Gebel Zeit
Gebel Zeit (Gebel el-Zeit) is an ancient mining area in Egypt located on the Red Sea coast, south of Ras Gharib. The mountain massif contains mineral resources. During the Egyptian Middle Kingdom and New Kingdom several expeditions went from Coptos to Gebel Zeit.
History
Gebel Zeit is known for its mineral deposits including bitumen (waterproofing, adhesive) and galena. There were two mining sites. One of the sites had a sanctuary with figurines for Min, Horus, Ptah and Hathor.[1]
Middle Bronze Age
Middle Kingdom
In the late Middle Kingdom, Amenemhat III sent expeditions to mine galena.
Second Intermediate Period
In the Second Intermediate Period, expeditions to the galena mine is known during the reigns of Nebnun, Sehotepibre,[2] and Bebiankh and later under Governor Minemhat of Coptos.
Late Bronze Age
New Kingdom
In the New Kingdom expeditions continued under several rulers, with activity under Amenhotep III and the latest securely date during the reign of Ramesses II.[3]
References
- ^ Isabelle Regen and Georges Castel (2020) Female figurines from Gebel el-Zeit (Egypt)
- ^ Maree, M. (2009) The 12th-17th Dynasties at Gebel el-Zeit. Bibliotheca Orientalis. Peeters Publishers.
- ^ Maree 2009