LABYRINTH: Conservation, Analysis and Virtual Reconstruction of the Archaeological Site of Hawara Pyramid and Labyrinth (El Fayoum)

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Hawara is an ancient cemetery site in the south-eastern Fayum region, about 80km south of Cairo. It is the burial place of Amenemhat III, the last great king of the 12th dynasty (about 1855-1808 BC). To the south of the pyramid the Pharaoh constructed a large cult complex (approximately 120 metres by 300 metres), in which the Pharaoh was worshipped as a god for over 1500 years. The huge mortuary temple that originally stood adjacent to this pyramid is believed to have formed the basis of the complex of buildings with galleries and courtyards called a "labyrinth" by Herodotus. In Late Antiquity, the complex was considered as one of the wonders of the world. Despite its historical significance, there have never been clear drawings or details of the labyrinth layout or structure. Due to sustained irrigation water flow under the pyramid and labyrinth site, the archaeological site has become abandoned and is exhibiting signs of severe deterioration. This water flow has developed over the past century with the water level now approximately 5 meters below the topographic surface, and about 7 meters above the lower corridor level. There is an international effort to implement a sustainable conservation strategy and dewatering of the site. It is imperative to understand the level of underground water table, using remote sensing to record water levels and thermal conditions of the acquifer material and hydraulic properties within the chambers and in the Pyramid substructure. There is an urgent need to document and diagnose existing condition and use the latest Virtual Heritage Technologies to produce scenario conservation and recovery models, before any conservation or dewatering work can commence. This 36-months innovative research project offers a breakthrough in the development of state-of-the-art virtual reality interface and repository platform that not only records and documents existing site conditions for interactive visualisation, but more importantly will incorporate structural, thermal and water data within the computerised virtual environment. The outcome of this typological model will feed into the assessement of different scenarios of conservation activities and its potential impact, in advance of implementation. The project team will undertake comprehensive investigative research, and analysis of the site's archaeological records using innovative virtual heritage technologies that will: a) conduct accurate 3D Cloud-point to laser scan and digitally survey, record and model existing conditions of the site; b) utilise state-of-the-art geophysics underground surveys to detect, analyse and model the labyrinth's spatial layout and its water table; c) develop a state-of-the-art interactive virtual platform that integrates remote sending indicators and dataset; d) develop virtual reality experience of the site, as well as mobile app for the site's history and navigation. This project is developed in partnership with the UNESCO Chair at the University of Florence and the National Research Institute of Astronomy and Geophysics, Egypt. It focuses on the use of state-of-the-art laser scanners, and virtual heritage modelling techniques to develop an integrated and interactive model of the site (underground, aboveground and airborne). This comprehensive data set/model will act as a platform for identifying issues, decision making and mapping the dewatering and implementation of the conservation work.