The Fall of Zahi Hawass
Removed as minister of antiquities, the high profile archaeologist no longer holds the keys to 5,000 years of Egyptian history
- By Andrew Lawler
- Smithsonian.com, July 18, 2011, Subscribe
Editor’s note: This story has been updated to reflect developments after Hawass was initially fired. (UPDATED 07/26/2011)
It is not as dramatic as the collapse of an ancient Egyptian dynasty, but the abrupt fall of Zahi Hawass is sending ripples around the planet. The archaeologist who has been in charge of Egypt’s antiquities for nearly a decade has been sacked in an overhaul of the country’s cabinet.
After several days in which his status was unclear—the appointment of a successor was withdrawn, leading to reports that Hawass would return temporarily—he confirmed by e-mail that he was out.
The antipathy toward Hawass in Egypt may be difficult to grasp in the West, where he is typically found on American television, fearlessly tracking down desert tombs, unearthing mummies and bringing new life to Egypt’s dusty past. But in Egypt he was a target of anger among young protesters who helped depose President Hosni Mubarak in February. Hawass had been accused of corruption, shoddy science and having uncomfortably close connections with the deposed president and first lady⎯all of which he vociferously denied. Many young archaeologists also demanded more jobs and better pay⎯and they complained Hawass had failed to deliver. “He was the Mubarak of antiquities,” said Nora Shalaby, a young Egyptian archaeologist who has been active in the revolution.
On July 17, Prime Minister Essam Sharaf removed Hawass, 64, as minister of antiquities, arguably the most powerful archaeology job in the world. The ministry is responsible for monuments ranging from the Great Pyramids of Giza to the sunken palaces of ancient Alexandria, along with a staff of more than 30,000, as well as control over all foreign excavations in the country. That gives the position immense prestige in a country whose economy depends heavily on tourists drawn by Egypt’s 5,000-year heritage.
“All the devils united against me,” Hawass said in an e-mail afterward.
Sharaf named Cairo University engineer Abdel Fatta El Banna to take over but withdrew the appointment after ministry employees protested that El Banna lacked credentials as an archaeologist. On July 20, Hawass told the Egyptian state news agency he had been reinstated, but it was unclear for how long. Six days later, Hawass said in an e-mail that he was leaving to rest and to write.
Finding a replacement may take time, foreign archaeologists said. In addition, the ministry of antiquities may be downgraded from a cabinet-level agency.
Mubarak had created the ministry in January as part of an effort to salvage his government; it had been a non-cabinet agency called the Supreme Council of Antiquities, which reported to the ministry of culture. The possibility that ministry would be downgraded, reported by the Los Angeles Times, citing a cabinet spokesman, worried foreign archaeologists. “I’m very concerned about the antiquities,” said Sarah Parcak, an Egyptologist at the University of Alabama in Birmingham. “And these monuments are the lifeblood of the Egyptian economy.”
Hawass had risen from the professional dead before. Young archaeologists gathered outside his headquarters February 14 to press for more jobs and better pay. He was accused of corruption in several court cases. And in March he resigned from his post, saying that inadequate police and military protection of archaeological sites had led to widespread looting in the wake of Egypt’s revolution. But within a few weeks, Sharaf called Hawass and asked him to return to the job.
In June, he embarked on a tour to the United States to encourage tourists to return to Egypt—a high priority, given that Egypt’s political upheaval has made foreign visitors wary. Egyptian officials said in interviews last month that Hawass’ ability to persuade foreigners to return was a major reason for keeping him in his position.
Hawass rose to power in the 1980s, after getting a PhD in archaeology from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia and being named the chief antiquities inspector at the Giza Plateau, which includes the pyramids. In 2002, he was put in charge of the Supreme Council of Antiquities. He began to call on foreign countries to return iconic antiquities, such as the Rosetta Stone in the British Museum and the Nefertiti bust at the Neues Museum in Berlin. At the same time, he made it easier for foreign museums to access Egyptian artifacts for exhibit, which brought in large amounts of money for the Egyptian government. In addition, he halted new digs in areas outside the Nile Delta and oases, where rising water and increased development pose a major threat to the country’s heritage.
Hawass also began to star in a number of television specials, including Chasing Mummies, a 2010 reality show on the History Channel that was harshly criticized for the cavalier way with which he treated artifacts. In addition, Egyptians complained that there was no way to know what was happening to the money Hawass was reaping from his book tours, lectures, as well as his television appearances.
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Comments (102)
Hawass, as arrogent as he is, really needed to return to his former role as "Controller of all things Egyptian". He has the knowledge to continue protecting Egypt's heritage and the finesse to convince tourists to return to Egypt. This is NOT a job that just anyone can fall in to and do it properly. As frustrating as Hawass can be, he does sincerely love and care about preserving and protecting his nation's heritage. I'm glad to see him back in place. Plus, this job was his life.
Posted by Judy on April 17,2013 | 11:55 PM
While I admired zahi's enthusiasm for all things ancient Egyptian, his continuous blaming europeans for antiquities losses is ludicrous. After all, the initial pyramids were built to house and protect riches from their own plunderers. Most of the tombs were looted long before europe took interest and I venture to say that had the Brits not preserved them, most would have been lost regardless. Keep in mind that tut's tomb was the most intact ever uncovered, the Egyptians had no use for the ancient artifacts and certainly didn't seem to value them much except for what gold the could reap out of them until the Europeans wanted them.
Posted by Carla on April 10,2013 | 05:51 PM
Zahi's favouritism for anything american, his shoddy science and non-scientific methods (just look at the horrible restoration of Sphinx...) gained him many European enemies. By the way: his monopoly for writing was notorious and angered many Egyptologists... = he reserved the right to write about some subjects for himself and his american cronies (Mark Lehner in particular)... Egyptians too didn't like him simply because he had no regard for them! for him, only CNN, the yearly US tour, and guiding US dignitaries mattered... self obsessed, loud, pompous, over confident but scientifically poor... by the way, that's exactly the type of personalities appreciated by the Americans (and despised by Europeans!). His leaving a loss? naaaaa... good ridden really... I weighed my words carefully (they are not offensive , threatening, defamatory, invasive.....) but seriously doubt that they will published
Posted by Malcolm on April 7,2013 | 06:25 PM
Chalk up one for the good guys. Hawass manifested a combination of histrionic, sociopathic and narcissistic personality disorders. The people of Egypt deserve more than a self-promoting, slimy and irascible fraud.
Posted by Schadenfreudian on April 1,2013 | 03:15 AM
The former Minister got a bad rap because of politics. How much better is going to be his replacement? It could end up being some religious fanatic who piles up the Mummies for a bonfire. When radicals take over a country, they do all sorts of crazy things. Zawass was a Patriot to his country in vigorously trying to recover its stolen heritage. The British, jerks that they were, were actually drinking Egyptian Mummies in their tea. Thousands of Mummies were ground into powder and sold as medicinal cures by snake-oil salesmen. Imagine such an insult-I turned your ancestors into urine! Great Britain and many other nations raped Egypt of its historical treasures. It's obvious from those that piled on Zawass that this man had enemies. But people should realize the intense rivalry in his field. It becomes so intense it often borders on hatred. Archaeologists were practically ready to kill each other with Aztec War clubs in arguments over Central America in past years. They often bicker like juveniles over small details and do all kinds of backstabbing intrigue behind the scenes to embarrass and discredit one another. Disturbing that intellectuals must act like this. Physicists do it too, but don't get nearly as personal. On the other hand, Hawass reminded me of many professors I knew. Who reviled in their complete power. Who loved students kissing their arses, and browbeat their students as practice. I detested that about my professors, and I still hate them for it today. One need not be an arrogant, abusive arsehole in order to be a good teacher. Speaking of urine, Zawass unmercifully browbeat a young female student for urinating at a dig. Doesn't this jerk realize that when a lady has to go, she has to go? He doesn't understand female plumbing? He must have lived the life of a monk.
Posted by Dennis G. Carrier on March 31,2013 | 07:55 PM
I have a PhD in Egyptology. During my research I found Zahi Hawass's conclusions short-sighted, fanciful, and just plain wrong most times. The stories of poor mothers kissing his feet to get their educated PhD-level Egyptian kids jobs they are qualified for make me ill. I have no problem with scholars attaining notoriety for good work-kudos to them. But, Zahi Hawass with his ridiculous Indiana Jones style clothes and poor skills as an archaeologist make me glad he was finally removed from his post in 2011. As for some of the weird comments on this thread - WOW.
Posted by libsechumanist on March 14,2013 | 12:46 AM
The Paul ds comment below mine is funny because he confuses his own agenda as "truth": "the result of what some believe a deliberate attempt to promote his own version of ancient Egypt in order to make it palatable for Western tastes." LoL! Sounds like the pot calling the kettle "black"!
Posted by Galloway on February 23,2013 | 09:15 AM
It is nothing short of hilarious the error and falsehood this man has deliberately pout out in order to perpetuate and over extend the relationship between ancient Egypt and the people of Africa. He even once refused to acknowledge the link between ancient Egypt and Khemet or the Black Pharaohs. Since then I have never been able to take him seriously at all, in addition, he is snubbed by many of the academic elite for his inconsistencies which are unfortunately the result of what some believe a deliberate attempt to promote his own version of ancient Egypt in order to make it palatable for Western tastes.. Its as if he wants to paint a Hollywood image of ancient Egypt bereft of Black Africans. Time for a more "honest" approach in this modern decade.
Posted by Paul ds on February 4,2013 | 12:30 PM
I think that Zahi Hawass Is one of the most outstanding archaeologist of our time. If anyone can bring Egypt's antiquities back into focus it will be Zahi Hawass . I find him most knowledgable and admire him greatly. Susan Orosvco
Posted by Susan Orosco on January 9,2013 | 01:35 PM
They were worried about the Money Zawi was reaping? None of their business! HE was still the best curator and investigator in the business of Egypts archaeological history! What a dumb thing to do! Lord knows what'll happen to the relics now. They'll be destroyed if the muslims have their way. Or sold on the black market, never to be seen by public again. No matter what, it is Egypts loss. History will need to be rewritten.
Posted by Randy Dowdy on December 22,2012 | 01:24 AM
When I first saw Mr. Hawass, I thought he was a great and learned man, interested in educating the masses about Egypt's history. Over the years, I have seen him turn into an arrogant, overbearing jerk who won't consider any theories other than his own. Too bad, he was once one of the best.
Posted by Woody on December 22,2012 | 02:55 PM
Professor (or Doctor) Hawass enlarged my understanding and learning about Egyptian culture and history. It's troubling that a person like this is a target of any political group in order to, perhaps, trash another group. I hope to see him restored to his position and once again educating the world about Egyptian history.
Posted by Ed on December 19,2012 | 05:30 PM
So, they take the most influential, hard-nosed and strong-willed man ever to control Egypt's antiquities and you throw him out of his position. A position in which he has done more to safeguard and return Eqypt's ancient treasures than any other single person since Imhotep started the whole pyramid building thing. And now parts of the new Muslim Brotherhood "Government" in Egypt are making noises that all of those anyiquities should be destroyed because they were once worshipped, or were involved in worship other than that of Allah. Zahi old friend, I hope they don't ever get enough of a majority together to get away with it.
Posted by TheHornedOne on December 11,2012 | 07:38 AM
I have learned touch from Mr Hawass. there are so many shows that he has participated in that shed light into the ancient Egyptian world. how could this brilliant be replaced? I hope Mr. Hawass regains the respect he has worked so hard for and the recognition he very much deserves.
Posted by amber on November 20,2012 | 11:43 PM
I was watching right now in history channel,his appeareance..Hawas is totally a pshycopath,he suffers from ,he is not mentally healthy to me..And he is a dr....? oh please,somebody should hand him a book to teach him how to behave.He s got a degree here in our country...he hates us so much,just look how he was treating the team...oh my God i was speechless,i dont know why our guys tolerated such a behavior...and then he is fake,ignorant...what can i say ,people of the third world
Posted by Lida on November 10,2012 | 12:09 PM
The best thing to happen to Egypt was the removel Zahi! Shows how you give a man power and he abuses it. If he would have talked to me the way he did some of those people he would be laying with the mummies he abused. He is A poor excuse for A human being!!!!
Posted by ben reason on November 10,2012 | 09:34 AM
I have a project for school and can not figure out where Zahi Hawass is now? Is he still living in Egypt? Help!
Posted by lauren on October 9,2012 | 04:20 PM
I believe that ancient history and archaeology will best advance under the leadership of a better scholar.
Posted by Rev Prof Isaac J Belonga on September 18,2012 | 06:10 PM
I belive Mr.Hawass has a lot more information about Egypts true past then we will ever know(at least in the west anyway) Wow would I have liked to be in his shoes. Just to debunk the rediculous explination of how the pyramids came to be!! Maybe one day we will get the real scoop. Thanks for letting me share.
Posted by charles hawthorne on September 10,2012 | 06:32 PM
It is widely known that Egyptians didnot approve of animal headed gods. It is stated in their own writings. Obviously the lions head on the Sprinx doesnot go with the body. In addition, the amount of erosion is another indication of its age. All evidence needs to be considered. However, like Zahi, ego has clouded any other conclusions and we are left the believe that the Egypians created the pyramids. It is unfortunate, but it is doubtful that in any time soon, that other possibilities will be explored.
Posted by Wellington Orrs on August 25,2012 | 12:43 PM
Good-bye Zahi. Now maybe,the egyptian people can truly become the masters of this treasures.You always thought pharaoh supreme,but his reign ended.
Posted by Rosemary Silva on August 12,2012 | 04:38 PM
You don't have to be a nice guy to get things done, most of the younger archelogoists are opprotunists taking advantage of a situation to get rid of a superior, it happens often. Say what you want about him but Hawass loves his country and history and the passion for the rich history really brought new life to egyptology over the last decade.
Posted by Erin on July 20,2012 | 06:50 PM
zahi hawass got a scholarship at the university of pennsylavania to get his Ph.D through a A.R.A.person strange that isnt it
Posted by cass on July 6,2012 | 08:56 AM
Whenever I've wanted to immerse myself in Egyptian antiquities I only have to look up "Zahi Hawass" on my laptop. Yes he's been arrogant, mean spirited, and rude, but he has made archeaology come alive for many a layperson. As for his Phd from Pennsylvania....We shall overlook his rudimentory education. I have learned so much and have been a fan of his for years, I'm a disabled,70yr old woman. I have seen the tombs of the Pharoahs vicariessly through him. I hope to be a student of his always. Dot3
Posted by Dorothy A. Horvath on July 3,2012 | 09:23 AM
Quote posted by Pamela: "Even though he probably had much more to do than answer pesky questions on Egyptian History from a nimrod like me, he was very nice about it, and even drew in just about everyone in first class into the discussion" OF COURSE HE DID! HawAss THRIVES on the undivided attention he receives/DEMANDS, regarding everything pertaining to Egypt! Anyone could see that if they have watched ANY of his T.V. appearances. He was arrogant, rude, and acted as though HE PERSONALLY OWNED the pyramids, all Egyptian artifacts, and everything else that is there! Was he responsible for NOT allowing any exploration beneath the Sphinx? I am not sure on that, but regardless.... I TOO AM GLAD TO SEE HIM GONE!! Read more: http://www.smithsonianmag.com/history-archaeology/The-Fall-of-Zahi-Hawass.html#ixzz1zFabjDfO
Posted by j.durham on June 29,2012 | 01:34 AM
I personally don't like Dr Hawass, I've heard some dreadful stories about how he has manipulated and quite literally blackmailed foreign teams trying to undertake digs. One thing I would say about him is he has tried to at least bring the treasures of Egypt back to Egypt and has also tried to further the development of our understadning of Egyptian history. He is no saint by any means, but who is?
Posted by Shazzy on June 27,2012 | 12:45 PM
I have always despised Zahi Hawass as a misogynistic quasi- (at best) scientist show-boater. My first (sadly, this is true) thought during the Arab Spring was, "will he finally be gone?!" I sincerely hope that a new generation of actual scientists from Egypt will take over and improve on his hackneyed "expert" status and bring Egypt and archeology to their deserved status!
Posted by Anne Brooks on June 25,2012 | 09:12 PM
I think dr Hawass should remain in charge of the supreme council of antiquities. He has done such a wonderful job restoring and preserving ancient Egyptian culture. He is also one of my biggest mentors. You go dr Hawass!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Noah loiselle on May 18,2012 | 11:11 PM
I think dr Hawass should stay the leader of the supreme council of antiquities. He has done so much to help preserve and restore the ancient Egyptian culture. He is also a very big mentor of mine. You go dr Hawass
Posted by Noah loiselle on May 18,2012 | 11:08 PM
Did anyone else notice the "Joann Page" and Mary Herndon's post are verbatim for the first two sentences? I smell a Hawass rat! This showboat would open crypts that had been sealed for millennium with a crowbar, no other equipment to stop the contamination of the corpus! He also claimed to have identified Ramses’ Mummy by smell.
Posted by art on May 16,2012 | 07:09 PM
I fell in love with Egypt and its amazing history as a child after seeing a special on King Tut. I have since been a huge fan of Dr. Hawass. He has brought Egypt and its past to life for the world to see and enjoy. I hope for many more years see Dr. Hawass and those that come behind him. Seeing him on TV has provided me with the dream of walking where the pharohs have walked and worship their Gods. I am so happy that DNA has come about, and has provided us with the family tree of king Tut. In the above emails, good and bad has been said about Dr Hawass, it it was not for his control of the sites and what they contain, things could be worse. Things could be missing and never be found. Can't blame him for people breaking into the Museum. Looking forward of see more of Egyptian History.
Posted by Mary Herndon on May 15,2012 | 07:39 PM
I look forward to seeing a documentary on Egypt in which he doesn't have a cameo appearance. All other archaeologists and the actual finds themselves all are secondary to his pressing need to have face time on the camera.
Posted by on May 13,2012 | 07:38 PM
OMG! There is a God! And a just one to boot! For years any program on Egypt had Hawass's stupid face in it. I am sure he held production companies hostage. You want to shoot footage here- you must put in my stupid face.The ultimate Egyptian bride I love watching the shows and dreaded, what I knew, would be his appearance. He held Egypt hostage too. Using his positon for his personal gain. I wondered how long he would get away with it! And it was far far too long. This is the first blog I have ever written. That shows how deeply I feel about this moron.
Posted by Donna Andrews on April 13,2012 | 06:42 PM
As several others have stated, I am also glad to see the back of Mr. Hawass. He has blocked any attempt to find the truth of Egypt's past, if he had reason to fear that it might contradict his own views. His used his position for his own gain and wrung every drop of personal credit that he could from the reasearch he allowed, before passing on the dregs to the people he kept in his shadow. Maybe now we will see some progress at last.
Posted by Bob Cecil on April 9,2012 | 12:48 AM
Egypt needs a openminded and intovated thinker,who is open to all new ideas and possiable concepts to fully understand Egyptian archaeology and to make new discoveries.Dr.Hawass seems to come up short of what Egypt really needs to oversee the sites,and to fully start to understand them. possiably there should be 2 heads, one for security of the sites and one to lead the archaeology.
Posted by edward zukowski on March 30,2012 | 10:56 AM
PT Barnum and Dr. Hawass have a lot in common. Both were flamboyant showmen, who brought adventure to the forefront in many peoples lives.
Posted by rjkosack on March 11,2012 | 11:46 AM
Boo whoo people out with the old in with the new! I'm happy he's out, acting like he's a king w/his PHD from penn! HAH!I'M JUST READY FOR SOMEONE NEW AND FRESH! Bring in someone with an open mind, someone willing to hear other possible theories...buh-bye Hawass! Your time is up, let the young people in! Just because someone *looks nice on television, means nothing to me. Face the facts, people wanted him out, people from his own country @ that! If he was so great why would all the young people exspress there anger with him? Idk that's how i feel, anyway to each their own! -TnT
Posted by Talysia on March 1,2012 | 03:07 AM
Lot of haters here. Any of you ever met the man? Got to talk to him for any length of time? I have. I sat next to him on a three hour flight. Even though he probably had much more to do than answer pesky questions on Egyptian History from a nimrod like me, he was very nice about it, and even drew in just about everyone in first class into the discussion. It was like a mini-seminar and I felt very privileged to be included in it. I've also seen him on TV and can say i always learn a lot from him. As far as shoddy science goes - he always presents proof of what he says. I found him to be a very charming and intelligent man. Yes - a bit of ego, but you have to admit - at least he has something to have an ego about.
Posted by Pamala on February 20,2012 | 04:50 PM
True!Zahi Hawass did become a recognizeable celebrity Egyptian archaeologist , but how wonderful for Egypt & tourism. Altho he appeared to be descended from Pharoahs at ttimes, he made the exploration of Egyptian history, digs & sites exciting & understandable. I was surprised the Cairo Museum was so unprotected during the 2011 Revolution & that artifacts hadn't been packed & hidden in the basement, especially with the experience of the Bagdad Museum looting.
I met Hawass at Tulum for the Tut Exhibit in Ft Lauderdale. He is totally committed to the discovery & preservation of Egyptian History. The Govt will find it difficult to find a new Director as knowledgeable and committed.Gravlin, Florida
Posted by Winifred Gravlin on February 18,2012 | 01:28 PM
Hawass is a quack and a liar. There have been hundreds of mummies in the Cairo museum which he never catalogued and identified until recently. He kept other renowned archeologists from other countries at bay. He faked the small robot findings from the pyramid. He has had the time and opportunity to escavate and uncover so many more great treasures and digs but only recently embarked on identifying the family of Tut. He is arrogant, had his own agenda, and deserves to be thrown out. Mr Corruption should be his new title
Posted by Roger on January 27,2012 | 04:02 PM
I fell in love with Egypt and its amazing history as a child after seeing a special on King Tut. I have since been a huge fan of Dr. Hawass. He has brought Egypt and its past to life for the world to see and enjoy. He has opened Egypt up for economic gains from its past. I have never seen someone so passionate about his beloved Egypt. For this I will forever be grateful to this man for what he has shared with the world. I know he will continue educating us on the history of Egypt. I will be in line at his next book signing and look forward to hearing more from this Beloved Man of Egypt. Much Love Dr. Hawass.
Posted by JOANN PAGE USA on January 25,2012 | 02:51 PM
i have great respect for Zahi hwass and his great archaelogical finds . I hope that he is proved innocent and wish himm much luck in his discoveries. He is to many of us an inspirational figure.
Posted by mina rohtmets on January 24,2012 | 09:21 PM
How predictable and envious today's latest crop of native-born/educated archaeologists and Egyptologists can be! Who is protecting all of the sites that are now wide open to looters?
Who is going to continue the recovery of Egyptian artifacts and their return to the "homeland"?
Posted by B.B.Que on January 24,2012 | 05:49 PM
I have always been very frustrated that this one man with a extremely closed mind has been the supreme authority on Egyptian History. It is with great antisipation I look forward to the next 'era' of research allowed about the ancient Egyptians. Now that every program allowed to be produced won't have to 'star' Hawas in order to get made, maybe some new imaginations will be allowed to take root.
Posted by Allen Reese on January 22,2012 | 08:10 PM
The commitment to himself rather than Egypt and its beautiful antiquities is clear to see.The man has a fan club and a clothing line for heavens sake.Rude,overbearing, and determined to get himself in virtually EVERY program regarding Egypt and its long history. I wouldn't be surprised if the programs got made as long as he got to appear in them.
I can only hope i will be able to watch these programs now,without the inevitable appearance of Hawass, and his 'very important' ( we are constantly assured) involvement in any Ancient Egyptian that has any form of media involved in it.
Posted by rex on January 20,2012 | 11:11 PM
Dr.Hawass is a well respected archaeologist;his demeanor and other human qualities has done much to captivate the entire world in this field of science.This scientist has popularized archaeology as Carl Sagan did to astronomy.He will be greatly missed.
Posted by Mark King on January 16,2012 | 09:18 PM
It's about time that bum was fired. So many discoveries have been stopped by his stupidity. Not to mention he takes credit for other peoples discoveries. Some real archeology might get done now.
Posted by Ben on January 16,2012 | 02:23 PM
I have not seen much from Dr. Hawass that would indicate a high level of scholarly activity or ability and have generally thought of him as an affable figure-head for Egypt's antiquities industry. Unfortunately, his foray last year into "reality" archaeology showed a disturbing level of arrogance and a hair trigger temper when dealing with those students who were participating in the various digs, particularly the young women, which in my view is not consistent with good scholarship. And then there was the hat. I am not sorry to see him go.
I am more concerned for the future of Egyptian archaeology if the Muslim Brotherhood gain ascendancy in Egypt. It is not inconceivable that access to the sites could be lost permanently.
Posted by Carl Boren on January 16,2012 | 01:00 PM
i have just watched by television, but i think he is a good person.
Posted by carlos rodriguez on January 14,2012 | 09:52 PM
I am a great fan of Dr. Hawass. He is a true patriot who loves his nativeland tremendously. I have never seen or heard of anyone who has more passion and devotion to his career. He is the best thing that has come out of Egypt in years. As for remarks about money he receives for his books it is ridiculous! Have those people read one of them and thought about the research and skill it takes to write them? Also, the accusations about him are never backed by facts--they are made up by people who are envious of his great success. I cannot think of a person less likely to steal antiquities and smuggle them out of Egypt than Dr. Hawass! Most people in the US admire him immensely! I pray that the citizens of Egypt wake up and realize how badly they need him--he is a great goodwill ambassador and they certainly need one right now. We love you Zahi Hawass!!!
Posted by Dawn Kording on January 12,2012 | 08:32 PM
Simply put, to most of the Western World, Dr. Zahi Hawass is Egypt and Egypt is Hawass....we learned most of what we know about Egypt through his efforts. My best wishes to him in all of his future endeavors, and to Egypt... may you overcome come your current crisis and internal conflicts and you continue to promote Egypt, it's antiquities, its history and it's people for people such as me. Best Wishes!
Posted by Kathy Woods, USA on January 5,2012 | 12:08 AM
In our present era we are still universally ruled by Big Money units and national seats of power such as in antiquity. Our world today is reduced in size by amazing technology and speedy travel vessels...yet we still marvel when we find a man of vast acomplishment and true dedication, who is fueled in his devotion to his God, country, and labor, by his inate ingenuity, honesty and love...and also as in times of antiquity enemies arise against men with such traits and production. Congratulations Dr. Zahi Hawass, your name has oficially been carved into the annals of history...you will long be admired and loved.
Posted by Joe Guajardo on January 5,2012 | 10:33 PM
Absolute rubbish.No other person has done more damage to Egyptian archeology than Zahi Hawas.Good riddance.I was praying for the day when they would oust him.He should be in prison along with Mubarak.
Posted by Amy Waters on January 5,2012 | 05:16 PM
Does anyone who admires Dr. Hawass have any ideas how the current government in Egypt could be convinced to keep him on as director of antiquities? WHat could be done to help him? The loss of Dr. Hawass is a loss to the world of archeology.
Posted by Kate on January 4,2012 | 04:37 AM
This news was posted like almost six months ago and I just knew it in January 2012!
Anyway, this came as a great shock given how vehement his actions had been while he was still on the job. I really salute him for his aggressive leadership in restoring Egyptian antiquities. Indeed, Egyptian civilization really is one that possesses one of utmost importance in the history of humanity, although I have to argue there are other equally significant civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, the Chinese and the Mayans.
However, if the speculation is true I have to totally disapproved upon his unjust actions. Nevertheless, humans are still humans - no matter how much perfectionism is embedded in oneself there will always be mistakes. Well it's not the end of the world if he's ousted from the position. Jobs are just jobs, they won't last, but it's the knowledge that takes upon an immortal deal. He will surely narrate books that I bet good enough as compulsory references for university students in the future.
I respect Dr. Zahi Hawass for his invaluable knowledge in Egyptian civilization.
Posted by Zulfadli on January 4,2012 | 04:22 AM
Dr. Hawass tried to hide somebody elses find, then tried to pretend it wasn't there, then took a film crew into that same find.
How many other times has he done this ?
We'll never know.
There were many things not allowed in the era of Hawass.
Hopefully the world might soon see more of the hidden wonders of Giza and it's surrounds.
After all, they're useless in the ground.
People say 'It should be left alone for future generations'
Guess what?
WE ARE FUTURE GENERATIONS !
DIG IT UP!
FIND WHAT THERE IS TO KNOW !
It won't matter if the mystery is gone.
The history will always be there.
Posted by Scottagun on January 2,2012 | 08:58 AM
I greatly admire Dr Hawass and his works. Despite the comments of his accusers, no one in history has done more to refocus awareness on the importance of Egypt's heritage. No one has done more to conserve and protect that heritage. Sadly, much like Dian Fossey he may have become too possessive and too protective of the works he loved so much ... and was thus led astray. Yet that does nothing to diminish the value of his contribution to the science and understanding of our human past. I hope he has inspired many young archeologists around the world, to a similar level of dedication.
Posted by M. Knechtle on December 30,2011 | 10:11 AM
Dr Hawass has done a great job of keeping the history of Egypt in Egypt so that generations to come will know of their rich and wonderful ancestory. The Egyptians were the greatest empire of the ancient world and their learnig was far above their neighbors of those years. Everyone learned from them. Why get rid of the one man who has drawn attention to the preservation of that history and those artifacts. He not only has protected egyptian artifacts from becoming like the Rosetta Stone in someones musieum illegally he has made all people treasure their own history in their own nations more. They see him boldly and passionately defend what he believes is his duty to defend. Why are you breaking his heart by not letting him continue the rest of his days upon earth doing what he loves...Shame on you all.
Posted by Rebecca Moore on December 28,2011 | 03:55 PM
Why is it that people always suspect the successful ones? Hawass has re-invented Egyptology! So what if he has made money doing it. In a FREE society, it is his right to benefit from his efforts. He has made Egyptology a household word and more than likely lured many young people to experience history in ways that were not possible 50 years ago through his many TV appearances.
Posted by Pat whitehead on December 26,2011 | 08:44 PM
hi i would just like to say i watch this programe every time its on but i can tell you i would not let this man talk to me the way he roars his head of at people i dont know who he thinks he is talk about chaseing mummys he should be chased out also
Posted by pauline on December 19,2011 | 08:57 PM
I have never seen a person with so much dedication for his job, as Zahi Hawass. What he's done for Egypt is priceless. Egypt must let Hawass stay on his post!
PLEASE LET HIM STAY! I LOVE DR HAWASS!...........
Posted by Ann Rasmusson on December 6,2011 | 09:08 AM
I returned from Libya yesterday, I saw with terrible commotion how so many people stolen the Libya antiquities. I have a great admiration for Dr Hawass because he built a great popularity for his country. He defends with energy the egypt ancient times. All the critics need be balanced with his immense task and great job. I want express my solidarity with the Hawass family. With admiration Dr Hawass, and for your exceptional wife and children Karin and Sharif. Love all of you.
Jorge Said Maldonado from Misrata Now!
Posted by JORGE SAID MALDONADO on November 30,2011 | 03:20 AM
Before we start criticizing current events in Egypt and whether or not certain people are corrupt, how about we worry about what goes on here in our own country instead. I don't know Dr. Hawass but from all the things I've read about him both on- and off-line, it seems he simply is doing his job the best way he can to bring attention to Egypt, bring tourism back to his country, and save and preserve Egyptian antiquities. If he made a few bucks off his books etc. so what? He earned it. Is what he's done any worse than a football star getting thousands and thousands of dollars merely for saying he wears a certain kind of sneaker?
Posted by Pat on November 29,2011 | 06:33 PM
I don't normally response to sites like this but I feel I have to stand up for Dr Hawass. In my life time he has done more to promote Egypt than anyone I know or have read about.It is quiet obvius Dr. Hawass is very proud of his country as well as he should be. He has promoted Egypt's history it't people and promoted tourism that has been to the benefit of the egyptian people. Yes I know he has promoted himself also along the way, but he has also done a lot of good too.
In the long run archologist in the past have looted and sent the things back to the muesums in Europe and the USA.
Dr. Hawass has at least tryed to get these things back to Egypt where they belong.
I conclusion I would like to tell about a night in Atlanta Georgia USA. I had the good fortune to be in the audience when he gave a talk about Egypt. At the end DR. Hawass gave to a little girl about 12 and her family I think 4 all together a free trip to Egypt The reason? The talk had been delayed by a few weeks because Dr. Hawass has some business in Egypt The little Girl and her family had traveled a great distance to hear his talk. They Had to go Home with out getting to hear him. Because she liked Egypt So well and Dr. Hawass they came back to fulfil the girls dream of seeing Dr Hawass.So you might think of him as having a great ego and be self promoting and well he maybe but he is a great man who loves his country and only seeks the best for it. Maybe we all should feel the same for our own counries.Dr Hawass also sit and signed books for about 2 hours I know because it took me and hour to get to him so he could sign my book. In closing I say to you Dr Hawass good luck in all you do and I am waiting for your next book. I just wish you were here to sign this one.
Posted by Robert Tolley on November 28,2011 | 04:48 PM
I am only aware of Zahi Hawass throught the odd tv special, and of other programs that explore the Egyptian past, to me he comes across as a super ego, who thinks he knows it all, when in fact he most likely owes his knowledge to a good memory and the ability to charm the right people, the cemetery is full of indespensible people, there should be no secrets about anything in this world.
Posted by bryan catmull on November 19,2011 | 03:21 AM
One problem I saw with Dr. Hawass was his complete and udder disregard for any other theories than his own. And his completely clear desire to keep anything in Ancient Egypt from being black African. He was constantly trying to claim it as Arab even though the Native population was clearly black african. It's like a thousand years from now we try to say that America was always a white nation. complete nonsense. If you don't have truth in history then what do you have? and if your not open to new truth's then you might as well just be making it up.
Posted by Den on November 14,2011 | 07:03 PM
I returned from Egypt yesterday after completing an extensive television shoot of Upper Egypt, about Nile River tours, and visits to Antiquity sites. And I surely missed the presence of Dr. Zahi Hawass.
Zahi and I did a CBS Television Special for Los Angeles a few years ago when the recent King Tut exhibit toured the world.
Dr. Zahi Hawass is a fully formed television personality. He is an Ivy League educated archaeologist. He is a relentless self-promoter for himself and for Egypt. He is unique and exceptional. And Egypt will almost certainly never see another Zahi Hawass. He is the single finest combination of showman and educator I have ever seen. And his removal is Egypt's great loss.
Do his abilities lead to abuses and resentment ? Certainly. Abuses only because it was easy to confuse Zahi with Ancient Egypt itself. He had the opportunity to abuse endlessly. But I doubt he did. He never asked for one penny from CBS to do our TV Special, and was gracious throughout. And yes, he is resented and viewed with suspicion by the Egyptian people today. The country has a 5000 year history of suspecting the powerful.
I attended a dinner with Zahi, and movie director George Lucas. Just the 3 of us and the Lucas children. And yes George Lucas knew Zahi was the real Indiana Jones.
Polite, respected, educated, and aware of his power, Dr. Hawass will be very hard to replace.
David Jackson
Los Angeles
Posted by David Jackson on October 31,2011 | 11:00 AM
Dr. Zahi Hawass is trying to take care of the Egyptian atiques let him to do his job. he's passionate there's his only sin...I LOVE DR. HAWASS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by Sibrea on October 22,2011 | 02:43 PM
I HAVE READ THE ABOVE COMMENTS WITH INTEREST, IT IS TRUE THAT DR HAWAS LIKES TO BE IN THE FOREFRONT HOWEVER, IF IT WAS NOT FOR PEOPLE LIKE HIM, EGYPT WOULD BE DENUDED OF ALL IT'S TREASURES. IT IS A SHAME WHENSOMEONE IS DOWN YOU ARE BOUND TO FIND MANY THAT WILL PUT THE BOOT IN. I HOPE HE COMES BACK TO THE FORE AND TAKES ON OTHERS WHO HE CAN TEACH AND HAS THE SAME ZEAL AS HIM TO CARRY ON THE GOOD WORK. GOD BLESS DR HAWAS.
Posted by linda on October 11,2011 | 04:43 PM
Hawass restored the world's fascination with Egyptology. Without his vision, media persona, and ability to make archaeology a viable economic resource in Egypt, many of his critics in the SCA would not have jobs to gripe about. Hawass can be credited, amongst other things, with bolstering interest in Egypt and making it seem safer for tourists, destabalizing foreign exploitation of sites and blackmarket trading of antiquities, and putting a new face on the Cairo Museum. He also initiated important protocals related to permission grants for digs and timely site reporting that will have longterm effects in protecting information and finds gathered at Egyptian sites. The accomplishment of such a multifaceted opus assuredly required too much dedication, personal sacrifice, and hard work to have been some flimsy climb to fame. His vision does not deserve the oedipal scorn to which it is now being subjected. Those who would would critique it so harshly might first consider the fate of archaeology sites in places like India, which have not been fortunate enough to have a Zahi Hawass representing them.
Posted by Aureus on October 8,2011 | 02:36 AM
I have always admired Dr. Hawass, more the fool I! Reading about his exploits and viewing his massive ego at work on his TV show, my opinion has changed drastically. I do agree that he is a man who is proud of his heritage and who loves his work, but when this becomes an obsession to the point that he wants to hog all the glory and ridicule anyone whose theories do not coincide with his own, then it is definitely time for new blood. I hope that a suitable and less megalomanical replacement can be found
Posted by M. Rodriguez on September 23,2011 | 11:53 AM
Zahi Hawass has taught people worldwide to respect Egypt's heritage. He has done more in the years that he was in charge of Eguptian anthropology than any person in history. He is an exciting, affluent man and a household name in North America. Like him or not, he did a great job.
Posted by Bonnie Fureigh on September 21,2011 | 04:05 PM
HE WILL BE MISSED.SOME MAY NOT LIKE HIS STYLE. HE BROUGHT A LIGHT TO A SUBJECT THAT IS USUALLY THOUGHT OF AS "STUFFY'
Posted by B jones on September 13,2011 | 09:59 PM
having been in egypt for a very long time, i can say the following with certain level of authority after conversations with real archaeologists:
Zahi basically lives off the real archeologists from foreign countries who come here to do the real excavations. Zahi has very weak subject knowledge,and no real passion except for publicity and self promotion. He is the dictator who decides which scholars from other country can dig where. they cannot speak, only Zahi can announce to the world the results. And he invariably claims credit for every find himself, while having no idea what he is talking about
Zahi is known popularly here to be corrupt, in taking money for access to digs and Tv programs, and also giving privileges to companies that promote him and his clothing business personally. there a a court jail order against him for corruption in allocating the bookstore at the museum.
Zahi has clearly taken a bribe from natgeo, for producing the Tv program, using Egypt govt and public property as his own.He personally took in excess of 200000 usd annually for a few years, while showing off what belonged to the people of egypt. this money in any country should go to the department he looted and is now bankrupt.
Zahi has also made sure he destroyed all other archaeologists in Egypt so that he has no competition, and no now one can replace him.
Just dont believe everything the corrupt media shows you, He is no hero, he is a weakling,with no academic credentials, showing off as a scholar on other people's work. Google him if you dont believe me, and you will read stories of his malpractices. Hope this is a new dawn for egypt, and better things happen now.
Posted by jan on August 18,2011 | 06:06 AM
So when is Egypt going to return the antiquities Hawass looted from the museums of the world?
Didn't he realize that seeing these artifacts would inspire young children to become archaeologists? And make people want to come to Egypt to see where these artifacts came from?
There were huge empty galleries in my local art museum after Hawass went through and literally claimed that almost every Egyptian artifact was "looted" and had to be returned to Egypt, leaving behind a rotted mummy case and a few really bad faience pieces. Hawass is the real looter, in my honest opinion.
True, he has done much with his publicity and books to further much needed excavations and research on a fascintaing period of ancient history, but his raid on our museum several years ago was devastating and uncalled for, destroying the main reason I used to go to the museum every week for almost 50 years.
I do hope he keeps writing his books, but keep them to a size that actually will fit on a bookshelf.
Posted by d.g. on August 12,2011 | 04:08 AM
I read a number of Dr. Hawass' books and tried to give him the benefit of the doubt as he was publishing in a foreign language. But then I watched him on TV, a more self aggrandizing blowhard would be difficult to find outside of a dressing room. Good riddance.
Posted by Nokomarie on August 11,2011 | 09:39 PM
I have always supported Dr Hawass and will continue to do so. He WAS the only one who had a passion for his work. Guess that the haters here really don't know all the facts and wouldn't care to know them. The Accusations against him are from those who wanted their names in the public eye and all the fame that goes with it. I'm hopeful that Zahi will continue his work and the new "goverment" will come to regret losing him. He protected the past, and now there is no one to do so.
Have faith Dr Hawass! There are those who believe in you still!
Posted by Kendall on August 10,2011 | 03:26 PM
@ Pat boyl
you mean new plundering opportunities for American museums (Getty comes to mind) and Europeans, as well as new, fresh and penniless, unknown and unexperienced face behind the desk of SCA/ministry prone to corruption (real corruption) and hungry for possibility of fame. Then we have whole line of museums from LA, via Boston, NY Met, London Brit, Paris Louvre, to Berlin Neuse waiting in order to be called for repatriation of looted Egyptian artifacts ....
Well, I prefer "Little Mubarak", he did real damage in LA and NY, Paris and Germany, and somehow it seems to me that he is more nuisance for the western curators and illicit antiquities trade dealers then for Egyptian people - just my humble opinion.
Posted by Santa on August 8,2011 | 02:25 AM
The removal of Zahi Hawass simply brings a smile to my face. All the good he has ever done for his profession has been outweighed by his extreme lack of respect for the antiquities he comes in contact with and by his rude manner in which he speaks to everyone around him. Hopefully this removal will bring about fresh new talent in the world of archaeology and usher in a new era of archaeologist that bring about a much needed change for the better.
Posted by Pat boyle on August 1,2011 | 11:49 AM
I have long been a great fan of Dr. Hawass, and therefore hate to hear of his removable from office, which is truely tragic. He is one of the most brilliant men on public television. His documentories on ancrient Egypt are part of the reason I began colege last year at age 59 in ordor to become a history teacher. Dr. Hawass will be missed.
Posted by Melissa L. Carr on July 31,2011 | 10:52 AM
I have to say I agree with the decision to remove Hawass as minister of antiquities. He is without doubt the most - or one of the most knowledgeable individuals in the world regarding Egyptian antiquities. It is obvious to me he takes pride in keeping the information to himself so he will always be the center of attention. It's like being the only person who has a key to the book of life, and won't share what's inside unless he benefits from it. He loves what he does and wants to care for and preserve every tiny bit of ancient Egypt, but his ego always gets in the middle of his love and dedication.
Posted by Oma60 on July 27,2011 | 05:23 PM
Good riddance to this Indiana Jones wannabe.
Questionable science, hyperego, absence of basic civility (calling Ms Beyonce Knowles "a very stupid person" for failing to grovel to his majesty), and a genius for double-faced double talk(fawning in English all over rich foreigners for donations, and insulting them in Arabic behind their backs afterward)makes this dubious scholar an interesting study subject for Egyptologistogy, the science of the egyptologist's ego, that would have stayed unknown and neglected were it not for Pr.Hawass' antics.
Posted by bourricot on July 26,2011 | 06:30 PM
Hawass is shutting other archeologists out because he thinks only he has all the right answer's. Hijacking history just like the Pope with 50 miles of book shelves in his library that has a state of the art security system. Why? Who are they to deny us our history? I call it foul play.
Posted by Marga Roberts on July 24,2011 | 10:46 PM
After watching many programs it was clear that he used his position to insert himself whenever possible to grab attention and publicity. If I were to make a guess he probably made it a condition that he appear prominently in each of the shows in order for the show to be produced. I particularly felt badly for the women archeologists who were forced to deal with this narcissistic jerk. So glad he is gone, won't have to look at his smirking face anymore and hope that the new government will hire someone who is less concerned with his own self aggrandizement and more committed to archeological science.
Posted by L. Harris on July 24,2011 | 12:18 PM
he should be left alone. he has the best interest for all egyptians. i dont think that he is corrupt like they are claiming. i hope that they give him his job back. he is an inspiration to me.
Posted by mildred on July 22,2011 | 08:56 PM
Egypt is screwed either way. Hawass was a stale, stuffed shirt who loved hearing his own voice far too much. He always told a good story that could dupe even the intelligent.
For example, not long before this so-called "revolution", Hawass demanded the return of the misnamed Cleopatra's Needle from New York, if greater care was not given to it. A toothless cry, even then.
However, it's not like the new regime is any more competent, and certainly far more corrupt and desperate in need of cash. It's not a far leap to imagine missing existing artifacts or secretly newly discovered artifacts making their way out, and clever fakes making their way in. There are plenty of idle rich in Russia, China, and elsewhere with the means and motivation to get what they want.
The new regime, sadly, is to be trusted to the right thing even less that Hawass.
Posted by ToddUncommon on July 22,2011 | 04:43 AM
He won't be missed by all those whose theories he squashed because they didn't fit his mental paradigms. Good riddance.
-Doc S.
Posted by Dr. John Smallberries on July 21,2011 | 05:00 PM
He will be missed. He had the passion for is job, most of us dream of. He was very kind to us when we meant him,he was also very busy being pulled in many directions and still made time for us. He is a man that is driving by the passion of Egypt's past. He needed to be the person he was, to hold a post like that.
Posted by hartrose33 on July 20,2011 | 03:32 PM
the destruction caused by this man to the artifacts and tombs by the unprofessionally handling.and the way this tombs was left UN guard after the TV cameras left . it is something make any TV station be a shamed dealing with this person .
Posted by kamal sabbagh on July 20,2011 | 02:37 PM
He was a supercilious, pompous attention grabber. He played favorites and wielded far more power than he should have been granted.
Posted by Robert Rosenwald on July 19,2011 | 08:05 PM
Wow. I'll definitely miss him. He seemed so interested in unearthing and preserving Egypt's past and he had the utmost respect for Egyptian antiquities. I really pray that the result of this revolution is NOT the neglect and destruction of Ancient Egyptian History- it is truly one link to the story of us all.
Posted by Kimberly on July 19,2011 | 06:01 PM
Hawass was the powerbroker of Egyptian antiquities. Many felt that he had too much power and that he could make or break an International archaeological project with a stroke of a pen. He has been criticised over the years many times.
He was very passionate about preserving his country's heritage. But just how much he is associated with the old regime meant it was inevitable that he would be replaced. As to whether or not he will be remembered as a force for good in the story of Egyptian antiquities remains to be seen. I for one hope this will herald a new age of Egyptology and we may get to see projects such as the investigation of the passages in The Great Pyramid given another hearing.
Posted by Nigel Hewitson on July 19,2011 | 05:52 PM
There are many of us who have lead small groups of tourists to Egypt to facilitate their spiritual journey that have know Dr Hawass since his appointment to the Giza Plateau back in the late 1980's. Unfortunately, to encourage and increase tourism to bring more money into Egypt, it had become necessary for him to 'play the role' the media desired so they could get ratings and their share of the money pie. Now all shall pay the price for the greed and commercialism of these powerful spiritual places. If the hearts of humanity continue on the current fear path - there is little hope for a future - for Egypt, its people, its antiquities, humanity and the world as a whole. The earth is sacred. Instead most people seem to be making it scared. What a shame.
Posted by Rev Mary Elizabeth Hoffman on July 19,2011 | 05:14 PM
Zahi Hawass brought us the awareness of the vast treasures of ancient Egypt. He inspired us to learn of the ancient ones.
Much of my knowledge about the dynasties and time line came from his televised shows.
I did see that he ruled the workers with an iron fist, but, in the extremes of Egypt, in very hot tombs, some of what I saw saved lives.
Some of his ideas and concepts conflict with other's theories.
He stirred the pot, and that is a great thing!
Posted by Sage of age on July 19,2011 | 05:03 PM
As a cultural heritage manager who has worked in Egypt and with Dr. Hawass, I must say that the decision to remove him, if anything, was long over-due.
I have witnessed firsthand his manipulation of facts and ill-treatment of millenia-old artefacts, all to sell a 'good story' to the global public.
I think that perceptions of him being the Egyptian who cares 'the most' about Egyptian cultural heritage are greatly skewed due to his large media presence. There are thousands of Egyptians, coming from both the professional heritage sector and the general public, who care a great deal about their national heritage and who have gone to great pains to protect and preserve it. In some areas of Egypt, the local communities are part of the cultural landscape and function as traditional caretakers at the sites and monuments that surround them.
Still, I do not feel this is the last we will see of Hawass; he is, afterall, a popular figure in the West, if nowhere else. But I hope viewers will soon realize that Egyptian Archaeology is not a monopoly and begin to associate Egypt with many faces, Egyptian and foreign alike, that are full of both knowledge and personality: Salima Ikram, Nigel Hetherington, Wafa El-Saddik, Ted Brock, Monica Hanna, Waheed Edwar...
Egypt is not just a country, but a whole brilliant, beautiful world, and we should be open to its possibilites.
Posted by Kelly Krause on July 19,2011 | 02:40 PM
An amazing Man, his countance will radiate for years to come , I can,t Imagine any official to not rethink their decision truly a sad day for Egypt, My daughter has followed is work for many years,Never will anyone else compare to the remarkable care given to his country
Posted by sylvia hipp on July 19,2011 | 12:40 PM
Hawass was a showman and fluff archeologist who treated the ancient monuments as cash cows more than academic/scientific wonders. He would never allow anyone to take any pictures or measurements of anything in Egypt unless they agreed that anything they say about their data is totally in support of Hawass' own personal hypotheses about the history, culture and engineering of the ancients. God help you if you were a scientist working on a new theory that actually proposed that the Great Pyramid was NOT a tomb. The world is better off without him; at least the SCIENTIFIC world.
Posted by Tony Pedulla on July 19,2011 | 11:13 AM
For an archaeologist such as Zahi Hawass to become a household name speaks to the hard work he has dedicated to preserving Egyptian artifacts and history. He has also made Egyptian antiquities more accessible and understandable to the average person, which is a major accomplishment. He is a scientist and a scholar, not a politician, and it is too bad that he has been swept aside by the transitioning leadership in Egypt. I think it spells trouble for the future of archaeology in Egypt, and I would hate to see poor management of such historically important relics and sites in the "Cradle of Civilization".
Posted by Elizabeth on July 19,2011 | 09:55 AM
I liked Hawass. I thunj he's a good man and knows what he's talking about. he cares more about the preservation of the country's history and artifacts. I hope that the people will ask him to return because the dead need a voice since they can't speak for them selves
Posted by chris on July 18,2011 | 08:50 PM
I'll really miss him. He has been the face I associate with Egyptian artifacts and tombs for a very long time. I truely hope Prime Minister Sharaf and the rest of the people in Egypt don't come to seriously regret this decision.
Posted by J. M. Rutherford on July 18,2011 | 06:57 PM
Does it really matter who is or will be the keeper of those eternal sites? It is lucky for our culture, and our accumulation of knowledge of Ancient Egypt, that for a time Egypt and its antiquities were in the hands of the Europeans. At least we are privy to the many discoveries that they made and that have brought to light this ancient civilization. The Arab muslims who have colonized Egypt, did not, and do not care about this ancient culture. The only interest they have in these antiquities is the moneys they bring in. If it were not for this, I suspect, we would have had a situation something on the order of the disastrous destruction of the Budhist statues.
So as we can be sure that these sites are safe for the time being, we could expect that another "tsar" of antiquities will be appointed, the archeaologysts would return to their work, and the tourists will flock to gape at the pyramids, barring another disastrous murder of a tourist group.
Posted by nina on July 18,2011 | 05:50 PM