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Egypt Defies Archaeologists’ Protests by Relocating Four Ancient Sphinxes
Now awaiting unveiling in Tahrir Square, the ram-headed sculptures join a pink granite obelisk dating to the reign of Ramses II
Ram sphinxes
Critics say the sphinxes' relocation will make them vulnerable to environmental damage. (Photo by Reinhard Dirscherl / Ullstein Bild via Getty Images)

By Theresa Machemer
SMITHSONIANMAG.COM
MAY 11, 2020

Despite archaeologists’ protests, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities has moved four ancient sphinxes from the Karnak temple in Luxor to Cairo’s Tahrir Square, reports Ruth Michaelson for the Guardian. The sphinxes will be stored in wooden crates around the square, located some 300 miles north of their original home, until a still-unscheduled unveiling ceremony.

[smithsonianmag.com]

t1nick 8 May 12
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4 comments

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0

Level 6

It seems a bizarre and senseless thing to do, given the fear of pollution, as well as damage caused by tourists. especially as a recreation could do just as well, and could be suitably 'weathered' to give the impression of the real thing.

Killing the goose that lays the golden egg is not a particularly clever move. Once they are gone, they are gone for good. What next, selling artefacts as souvenirs?

Magister Level 6 May 16, 2020

The problem with Cairo is the amount of yearly acid rain. Poorly filtered auto exhaust mixes with rain and atmospheric moisture to make a weak hydrochloric acid. The acid reacts and eats away and erodes the surface limestone monuments and architecture. Sandstone is less susceptible, but not entirely resistent.

@t1nick Wasn't this the same with the Parthenon and other Greek antiquities being destroyed by acid rain? A good excuse for the British to hold onto them. 😉

@Magister

Yes and all the statuary in Rome, Paris and every major city in Europe.

@t1nick From what I understand, some relics were ruined by works designed to protect them from acidic pollution, but they added to the problem.

@Magister

Probably true. But many edifices and statuary were saved by a multi-fold conservation approach.

@t1nick Are there any sites that provide an overview of the conservation techniques currently used?

@Magister

Should be. Type in key word search statuary conservation.

@t1nick Thanks for the tip
1

Level 9

All for tourism. Good (not) timing.

JackPedigo Level 9 May 12, 2020
1

Level 8

It is depressing that people want to destroy such beautiful historic items!😥

Donna_I Level 8 May 12, 2020
0

Level 9

I suppose that at least there will be a better chance of keeping them safer in the city than out in the deserts considering what those ISIS arse-holes did on their rampages in Iran , etc.

Triphid Level 9 May 12, 2020

Perhaps. ISIS hasn't been active in the Luxor Valley. Doesnt mean that they might not one day expand there, but I kind of doubt it. Archaeologists are generally concerned about provenance. Also things seem to go missing from Cairo over the centuries.

@t1nick That was so some decades ago BUT the Egyptian Authorities at the Egyptian Museum of Antiquities have since tightened everything up thankfully.
They are even now pushing strongly for the return of Antiquities previously plundered by Countries, etc, everywhere around the world and, imho, rightly so.
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