SASA Master Class: Environmental Archaeology: Reconstructing Ancient Environments in Dakhla Oasis, Egypt

This master class introduces environmental archaeology, an interdisciplinary field that reconstructs the past, by examining how scientists analyse ancient environments using scientific evidence. Particular attention will be given to the Dakhla Oasis in Egypt's Western Desert (e.g. the Sheikh Muftah culture). In addition to aiding the reconstruction of historical contexts, the study of ancient environments deepens our understanding of human resilience and adaptation. This knowledge offers valuable insights into how we might respond to current environmental challenges. Participants will receive an accessible introduction to environmental archaeology and discover how archaeologists utilise scientific evidence to understand ancient environments and human adaptations in desert regions.

Participants will explore the fundamentals of environmental archaeology, methods of reconstructing ancient landscapes, and case studies from Dakhla Oasis and the Sheikh Muftah culture.

Participants will learn how past societies adapted to environmental and climatic changes through selected readings and case studies. By the end of the session, they…