ULVS XXV: The Gsur and Associated Settlements in the Wadi Umm el Kharab: an Architectural Survey

Abstract

AbstractDuring the final field season of the UNESCO Libyan Valleys Survey a detailed examination of the eight gsur in the Wadi Umm el Kharab was undertaken and is reported upon in this article. The work involved an architectural survey of the buildings, with accurate plans being made of two of them and measured sketches made of the others. Small scale excavations were undertaken in two of the gsur and the associated settlements were investigated. The study highlighted the diversity in design and construction of the buildings, three major types being noted. The chronological and social implications of this diversity are discussed. The possible functions of the gsur and of the individual rooms within them are considered, but much more work is required before the relationship of the gsur and the settlements which exist immediately adjacent to them can be discussed in a meaningful way.