Puzzling Tombs. Digital reconstruction of the Middle Kingdom governors' cemetery at Dayr al-Barsha (Puzzling Tombs)

The rock tombs at Dayr al-Barshā rank among the most important monuments of the Egyptian Middle

Kingdom (c. 2000-1700 BC). However, due to ancient quarrying and looting, this provincial elite

cemetery is now in a dilapidated state. The puzzle of partially in situ architecture grows every year as

hundreds of decorated blocks surface in excavations, but the fragmented state of the remains currently

prohibits an in-depth study. As physical reconstruction is often impossible, the remains will be digitally

reconstructed using cutting edge 3D acquisition techniques. Registration and integration algorithms will

improve the puzzle-solving success by means of a semi-automatic, interactive 3D environment that will

also allow for alterations as new elements surface. With this applied science tool, fundamental research

questions about the evolution of the cemetery and the use life and decoration of its tombs will be

addressed. It will also serve as an aid for heritage preservation in an environment threatened due to the

changing political climate in the Middle East.