Puzzling Tombs. Digital reconstruction of the Egyptian Middle Kingdom governors' cemetery at Dayr al-Barshā

The rock tombs at Dayr al-Barsha 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. Thus making impossible to carry out a physical reconstruction on-site and consequently, a deep study of the tombs is prevented. Therefore, this research aims at digitally reconstructing the remains by using cutting-edge 3D acquisition techniques and novel registration algorithms. Which, not only will help to improve the puzzle-solving success but also allow for alteration as new elements surface, by means of an interactive 3D environment. 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.