Egyptian authorities have apprehended a tour guide following the emergence of a viral video depicting him sketching on the Pyramid of Unas, located in Saqqara, near Cairo. The event has initiated a probe by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior, after a complaint was lodged by a local antiquities inspector.

The Pyramid of Unas, revered for its historical significance, is approximately 4,400 to 4,500 years old and is celebrated as the earliest pyramid to feature pyramid texts. It is a crucial component of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saqqara site.

Details of the Incident

The Ministry’s statement detailed that the guide engaged in drawing markings on the pyramid’s outer casing stones while explaining its features to tourists. Authorities condemned this action as an alteration of an archaeological site. Following the revelation, the markings were eliminated by the appropriate authorities.

The viral video clearly shows the guide utilizing chalk to create lines and basic sketches directly on the stone blocks during his presentation. An Egyptian visitor, recognized on social media as Mahmoud Etman, filmed the event. In the video, he initially confronts the guide, pointing out the inappropriateness of his actions. The guide, however, contests this, arguing that the stones he marked were restoration blocks and not original stones from the pyramid, leading to a more heated exchange between the two individuals.

Arrest and Legal Proceedings

The Ministry of Interior has confirmed the guide’s arrest. During the inquiry, he acknowledged his actions. Legal measures have been initiated against him under Article 45 of the 1983 Antiquities Law, which prohibits writing on or inscribing antiquities, stipulating imprisonment of at least one year and fines up to 500,000 Egyptian pounds.

The identity of the guide has been a topic of speculation, with multiple Arabic media outlets and social media indicating that he may be of Russian nationality, with some naming him as Rami Al-Amir. There is ambiguity surrounding whether he was a foreign tour guide or an Egyptian license holder leading a Russian-speaking group. Interestingly, he claimed to be a doctor during the confrontation depicted in the footage.

Public Response and Cultural Context

The incident has generated significant public outrage due to the cultural value of the Pyramid of Unas and the stringent legal protections that safeguard Egypt’s archaeological heritage. Social media users have voiced their anger, condemning the act as disrespectful to Egypt’s cultural legacy.

Many praised the visitor who captured the confrontation on film and confronted the guide about his actions. Calls for increased surveillance of tour guides operating at archaeological sites and stronger implementation of heritage protection laws have also surfaced. This event has re-ignited discussions regarding the preservation measures at prominent tourist destinations and the accountability of licensed guides concerning the historical sites they manage.

Historical Significance of the Pyramid of Unas

Constructed in the 24th century BCE, the Pyramid of Unas stands in Saqqara as the final royal pyramid of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. It was built for Pharaoh Unas, who ruled from around 2375 to 2345 BCE.

The pyramid is particularly noted for the inscriptions known as the Pyramid Texts, which are recognized as the oldest religious texts currently known and have influenced subsequent funerary literature, such as the Book of the Dead. Originally named “Beautiful are the Places of Unas,” the pyramid complex includes a mortuary temple, causeway, and valley temple, enriching its archaeological and cultural context

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