Building knowledge

Anatomy of urban earthen architecture in the Pharaonic town of Elephantine

Datos Bibliográficos

ID23308985
AutoresJessica Zuzanna Izak (Leipzig University, autor de correspondencia), Martin Sählhof (Deutsches Archäologisches Institut, Abteilung Rom)
Año2026
Páginas1-12
Fecha de publicación2026-07-28
Peer ReviewedSí
Open AccessSí
TipoARTICLE
RevistaWorld Archaeology (JOURNAL)
Identificadores de la revistaISSN: 0043-8243 • E-ISSN: 1470-1375
EditorialInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/00438243.2026.2701860
OpenAlexW7171537884
IdiomaEN
Referencias citadas9

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