Project
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.