More Regarding Pyramid Builders' Tombs

Originally published January 13, 2010 | Zahi Hawass' Blog | by Dr. Hawass | Not to be outdone by the mass of media disseminating the recent news about new tombs of the Giza Pyramid builders, the finding of which prove that Jewish slaves did not build the pyramids (this is nothing new to the Egyptology world, but it definitely shows that Ancient Egypt - more specifically pyramid building - still intrigues the world, even if "most people" believe aliens helped the Egyptians execute this feat that we moderns have not yet executed), Dr. Hawass' speaks of his press conference on Monday about this subject, which spans much details.

Mummies, Hieroglyphs and Myths at the Nicholson

Originally published August 25, 2009 | The University of Sydney

Opening tomorrow (Wednesday, August 26) at the University of Sydney is an exhibit entitled Egyptians, Gods & Mummies: Travels with Herodotus, which will feature mummies of all kinds with 3D CT scans of one in particular, a column from the Temple of Bastet, and a column headstone of Bastet, just to name a few things, all of which will have descriptions as penned by Herodotus. Following the opening of the exhibit is a lecture given by forensic Egyptologist Janet Davey (ticket and booking information is provided). Featured through the exhibit's duration are several free Egyptian-themed Sunday lectures.

As envious as I am (once again, dear Reader!), I'm sort of leery about them providing information to the public using Herodotus' words. I'm hoping they will be descriptions only in terms of proportions and such and not an examination of meaning, symbolism, and dating (we've come a long way since Herodotus); though, I think I'd get a kick out of correcting errors I find (as I normally would do), whispering them softly into my sister's ear (but only if she asks, of course; she hates my little...ahem long...tangents).

Ancient Fortress City Unearthed in Egypt

Originally published July 14, 2009 | Discovery News | by Rossella Lorenzi

More news regarding the recent discovery of a military town in Tell Dafna, the largest in the eastern Delta. Information is given about its size; its location compared to other cities; its importance throughout history, including the fairly recent present when Petrie excavated there, and to several well-known rulers such as Ramesses II and Psammetichus I; the current undergoings by the SCA to rescue it from modern development; the role the British Museum is playing in the project and their plans; the material findings there that support the fact that the site held military and trading importance in ancient times; and further developments as new discoveries are uncovered such as a temple and palace.

Photos - Meroe is One of Archaeology's Greatest Mysteries

Originally published July 4, 2009 | Sudan Watch | by Ingrid Jones

Jones showcases several lovely photos of Meroe and the pyramid field of Nuri, describing these featured monuments and their place in history.

The Mysterious Osiris Shaft of Giza

Originally published June 15, 2009 | Zahi Hawass' Blog | by Dr. Hawass

Thought to hid secret paths to the Great Pyramid and the Sphinx, Hawass excavates a water-filled shaft that served as a swimming hole and source of drinking water to find its true function. The process is not without difficulty, but the finds are worth the hazards. Further excavation is in the works.

Update: Return to the Great Pyramid

Accessed June 15, 2009 | Archaeology Magazine Online | by Bob Brier

Archaeology Magazine features Bob Brier's update on Houdin's internal ramp theory, where he and Houdin focus their attentions on an L-shaped room that could have been created deliberately for the construction of the Great Pyramid.

This article features nice pictures with descriptors and a link to Archaeology's previous update and a web site dedicated to the theory from Dessault Systemes.

The "Machine" Reconstructed - How the Egyptians Built the Pyramids

Originally published June 4, 2009 | La Repubblica Torino | by Ottavia Giustetti

Herodotus might have been right in his description of how the pyramids were built - via a machine that has been recreated and tested with success.

This article is in Italian, but an English version is also provided.

Click here to see an enlarged picture, which is followed by a descriptor, published June 5.