zagros.ws Current Events: World and Middle East News

Bringing the Ancient Home

Having spent some time in Egypt last year, I had the advantage of seeing first-hand the wonders that can be found at Luxor, Edfu and Kom Ombo. Of course, this was merely scratching the surface of the magnificent remains of the ancient civilisation. I was shown round many of the sites by the same guide – an Egyptian who had studied Ancient History and Tourism (a good mix!) at university. He mentioned on several occasions the anger that he felt regarding the theft and removal of ancient artefacts.

Now, Zahi Hawass, head of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), has called for many of these items to be returned. Around twenty countries are represented at the two-day council conference where it is hoped that an agreement can be reached that will see many of the most important artefacts returned. I, for one, can only agree that this should happen wherever possible.