[Regnum] The 3,300-year-old tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun may be collapsing, the Daily Mail reported on October 21, citing archaeological research.
Researchers note that cracks appeared in the tomb due to increased humidity. Cracks in the ceiling of the entrance and burial chambers allow rainwater to penetrate, accelerating the deterioration of its elements.
"We're calling you about your expired tomb warranty protection"
The tomb is carved into clay shale, which expands and contracts with changes in humidity. Moisture penetration poses a serious risk of collapse. Scientists note that the structure "will not collapse anytime soon," but it will not survive as long as it could under favorable conditions.
"There are current and future risks that will affect the structural integrity of [Tutankhamun's tomb] in the long term, and the tomb may not stand for thousands of years in the form in which it was built," said Said Hemada, a professor in the Department of Conservation of Architectural Heritage at Cairo University.
Tutankhamun's tomb is located in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, home to dozens of pharaohs' tombs. In 1994, the Valley was already hit by a flood: most of the tombs were submerged, seriously damaging the frescoes and causing cracks in the burial chambers.
In early October, the tomb of Pharaoh Amenhotep III reopened in Egypt after 20 years of restoration. As Minister of Tourism and Antiquities Sherif Fathy noted, Egyptian, Japanese, and Italian artisans succeeded in preserving the monument for future generations and facilitating an influx of new tourists to the region.
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A Spanish tourist fell into a 4,000-year-old pyramid in Egypt.
A Spanish tourist fell inside a 4,000-year-old Egyptian pyramid. Gulf News reported this on October 20.
The incident occurred on October 18. The tourist reportedly slipped on a wooden ramp in a narrow corridor of the Bent Pyramid of Pharaoh Snofrey and fell 80 meters below the surface. She is believed to have suffered a broken foot.
Rescuers arrived quickly at the scene. They had to work in stifling conditions and poor visibility, relying on the tourist's cries for help. The operation lasted several hours. The woman was given first aid right inside the pyramid, but to extract her, the rescuers had to crawl due to the narrow corridors.