Geomorphological hazard assessment of archaeological sites, in Wadi Maghara, South Sinai, Egypt

Wadi Maghara stands as one of the most distinctive archaeological landscapes of the ancient world, offering invaluable insights into early mining practices, epigraphic traditions, and cross-cultural interactions within the Sinai Peninsula. Located in the west-central part of the peninsula—approximately 15 kilometers east of Abu Rudeis and southeast of Abu Zeniema along the Gulf of Suez—this region's strategic location enabled access to rich copper and turquoise deposits and positioned it as a focal point for ancient Egyptian expeditions during early dynastic periods, Old, Middle, and New Kingdoms. The wadi is defined by steep, rocky slopes forming a natural geological corridor of varying width and gradient. This part of Wadi Maghara and the neighboring Wadi Mokattab is renowned for its archaeological significance, deriving its name from the numerous caves (Magharat) carved into the surrounding hills. Its sandstone cliffs preserve an extraordinary collection of rock inscriptions and petroglyphs, many of which date to the Pharaonic and Nabatean periods. These inscriptions and petroglyphs represent one of the most significant epigraphic assemblages in southern Sinai, reflecting the region’s long-term historical importance. While the site has long attracted scholarly attention, many of its inscriptions remain hidden, camouflaged, or eroded by harsh environmental conditions, placing them at hazard of partial or complete loss. This article examines the geomorphological hazards currently threatening the archaeological heritage of Wadi Maghara.