Preliminary Report on the Twenty-First Excavation Season of the Archaeological Expedition to Wad Ben Naga

Abstract

The twenty-first excavation season focused on the continued exploration of the so-called Isis Temple (WBN 300) and chapel WBN 1100. In the temple, the area of the northern corridor, the northern vestibule, and the southern sanctuary were primarily examined, confirming its assumed internal distribution. Numerous fragments of the temple’s iconographic and epigraphic program were retrieved. Furthermore, the southern sanctuary was uncovered and parts of a bark stand that stood in it were found. Amongst notable finds from the temple, there was also a fragment of an abacus previously documented by the Royal Prussian Expedition. Two burials were uncovered in the secondary cemetery over the temple. The excavations in the area of chapel WBN 1100 allowed to estimate its spatial limits and architectural layout. Dozens of fragments of architectural sandstone elements and reliefs coming from the chapel were recorded, adding to the growing evidence of its architectural design and iconographical program. A discard area with remains of cultic equipment and goods presumably used for the management of the cult was documented.