Earth, as a building material, played an important role in making possible the development of the ancient kingdoms along the Nile Valley from its earliest periods. However, this outstanding earthen heritage remains poorly known, while its resulting archaeological assets are increasingly threatened due to neglect, human activities, as well as by climatic and ecological changes (e.g., heavy rains, dam construction, extension of cultivation areas, soil salinisation), etc.

The hypothesis of the ANR Nile’s Earth project is that specific solutions are needed to effectively preserve and protect this heritage. Its aim is to explore the potential of multidisciplinary approaches for a better identification and knowledge of these earthen archaeological remains, the assessment of their state of conservation, and the definition of adapted and sustainable conservation methods and techniques. The assumption is that, to be relevant, conservation protocols must rely on a thorough knowledge of ancient building techniques and materials, as well as the original building culture.

Within this framework, the Nile’s Earth International Conference aims at stimulating an international debate towards better characterisation and long-term management of earthen architecture of the ancient Nile Valley, including potential lessons to be learnt to address some of the current concerns for a more sustainable development.

Researchers from different backgrounds and disciplines are invited to share their own experiences, issues and results on the three main themes of the conference which will be the basis for discussions towards a better knowledge, recognition and valorisation of this outstanding heritage of Egypt and Sudan in accordance with international standards and recommendations.

The ANR project Nile’s Earth (2021-2024) is led by the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Grenoble (ENSAG-UGA) in collaboration with the UMR 5189 Histoire et Sources des Mondes Antiques (CNRS), UMR 8167 Orient & Méditerranée (CNRS), the International Centre for Earthen Construction (CRAterre), the French Institute of Oriental Archaeology in Cairo (Ifao), the Centre Franco-Égyptien d’Étude des Temples de Karnak (CFEETK, CNRS/MoTA), and the Section française de la direction des antiquités du Soudan (SFDAS). ANR-21-CE27-0019-01