gems, beryl, emerald, Egypt

Claremont describes the ancient emerald mines of Egypt’s Eastern Desert, situated in the mountainous region between the Nile and Red Sea, and argues that these were the source of emeralds used in antiquity. He recounts their rediscovery by the French explorer Cailliaud and reports that later investigations found large but poor-quality emeralds resembling ancient examples. The emerald crystals occur in mica schist, with important workings at Sikait, Nugrus, and Zebara, where extensive systems of tunnels and chambers attest to mining on a considerable scale. Archaeological remains—including tools, lamps, baskets, wooden mine supports, buildings, wells, temples, inscriptions, and other structures—are presented as evidence for the antiquity and extent of the workings; some objects were then dated as early as 1660 B.C., although Claremont states that the date when mining began was unknown. He suggests that the mines were worked repeatedly by different peoples and attributes the most skillful phase of mining to the Romans. Numerous surviving buildings are interpreted as possible forts, watchtowers, dwellings, barracks, and temples serving a once substantial mining population. The article is illustrated with photographs of the mines, mountainous terrain, artificial passageways, and ancient buildings supplied by Edwin W. Streeter, who pioneered an expedition to the mines, and expedition members Allan Forster and F. Grote.