IFAO

Since 1977, the IFAO has been working in the necropolis and the occupation site in Balat, dating mainly from the late Old Kingdom till the early Middle Kingdom (2350 – 2000 BC). One of the most prominent features is the so called Governor’s Palace, which was founded during the reign of Pepi II.

During the last years, the recent excavations in its south-western part provide us not only with an insight into the stratigraphical development during the main occupation phases, but also in the changes and modifications in layout and function of different areas inside the main complex. Still, these first results of the ongoing excavations are raising questions for our understanding of a provincial palace, its organisation and their appearance in our archaeological data. Giving an overview of the current state of research in Ayn Asil, this lecture will focus mainly on the last occupation phase of the complex during the 11th/12th dynasty.