The Epigraphic Survey, Chicago House

The Epigraphic Survey of the Oriental Institute of the University of Chicago, based at Chicago House in Luxor, Egypt, is directed by Dr. W. Raymond Johnson, Research Associate Professor of the University of Chicago and the Oriental Institute and Assistant Director Dr. J. Brett McClain, Research Associate of the Oriental Institute. The mission of the survey since its founding in 1924 has been to produce photographs and precise line drawings of the inscriptions and relief scenes on major temples and tombs at Luxor for publication. More recently the survey has expanded its program to include conservation, restoration, site management and conservation training.

Luxor Temple – Jay Heidel digitally inking block fragment

In addition to the field director, the professional staff of the survey normally includes three to four epigraphers, four to five artists, multiple digital and film photographers, architects, librarians, conservators, stonemasons, IT consultants and finance/administrators. The epigraphers and artists include both graduate students and post-doctoral scholars who have received training in all aspects of Egyptology. The epigraphic survey’s archaeological field season runs from October 15 to April 15 each year.

Current long-term project sites include Luxor Temple, Medinet Habu, Theban Tomb 107 and the Temple of Khonsu at Karnak. Most of our programs are made possible by grants (including USAID Egypt, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund and the World Monuments Fund) and much appreciated private and corporate contributions.

Medinet Habu – Yarko Kobylecky photographing in the God’s Wives of Amun chapels

For more information about our projects and activities, please check our web page. Click on Current Season for monthly updates and news. To access our new Digital EPIGRAPHY digital drawing web site, visit digital-epigraphy.com.

For any questions feel free to contact Chicago House director Ray Johnson directly at wr-johnson@uchicago.edu.