The ancient Egyptian village of Deir el Medina was discovered and excavated over a long period of time to finally reveal one of the richest sources of archaeological and written evidence regarding the New Kingdom in Egypt. It was a special community of craftsmanship; the highly skilled villagers working together in harmony to produce artistic architectural wonders. Located against the desert cliffs and enclosed within a wall, the village was divided by two parallel streets off which opened rows of deep, narrow houses. The settlement contained about 70 small houses within the walls, all of mud brick with stone foundations. The nature of employment required a level of secrecy that was provided by their location and isolation. By observing their daily lives it is evident that the people of this village were highly dependent on and influenced by their religion.…
