Members of the Timber Framers Guild not only built the wooden framing on the obelisk in Aswan, Egypt that NOVA tried to raise in March 1999
(see Rising Toward the Sun),
but more importantly ran the entire operation at the quarry in Chelmsford, Mass.,
which succeeded at last in erecting a large granite obelisk (see
Obelisk Raised!). The guild's site
is chock-full of photos and lively descriptions of the entire Chelmsford
operation, including the key individuals involved.
The official Web site of KV5, an exciting new excavation led by archaeologist Kent
Weeks, takes you inside this tomb with movies, QuickTime VRs and maps. The site also offers a tour of Thebes,
an overview of the Valley of the Kings and an excellent introduction to Egyptology.
ABZU is a comprehensive guide to the information relevant to the study and public presentation of the Ancient Near East via the Internet. The site provides links to the latest news, publications, research archives, archaeological sites, maps and atlases.
The Archaeological Institute of America (AIA) is a non-profit and educational organization dedicated to the encouragement and support of archaeological research and publication. Their site provides information on local societies, lecture programs, fellowships, events, current projects, tours, and links to archives.
The American Research Center in Egypt is the professional society in the United States of specialists on Egypt of all periods. The site provides information on the latest programs, events, projects, local ARCE chapters, research opportunities, resources and publications.
ASOR's mission is to initiate, encourage and support research and public
understanding of the peoples and cultures of the Near East from the earliest times. On their page,
you can find out more about their education program, events, overseas centers, publications,
excavations, and other resources.
The National Engineers Week Committee unveils plans for its 49th meeting which include numerous activities to showcase new projects and programs intended to spread the message of engineering's importance to society. The site also provides adolescents with an opprtunity to investigate a host of engineering achievements designed to inspire their interest in engineering.
The American Research Center in Egypt has compiled a list of research experiences
in Egypt. Opportunities include field work, examining paleoenvironmental factors, surveying, helping with excavations, and conserving sites and various finds.
The American Schools of Oriental Research has compiled a list of expeditions that have received approval by their Committee on Archaeological Policy. Excavation and survey projects are included.
BooksThe Lost Tomb
By Kent Weeks.
William Morrow and Co., New York, 1998
Egyptologist Kent Weeks takes a lively and informative look at his discovery and ongoing excavation of the tomb of Ramses the Great's sons, one of the greatest archaeological finds of the century.
The Obelisks of Egypt: Skyscrapers of the Past
By Labib Habachi.
The American University in Cairo Press, Cairo, 1994
This is a comprehensive, well-illustrated book on the great obelisks of the world.
Transport in Ancient Egypt
by Robert Partridge.
Rubicon Press, London, 1996
Divided into sections on land and water, the book discusses roads, chariots, sledges, carrying chairs, and wooden and papyrus boats, among other forms of transport.
Ancient Egyptian Construction and Architecture
by Somers Clarke and R. Engelbach.
Dover Publications, New York, 1990
This profusely illustrated book gives you everything you'd want to know about building in ancient Egypt.
Egyptian Boats and Ships
By Steve Vinson.
Shire Publications, Buckinghamshire, 1994
Heavily illustrated with black-and-white line drawings and photos, this slim volume surveys ancient Egyptian nautical archaeology and history.
The Secret of the Sphinx: Restoration Past and Present
By Zahi Hawass.
The American University in Cairo Press, Cairo, 1998
The Director of the Pyramids describes the history of conservation of the Great Sphinx at Giza, beginning with its initial clearing of sand by pharaoh Tuthmosis IV and ending with its very recent modern restoration.
Cleopatra's Needles and Other Egyptian Obelisks
By E.A. Wallis Budge.
Dover Publications, New York, 1990
Sir Budge was Keeper of Egyptian and Assyrian Antiquities at the British Museum and a top Egyptologist in his day. His book looks at obelisks from historical, archaeological, linguistic, and other avenues.
The Problem of Obelisks: From a Study of the Unfinished Obelisk at Aswan
By R. Engelbach.
T. Fisher Unwin, London, 1923
All about quarrying, transporting, and erecting obelisks by a leading early Egyptologist.
Secrets of Lost Empires Family Activity Book
by WGBH Boston's Educational Print and Outreach Department.
Kids ages 9-12 and their families can explore the once-mighty civilizations featured in the Secrets of Lost Empires series with this fully illustrated, 32-page book. Just $4.95 to cover shipping and handling. Call 1-800-949-8670 or write to: WGBH Boston Video, P.O. Box 2284, South Burlington, VT 05407-2284.
Special Thanks
Julia Cort
Mary Brockmyre
Mark Lehner
Zahi Hawass
Whitby Bird and Partners
Henry Woodlock
Steve Foster
Peter Armstrong
Jimmy Karlan
Dale Rosene
Denys Stocks
Massachusetts College of Art
Modern Continental Construction Co. Inc.
Hanscom Air Force Base
Bardon Trimount Inc.
Credits
Lauren Aguirre, Senior Producer
Christine Chan, Intern
Kim Ducharme, Senior Designer
Molly Frey, Technologist
Dennis Gaffney, Writer
Rick Groleau, Hot Science Developer
Karen Hartley, Classroom Resources Developer
Tyler Howe, Assistant Designer
Brenden Kootsey, Technologist
Chesley Lowe, Illustrator
Rob Meyer, Production Assistant
Carla Raimer, Associate Producer
Peter Tyson, Producer
Annie Valva, Director of Technology
Anya Vinokour, Senior Designer
Carla Waggett, QTVR Technologist
