Building knowledge
Anatomy of urban earthen architecture in the Pharaonic town of Elephantine
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 23308985 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Jessica Zuzanna Izak (Leipzig University, corresponding author), Martin Sählhof (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 1-12 |
| Publication date | 2026-07-28 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | World Archaeology (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375 |
| Publisher | Informa UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB) |
| DOI | 10.1080/00438243.2026.2701860 |
| OpenAlex | W7171537884 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 9 |
The incorporation of botanical additives into earthen building materials reflects not only practical construction techniques but also broader socioeconomic dynamics. At Elephantine, diachronic analysis of mudbricks, mortar, and plaster from Pharaonic Egypt reveals significant shifts in material recipes. These changes were shaped by evolving environmental conditions, agricultural strategies, and economic priorities, offering valuable insights into resource management practices in an urban context and the building knowledge of ancient workers. Tue selection and integration of plant temper demonstrate how construction methods aligned with the ecological and economic demands of ancient Egyptian society. This research highlights the interplay between material composition and resource use, providing a framework for understanding the adaptive strategies of past communities. Furthermore, the findings underscore the relevance of earthen architecture not only for sustainable building practices today but also for advancing the preservation of cultural heritage, emphasizing the enduring value of one of history’s most resilient architectural traditions.
Period (music) · Urban area · Urban history · Urban planning · Ancient Egypt and Archaeology · Archaeology and Historical Studies · Architecture · Historical and Architectural Studies
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Mudbrick Typology, Sources, and Sedimentological Composition
Mudbricks, Construction Methods, and Stratigraphic Analysis
| Citation velocity | historical |
|---|---|
| Highly cited | No |