The focus of our Web 2.0 Weekly feature this week is the website of the Theban Mapping Project (TMP).  Since 1978, TMP has been working to construct a comprehensive archaeological database of Thebes, an important ancient Egyptian city containing thousands of tombs and temples, as well as the famous Valley of the Kings.

The TMP website is an incredible resource for anyone teaching about ancient Egypt or archaeology or for students who are interested in those topics.  The list of features is nothing short of amazing.

• Bibliography of Theban West Bank Archaeological Sites: 5,000 references to descriptions of tombs, temples, shrines, and the like
• Photo database: over 8,000 zoomable photos of tombs and other sites
• Collection of articles about the Valley of the Kings, complete with illustrations
• Timeline of ancient Egypt
• Detailed information about becoming an Egyptologist
• Atlas of the Valley of the Kings
• Atlas of the Theban Necropolis

The entire TMP website is well worth exploration, but one feature (other than the amazing collection of photographs) really stands out: the Atlas of the Valley of the Kings.  This interactive atlas shows the locations and layout of each of the known tombs in the Valley of the Kings.  Clicking on a tomb allows the user to access a top and side view diagram of the tomb (complete with measuring tools).  Additionally, there are 65 narrated video tours, 2,000 images, and a 3D recreation/tour of the interior of tomb KV14.  The videos are very well done and text transcripts are provided for each.  Detailed annotated 3D models are provided for several of the tombs in the description tab.

Strengths

• Wealth of useful content
• Provides an insight into cutting-edge archaeological tools
• Excellent use of multimedia
• Helpful User Guides

Weaknesses

• Very complex website requiring some time to explore
• Work in progress with new content being added as time allows

The TMP website represents over two decades of work by dedicated experts and scholars working to document and conserve some of Egypt’s most important historical sites.  Because this is a work in progress, the site provides a useful insight into the archaeological process of discovery, study, documentation, presentation, and conservation.  The site is a fantastic resource for anyone interested in this period of history, but it will require at least several hours to gain an overview of all the features.

The project has made the website freely available to anyone.  Access will require an internet-connected computer (broadband access is highly recommended) and the latest Flash player.