Controversial Pyramid Renovation
In a recent statement, a committee appointed by Egypt’s tourism minister announced the abandonment of a contentious plan to reintroduce ancient granite cladding on the Menkaure Pyramid, the smallest of the three great pyramids of Giza. Mostafa Waziri, the Supreme Council of Antiquities secretary-general, had initially declared the plan as “the project of the century” last month. However, the international outcry that followed the news of potential alterations to the ancient monument prompted Egypt‘s antiquities authority to reconsider the initiative.
Menkaure was initially designed to be clad in granite instead of limestone, unlike the other pyramids. Only 16 to 18 layers of granite were installed before construction was halted, which is believed to be due to Menkaure’s death around 2503 B.C. Over the centuries, theft, weathering, and collapse led to the disappearance of many layers, leaving only seven layers in modern times, with numerous fallen granite blocks scattered around the pyramid’s base.
Waziri clarified that replacing the granite cladding would proceed only after a year of scanning and documentation. The Menkaure Pyramid Review Committee unanimously objected to reinstating the scattered granite casing blocks, citing the challenges of determining their original positions. Zahi Hawass, a former minister of antiquities who headed the committee, emphasized the impossibility of accurately placing each block and highlighted the detrimental impact of using cement, which would harm the pyramid.
Hawass assured the public that the pyramids of Giza, including Menkaure, were secure and impervious to any harm. Despite concerns expressed through various channels, he emphasized that the pyramids would remain untouched. The committee, consisting of seven members, granted initial consent to excavate Menkaure’s boat pits, similar to the Pharaonic bark pits found alongside Khufu’s pyramid, but only after a thorough and detailed scientific study.
