Department of Near Eastern Languages and Cultures

The 3rd nome of Upper Egypt possessed several regional power centers during Pharaonic history, including its nome capital (Nekhen/Elkab) in the south and the urban centers of Hefat and Gebelein near the northern border of the nome. Several important sites occupy the area between el-Moalla and el-Deir, including necropolises, settlement areas, and an ancient road leading into the Eastern Desert. Textual evidence, particularly the autobiography of Ankhtifi, combined with archaeological material enables a preliminary reconstruction of the political history, social character, and cult topography of this regional unit.