Egypt

Pyramids? What's the Point?

The Tyee (Steve Burgess)

I'm here in Cairo working on a provocative new theory about the death of Cleopatra. I have come to believe it was all a big misunderstanding.

Cairo is Africa's biggest city, and unlikely to win blue ribbons for any other distinction. The Egyptian capital is a chaotic, polluted madhouse, as even Egyptians are wont to point out. It is also home to some amazing historical treasures, many of which are still in service as taxicabs.

Others are stored at the incredible Egyptian Museum, where stern signs warn: "No laser torches." Check. (On the other hand I did not see a single sign reading "No photography," and yet was almost thrown out for not knowing it instinctively.) Leaving aside the famous Tut treasures, there are antiquities a-plenty and even some mummified crocodiles. But everyone wants to see the famous mask and coffins of the Boy King, and they are worth the trip -- particularly since they are in the only air-conditioned room in the place.

Meanwhile, the greatest treasure of all awaited me in the gift shop: "The Inflatable Boy King." It's a full size King Tut punching bag -- only 14 bucks.

- Egypt's Antiquities Still At Risk
npr (Soraya Sarhaddi Nelson) Among the casualties of Egypt's revolution are many of its famous historical sites and artifacts. Vandalism and looting at these sites skyrocketed in the weeks after the Egyptian police force — including those responsible...

- Feature: Sandro Vannini's Ritual Figures Of Tutankhamun
Heritage Key With slideshow. Discovered inside the Tomb of King Tutankhamun, inside black resin-covered wooden shrines which were accessible via double doors, were 34 ritual figures. Of significant importance during the ritual ceremony, these statuettes...

- Travel: A Visit To The Cultural Treasures In And Around Cairo
VOA News Transcript of a radio show, which is also available to listen to in MP3 and RealAudio formats on the above page. For centuries, the buildings of ancient Egypt have captured the attention of historians, artists, and travelers. Transcript of radio...

- Exhibition: More Retutankhamun
Reuters Africa Through a succession of rooms, visitors see statues, empty jars for mummified body parts, masks and daily objects. Turning a corner, the visitor is confronted by a life-sized bust of the boy king. Then comes the heart of the exhibition...

- Cairo Beyond The Pharoahs
http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/article/0,,32089-2423437,00.html"It’s a great oddity. Millions of tourists go to Cairo, and almost all of them take the same route, visiting only the ancient relics at Giza and in the Egyptian Museum. But Cairo was not...

Egypt