Italian Mission to Umm al-Dabadib (Kharga Oasis): Season 2014 - Preliminary Report

This article contains a preliminary description of the results of the first season of the Italian Mission to Umm al-Dabadib (Kharga Oasis, Egypt’s Western Desert) under the acronym of O.A.S.I.S. (Old Agricultural Sites and Irrigation Systems). Aim of the project, born as a spin-off of the North Kharga Oasis Survey, is to study in parallel the Late Roman settlements located in northern Kharga and their associated agricultural systems. Umm al-Dabadib was selected as the best starting point because both sets of remains are extremely well preserved. This report is divided into three parts. After a description of background and genesis of the project, the article focuses on the survey of the Fortified Settlement and then on the study of the Western Cultivation. It discusses the issues relating to the logistic and environmental constrains that characterise the site, describes how the previous surveys were carried out, illustrates the innovative 3D survey technique that was applied to the built-up area, and presents the preliminary results of the latest investigations.