Samples of archaeological wood from many different ancient Egyptian tombs and diverse areas along the Nile Valley were examined to 1) identify the type of deterioration and 2) evaluate the condition. Three different forms of degradation appeared frequently among wooden objects excavated from these ancient tombs: soft rot, brown rot, and a nonbiological form of deterioration. Soft rot and brown rot was prevalent in wood with extensive areas of degradation. Cells with advanced stages of soft rot had numerous coalescing cavities that caused remaining cell wall layers to collapse. Wood decayed by brown rot (Basidiomycetes) had swollen, porous cell walls that were disrupted, leaving a granular mass of residual material. Many objects also suffered from cracks and fissures within secondary walls, and delamination in middle lamellae. Chemical deterioration from interactions among wood surfaces, limestone, gypsum, sodium chloride, and moisture are proposed as a cause. This deterioration is common among objects that have survived in these unique physicochemical environments. -- AATA