Ancient societies have left visible evidence of their social systems in material remains. One of the most important types of evidence of social differences can be found in mortuary remains. This research project is designed to test theories dealing with the extent of social differentiation and the development of social complexity in Egypt during the Middle Kingdom as evidenced in mortuary cults. Specifically, the student will analyze the problem of the rise of the middle class. To do this, she will conduct an intensive survey and excavate a sample of graves in the cemetary at Abydos, southern Egypt. Status differentiation and the rise of complex societies are classic problems in archaeology. Ancient Egyptian societies are unusual in the degree to which the mortuary cult permeated every facet of social and political organization. Unfortunately, in the past, much work has focused on the spectacular, ignoring important questions of variability. This timely project will help to remedy this situation and provide new information for understanding the development of hierarchical social organizations.
