The analysis of contemporary and archival satellite images and archaeological documentations presents the possibility of monitoring the state of archaeological sites in the Near East (for example, Palmyra in Syria). As it will be demonstrated in the case of Upper Egyptian sites, the rapid growth of agricultural lands and settlements can pose a great threat to sites localized on the border of fields and the desert. As a case study, the Qena district was chosen, a region of significance for the history of ancient Egypt. To trace the expansion of agriculture and the development of modern settlements, a synthesis of archival maps (from the last 200 years), and archival and contemporary satellite images was created. By applying map algebra to these documents, it was possible to determine areas which may be marked as “Archaeological Hazard Zones”. The analysis helped to trace the expansion of agricultural areas during the last 200 years and the influence of both—ancient Egyptians and the Nile—on the local landscape.

The Northern Necropolis of Gebelein was a place of important discoveries, e.g. an archive of Old Kingdom papyri, the Tomb of Unknowns, and the Tomb of the General Iti II. Several excavations have taken place there, but none have been sufficiently published. The archaeological contexts of these discoveries are poorly known, which limits their research value. Archival data from two unpublished excavations can help to understand the archaeological topography of the eastern part of this cemetery. The current survey of the area enables the authors to understand the progress of previous excavations, to locate in the field some of the archaeological features discovered during the twentieth century excavations, and contributes to contextualisation of some of the artefacts which were discovered at the cemetery. The necropolis in question presents the development of an important, provincial burial ground which can contribute to the understanding of the history of the region and the funerary traditions in provincial areas. Worth to note are the peculiarities, such as an Old Kingdom mastaba with subsidiary burials within its walls, mummified dogs in a Twelfth Dynasty tomb, and Nubian influence on local funerary customs.

Fieldwork in early 2019 by the Gebelein Archaeological Project encompassed surveys of two cemeteries situated south of the ancient town of Per-Hathor/Pathyris in the area of the Eastern Mountain of Gebelein. One of these is dated to the Old Kingdom and the First Intermediate Period, the other tentatively to Fatimid times. The third survey searched for local chert sources on the Western Mountain, investigating a local tradition of lithic tool production.