The history of the discoveries of archaeological artifacts and papyri in Egypt is strictly connected with the economic and political situation of the Nation, which was inserted in the international politics from the beginning of the 19th century. The development of the Nation and of its economy with the introduction of a new hydrographic system affected the conservation of the antiquities. 19th and the first half of the 20th century was an important period for the archaeological discoveries and for the development of the law system and of the Institutions for the preservation of the antiquities. The illegal and casual discoveries of objects and papyri reached the antiquities market and the collections in Europe and USA. Ancient settlements were destroyed in this period to recover materials for the improvements of the local economy.