Egypt’s 'Indiana Jones' says new theory on King Tut’s tomb is wrong
In an interview with Al-Monitor, famed Egyptologist and former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass discusses the problems facing antiquities in Egypt and expresses skepticism over reports of an additional chamber in King Tut’s tomb.
CAIRO — The antiquities sector in Egypt has been shaken by several crises over the past four years. Home to many of the world’s antiquities, Egypt has been losing its historic legacy on a daily basis. Years of instability helped expand illegal excavation activities, and via smugglers, ancient Egyptian artifacts are now sold in major auctions around the world.
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Antiquities once again tried to draw the world’s attention to its monuments, this time by focusing on a new potential find in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, in what Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh al-Damaty described as “the discovery of the century.”
Al-Monitor interviewed Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of Antiquities Zahi Hawass, who spoke about the main challenges facing Egypt in this field and offered his take on possible solutions.
The text of the interview follows:
