ARCHEAOLOGICAL EXCAVATION*
Marea, Egypt

Conservation Mission 2005 **

Marea is situated on the south bank of Lake Mariut, about 20 miles southwest of Alexandria. In the past, the Marea region was known for its rich plantations of fruit and wine production, with the ports and waterways distributing goods throughout the Mediterranean cities during the Ptolomaic and Roman times. Gradually, in time, the Marea region lost its importance, and the rich and flourishing centers fell into oblivion.
The Marea excavation project has been in progress for the past few years, and become notable for its urban context and multilayered history. A very scarce land surrounded by marshes forced the ancient builders to use every available piece of land and also build over the older structures, hence providing the archaeologists with few but rich and densely built sites. The most notable excavated objects include the Roman baths, mule powered water wheels, a burial chapel, and one of the largest early Christian Basilica in the region (latter, being subject of our project).
The objective of the 2005 conservation project was to secure and stabilize the remaining interlocking structures of the Basilica apse, which was laid over the grille of a gigantic abandoned pottery kiln (approx. 24ft. diameter, one of the largest discovered), and a supporting stone wall set across the kiln. A concrete reinforced beam was cast into the excavated (filled with loose infill) cavity above the stone wall to support the existing over structure of the apse, stabilize the wall, and allow for deeper exploration of the kiln. Various masonry repairs were conducted to further reinforce the wall, including filling in of the mortar joints, filling oversized gaps with mortar and stone, and after completion of the concrete cast, reconstruction of the missing stone steps of the apse.
This work was the first phase of the restoration program planned for the basilica/kiln complex, with a goal to secure its content (create a permanent enclosure) and to create conditions allowing visitors to access the site.
The construction and conservation work under the direction of the members of the Mission was done by the local craftsmen from the nearby villages, and built with materials obtained on the local market.
The execution of this project, given a very short time on site, was possible thanks to a great support, enthusiasm and cooperation of all involved parties.

*Excavations conducted by Polish Center of Mediterranean Archaeology of Warsaw University, Mission at Marea, Egypt, under direction of Dr. Hanna Szymanska and Dr. Krzysztof Babraj.
Egyptian Archaeological Supervision: Mr. Hammed El Sayed Elhosaini, Alexandria Antiquities Department 13 El Shohada Street, Alexandria, Egypt.

**Conservation Mission 2005 sponsored by Bone/Levine Architects, conservation work supervision by Barbara Wronska Kucy, R.A. Technical Assistance and photography by Jacek M. Kucy. Engineering guidance: Edy Zingher, Etna Consulting.
Egyptian Conservation Supervision: Mr. Abdelhaye Shehata Abdelfatah, A Greek Roman Museum in Alexandria, Department of Restoration.