Building a Model to Reconstruct the Hellenistic and Roman Road Networks of the Eastern Desert of Egypt, a Semi-Empirical Approach Based on Modern Travelers’ Itineraries

It may state two separate claims as one.

The mean lengths of the validation routes and the corresponding LCPs were 23.0 km (s.e. ± 2.3 km) and 24.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) respectively, an overestimation of the LCPs similar to that of the training data of 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km).

“The mean lengths of the validation routes and the corresponding LCPs were 23.0 km (s.e. ± 2.3 km) and 24.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) respectively, an overestimation of the LCPs similar to that of the training data of 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) (Figure 11).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Some high values were observed on the routes near the Nile and for some sandy areas within the mountain ranges.

“Nevertheless, some high values were observed on the routes near the Nile and for some sandy areas within the mountain ranges (Figure 11).”

• Also stated in: § 4.2 Cost Layer Calibration and Validation Process of the Modeled Path · plain

  “Nevertheless, some high values were observed on the routes near the Nile and for some sandy areas within the mountain ranges (Figure 11).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The difference between mountainous and non-mountainous routes is reflected in the deviations from the validation routes; the medians were 0.06 km2/km and 0.44 km2/km, respectively.

“The difference between mountainous and non-mountainous routes is reflected in the deviations from the validation routes; the medians were 0.06 km2/km and 0.44 km2/km, respectively.”

• Also stated in: § 4.2 Cost Layer Calibration and Validation Process of the Modeled Path · plain

  “The difference between mountainous and non-mountainous routes is reflected in the deviations from the validation routes; the medians were 0.06 km2/km and 0.44 km2/km, respectively.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Analysis of slopes crossed by travelers shows a strong preference for gentle slopes (+/- 5%) and high sensitivity to slopes greater than 10%.

“Analysis of the slopes crossed by travelers during the steps shows a strong preference for gentle slopes (+/– 5%), and a high sensitivity to slopes greater than 10%.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The normalized area of deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs on the validation runs have deviation areas of less than 0.12 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.36 km2 per kilometer.

“The normalized area of deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs on the validation runs have deviation areas of less than 0.12 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.36 km2 per kilometer.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Surface conditions and hydrogeological configuration of the study area have not changed from antiquity to the present.

“however, field work, analysis of geological documentation, and the study of satellite images indicate that the surface conditions and hydrogeological configuration have not changed during that time.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Possible trajectories are more numerous in low-slope areas and the Nile's development (canals and dikes) was not taken into account in the displacement factors.

“Possible trajectories are more numerous in these low-slope areas and the Nile’s development (canals and dikes) was not taken into account in the displacement factors.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The mean lengths of training routes and LCPs were 24.0 km (s.e. ± 1.7 km) and 25.6 km (s.e. ± 1.8 km) respectively, an overestimation of LCPs by 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.4 km).

“The mean lengths of training routes and LCPs were 24.0 km (Standard Error (s.e.) ± 1.7 km) and 25.6 km (s.e. ± 1.8 km) respectively, an overestimation of LCPs by 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.4 km) (Figure 9).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

This normalized area deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs have deviation areas of less than 0.17 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.43 km2 per training path kilometer.

“This normalized area deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs have deviation areas of less than 0.17 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.43 km2 per training path kilometer.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

This method generates many duplicates and micro-sections, and several lines can form a segment between two nodes of the network.

“This method generates many duplicates and micro-sections, and several lines can form a segment between two nodes of the network.”

• Also stated in: § 5 Network Computing · plain

  “This method generates many duplicates and micro-sections, and several lines can form a segment between two nodes of the network.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Using this application, the study of all possible routes between Coptos and Myos Hormos has established that the shortest route linking the two cities through the well-dated Roman sites and the watering places exactly follows the tower path, supporting a Roman chronology.

“However, using this application, the study of all possible routes between Coptos and Myos Hormos has established that the shortest route linking the two cities through the well-dated Roman sites and the watering places exactly follows the tower path, supporting a Roman chronology (Crépy, Manière and Redon Forthcoming).”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The fort dates from the early Roman period, when the porphyry quarries were activated, but was abandoned quickly, probably at the end of the 1st century AD, when the peak of porphyry exploitation was reached in the following century.

“The fort dates from the early Roman period, when the porphyry quarries were activated, but was abandoned quickly, probably at the end of the 1st century AD, when the peak of porphyry exploitation was reached in the following century.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The excavations uncovered a previously poorly known Roman fort, built on the site of an important gold mining village and dated to the Hellenistic period.

“The excavations uncovered a previously poorly known Roman fort, built on the site of an important gold mining village and dated to the Hellenistic period.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

A good example comes from the Hellenistic route reconstructed between the sites of Abu Midrik and Abu Rahal: wadi navigation forces the DN model to draw a long route through the valleys, while a field survey conducted in the 2000s showed that the ancient route was shorter.

“A good example comes from the Hellenistic route reconstructed between the sites of Abu Midrik and Abu Rahal: wadi navigation forces the DN model to draw a long route through the valleys, while a field survey conducted in the 2000s showed that the ancient route was shorter (Sidebotham and Gates-Foster 2019: Figure 3.178).”

• cites Sidebotham and Gates-Foster 2019Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The reconstructed network makes it possible to confirm this hypothesis and the Wadi Ghozza as one of the routes reconstructed between the Nile Valley and the porphyry quarries.

“The reconstructed network makes it possible to confirm this hypothesis and the Wadi Ghozza as one of the routes reconstructed between the Nile Valley and the porphyry quarries (Figure 15).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Comparison of Bisson de la Roque's reconstructed itinerary with his expedition plan found only one minor error, requiring replacement of a faulty 10.7 km section with a corrected 8.7 km section; the faulty section represented 2.04% of the total corrected route of 525.8 km.

“Only one minor error in the route reconstruction was found, which made it necessary to replace a faulty 10.7 km long section with a corrected section of 8.7 km; the faulty section thus represented only 2.04% of the total corrected route (525.8 km).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The normalized area of deviation shows that 50% of the least cost paths on the validation runs have deviation areas of less than 0.12 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.36 km2 per kilometer.

“The normalized area of deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs on the validation runs have deviation areas of less than 0.12 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.36 km2 per kilometer.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Possible trajectories are more numerous in low-slope areas and the Nile's development, including canals and dikes, was not taken into account in the displacement factors.

“Possible trajectories are more numerous in these low-slope areas and the Nile’s development (canals and dikes) was not taken into account in the displacement factors.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Analysis of slopes crossed by travelers during steps shows a strong preference for gentle slopes of about plus or minus 5% and a high sensitivity to slopes greater than 10%.

“Analysis of the slopes crossed by travelers during the steps shows a strong preference for gentle slopes (+/– 5%), and a high sensitivity to slopes greater than 10%.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The fort at Ghozza dates from the early Roman period, when the porphyry quarries were activated, but was abandoned quickly, probably at the end of the 1st century AD, when the peak of porphyry exploitation was reached in the following century.

“The fort dates from the early Roman period, when the porphyry quarries were activated, but was abandoned quickly, probably at the end of the 1st century AD, when the peak of porphyry exploitation was reached in the following century.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The mean lengths of training routes and least cost paths were 24.0 km (s.e. ± 1.7 km) and 25.6 km (s.e. ± 1.8 km) respectively, an overestimation of least cost paths by 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.4 km).

“The mean lengths of training routes and LCPs were 24.0 km (Standard Error (s.e.) ± 1.7 km) and 25.6 km (s.e. ± 1.8 km) respectively, an overestimation of LCPs by 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.4 km) (Figure 9).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The excavations at Ghozza uncovered a previously poorly known Roman fort, built on the site of an important gold mining village and dated to the Hellenistic period.

“The excavations uncovered a previously poorly known Roman fort, built on the site of an important gold mining village and dated to the Hellenistic period.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The area covered by the valley bottoms increases from upstream to downstream from the confluences.

“the area covered by the valley bottoms increases from upstream to downstream from the confluences”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

At present, too few of these routes (ancient or modern) are listed.

“At present, too few of these routes (ancient or modern) are listed”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Wadi navigation forces the DN model to draw a long route through the valleys between Abu Midrik and Abu Rahal, while a field survey conducted in the 2000s showed that the ancient route was shorter.

“A good example comes from the Hellenistic route reconstructed between the sites of Abu Midrik and Abu Rahal: wadi navigation forces the DN model to draw a long route through the valleys, while a field survey conducted in the 2000s showed that the ancient route was shorter (Sidebotham and Gates-Foster 2019: Figure 3.178).”

• cites Sidebotham and Gates-Foster 2019Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one. The quote only partly states this claim.

The reconstructed network confirms the hypothesis that the initial route to Porphyrites was opened in the 1st century AD through Wadi Ghozza and that Wadi Ghozza is one of the routes reconstructed between the Nile Valley and the porphyry quarries.

“The reconstructed network makes it possible to confirm this hypothesis and the Wadi Ghozza as one of the routes reconstructed between the Nile Valley and the porphyry quarries (Figure 15).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The mean lengths of the validation routes and the corresponding least cost paths were 23.0 km (s.e. ± 2.3 km) and 24.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) respectively, an overestimation of the least cost paths similar to that of the training data of 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km).

“The mean lengths of the validation routes and the corresponding LCPs were 23.0 km (s.e. ± 2.3 km) and 24.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) respectively, an overestimation of the LCPs similar to that of the training data of 1.7 km (s.e. ± 2.5 km) (Figure 11).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The normalized area deviation shows that 50% of the least cost paths have deviation areas of less than 0.17 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.43 km2 per training path kilometer.

“This normalized area deviation shows that 50% of the LCPs have deviation areas of less than 0.17 km2 and 75% have deviations of 0.43 km2 per training path kilometer.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The modern travelers' itineraries used for training and validation were made under conditions close to those of Antiquity.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Travel conditions for pack camels have remained similar from antiquity to the 19th and 20th centuries, with a clear distinction between pack camels and riding camels.

“Despite the probable adaptations of camels in just over two millennia, travel conditions have remained similar, with a clear distinction between pack camels (slower but more resistant) and riding camels (faster but with a lower carrying capacity) in both Antiquity (Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020) and the 19th (Barron and Hume 1902: 3; Du Camp 1860: 259–260) and 20th centuries (Tregenza 1955).”

• cites Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Barron and Hume 1902Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Du Camp 1860Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt's aridification about 5,800 years ago, and no major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years.

“Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt’s aridification at the end of the African Humid Period about 5,800 years ago (Brookes 2003; Bubenzer and Riemer 2007) and no major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years (Crépy 2016; Sanlaville 1997; Welc 2016), although minor fluctuations have occasionally been reported for the Roman period (Garci”

• cites Brookes 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Bubenzer and Riemer 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Crépy 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

It can be ascertained that the traveler has taken one valley, not another, but generally it is not known whether they traveled on a particular slope, at the bottom of a valley, or alternately in these different positions.

“Thus, it can be ascertained that the traveler has taken one valley, not another, but generally it is not known whether they traveled on a particular slope, at the bottom of a valley, or alternately in these different positions.”

• Also stated in: § 4.2 Cost Layer Calibration and Validation Process of the Modeled Path · plain

  “Thus, it can be ascertained that the traveler has taken one valley, not another, but generally it is not known whether they traveled on a particular slope, at the bottom of a valley, or alternately in these different positions.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Two routes may have similar lengths for different trajectories.

“However, when studying length deviations, it is important to take into account that two routes may have similar lengths for different trajectories.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The result is not directly transferable or generalizable, although the approach is still replicable for other environments and regions.

“The result is therefore not directly transferable or generalizable, although the approach is still replicable for other environments and regions.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Many functions for determining slope cost of human walking result in paths too far from camel routes, showing that travel involving camels (especially loaded ones) has its own constraints.

“Regarding the topographical factor, many functions exist for determining the slope cost of travel for human walking, but these result in paths that are too far from camel routes (Crépy, Manière and Redon Forthcoming), showing that travel involving camels (especially loaded ones) has its own constraints.”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

As the routes are highly influenced by logistical steps, the outward and return paths are mainly slope variants within the same valley.

“As the routes are highly influenced by logistical steps, the outward and return paths are mainly slope variants within the same valley.”

• Also stated in: § 4.2 Cost Layer Calibration and Validation Process of the Modeled Path · plain

  “As the routes are highly influenced by logistical steps, the outward and return paths are mainly slope variants within the same valley.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The watering places reflect possible itinerary steps depending on whether or not the road was used, and materialize the availability of water resources that has probably not changed since Antiquity.

“The watering places in this context reflect possible itinerary steps depending on whether or not the road was used, and materialize the availability of water resources that has probably not changed since Antiquity (Crépy and Redon Forthcoming).”

• cites Crépy and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The model's cost values are not estimated by experimentation but represent the weight of factors relative to each other to reproduce routes; they cannot be reused outside the environment in which they were established and do not reflect a cost in measurable units.

“The disadvantages of this method are that cost values are not estimated by experimentation but represent the weight of factors relative to each other in order to reproduce routes; subsequently, they cannot be reused outside the environment in which they were established and do not reflect a cost in measurable units.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In plateau sectors, travelers or guides made wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings.

“In the plateau sectors, where landmarks were rare, travelers or their guides made the wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings (Crépy, Manière and Redon Forthcoming; Cailliaud and Drovetti 1821: 59).”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Cailliaud and Drovetti 1821Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim.

The distances traveled should not be too long (maximum 72 km) to avoid the need for travelers to make detours to water points or rest areas.

“The distances traveled should not be too long (the maximum distance travelled is 72 km), in order to avoid the need for travelers to make detours to water points or rest areas.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

The steps were selected for the reliability of their reconstruction, and according to their distance and purpose.

“The steps were therefore selected for the reliability of their reconstruction, but also according to their distance and purpose.”

Probably not a substantial claim.

The working scale being the wadi, a road is considered valid as soon as it follows the right valley, independently of its width.

“Indeed, the working scale being the wadi, a road is considered valid as soon as it follows the right valley, independently of its width.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

The route of each step should not be influenced by particular points of interest or by tourism that would force the traveler not to take the best possible route.

“Also, the route of each step should not be influenced by particular points of interest or by tourism that would force the traveler not to take the best possible route (e.g. presence of archaeological sites, inscriptions, or geological curiosities).”

• Also stated in: § References · plain

  “Also, the route of each step should not be influenced by particular points of interest or by tourism that would force the traveler not to take the best possible route (e.g. presence of archaeological sites, inscriptions, or geological curiosities).”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The selected steps are not influenced by particular points of interest or tourism that would force the traveler not to take the best possible route.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

The model presented is the first model ever proposed by both archaeologists and modelers intended to model routes primarily traversed by people with camels.

“However, this is the first model ever proposed by both archaeologists and modelers intended to model routes primarily traversed by people with camels, and could therefore serve as a starting point for other projects.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

This method to compare trajectories between several paths is similar to the Path Deviation Index developed by Jan, Horowitz and Peng (1999), except that the denominator of our index is the length of the training or validation path rather than the shortest path.

“This method to compare trajectories between several paths is similar to the Path Deviation Index developed by Jan, Horowitz and Peng (1999), except that the denominator of our index is the length of the training or validation path rather than the shortest path (Equation 1).”

• cites Jan, Horowitz and Peng 1999Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

From the end of the 4th century BC, camels became the main means of transport in the Eastern Desert, and they remained so until the first half of the 20th century.

“From the end of the 4th century BC, camels became the main means of transport in the Eastern Desert, and they remained so until the first half of the 20th century.”

• Also stated in: § 2.1 The Egyptian Eastern Desert and the Use of the Camel in Antiquity · plain

  “From the end of the 4th century BC, camels became the main means of transport in the Eastern Desert, and they remained so until the first half of the 20th century.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Using a buffer of twice the Strahler rank allows a good representation of narrow valleys at the head of the watershed and avoids covering too large areas downstream on rocky zones.

“This value, of twice the Strahler rank, allows a good representation of the narrow valleys at the head of the watershed and avoids covering too large areas downstream, on rocky zones.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Sandy-gravel deposits in valley bottoms can be distinguished to a minimum watershed size of 0.1 km2.

“Sandy-gravel deposits in valley bottoms can be distinguished to a minimum watershed size of 0.1 km2.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Calibrating or verifying least cost paths using actual journeys requires that the steps correspond to the best possible journey between starting point and destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.

“Calibrating or verifying the least cost paths using actual journeys requires that these steps correspond to the best possible journey between the starting point and the destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The impact of terrain on human walking speed can be determined, but remains unknown for a heavily loaded camel.

“Similarly, the impact of terrain on human walking speed can be determined (Lejeune, Willems and Heglund 1998; Soule and Goldman 1972) but remains unknown for a heavily loaded camel.”

• cites Lejeune, Willems and Heglund 1998 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Soule and Goldman 1972 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

It may state two separate claims as one.

The hydrographic-network method can be carried out quickly and allows easy identification of sandy-gravelly valley bottoms with little manual correction, even in narrow passages.

“This method has the advantages that it can be carried out quickly; plus, it allows the easy identification of sandy-gravelly valley bottoms with little manual correction, even in narrow passages.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Some accounts mention that camels have difficulty moving over certain surfaces or slopes, are likely to slip and injure on angular and smooth surfaces such as rocky outcrops, and that coarse sedimentary deposits are unsuitable for walking.

“Some accounts mention a camel’s difficulty to move over certain surfaces or on certain slopes; that they were likely to slip and injure themselves on angular and smooth surfaces, such as rocky outcrops (Du Camp 1860: 270; Flaubert 1910: 244–245); and that areas of coarse sedimentary deposits were unsuitable for them to walk across (Tregenza 1955: 4).”

• cites Du Camp 1860Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Flaubert 1910Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Tregenza 1955Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

Quantitative information allows the uncertainties of the reconstructed paths to be evaluated according to the areas crossed, but only a visual diagnosis can assess the errors.

“Quantitative information allows the uncertainties of the reconstructed paths to be evaluated according to the areas crossed, but only a visual diagnosis can assess the errors.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

This network connects all the sites in pairs with no prior assumptions about the structure or hierarchy of the network, in order to obtain the fastest and most direct routes possible.

“This network connects all the sites in pairs with no prior assumptions about the structure or hierarchy of the network, in order to obtain the fastest and most direct routes possible (Waugh, 2000).”

• cites Waugh, 2000Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

In the context of least cost analysis, it is necessary to spatialize factors at the same spatial resolution, and assign them a cost function and weighting.

“In the context of least cost analysis, it is necessary to spatialize these factors at the same spatial resolution, and assign them a cost function and weighting.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Despite probable adaptations of camels in just over two millennia, travel conditions have remained similar, with a clear distinction between pack camels and riding camels in both Antiquity and the 19th and 20th centuries.

“Despite the probable adaptations of camels in just over two millennia, travel conditions have remained similar, with a clear distinction between pack camels (slower but more resistant) and riding camels (faster but with a lower carrying capacity) in both Antiquity (Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020) and the 19th (Barron and Hume 1902: 3; Du Camp 1860: 259–260) and 20th centuries (Tregenza 1955).”

• cites Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Barron and Hume 1902: 3Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Du Camp 1860: 259–260Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim.

The accounts selected were chosen on the basis of the quality, quantity, and accuracy of their information.

“The accounts selected were therefore chosen on the basis of the quality, quantity, and accuracy of their information.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Even if topography remains the predominant factor for camels in the largely mountainous area of the Eastern Desert, the approach of this study has the advantage of being able to integrate more factors than just the slope, provided that they can be mapped at a similar resolution and that sufficiently accurate and reliable historical routes are available to serve as a basis for modeling.

“Even if topography remains the predominant factor for camels in the largely mountainous area of the Eastern Desert, the approach of this study has the advantage of being able to integrate more factors than just the slope, provided that they can be mapped at a similar resolution and that sufficiently accurate and reliable historical routes are available to serve as a basis for modeling.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

It is probable that the first route passed via Ghozza because the site was known to the desert travelers and was rich in water resources.

“It is probable that the first route passed via Ghozza because the site was known to the desert travelers and was rich in water resources.”

• Also stated in: § 6 Results and Perspectives · hedged

  “It is probable that the first route passed via Ghozza because the site was known to the desert travelers and was rich in water resources.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

Camels enabled convoys to move at a quicker pace, even though they were more heavily loaded.

“Camels enabled the convoys to move at a quicker pace, even though they were now more heavily loaded.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

It is possible to propose maps of transport constraints and to reproduce the travelers' journeys using least cost analysis, in order to calibrate the model.

“It is therefore possible to propose maps of these transport constraints and to reproduce the travelers’ journeys using the least cost analysis method, in order to calibrate the model.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The descriptions contained in modern travel narratives are sufficiently diverse and well distributed to provide reliable data.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

The model presented is eminently suitable for the study area (between Abu Shaar in the north and Bir Abraq in the south, an area of 110,000 km2).

“The model presented here is eminently suitable for our study area, located approximately between Abu Shaar in the north and Bir Abraq in the south, an area of 110,000 km2 (Figure 1).”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

A navigation driven by infrastructures and/or more convenient mountainous terrain for camels will allow the model to produce paths on steeper slopes, and would probably require a new calibration with a more relevant slope influence.

“A navigation driven by infrastructures and/or more convenient mountainous terrain for camels will allow the model to produce paths on steeper slopes, and would probably require a new calibration with a more relevant slope influence.”

• Also stated in: § 7 Conclusion · hedged

  “A navigation driven by infrastructures and/or more convenient mountainous terrain for camels will allow the model to produce paths on steeper slopes, and would probably require a new calibration with a more relevant slope influence.”

• Also stated in: § References · hedged

  “A navigation driven by infrastructures and/or more convenient mountainous terrain for camels will allow the model to produce paths on steeper slopes, and would probably require a new calibration with a more relevant slope influence.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In the 1940s and 1950s, wells were still without pumps and road construction was minimal, as in ancient times, consisting mainly of clearing bigger and sharper stones and possibly reuse of old ramps on steep slopes.

“In the 1940s and 1950s, the wells were still without pumps and road construction was minimal, as in ancient times, consisting mainly of the clearing of the bigger and sharper stones (often linked purely to the repeated passage of caravans rather than a dedicated operation) and possibly reuse of old ramps on certain steep slopes or very uneven passages (Tregenza 1955: 141, 145–146).”

• cites Tregenza 1955: 141, 145–146Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Ancient travelers took this navigation constraint into account by setting up dozens of cairns to guide them out of the valleys, saving them a long detour.

“Ancient travelers took this navigation constraint into account by setting up dozens of cairns to guide them out of the valleys, saving them a long detour.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

With our model, it is possible to establish paths minimizing the distance travelled between two ancient sites, or the difficulty of the journey by varying the intermediate steps of the road, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and the occupation of sites.

“With our model, for example, it is possible to establish paths minimizing the distance travelled between two ancient sites, or the difficulty of the journey by varying the intermediate steps of the road, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and the occupation of sites.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

It also offers multiple network analysis possibilities to archaeologists studying the ancient Egyptian Eastern Desert, which will allow work to be carried out on ancient networks that was previously totally unthinkable.

“It also offers multiple network analysis possibilities to archaeologists studying the ancient Egyptian Eastern Desert, which will allow work to be carried out on ancient networks that was previously totally unthinkable.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Modern travelers (18th to early 20th centuries) shared the same mode of transport and similar environmental constraints regarding navigation as ancient travelers.

“Indeed, despite the time separating these journeys, the travelers shared the same mode of transport and similar environmental constraints regarding navigation.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

A region with many watering places in wetter areas could lead to the creation of numerous unnecessary paths.

“A region with many watering places in wetter areas could lead to the creation of numerous unnecessary paths.”

• Also stated in: § 7 Conclusion · hedged

  “A region with many watering places in wetter areas could lead to the creation of numerous unnecessary paths.”

• Also stated in: § References · hedged

  “A region with many watering places in wetter areas could lead to the creation of numerous unnecessary paths.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt's aridification at the end of the African Humid Period about 5,800 years ago, and no major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years, although minor fluctuations have occasionally been reported for the Roman period.

“Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt’s aridification at the end of the African Humid Period about 5,800 years ago (Brookes 2003; Bubenzer and Riemer 2007) and no major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years (Crépy 2016; Sanlaville 1997; Welc 2016), although minor fluctuations have occasionally been reported for the Roman period (Garci”

• cites Brookes 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Bubenzer and Riemer 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Crépy 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Even if these locations may correspond to necessary stops, travelers may skip them in favor of a more strategic and higher quality resource profile.

“Even if these locations may correspond to necessary stops, travelers may skip them in favor of a more strategic and higher quality resource profile.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Crossings sometimes had to be made at night because of the heat in ancient times, as was also the case in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during summer.

“For example, crossings sometimes had to be made at night because of the heat in ancient times (Strabon 16, 1, 45), which was also the case in the 19th (Belzoni 1820: 335, 344) and 20th centuries, especially during the summer (Tregenza 1955: 61).”

• cites Strabon 16, 1, 45Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Belzoni 1820: 335, 344Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Tregenza 1955: 61Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The scale and resolution of the reconstruction depends largely on the width of the wadis and passes, and is more accurate in the mountainous area than on the plateau.

“The scale and resolution of the reconstruction, therefore, depends largely on the width of the wadis and passes, and is more accurate in the mountainous area (wadis and passes are more circumscribed) than on the plateau (the Wadi Qena, for example, is more than 2 km wide).”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

This is the first model ever proposed by both archaeologists and modelers intended to model routes primarily traversed by people with camels, and could therefore serve as a starting point for other projects.

“However, this is the first model ever proposed by both archaeologists and modelers intended to model routes primarily traversed by people with camels, and could therefore serve as a starting point for other projects.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Some social criteria or navigation are more difficult to take into account, and give a weighting to, than other factors.

“Some social criteria or navigation are more difficult to take into account, and give a weighting to, than other factors.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The increase in human presence in the region between the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods can be partly explained by the introduction of the camel.

“It should be noted that the increase in human presence in the region, between the Pharaonic and Greco-Roman periods, can be partly explained by a revolution in Egypt at this time, the introduction of the “ship of the deserts”—the camel (Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020).”

• cites Agut-Labordère and Redon 2020Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

Some water points have been exploited from the New Kingdom to the present day, which seems to confirm the stability of surface conditions and hydrogeological configuration.

“The fact that some water points have been exploited from the New Kingdom to the present day seems to confirm this (Crépy, Manière and Redon Forthcoming; Crépy and Redon Forthcoming).”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Crépy and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The Roman period saw the Eastern Desert endowed with a tight network of forts and stations (20 to 30 km apart) along three main routes: Coptos-Myos Hormos, Coptos-Berenike, commissioned in the 1st century AD, and Antinoopolis-Berenike in the following century.

“The Roman period was the second apogee of the region, which saw it endowed with a tight network of forts and stations (20 to 30 km apart) along three main routes: Coptos–Myos Hormos, Coptos–Berenike, commissioned in the 1st century AD, and, in the following century, Antinoopolis–Berenike (Brun 2018).”

• cites Brun 2018 sourceNot checked yet

  Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Various dates have been proposed for the signal towers, mainly in favor of the Roman period, although the medieval period was also suggested, but the lack of archaeological material has made dating impossible.

“Various dates have been proposed, mainly in favor of the Roman period, although the medieval period was also suggested, but the lack of archaeological material has made dating impossible (Brun, Cuvigny and Reddé 2003).”

• cites Brun, Cuvigny and Reddé 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The model's cost values represent the weight of factors relative to each other to reproduce routes rather than costs in measurable units, and cannot be reused outside the environment in which they were established.

“The disadvantages of this method are that cost values are not estimated by experimentation but represent the weight of factors relative to each other in order to reproduce routes; subsequently, they cannot be reused outside the environment in which they were established and do not reflect a cost in measurable units.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

This approach takes more parameters into account for the definition of the model.

“it has the advantage of taking more parameters into account for the definition of the model”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The use of the spreading algorithm D8 instead of D16 causes a loss of accuracy in route calculations.

“In spite of the loss of accuracy in route calculations, due to the use of the spreading algorithm D8 instead of D16”

• cites Bevan 2013Not checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

A buffer of twice the Strahler rank allows a good representation of the narrow valleys at the head of the watershed and avoids covering too large areas downstream, on rocky zones.

“This value, of twice the Strahler rank, allows a good representation of the narrow valleys at the head of the watershed and avoids covering too large areas downstream, on rocky zones.”

Probably not a substantial claim.

In the absence of a camel cost allocation function for slope intervals from experimentation, the calibration of slope costs was achieved in an isotropic way.

“In the absence of a camel cost allocation function for slope intervals from experimentation, their calibration was achieved in an isotropic way.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Even if the desired result is a network of lines, each line generally represents a transport corridor rather than a single route.

“Even if the desired result is a network of lines, the reality is that each line generally represents a transport corridor.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

The factors determining routes used by travelers can be diverse and numerous, and assessing their influence is difficult when modeling ancient routes.

“The factors determining the routes used by travelers can be diverse and numerous (Murrieta-Flores 2010) and assessing their influence is a difficult exercise when modeling ancient routes.”

• cites Murrieta-Flores 2010Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim.

In this method, cost values are not estimated by experimentation but represent the weight of factors relative to each other in order to reproduce routes.

“cost values are not estimated by experimentation but represent the weight of factors relative to each other in order to reproduce routes”

Probably not a substantial claim. The authors may not put it forward as true. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

The diachronic evolution of routes over time can be studied to understand original parameters for creation of different networks during specific periods of occupation, enabling choice of routes according to history, politics, safety, and aims of intra-desert traveler to be questioned.

“Finally, the diachronic evolution of the routes over time can be studied in order to understand the original parameters in place for the creation of different networks during specific periods of occupation, enabling the choice of routes according to history, politics, and safety, as well as the aims of the intra-desert traveler to be questioned.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

The adoption of the camel as the main mode of transportation in the 1st millennium BC, being faster and with a greater load capacity than humans or donkeys, dramatically changed the logistics used to cross the Eastern Desert.

“The adoption of the camel as the main mode of transportation in the 1st millennium BC, faster and with a greater load capacity than humans or donkeys, dramatically changed the logistics used to cross this difficult terrain.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Calibrating or verifying least cost paths using actual journeys requires that these steps correspond to the best possible journey between the starting point and the destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.

“Calibrating or verifying the least cost paths using actual journeys requires that these steps correspond to the best possible journey between the starting point and the destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In the plateau sectors, where landmarks were rare, travelers or their guides made the wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings.

“In the plateau sectors, where landmarks were rare, travelers or their guides made the wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Cailliaud and Drovetti 1821: 59Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Various dates have been proposed for the signal towers between Coptos and Myos Hormos, mainly in favor of the Roman period, although the medieval period was also suggested, but lack of archaeological material has made dating impossible.

“Various dates have been proposed, mainly in favor of the Roman period, although the medieval period was also suggested, but the lack of archaeological material has made dating impossible (Brun, Cuvigny and Reddé 2003).”

• cites Brun, Cuvigny and Reddé 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence.

Some social criteria or navigation are more difficult to take into account and give a weighting to than other factors.

“Some social criteria or navigation are more difficult to take into account, and give a weighting to, than other factors.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Some accounts mention that camels had difficulty moving over certain surfaces or slopes, were likely to slip and injure themselves on angular and smooth surfaces such as rocky outcrops, and that areas of coarse sedimentary deposits were unsuitable for them to walk across.

“Some accounts mention a camel’s difficulty to move over certain surfaces or on certain slopes; that they were likely to slip and injure themselves on angular and smooth surfaces, such as rocky outcrops (Du Camp 1860: 270; Flaubert 1910: 244–245); and that areas of coarse sedimentary deposits were unsuitable for them to walk across (Tregenza 1955: 4).”

• cites Du Camp 1860: 270Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Flaubert 1910: 244–245Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Tregenza 1955: 4Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

It is possible to propose maps of transport constraints and to reproduce travelers' journeys using least cost analysis in order to calibrate the model.

“It is therefore possible to propose maps of these transport constraints and to reproduce the travelers’ journeys using the least cost analysis method, in order to calibrate the model.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

The DN model can establish paths minimizing distance travelled between two ancient sites or difficulty of journey by varying intermediate steps, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and occupation of sites.

“With our model, for example, it is possible to establish paths minimizing the distance travelled between two ancient sites, or the difficulty of the journey by varying the intermediate steps of the road, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and the occupation of sites.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

These paths were not taken into account in this first cartography.

“These paths were not taken into account in this first cartography.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. It may state two separate claims as one.

These valleys offered safe orientation corridors, especially for night walks, with good terrain conditions.

“These valleys offered safe orientation corridors, especially for night walks, with good terrain conditions.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

When the Wadi Ghozza route proved too complicated to cross, it was replaced by the Wadi Atrash "highway", where a new fort, the Deir el-Atrash, was built.

“When this proved too complicated to cross it was replaced by the Wadi Atrash “highway”, where a new fort, the Deir el-Atrash, was built.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Ancient travelers took the navigation constraint into account by setting up dozens of cairns to guide them out of the valleys, saving them a long detour.

“Ancient travelers took this navigation constraint into account by setting up dozens of cairns to guide them out of the valleys, saving them a long detour.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The new road following the least cost path highlights the ability and expertise of Roman engineers to find the shortest routes to build their roads.

“highlighting once again the incredible ability and expertise of Romans engineers to find the shortest routes to build their roads.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

A higher threshold of 25 degrees was chosen in order to take into account slope uncertainties and spatial representativeness.

“therefore, a higher threshold of 25 degrees was chosen in order to take into account slope uncertainties and spatial representativeness.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

In the highly frequented zones, traces of earlier caravans were also elements of orientation outside the valleys.

“In the highly frequented zones, traces of earlier caravans were also elements of orientation outside the valleys.”

It may state two separate claims as one.

In plateau sectors, travelers or their guides made the wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings.

“In the plateau sectors, where landmarks were rare, travelers or their guides made the wadis their preferred means of travel, even at the cost of long detours, and referred to constructed markings (Crépy, Manière and Redon Forthcoming; Cailliaud and Drovetti 1821: 59).”

• cites Crépy, Manière and Redon ForthcomingNot matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Cailliaud and Drovetti 1821: 59Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The approach of this study has the advantage of being able to integrate more factors than just the slope, provided that they can be mapped at a similar resolution and that sufficiently accurate and reliable historical routes are available to serve as a basis for modeling.

“the approach of this study has the advantage of being able to integrate more factors than just the slope, provided that they can be mapped at a similar resolution and that sufficiently accurate and reliable historical routes are available to serve as a basis for modeling.”

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

Few ancient roads are precisely mapped today, except for some very well developed communication axes such as the Wadi Hammamat, used mainly in Roman times and equipped with 15 forts.

“Few ancient roads are precisely mapped today, except for some very well developed communication axes (e.g. the Wadi Hammamat, used mainly in Roman times and equipped with 15 forts”

• cites Cuvigny et al. 2003Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

The approach is still replicable for other environments and regions.

“although the approach is still replicable for other environments and regions”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Even if watering locations may correspond to necessary stops, travelers may skip them in favor of a more strategic and higher quality resource profile.

“Even if these locations may correspond to necessary stops, travelers may skip them in favor of a more strategic and higher quality resource profile.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

When travelling in broad daylight, meridian breaks were often necessary during the hottest hours.

“when travelling in broad daylight, meridian breaks were often necessary during the hottest hours”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

No major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years.

“no major climate change has been demonstrated for the last 5,000 to 4,500 years”

• cites Crépy 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

• cites Sanlaville 1997 sourceNot checked yet

  Checked before — its earlier verdict is held back until a new check runs.

• cites Welc 2016Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim.

A road is considered valid as soon as it follows the right valley, independently of its width.

“Indeed, the working scale being the wadi, a road is considered valid as soon as it follows the right valley, independently of its width.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

This method can be carried out quickly and allows the easy identification of sandy-gravelly valley bottoms with little manual correction, even in narrow passages.

“This method has the advantages that it can be carried out quickly; plus, it allows the easy identification of sandy-gravelly valley bottoms with little manual correction, even in narrow passages.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Topography remains the predominant factor for camels in the largely mountainous area of the Eastern Desert.

“Even if topography remains the predominant factor for camels in the largely mountainous area of the Eastern Desert”

• Also stated in: § References · plain

  “Even if topography remains the predominant factor for camels in the largely mountainous area of the Eastern Desert”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

In the 1940s and 1950s, the wells were still without pumps and road construction was minimal, as in ancient times.

“In the 1940s and 1950s, the wells were still without pumps and road construction was minimal, as in ancient times”

Probably not a substantial claim.

Steps for which there were doubts about the exact route were not included in the model, either at the training or validation stage.

“Steps for which there were doubts about the exact route were not included in the model, either at the training or validation stage (Figure 3).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

Crossings sometimes had to be made at night because of the heat in ancient times, as was also the case in the 19th and 20th centuries, especially during the summer.

“crossings sometimes had to be made at night because of the heat in ancient times (Strabon 16, 1, 45), which was also the case in the 19”

• cites Strabon 16, 1, 45Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. It may state two separate claims as one.

The approach offers multiple network analysis possibilities to archaeologists studying the ancient Egyptian Eastern Desert, which will allow work on ancient networks that was previously totally unthinkable.

“It also offers multiple network analysis possibilities to archaeologists studying the ancient Egyptian Eastern Desert, which will allow work to be carried out on ancient networks that was previously totally unthinkable.”

Probably not a substantial claim.

Logistics are organized around infrastructures designed to ensure the rest, water (and sometimes food) supply, and safety of passengers and their animals.

“Logistics are organized around infrastructures designed to ensure the rest, water (and sometimes food) supply, and safety of passengers and their animals.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

This lack of accuracy can be put into perspective in relation to a mode of transportation where many routes can coexist within the same valley.

“This lack of accuracy can nevertheless be put into perspective in relation to a mode of transportation where many routes can coexist within the same valley.”

Probably not a substantial claim.

The quality of the calibration and validation results was evaluated by measuring the differences between the route taken by a traveler and the route modeled by the least cost path algorithm.

“The quality of the calibration and validation results was evaluated by measuring the differences between the route taken by a traveler and the route modeled by the least cost path algorithm (Figures 9 and 11).”

It may state two separate claims as one.

With the model, it is possible to establish paths minimizing the distance travelled between two ancient sites, or the difficulty of the journey by varying the intermediate steps of the road, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and the occupation of sites.

“With our model, for example, it is possible to establish paths minimizing the distance travelled between two ancient sites, or the difficulty of the journey by varying the intermediate steps of the road, making it possible to test different hypotheses for a route and the occupation of sites.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

Calibrating or verifying least cost paths using actual journeys requires that the steps correspond to the best possible journey between the starting point and the destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.

“Calibrating or verifying the least cost paths using actual journeys requires that these steps correspond to the best possible journey between the starting point and the destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The selected training and validation steps correspond to the best possible journey between start and destination, with no intermediate stages influencing the trajectory.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

The mountainous area was not considered because of numerous landscape landmarks and because natural paths in the valley bottom were already preferred for their walking surface.

“The mountainous area was not considered because of numerous landscape landmarks and because natural paths in the valley bottom were already preferred for their walking surface”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

According to modern travelers, the crossing of Egypt's Eastern Desert can last from three and a half days to several weeks, depending on the purpose of the trip and the route chosen.

“According to modern travelers, the crossing of Egypt’s Eastern Desert can last from three and a half days to several weeks, depending on the purpose of the trip and the route chosen.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt's aridification at the end of the African Humid Period about 5,800 years ago.

“Climatic conditions have changed little since the beginning of Egypt’s aridification at the end of the African Humid Period about 5,800 years ago”

• cites Brookes 2003 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source
• cites Bubenzer and Riemer 2007 sourceNot checked — no full text of the source

Probably not a substantial claim. It may state two separate claims as one.

The network connects all sites in pairs with no prior assumptions about the structure or hierarchy of the network, in order to obtain the fastest and most direct routes possible.

“This network connects all the sites in pairs with no prior assumptions about the structure or hierarchy of the network, in order to obtain the fastest and most direct routes possible (Waugh, 2000).”

• cites Waugh, 2000Not matched

  Couldn’t be matched to a paper in Crossref, so it can’t be checked.

It may state two separate claims as one.

The travelers' routes and diaries enabled analysis of the main travel constraints and provide a set of data to calibrate the movement factors of camel caravans and to validate the calculated least cost paths.

“These routes and the travelers’ diaries have enabled us to analyze the main travel constraints; they provide a set of data to calibrate the different movement factors of camel caravans and to validate the calculated least cost paths.”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper’s conclusions may not depend on it.

This technique lacks precision because it simplifies the wadi bottoms and turns them into corridors of fixed width.

“However, this technique lacks precision because it simplifies the wadi bottoms and turns them into corridors of fixed width”

Probably not a substantial claim.

The distances traveled should not be too long (the maximum distance travelled is 72 km), in order to avoid the need for travelers to make detours to water points or rest areas.

“The distances traveled should not be too long (the maximum distance travelled is 72 km), in order to avoid the need for travelers to make detours to water points or rest areas.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: The maximum distance of 72 km is short enough to avoid travelers making detours to water points or rest areas.

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

Despite probable adaptations of camels in just over two millennia, travel conditions have remained similar, with a clear distinction between pack camels (slower but more resistant) and riding camels (faster but with a lower carrying capacity) in both Antiquity and the 19th and 20th centuries.

“Despite the probable adaptations of camels in just over two millennia, travel conditions have remained similar, with a clear distinction between pack camels (slower but more resistant) and riding camels (faster but with a lower carrying capacity) in both Antiquity”

Probably not a substantial claim. The paper may give no reason why it holds.

The descriptions contained in modern travel narratives are sufficiently diverse and well distributed to provide reliable data.

“The descriptions contained in modern travel narratives are sufficiently diverse and well distributed to provide reliable data.”

• AssumptionRests on an assumption: Modern travel narratives are sufficiently diverse and well distributed to provide reliable data.

Probably not a substantial claim. It may be too vague to check against evidence. The paper may give no reason why it holds. It may state two separate claims as one.

In order to represent the network of possible routes, these factors of passable areas or usable infrastructures can be removed in the definition of the network but can also be integrated in its use.