Egypt
Tanis – 2012

In the autumn of 2012, Éveha International sent one of their topographers to take part in the Mission Française des Fouilles de Tanis. Unfortunately, technical problems prevented the work from taking place as initially envisaged.

During this season, work continued on a number of wells discovered in the temenos of Mut, one of which was excavated down to the edge of the water table.

Two trenches dug in the north-west corner of the Sacred Lake and the enclosure of Siamun revealed numerous structures which demonstrate the evolution of the area between the 21^st dynasty and the Roman period. Among the most notable discoveries was a circular pottery kiln from the Ptolemaic period. A deep trench dug within the area of the Lake did not reveal a water supply system for filling it.

To the west of the fourth enclosure of the temenos of Mut, investigations focused on areas characterised by the presence of domestic buildings. Remains dating from the Third Intermediate Period were also identified, which seemed to correspond with those from the backyard of a house.

Lastly, a pottery workshop was found in the north-west corner of the later enclosures of the temenos of Mut. The workspace itself was identified, along with the remains of small buildings associated with this craft activity. Traces of modifications to the building were also found, indicating that it had been in use for a certain amount of time. Three kilns were preserved on the site, one of which still contained the last batch of pots fired in it. These objects date the ensemble to the very end of the Roman period or the beginning of the Byzantine period.