Tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, considered since its discovery in 1922 to be one of the most important archaeological finds of the twentieth century, facing serious danger. According to a new study by archaeologists from Cairo University extensive cracks began to appear in the masonrywhich may cause the 3,300-year-old tomb to collapse.
During the research, the scientists revealed that a fault line had formed in the ceiling of the entrance and burial chamber, through which rainwater seeped. This further erodes the details of the decoration, worsens the condition of the walls and weakens the stability of the entire building. According to the study, water a increased humidity also promotes the growth of mold, which gradually damages the irreplaceable wall paintings. The tomb is carved into a stone containing slate that expands and contracts with changes in humidity. That means that with rising humidity there is a risk of complete collapse.
“The tombs in the Valley of the Kings require immediate intervention and accurate scientific studies that analyze the risks and options to mitigate them,” he said. Professor Sayed Hemada from Cairo University. The Valley of the Kings to the west of Luxor contains dozens of royal tombs, among them Tutankhamun’s. Although they have endured for thousands of years, their geological conditions make them very susceptible to flash floods.
“There are both present and future risks that will affect the structural integrity of the tomb in the long term, and the tomb may not last thousands of years in the condition it was originally built. Disaster can strike at any time, and if the Valley of the Kings is to be preserved, action must be taken before it is too late,” added Hemada.
