With Peter Lacovara and Nicholas R. Brown

Deir el-Ballas is probably one of the most important sites in Egyptian history and also one of the least well known. It was the forward capitol of the Theban kings during their drive to expel the Hyksos invaders in the north and reunite the land founding the glorious New Kingdom three thousand, five hundred years ago. Built by king Seqenenre Tao around 1550 B. C., it set the pattern for the later royal cities of the New Kingdom like Malqata and Tell el Amarna.

At its center is a monumental structure known as the North Palace that served as the campaign palace for the Kings Seqenenre, Kamose, and Ahmose in their wars against the Hyksos and Nubian kingdoms. Like the later royal cities, there was a series of houses, including large villas for the royal court, a workmen’s settlement with associated cult chapels, storage magazines, and cemeteries.

The site was first excavated by George Andrew Reisner working for the Hearst Expedition of the University of California, Berkeley in the years 1900-1901, but never published and was long forgotten.

Now Peter Lacovara and Nicholas Brown of the Ancient Egyptian Heritage and Archaeology fund are working to preserve and publish this pivotal spot in the story of Egypt.