The Achaemenid dynasty used bitumen for sealing and waterproofing the palace with the grandeur of Persepolis. Remains of it can be seen in the historical complex of Persepolis. Ancient Susa artists used a mixture of bitumen and heated it to obtain a composition that was very similar to stone. They used this material to make various objects as well as to make sculptures and fossils. 

Egypt is one of the northeastern countries of Africa. It borders Libya to the west and Sudan to the south. Egypt is bordered by the Mediterranean Sea to the north, Israel by land on the Sinai Peninsula, and Palestine on the Gaza Strip. The north of Egypt generally has a pleasant climate due to its proximity to the Mediterranean Sea.