Introduction

In the Theban necropolis and temple complexes in Luxor, numerous international
expert teams are working on the conservation of the ancient Egyptian cultural heritage. Often the conservators are faced with similar tasks and questions, due to similar materials and manufacturing techniques being subjected to similar aging processes. A regular exchange of experience among the teams would therefore be very helpful for the development and improvement of specific conservation methods. To date, there is no coherent representation of the conservation measures in the tomb chapels and temple complexes in Luxor.

The foreign excavation teams are writing “final reports” about the conservation work of the field season for the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA). However, these short reports are not freely accessible, and publication is generally not made. Only selected “conservation reports” are published in the “Annales du Service des Antiquités de L’Egypt” (ASAE). A professional exchange to current projects only takes place in direct personal contact.

The ongoing restructuring of the necropolis of Thebes - West into an archaeological area will increase the intensity of conservation work. This makes a comprehensive presentation about the conservation projects in the necropolis even more urgent.

Therefore, a symposium and workshop in Luxor was initiated by the editors with the support of the Gerda Henkel Foundation and the German Archaeological Institute. At the two day meeting participants of the symposium, which took place in Luxor on 11–12 February 2016, had the opportunity to get information about the current conservation projects in Luxor and Karnak through a lecture series. Furthermore, the participants got to know each other for professional exchange. In a following workshop the internet platform “CTT – Conservation of Theban Temples and Tombs online” was presented. CTT is located in the science portal of the Gerda Henkel Foundation. Registered users have the opportunity to present their conservation projects in an interactive database. A direct professional discussion is also possible in form of a blog. (www.ctt-lisa.de)

In the proceedings the lectures on conservation projects are published as a print version. In addition, a digital version is available online at L.I.S.A..

The conference was a very great success with more than 100 participants from almost 20 nations. The desire for more exchange of experiences clearly became apparent in the international conservation community.