1.0 Approach and Objectives

This part of the paper offers an account of the geology and geomorphology of the Faiyum, in the context of Egypt west of the Nile.  It is intended to provide an easily accessible background to the prehistory of the Faiyum.  It does not attempt to meet the standards of precision required by the professional geologist.

In the Faiyum, the relationship between archaeology and geology has been so close that it is barely possible to understand the one without the other.  This part of the paper, therefore, sets out the geological contexts common to the sites and excavation reports discussed in Part II.  It reflects the view that it is only possible to understand the geology of the Faiyum in the context of the geology of Egypt as a whole.

At the cost of some repetition, individual sections have been made relatively self-contained.  It is possible to pass over Egypt and go straight to the Faiyum, but this is not the best route to take.

The account is heavily dependent on the work of Said, Hassan and Issawi. The most comprehensive text, Said 1990, is not easy, though much of the material is excellently simplified and beautifully illustrated in Sampsell 2002.  Hassan 1986, Said 1993, and Issawi et al 2001 are all accessible and rewarding.