Egyptian Tour Guide Arrested for Defacing 4,000-Year-Old Pyramid of Unas
GIZA, Egypt — An Egyptian tour guide was taken into custody after a video surfaced showing him drawing a stick figure on the 4,000-year-old Pyramid of Unas, one of the oldest pyramids located in the Saqqara necropolis near Giza. The footage, which rapidly went viral across social media platforms, depicts the man leaning against the pyramid’s outer casing while tourists observe, before attempting to erase the markings with his hand. Despite his efforts, remnants of the sketch remained visible, sparking outrage among heritage preservation advocates and authorities alike.
Egypt’s Interior Ministry confirmed the arrest and stated that the guide admitted to damaging the antiquity during a tour. The ministry’s official statement, posted on the government’s Ministry of Interior website, clarified that the incident occurred while the guide was explaining the site to visitors. The Pyramid of Unas, dating back to the Fifth Dynasty of Egypt’s Old Kingdom, is renowned for its well-preserved hieroglyphic inscriptions and is a protected cultural heritage site.
Following the video’s circulation, an antiquities inspector promptly filed a report with the Saqqara Tourism Police Station, leading to the identification and subsequent arrest of the guide. Specialists were dispatched to the site to carefully remove the unauthorized markings, ensuring no lasting damage to the monument.
The incident has raised concerns about the protection of Egypt’s archaeological treasures, which attract millions of tourists annually and are overseen by the Supreme Council of Antiquities. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities emphasized its commitment to safeguarding historical sites and announced plans to increase surveillance and educational efforts for tour guides and visitors.
Experts warn that even minor physical alterations to ancient monuments can cause irreversible harm. The Pyramid of Unas, in particular, holds immense historical significance as the first pyramid to contain the Pyramid Texts, a collection of religious spells and inscriptions that provide invaluable insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs.
Tourism authorities are now reviewing regulations and enforcement mechanisms to prevent similar incidents. According to guidelines from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), which lists Egypt’s pyramids as World Heritage Sites, strict measures are essential to preserve cultural heritage for future generations.
This episode serves as a reminder of the fragile nature of ancient sites and the responsibilities borne by those who guide and visit them. The Egyptian government’s swift response underscores its dedication to protecting its archaeological legacy amid growing global interest in Egypt’s rich history.
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