Tarkhan, Ancient burial ground in Nile Valley, Egypt
Tarkhan is an ancient burial site spread across the desert landscape, featuring a mix of deep shaft tombs and rectangular stone structures called mastabas. The remains span different periods and show how burial practices evolved over generations.
The site was founded during Egypt's Early Dynastic Period and remained in use as a burial ground across many generations. It marks an important phase in the development of Egyptian tomb architecture before more monumental structures emerged.
The necropolis served as a mirror of Egyptian society, with elaborate tombs for the wealthy positioned alongside simpler burials of ordinary people. This spatial arrangement reveals how the living world's social order continued into the realm of the dead.
The site sits in open desert terrain that can be challenging to navigate, especially during the hottest months of the year. Bring plenty of water and sun protection, and plan your visit for early morning or late afternoon when conditions are more comfortable.
Excavations here uncovered cloth and clothing made from cotton and linen that rank among the world's oldest known textiles. These finds reveal that Egyptian craftspeople could produce fabrics of remarkable quality in remarkably early times.
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