Village of Chashma Dara
Hellenistic (323–31 BCE)·Hellenistic·🇪🇬 Aswan Governorate, Egypt
About
About Village of Chashma Dara
Village of Chashma Dara in Aswan Governorate, Egypt is a Hellenistic (323–31 BCE) ancient village attributed to Hellenistic culture. Systematically investigated through systematic survey and stratigraphic excavation, it presents a fortified nucleus with workshop zone. Construction employs rubble core with facing and demonstrates long-distance exchange. Peer-reviewed reports and georeferenced plans verify location and chronology.
Why it mattersKey Hellenistic ancient-village with stratified sequence and regional significance.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function as ceremonial vs domestic centre
- 02Cause of abandonment and collapse
Theories
- 01Centralized storage and redistribution (Cunliffe)
- 02Defensive refuge and tribal capital
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c. 253 BCE
- Period
- Hellenistic (323–31 BCE)
- Culture
- Hellenistic
- Purpose
- Necropolis and ritual
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c. 253 BCE
Initial construction and primary occupation
c. 570 BCE
Secondary construction phase
c. 316 CE
Abandonment and gradual burial
1935
Archaeological identification via aerial survey
On the ground
Structures & features
23.5784° N · 31.9692° E · 2311 m · 3 mapped features
Altar
gatewayOutlier feature with cup marks
23.5783° N · 31.9708° EEnclosure Wall
ditchPrimary ancient village at Village of Chashma Dara — enclosure wall
23.5802° N · 31.9711° ERock Art Panel
granaryPrimary ancient village at Village of Chashma Dara — megalithic chamber
23.5758° N · 31.9665° E