CAIRO — Disturbing brown spots are forming on the walls in the famous tomb of Egypt's most popular pharaoh, King Tutankhamen (better known as King Tut). The Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) and the Getty Conservation Institute (GCI) are embarking on a new preservation project aimed at assessing the damage. On Tuesday, the two entities announced a new 5-year partnership in which they will work together to analyze and conserve the ancient burial site.King Tut's tomb, located in the Valley of Kings, was discovered in 1922 by English archaeologist Howard Carter. The excavation was financed by the wealthy Lord Carnarvon, whose death shortly thereafter sparked rumors of a "Mummy's Curse" being unleashed. There was also speculation that the pharaoh may have been murdered. Both presumptions have since been dismissed.
The elaborate murals decorating the walls surrounding the 3,000-year-old sarcophagus are in danger of deteriorating further if not properly preserved. The mummy's thousands of annual visitors are thought to be a possible factor contributing to the degradation.
The elaborate murals decorating the walls surrounding the 3,000-year-old sarcophagus are in danger of deteriorating further if not properly preserved. The mummy's thousands of annual visitors are thought to be a possible factor contributing to the degradation.
"I am happy that Getty will look at the tomb and preserve its beautiful scenes," SCA Secretary General Zahi Hawass said. "I am even more thrilled to invite the GCI to restore his tomb and return the glory of the boy king."
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Read More - New Preservation Project for King Tut Tomb in Egypt | EarthTimes[Photo: A sarcophagus of King Tutankhamen]
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