Stratigraphic Section of Limestone and Shale Rocks in Upper Egypt

In this photo, I stand in front of a geological sequence composed of limestone and shale layers in the Hammamiya area of Assiut Governorate (Upper Egypt). This rock formation not only exhibits distinct sedimentary features, but also contains ancient Egyptian carvings, including rock-cut tombs and subterranean passages. It serves as a powerful example of the interplay between human activity and geological landscapes in antiquity.

Here, the sedimentary rocks were not merely a passive backdrop, but an active medium integral to the funerary and architectural practices of ancient Egypt. The contrast between the hardness of limestone and the malleability of shale was skillfully utilized for both symbolic and functional purposes.

By Ahmed Mohy
Photo taken during a geo-archaeological field visit.