Reconsidering the location of Yam

Egyptian texts of the Old Kingdom are unfortunately vague in describing foreign geography and trade networks. From the inclusion of toponyms in expeditionary texts, one can broadly reconstruct long distance trade routes from Egypt into the Levant, along the Red Sea to Punt, and south along the Nile Valley to Nubia. Within this schema, the area designated by the toponym Yam, well known from the biography of the Aswan noble Harkhuf has generally been held to be an extension of Egypt's interest in Nubia, beyond the Third Cataract. However, in light of the growing amount of archaeological and textual material in the Western Desert, a reassessment and reconsideration of this view is required in the context of a 'western ' trade partner.