Extreme heat takes toll on Egypt's archaeological heritage

Extreme heat, in addition to rising sea levels, is having an impact on antiquities and cities overlooking the Mediterranean in Egypt.
An Egyptian archaeologist brushes the top of a carved black wooden sarcophagus inlaid with gilded sheets, dating to Egypt's Late Period (7th-4th century BC), on the west bank of the Nile north of the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Nov. 24, 2018.
An Egyptian archaeologist brushes the top of a carved black wooden sarcophagus inlaid with gilded sheets, dating to Egypt's Late Period (7th-4th century BC), on the west bank of the Nile north of the southern city of Luxor, Egypt, Nov. 24, 2018. - Khaled Desouki/AFP via Getty Images
SalwaSamir.jpg
Salwa Samir
@salwasamir2010

Egyptian archaeologists are sounding the alarm over the threat climate change and pollution are posing to the country's unique ancient heritage, with an increasing number of wildfires and rising sea levels presenting a risk to preservation efforts.

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced Aug. 14 that a fire broke out behind the archaeological area of Mit Rahinah in Giza governorate.

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