The Vanishing Heritage: An In-depth Study of Disappearing Archaeological Sites in Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt

Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate is a home to a significant number of archaeological sites as it is clear from the list of archaeological sites in this governorate issued by the Ministry of Antiquities; however, it has been observed by the researcher that Some of the sites on this list have now vanished. Hence, the present study aims to identify the factors affecting the disappearance of numerous archaeological sites in Kafr El-Sheikh Governorate, Egypt, a phenomenon that may cause the loss of other archaeological sites in the governorate. To achieve this aim, the study employed the CORONA satellite and Google Earth program, coupled with a KMZ file enabling the visualization of Egypt in 1914. By analyzing data from the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities and the Egypt Exploration Society, the researcher explored 11 vanished sites and scrutinized the reasons behind their extinction. Based on the findings of this study, Urban sprawl emerges as a major factor contributing to the destruction of several sites, notably, Kom El Haddadi, Tell Atal es-Shinawy, Sandala, Kom el Dahab and Kom Dababa. Further, the encroachment of villages onto these archaeological sites impedes excavation efforts and exposes them to looting through illegal activities beneath village homes. Furthermore, the establishment of cemeteries on hills such as Kom El Haddadi and Kom el Dahab contributes to the degradation of these historical sites. The research also highlights the impact of industrialization on archaeological hills, citing examples such as fKom el Maita el Bahariوt Kom el Shagara, and at Kom el Matiur.