Tjauti

Tjauti, also spelled Djauti, is an ancient Egyptian toponym referring to a region located in the Eastern Desert, approximately midway between the Nile Valley and the Red Sea coast. Its precise boundaries are debated among Egyptologists, but it is generally understood to encompass a zone rich in mineral resources, particularly varieties of stone used in sculpture and construction.

Tjauti was significant during the Old Kingdom and Middle Kingdom periods, as evidenced by archaeological finds and textual references. It was a source of materials such as bekhen-stone (a type of greywacke), used extensively for sarcophagi, statues, and other monumental works. Expeditions were regularly dispatched from the Nile Valley to Tjauti to quarry and transport these valuable resources.

The importance of Tjauti diminished somewhat after the Middle Kingdom, although the region remained a known and sometimes exploited source of minerals. Mentions of Tjauti in later periods are less frequent, reflecting shifts in resource preferences and trade routes. The area is now primarily of historical and archaeological interest, providing valuable insights into ancient Egyptian mining practices, logistical capabilities, and the economic importance of its eastern territories.