'NILE Offerings' is delighted to bring you the following interview with internationally renowned Egyptologist Professor Geoffrey Martin, recently retired Edwards Professor of Egyptology at University College London and well known for his world famous discoveries at Saqqara, particularly the tombs of Horemheb and Maya and of course for his work in the tomb of Akhenaten in the Royal Valley at Amarna. Here Professor Martin is interviewed by Alan Fildes who has known him for almost 20 years and who shares his love of Saqqara.

First of all what prompted you to become an Egyptologist?

I was a professional librarian from the time I left school until I went to university at the age of 26. For the latter part of my career in librarianship I worked in the British National Bibliography, which is these days adjacent to the British Museum. I used to spend my lunch hours in the galleries of the museum, and became interested in ancient history that way.

Could you tell us a little about how you started out in your present career?

At a certain stage in my life I decided to study one subject in depth, and decided on ancient history. I applied to University College London and was accepted. The degree course was very demanding but of extraordinary interest, covering the entire ancient Near East (including Egypt) as well as Greece, Rome and the Aegean from the beginnings until 7th century AD.3)

Were you inspired by any of the 'greats' of the past?

You worked with Professor Emery of course; what was he like to work with? While working at the Bibliography I found out that University College had a series of lunch hour lectures. I attended two by Professor W.B. Emery, who was talking about his work at the fortress of Buhen in the Sudan; I was thrilled. After completing my degree course at UCL I had the privilege of working with W.B.E. in Buhen (the last season of excavations in 1963-4) and subsequently in Saqqara. He was a marvellous man to work for- but he hardly ever issued any instructions, leaving it up to you to do as you thought fit!

Could you tell our readers about your early work as Field Director?

After Emery's death [1971] I spent a couple of seasons with Professor Harry Smith at Saqqara, trying to complete Emery's work. In the meantime I had become interested in the area south of the Unas causeway at Saqqara where I anticipated that many interesting New Kingdom tombs awaited discovery. In 1975, with the sponsorship of the Egypt Exploration Society and the Leiden Museum we began a fruitful collaboration there. We built up a small 'international' team of dedicated people who joined us there for most seasons- up until the present.

Your excavation work is largely concentrated on the New Kingdom tombs of royalty and the elite outside of Thebes- is this period particularly special to you, and if so for what reason?

I am of course very interested in the New Kingdom, but not exclusively. For instance, I am now - in my spare time - working on a Corpus of Early Dynastic stelae from Abydos.

Could you tell us briefly about your work in Akhenaten's tomb and your conclusions?

I cannot really talk 'briefly' about this project! I tried to restore what was left of the shattered monument by utilising earlier photographic and other records, and also brought together the dispersed objects that were originally in the Royal Tomb. It was in many ways the happiest experience I have had in working in Egypt.

How is work progressing at Saqqara? Can you tell us anything of the current excavations?

Work is going well. For the past two seasons (1997-8) the mission has concentrated on recording and restoration. We are trying to catch up with the study of our pottery finds and skeletal remains. Work on the restoration of the substructure of Maya's tomb was completed this year, and I must say it looks fine.

The dig-house at Saqqara has a wonderful atmosphere- you must miss it terribly?

Yes, the Saqqara excavation house is wonderful and we are privileged to be able to use it every season. The domestic staff is excellent, and we work (and relax) in simple but ideal surroundings. I cannot say I miss it when I am home: there are so many other things to do and to think about. But I always look forward to going back.

Which is your favourite Egyptian site?

I don't really have a favourite site. Each place has its own special interest and 'atmosphere'.

Since your work has involved consulting so many Egyptology collections all over the world, do you have a particularly 'favourite' collection, and if so for what reason?

If I was compelled to choose a collection it would have to be the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York. Much of it is provenanced and comes from the museum's own excavations. All the material is exhibited and beautifully displayed. And one can always 'escape' into the other parts of one of the finest art collections in the world.

On the subject of museums, could you tell us if any particular kind of artefact draws you, any specific piece?

I am not especially attracted to a single class of material. If you work in the field you have to take a general view.

Which of your many discoveries has given you the most pleasure, the most satisfaction?

I suppose the discovery of the tomb of the general Horemheb at Saqqara.

What of the future?

The Egypt Exploration Society, which has been the joint sponsor of our work since 1975, now wishes to diversify its activities after almost a quarter of a century of generous support. So from 1999 the mission at Saqqara will be financed and sponsored by two Dutch institutions, the National Museum of Antiquities, Leiden (as before) and the Archaeology Department of Leiden University. I have every confidence that, with the help and support of our Egyptian colleagues, we shall continue to make interesting discoveries in the New Kingdom necropolis at Saqqara which will shed new light on the history and culture of the period.

Taken from "Nile Offerings"

Alan M Fildes