Definition: Ras Budran is the name of an Old Kingdom fort, located in the el-Markha Plain on the west coast of the South Sinai peninsula. Built during the last years of the Old Kingdom (5th and 6th dynasties), the circular limestone fort probably served as a military outpost to protect the turquoise and copper mines from the Bedouin tribes who were hostile to the Egyptians. The fort measures 44 meters in diameter, with the standing walls today as high as 3.5 meters and as wide as 7 meters at the base. Excavators from the University of Toronto led by Gregory Mumford believe the garrison consisted of between 25 and 30 soldiers.
A recent public archaeology report on the site appeared in the May/June 2005 issue of Minerva.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
A recent public archaeology report on the site appeared in the May/June 2005 issue of Minerva.
This glossary entry is part of the Dictionary of Archaeology. Sources for the term include the references listed on the front page of the Dictionary, and the websites listed in the sidebar.
