Valley of the Kings, Luxor Egypt Flood Protection Measures

During flash floods in Luxor's Valley of the Kings, rainwater, silt, and debris enter the ancient tombs causing serious damage to highly sensitive ancient tomb passages and chambers containing invaluable carvings and paintings. The Valley of the Kings is an historical and archeological area important to the whole world and is visited by thousands. The American Research Center in Egypt engaged CCJM for the design and construction management of flood protection measures at thirteen tomb entrances identified as vulnerable to potential flood damage.

CCJM conducted a hydrological study, prepared a feasibility study and report, preliminary and final designs, construction plans, and contract documents for the project to protect the tomb entrances and also provided pre-construction and contract award services. Flood protection measures at two important tomb entrances were completed in March 2005 under CCJM CMC services. Work on this sensitive archeological site included archeological excavations and recording of finds prior to installation of the flood protection measures. These measures included grading, stone masonry walls, steps, platforms, and stone lined ditches. The new construction was carefully blended into the surrounding mountainous landscape. Tourist traffic to other tombs was managed during construction.

Entrances to two tombs of the Pharos, tunneled in the mountains more than three thousand years ago, get protection from flash floods.