Polish Archaeology in the Mediterranean (8.1996(1997))

ALEXANDRIA

KOM EL-DIKKA
PRESERVATION WORK 1995-1996
Wojciech Kolqtaj
Between Oct. 15, 1995, and May 30, 1996, the joint Polish-
Egyptian Mission continued preservation of monuments excavated
at the Kom el-Dikka site, following guidelines set down in the
Programme approved by the SCA High Committee on May 25,
1995. In accordance with these guidelines, the mission focused its
work not only on regular conservation and restoration of the
ancient architecture, but also on developing the site in order to
open it to the public by the end of 1997.1 *
On the occasion of the visit of the President of France
in spring 1996, the central part of the site was cleared and a display
of architectural elements and sculpture raised from the sea by the
French Mission was arranged by the Graeco-Roman Museum
in the southwestern part of the area. Meanwhile, some 1,500 m3 of
earth and modern debris from the former military area was
removed, accounting, however, only for some 10% of all
the earthwork envisaged in this area by the decision of the High
Committee as a prerequisite for future restoration of the Theatre
Portico.
Conservation activities covered the following areas:
THEATRE
Some of the seriously deteriorated seats were removed
(7 blocks), and a large section of the uppermost row of seats

1 The Mission comprised: Dr. Eng. Wojciech Koiqtaj (director);
Dr. Grzegorz Majcherek, archaeologist; Dr. Janusz Smaza, sculptor-
conservator; Eng. Wieslaw Kuczewski, conservator. The Egyptian side was
represented by SCA inspectors of antiquities: Messrs. Ahmed Mousa, Al’a
ed-Din Mahrous, Ashraf Abd el-Raouf Ragab, and Mrs Mona Said.

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