Mendes Expedition
2026 Field Season
The 2026 Season is full!
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Mendes (Per-Banebdjedet) was one of the great cities of the Egyptian Delta, with a history stretching back more than four millennia. From its Early Dynastic origins at the beginnings of the Egyptian state, to its prominence as a cult center of the ram-god Banebdjedet, and its rise as a political capital during the Saite period, Mendes reveals the evolution of Egyptian urban life, religion, and economy.
Key Dates
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Priority application deadline: 15 September 2025
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Applications close: 30 September 2025
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Arrival in Egypt: 23 May 2026
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Excavation period: 24 May – 25 June 2026
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Departure: 26 June 2026
Expedition Work in 2026
Our 2026 season will focus on three key areas:
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The Old Kingdom Necropolis — elite burials and funerary practices.
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The Early Dynastic City — insights into the origins of the Egyptian state.
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The Saite-period Temple (the Mamessi) — a monumental structure at the heart of Mendes’ later prominence.
Participants will receive training in excavation methods, finds processing, ceramic and small-finds analysis, GIS, and photogrammetry, while contributing directly to excavation, documentation, and analysis.
Research Team:
The Mendes Expedition is directed by Dr. Susan Redford and Dr. Matthew J. Adams, under the auspices of the Center for the Mediterranean World.
2026 Season Schedule
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22 May (Fri): Staff travel to Egypt
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23 May (Sat): Student volunteers arrive
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24–28 May: Week 1 — Excavation
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30 May–4 June: Week 2 — Excavation
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6–11 June: Week 3 — Excavation
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13–18 June: Week 4 — Excavation
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20–25 June: Week 5 — Final excavation, recording, and close-down
Program Details:
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Program Fee: $3,000
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Includes: housing, weekday meals, local transport, training, excavation permits, and two weekend-fieldtrips.
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Not included: international airfare, visa fees, weekend meals, medical/travel insurance, personal gear
Daily Schedule
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07:00 — Fieldwork begins at Mendes
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Mid-morning — Break in the field
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13:00 — Fieldwork ends; lunch follows
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Afternoon — Finds processing, lab work, lectures, or rest
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Evening — Dinner and free time
Who Can Apply and how?
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Students seeking field experience (no prior dig required)
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Early-career archaeologists wanting practical training
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Educators and motivated volunteers (18+)
No prior experience is necessary — full training is provided on site. A highlight of the expedition is the community itself: participants work side by side with an international team and the local Egyptian workforce, including men, women, and children, creating a lively environment where learning, culture, and tradition come together.
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Complete the registration form.
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Submit required materials: statement of interest, CV, passport copy, emergency contact, and one reference.
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Upon acceptance, pay deposit to secure your place.