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Egyptian News Roundup
Antiquity News
Truthfully, it has been somewhat of a lackluster
month regarding Egyptian antiquities. In general, there have been
lots of renovations to existing monuments with a smattering of
small discoveries and new but not yet articulated discoveries.
For example, we are hearing a lot about an
expedition to recover an ancient Roman merchant ship in the Red
Sea, but that is about all we are hearing of this so far. The
ship, which appears to have been owned by Emperor Augustus and
dates between the first century BC and AD, may be important both
for a suspected cargo of gold and silver, as well as providing
valuable information on early trade routes.
But the North Coast of Egypt has yielded the
biggest finds lately. On Mariout Island, Roman baths, large
limestone structures and a quay to the north were discovered.
Tombs cut from rock have also been discovered in the island's
southern area. These discoveries confirmed that the island was
prosperous and important in Pharaonic, Greek and Roman times. It
linked the Delta provinces to the northwest coast.
Also on the North Coast at Marsa Matruh, a
church from the Byzantine age has been discovered. Restoration is
under way. The importance of this church lies in the fact that
Christians probably migrated to the area to escape oppression form
the Romans in other areas of Egypt.
What seems to be shaking up the Egyptology
community more then anything are a number of small but important
discoveries that were not expected. For example, at Luxor, a 17th
Dynasty pyramid has been found in a necropolis known for its 19th
and 20th dynasty tombs. Of course the real problem here is that it
was previously thought that pyramid building ended with the Middle
Kingdom. Furthermore, a New Kingdom priest's tomb has been found
at Abu Sir, which was previously thought to be the realm of Old
Kingdom burials.
Of course, the renovations continue, with many
mosques, and even entire areas, particularly in Cairo, being
rejuvenated.
Other Antiquity News:
Soon there will be a new Museum of Islamic
Conquest and Military Life in the Middle Ages. It will be located
near the Al-Nasr and Al-Fatouh gates of Cairo's northern wall.
Another new museum is the Sinai Heritage Museum, located on the
highway between Rafah and el-Kantara. It includes displays of folk
medicine, handmade artifacts, ornaments and clothes and a Bedouin
sound and vision room.
National Geographic has chosen Zahi Hawass who
led the exploration of Egypt's Valley of the Golden Mummies, as
its eighth explorer-in-residence. Other well-known explorers and
scientists who have been given this honor include Robert Ballard,
Jane Goodall and Sylvia Earle.
The US has returned a precious limestone stele
dating back to the era of King Seti I, which was stolen during the
1940s. Recently, a statue head of a 19th dynasty princess was also
restored to Egypt from Great Britain.
Travel News
Dominating the news in Egypt is the Library of
Alexandria, which is scheduled to be opened next April. Books are
already being beginning to fill its cases, and its opening should
be a grand occasion with visits by presidents, kings and sultans.
This is a huge project that includes international participation
and funding from many different organizations. Officially, it is
believed that a fire set by Caesar as a defensive measure spread,
destroying the original great library.
Probably a small news item, which might have a
fair impact on tourism, is the installation of new lighting
systems, at several monuments to allow night visitation. Currently
we know about a new system going in to the Kalabsha temple, but
others are planned.
Keep an eye out for a new sports festival in
Luxor. In ancient times, Egyptians held sports events in Luxor, or
rather Thebes, and Dr. Mahmound Khalaf is attempting to revive
these games in a modern sporting festival.
For travel professionals, the Mediterranean
Travel Fair will be held at the Cairo International Convention
Center from September 24th through the 26th. The Mediterranean
Travel Fair is intended to be a beacon for Sustainable Travel in
the region.
And finally, just as a reminder, the Aida Opera
will again be performed at the pyramids in October. Make
arrangements now to see it.
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