The Threat to Nubia

Abstract

The building of a high dam above the first cataract of the Nile near Aswan has presented anthropologists with a salvage problem of the first magnitude. Thousands of archaeological sites will be inundated ranging in time from the Paleolithic to early Christian (Coptic) periods. Since this area is one of the cradles of mankind, this presents a challenge to the entire civilized world.

Discussed are the present international solutions to this problem through the United Nations, Economic, Social, and Cultural Organization, the new and liberal excavation policies of the Egyptian and Nubian governments, and the establishment of various international committees organized to implement these policies.

Work already under way of these committees is summarized. Both the current and planned work of the 10 countries now involved are listed. The problems and policies concerned with the removal and preservation of temples too large to remove are discussed.