theban tomb 1152 is situated on an unnamed hill to the south of the Valley, where an
unfinished ... more Theban tomb 1152 is situated on an unnamed hill to the south of the Valley, where an
unfinished mortuary complex of Amenemhat Sehetepibre is located. The original design of the
tomb seems to originate from the Middle Kingdom. Pharaonic material still present in the tomb
and datable to a period from the Second Intermediate Period to the beginning of the Late Period,
as well as Coptic remains, indicate that the tomb was repeatedly reused. The complex consisted of
an open courtyard and a rock-cut interior featuring an entrance corridor ending in a cult chamber.
A shaft opening in the floor of the cult chamber has not been fully excavated yet.
The Ślęża Massif by Patryk Chudzik
Archäologisches Korrespondenzblatt, 2021
The Ślęża Massif, a vast nature reserve and a complex of archaeological sites, has for many years... more The Ślęża Massif, a vast nature reserve and a complex of archaeological sites, has for many years been considered to be
a place of religious practices. However, the latest research has shed a completely new light on this issue. As a matter
of fact, this mountainous area played not only a cult role, but most of all it served as a place of refuge and exploitation
of natural resources from prehistoric times up to the modern era. The aim of this paper is to present the results
of the excavation on Mount Radunia, located on the southern side of the massif, and the discovery of remains of a
building found next to Kacza Kałuża, a natural water reservoir and the centre of this archaeological site. The building
was erected as a semi-subterranean construction with a free-standing wooden superstructure in the form of a gabled
roof. Furthermore, the exploration of the building yielded a large amount of artefacts, which revealed the Late Bronze
Age date of the construction and the utilitarian character of the site of Radunia.
WSTęP abstract: The article reports on an investigation of Gozdnica, a peak in the northern area ... more WSTęP abstract: The article reports on an investigation of Gozdnica, a peak in the northern area of Mount Ślęża. The first surface survey made of the site in 2008 was followed in later seasons by more surface survey studies and excavation of test trenches investigating features 1 and 4. An earth-and-stone rampart was identified enclosing the site on its northe and south side. in an area within this structure smaller structures were identified, of piled up earth and stones, their plan sub-rectangular. An iron horseshoe recovered during the fieldwork was dated to turn of the 14th and the 15th centuries.
(CO)-EDITED WORKS by Patryk Chudzik
Deir el-Bahari Vol. 3: Studies and Current Research, 2021
The third volume of Deir el-Bahari Studies, presenting recent fieldwork and current research in t... more The third volume of Deir el-Bahari Studies, presenting recent fieldwork and current research in the Temple of Hatshepsut and the broader context of the Deir el-Bahari valley in Western Thebes, is traditionally published as a Special Studies fascicle of the PAM Journal. From the outset of this mini-series, which has proved a handy and informative way of presenting the results of current work carried out in and around Hatshepsut’s memorial temple, the aim of the Editors has been to present the widest possible chronological and problematic spectrum, which perfectly reflects the nature of the challenge faced by members of archaeological expeditions from many countries around the world working at this unique site.
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BOOKS by Patryk Chudzik
Egyptian Archaeology by Patryk Chudzik
unfinished mortuary complex of Amenemhat Sehetepibre is located. The original design of the
tomb seems to originate from the Middle Kingdom. Pharaonic material still present in the tomb
and datable to a period from the Second Intermediate Period to the beginning of the Late Period,
as well as Coptic remains, indicate that the tomb was repeatedly reused. The complex consisted of
an open courtyard and a rock-cut interior featuring an entrance corridor ending in a cult chamber.
A shaft opening in the floor of the cult chamber has not been fully excavated yet.
The Ślęża Massif by Patryk Chudzik
a place of religious practices. However, the latest research has shed a completely new light on this issue. As a matter
of fact, this mountainous area played not only a cult role, but most of all it served as a place of refuge and exploitation
of natural resources from prehistoric times up to the modern era. The aim of this paper is to present the results
of the excavation on Mount Radunia, located on the southern side of the massif, and the discovery of remains of a
building found next to Kacza Kałuża, a natural water reservoir and the centre of this archaeological site. The building
was erected as a semi-subterranean construction with a free-standing wooden superstructure in the form of a gabled
roof. Furthermore, the exploration of the building yielded a large amount of artefacts, which revealed the Late Bronze
Age date of the construction and the utilitarian character of the site of Radunia.
(CO)-EDITED WORKS by Patryk Chudzik
unfinished mortuary complex of Amenemhat Sehetepibre is located. The original design of the
tomb seems to originate from the Middle Kingdom. Pharaonic material still present in the tomb
and datable to a period from the Second Intermediate Period to the beginning of the Late Period,
as well as Coptic remains, indicate that the tomb was repeatedly reused. The complex consisted of
an open courtyard and a rock-cut interior featuring an entrance corridor ending in a cult chamber.
A shaft opening in the floor of the cult chamber has not been fully excavated yet.
a place of religious practices. However, the latest research has shed a completely new light on this issue. As a matter
of fact, this mountainous area played not only a cult role, but most of all it served as a place of refuge and exploitation
of natural resources from prehistoric times up to the modern era. The aim of this paper is to present the results
of the excavation on Mount Radunia, located on the southern side of the massif, and the discovery of remains of a
building found next to Kacza Kałuża, a natural water reservoir and the centre of this archaeological site. The building
was erected as a semi-subterranean construction with a free-standing wooden superstructure in the form of a gabled
roof. Furthermore, the exploration of the building yielded a large amount of artefacts, which revealed the Late Bronze
Age date of the construction and the utilitarian character of the site of Radunia.