Travelling the Korosko Road: Archaeological Exploration in Sudan's Eastern Desert

This volume presents accounts of archaeological exploration in the Sudanese Eastern Desert over the last 30 years, including findings from the Centro Ricerche sul Deserto Orientale (CeRDO) and a 2013 documentation project on pharaonic rock-inscriptions discovered along the Korosko Road. The CeRDO record and photographic database are valuable, as many sites have been disturbed or destroyed by recent gold mining activities.

Format: Hardback
Length: 252 pages
Publication date: 03 December 2020
Publisher: Archaeopress

This comprehensive volume presents accounts of archaeological exploration conducted over the past 30 years in the Eastern Desert of Sudan. Divided into two interconnected sections, the first section focuses on the remarkable findings from the Centro Ricerche sul Deserto Orientale (CeRDO), an Italian research center based in Varese. Under the direction of Alfredo and Angelo Castiglioni, CeRDO embarked on a pioneering program of expeditions between 1989 and 2006. These expeditions traversed the renowned Korosko Road, the primary desert route connecting Egypt and Sudan, and explored numerous other tracks throughout the Eastern Desert. Their journey unveiled a rich archaeological landscape, revealing hundreds of previously undocumented sites, some of which had been frequented for millennia. Prominent among these sites were gold-production areas and their associated settlements, which contained invaluable artifacts and remnants of ancient civilizations.

The CeRDO record, comprising a photographic database and the material retrieved during these expeditions, holds even greater significance today. Unfortunately, many of these sites have been severely disturbed and even destroyed by recent gold mining activities. The second section of the volume introduces the historical significance of the Korosko Road and provides a detailed account of a single, short season of documentation conducted in 2013. Organized under the auspices and support of the Sudan Archaeological Research Society, the project aimed to meticulously record a group of pharaonic rock inscriptions discovered by CeRDO expeditions. These inscriptions, primarily located along the Korosko Road, are closely linked to the colonial gold-working industry. In addition to recording and studying the rock inscriptions, the project also involved extensive investigation and mapping of the wider context, as well as the recording and analysis of associated archaeological material, particularly ceramic remains.

The results of this project are remarkable and provide valuable insights into the rich cultural heritage of the Eastern Desert. The detailed recording of the rock inscriptions, coupled with the comprehensive investigation and mapping of the surrounding area, enhances our understanding of the historical and economic significance of this region during the colonial era. The study of ceramic remains sheds light on the daily lives and technological advancements of the ancient inhabitants, contributing to a more comprehensive picture of the past.

Overall, this volume serves as a testament to the tireless efforts of archaeologists and researchers who have dedicated their lives to exploring and documenting the hidden treasures of the Eastern Desert. It provides a valuable resource for scholars, students, and enthusiasts alike, shedding light on the rich history and cultural heritage of Sudan.

Weight: 1100g
Dimension: 212 x 298 x 20 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781789698039