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Fag el-Gamous A necropolis site in the FAIYUM, used
from 300 B.C.E., the start of the Ptolemaic Period (304–30
B.C.E.)to 400 C.E., this burial ground contains multiple
burials in single graves, all containing commoners of the
era. The reason for the multiple burials is being studied;
it is considered likely that an epidemic, or outbreak of a
disease, would have prompted such graves.

faience A glassy manufactured substance of the ancient
Egyptians, the process developed by the artisans of the
Nile Valley may have been prompted by a desire to imi-
tate highly prized turquoise, or lapis lazuli, although
there was a great diversity of color in the faience manu-
factured. The usual Egyptian faience was composed of a
quartz or crystal base, covered with a vitreous, alkaline
compound with calcium silicates made of lime, ash, and
natron, to provide the colors and glassy finish. The Egyp-
tians called faience tjehenet, which translates as “bril-
liant.” It was used in sacred and royal insignias, AMULETS
and jewelry, as well as inlay.
See also EGYPT’S NATURAL RESOURCES.

Faiyum (Ta-she, Pa-yuum, Pa-yom) The region of
Egypt once called Ta-she, the Land of the Lakes, and used
in many eras as an agricultural center, the Faiyum was
also called Pa-yuum and Pa-yom and was settled in Pale-
olithic times when hunters and gatherers came down
from the arid plateaus of the region, attracted by the
abundant game and grasses.
Anatural depression extending along the western
side of the NILERiver, the Faiyum had distinct Predynas-
tic cultures, including Faiyum A and B. These cultures

date to c. 4500 B.C.E. The BAHR YUSEF, an Arabic name

meaning “Joseph’s River” (not a biblical reference but one

honoring an Islamic hero), left the Nile at ASSIUT, becom-

ing a subsidiary stream. The Bahr Yusef was allowed by

natural forces to enter the Faiyum but was not provided

with a natural route of exit, thus inundating the area and

transforming it into lush fields, gardens, and marshes.

The site of CROCODILOPOLISwas the capital for the terri-

tory, also called Shedet, and served as a cult center for the

god SOBEK. Located on Lake QARUN, called Me-Wer by the

Egyptians, Crocodilopolis was also a haven for aquatic

life-forms. Crocodiles were plentiful, and in some eras

tourists were allowed to feed them.

The rulers of the Twelfth Dynasty (1991–1783 B.C.E.)

began reconstruction of this area. Seeing the need for

increased agricultural output, these pharaohs started a

series of hydraulic systems to reclaim acres of land.

AMENEMHET I(r. 1991–1962 B.C.E.)widened and deep-

ened the channels, bringing water to various parts of the

Faiyum and establishing a true reservoir. During the

annual inundations of the Nile, regulators installed at el-

LAHUNcontrolled the Faiyum water levels. Every January

the sluices at el-Lahun were closed to enable repairs to be

made on bridges and walkways. AMENEMHET III (r.

1844–1797 B.C.E.) erected dikes and retaining walls, with

sluices and canals that regulated the flow of water. In the

process he provided Egypt with vast tracts of arable

lands, all of which strengthened the economic base of the

nation. The Faiyum, adapted with such regulators, thus

served as an emergency reservoir in periods of great

floods.

One of the most beautiful regions in the Nile Val-

ley, the Faiyum was reclaimed again and again as an