Abstract
The principal aim of this publication is to provide interpretation of a high-resolution satellite images of all Old and Middle Kingdom pyramid sites in Egypt. The sites included in this Atlas represent to a large degree the principal sites of the Third through the Thirteenth Dynasty.
Their particular characteristics mirror the specific periods of Egyptian history and in a way may be considered as a genuine time capsules providing fascinating windows into incredible story ancient Egypt once was. These sites are as follows (starting in the north): Abu Rawash, Giza, Zawiyet el-Aryan, Abusir, Saqqara, Dahshur, Mazghuna, Lisht, Meidum, Lahun, Hawara and Abydos.
Included was also the site of Abu Ghurob with the two sun temples of Userkaf and Nyuserra of the Fifth Dynasty and the so-called minor step pyramids dating from the late Third - early Fourth Dynasty which start in Seila at the northeastern edge of the Faiyum Oasis and include, proceeding those of Zawyet Sultan, Nubt (Naqada), Abydos (Sinki), Hierakonpolis (el-Kula), Edfu (Ghonemeia) and Elephantine. The individual sites are characterised on the background of their local topography and changing nature of their development over time as reflected by the position of individual monuments, including the principal ones - the pyramids of the Old and Middle Kingdom.
Individual chapters focus on principal royal and non-royal monuments, their locations and their significance both within the site and with regard to neighbouring sites with pyramid complexes. Each chapter, each site provides a different story in terms of its structure and content.
This reflects the simple fact that every site developed under different conditions, in different local setting, had its own internal logics, its pace and its genuine characteristics. Each site also reflects a specific historical situation and tells a different story of its development and rediscovery.
It is strongly believed that the latest technological advances, including the satellite imaging in Egyptology, will ultimately translate into their systematic use in sites' protection and management, site and landscape analysis and long-term strategies of both ongoing and future excavation and survey projects in Egypt. As for now, most pyramid fields are more and more intensively endangered by the modern development and locally dominated neglect of the need for their preservation.
Some of them, such as Mazghouna or Lisht are on the foremost front of this trend. Despite all current outstanding odds, pyramid fields of Egypt represent the very substance of Ancient Egypt which came down to us and deserve our attention, respect and care.