Between Aswan and Khartoum












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            * New CU Exhibition: “Between Aswan and Khartoum”
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            The temporary exhibition ‘Between Aswan and Khartoum: Czech Archaeological Explorations be

            Nile Cataracts’ (13.10.2015 – 11.11.2015; Carolinum, Ovocný trh 3, Praha 1; open daily 10a
            entrance) focuses on the Czech and Czechoslovakian excavations in the area of Nubia, locat
            today northern Sudan and southern Egypt along the river Nile. Having lived in Egypt, I tho

            about its ancient history and the surrounding ancient civilisations. This exhibition prove
            provides a refreshing perspective for those fascinated by this time and region.
            The exhibition focuses on the development of the Czech Institute of Egyptology in parallel

            the finds of many rescue operations in the area. I personally found the focus on Czech Egy
            interesting as it enabled me to explore the work of this world renowned university departm

            University in Prague. 
            The Czech Institute of Egyptology, at that time Czechoslovakian Institute of Egyptology, w
            Charles University in 1958. In 1960 Czechoslovakian Egyptologists, as part of an internati

            rescue effort, were involved in saving a large part of Nubian Cultural Heritage which was 
            as a result of building of a new dam across the Nile at Aswan (formerly spelled Assuan). A
            previously been the site of the earliest large archaeological rescue operation in the worl

            smaller dam was built here in early 20th century.
            As part of the UNESCO rescue effort between 1961 and 1965, the Czechoslovakian team docume
            around the Southern Temple of Tafa and the Roman fortress of Quertassi. The UNESCO rescue 

            finished in 1980 but another was initiated in 2009 for Central Sudan. In this rescue effor
            made extensive surveys in the previously unexplored region of Jebel Sabaloka bringing to l
            network of Mesolithic and Neolithic Settlements.

            Although there are no artefacts on display, there are many beautiful photographs which doc
            discoveries made by the Czech and Czechoslovakian teams. The text of the exhibition is bot
            English and is well illustrated by timelines. The language of the exhibition is academic, 

            accessible as definitions are given. It is worth spending a few minutes watching the film 
            to 1965 expedition as well as having a look at the reconstruction of a mobile base tent as
            archaeologists during the 1960s UNESCO rescue effort.   At the end of the exhibition there

            seating area with many books which allow visitors to explore an even wider range of artefa
            between the Nile Cataracts.
            I would highly recommend the exhibition to anyone who is interested in archaeology or Egyp

            a very enlightening experience as I learnt a lot about Nubian culture as well as the histo
            Czechoslovakian Egyptology. The detailed descriptions and unusual focus mean that this exh
            experience and well worth visiting. 

                                                                                                      
            Margot Abbott studies Anthropology at Durham University and here at the Faculty of Educati
            entrepreneurship and exploring. Whilst in Prague she hopes to learn the language, make the
            from all over Europe and the world. She looks forward to sharing her experiences, via the