Egyptian tombs to close forever
19th August 2009
Three of the pharaonic tombs in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings and Queens – including the world famous tomb of boy king Tutankhamun – are to be shut forever.
The closure is part of a plan by Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities to save the tombs from being lost forever.
The tombs of Tutankhamun, Nefertiti and Seti I are to be closed and exact replicas built elsewhere in the valley.
Egypt’s chief archaeologist Dr Zahi Hawass has warned that the valley’s tombs could disappear within 150 to 500 years if they remain open to visitors.
Humidity and fungus caused by the thousands of daily visitors to the ancient burial sites is eating them away.
Dr Hawass says that, without improved ventilation and restrictions on visitor access, the tombs “are facing severe damage to both colours and the engravings”.
Seti I’s tomb had to be extensively restored following damage from both flooding and visitors and has been closed since 1991.
Several tombs in the valley now have restrictions on the number of visitors allowed in per day, while others are closed.
However, the temple of Horemheb (Haremhab) has been reopened following the installation of ventilation equipment.
And a new museum has also been completed in what was archaeologist Howard Carter’s home when he was excavating in the valleys. No opening date has been set.
>>Want to avoid the crowds on Luxor's West Bank? Here are five lesser-known but must-see temples and tombs
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