428 WadjInscriptions in the area commemorate the Nubian cam-
paigns of SENWOSRET I(r. 1971–1926 B.C.E.). A temple
was erected there originally by TUTHMOSIS III (r.
1479–1425 B.C.E.) and contains later data concerning the
reign of SIPTAH(1204–1198 B.C.E.) on its pillars. Another
inscription, on a Nineteenth Dynasty (1307–1196 B.C.E.)
stela, commemorated the temple, which was dedicated to
the god HORUS.
Wadi Hammamat an important roadway, beginning
in KOPTOS, where the Nile swerved closest to the Red Sea,
and then stretching to the Red Sea operations of Egyptian
TRADEgroups. An important quarry was also located near
the beginning of the wadi. Inscriptions excavated in the
region date to the Eleventh Dynasty (2134–1991 B.C.E.)
and relate that 3,000 men entered the Wadi Hammamat
to transport a SARCOPHAGUS lid. Way stations were
erected on this roadway and patrols were rotated for safe
travel. Greywacke granite was quarried at Wadi Hamma-
mat and Bir Fawakhir and a temple dedicated to MINwas
also found nearby.
Wadi Hawia site southeast of ASWAN, noted for the
mining of amethyst during the Middle Kingdom Period
(2040–1640 B.C.E.).SENWOSRET I(r. 1971–1926 B.C.E.) also
mined there.
Wadi Kubbaniyaa site near ASWANthat contained
prehistoric artifacts. These objects date to the Late Pale-
olithic Period 21,000–12,000 B.C.E. Hunter-gatherers
assembled where, close to the water source caused by the
annual inundation of the Nile.
Wadi Labbaba site near modern Cairo where a PET-
RIFIED FORESThas stood for centuries.
Wadi Magharaa site in the western SINAIPeninsula,
near modern Abu Zuneima, popular for the mines and
natural resources exploited early in Egypt’s history.
Inscriptions from the Fourth (2575–2465 B.C.E.), Fifth
(2465–2323 B.C.E.), and Sixth (2323–2150 B.C.E.) Dynas-
ties were uncovered at Wadi Maghara. Inscriptions dating
to the reign of AMENEMHET III(1844–1797 B.C.E.) were
also discovered on the site. Copper, turquoise, and mala-
chite mines were operated there.
See also SINAI; SINAI INSCRIPTIONS.
Wadi Matuka (Murgassi)a site on the western side
of the Nile in NUBIA(modern Sudan), located on a rocky
cliff high above the river. A defensive bastion was erected
there by the Egyptians, and HATSHEPSUT(r. 1473–1458
B.C.E.) also built a temple on the site.
Wadi Mi’aha site near EDFUin Upper Egypt, that
leads to gold mines some 35 miles inland from the river, at
BARRAMIYEH, Wadi Mi’ah leads as well to Mersa Alam on
the Red Sea. SETII(r. 1306–1290 B.C.E.) dug and repaired
wells for miners there and erected a rock temple. GEBEL EL-
ZEBARA, another gold mine region nearby, also benefited
from Seti I’s patronage.
Wadi MurgassiSee wadi matuka.
Wadi Nasban area of the western SINAIPeninsula
noted for copper, turquoise, and malachite mines. Snefru
(r. 2575–2551 B.C.E.) left an inscription on the site. These
mines were associated with the operations of Wadi
Maghara.
Wadi Natrunan OASISon the western edge of the
Delta, serving as a main source of NATRON, the pop-
ular substance associated with embalming in Egypt and
used on a daily basis as a detergent. “THE ELOQUENT PEAS-
ANT,” KHUNIANUPU, of the First Intermediate Period
(2134–2040 B.C.E.), began his travels and quest in this
wadi.
Wadi Qasha site near KOPTOSon the main TRADE
route to the Red Sea. Inscriptions from Predynastic and
Early (2920–2575 B.C.E.) Periods were discovered there.
Wadi Qenaa road leading from Qena to the Red Sea.
Close by is a site of ruins called Umm Digal, “the Mother
of Columns.” Marble columns still stand in the area, dating
to the Ptolemaic Period (304–30 B.C.E.) or the later Roman
Period.
Wadi Qubannet el-Qiruda site in the LIBYAN DESERT,
near DEIR EL-BAHRI, called the Valley of the Tombs of the
Monkeys. The three Syrian lesser-ranked wives of TUTH-
MOSIS III(r. 1479–1425 B.C.E.) were buried there in iden-
tical tombs with sumptuous mortuary regalia.
Wadi Sidria site in the SINAIPeninsula near modern
Abu Zuneima. The turquoise mines of the area were
exploited by the Egyptians in several eras.
Wadi Timulata fertile depression north of BUBASTIS
in the eastern Delta, used by the ancient Egyptians as a
path to the Red Sea. The wadi led to the BITTER LAKES,
which in turn opened onto the Red Sea. The route was
called the SWEET WATER CANALby the Egyptians and was
used by the Late Period (712–332 B.C.E.) rulers to open a
canal.Wadj See DJET.Wadjet (Uadjet) A cobra deity serving as the patron
goddess of ancient Egypt, the protectress of the northern
territories, Lower Egypt, called Buto in Greek texts,
Wadjet was associated at times with the goddess
HATHOR. NEKHEBETwas her sister goddess, the patroness
of Upper Egypt. Wadjet was also associated with the
Osirian cult and was believed to have helped the god-
dess ISISkeep watch over the infant deity HORUSon
CHEMMISin the Delta. Wadjet arranged the reeds and
foliage to hide the divine mother and son from all ene-
mies so that Horus could mature to strike down his
father’s assassin, SET. Wadjet was depicted as a cobra or
as a woman. As a woman holding the crown of Lower
Egypt, with an entwined papyrus SCEPTERand serpent,
she was included in the coronation ceremonies of the
rulers. The goddess offered the crown to each new ruler