Current Research of The German Archaeological Institute at Dahshur. Prof. Nicole Alexanian

The Mission of the German Archeological Institute, Cairo has been recently concentrating on the area of the Lower Temple of the Bent Pyramid and that located to the west of Amenemhat II’s pyramid at Dahshur. In 2008, magnetometric measurements and borings have revealed the lower causeway that leads to the Lower Temple of the Bent Pyramid. Excavation trenches conducted in 2009 and 2010 uncovered a sledge way containing considerable number of relief fragments originally belonging to the Lower Temple. On a deeper level, two massive lateral mud brick covered with a mud brick vault were discovered.

In the area to the west of the Pyramid of Amenemhat II, the German Mission has uncovered a cemetery. Burial shafts in this cemetery are laid out in rows running parallel to the enclosure wall of the Pyramid Complex of Amenemhat II. This indicates that the cemetery was planned and executed in direct relation to the Pyramid Complex. Those shaft-tombs most probably belong to officials from the court of King Amenemhat II. Interestingly, the layout of this Middle Kingdom cemetery seems to be inspired by much earlier prototypes.

Memphis development project

Dr. Zahi Hawass announced that the Supreme Council of Antiquities decided to work on a big project to develop Memphis area with a cost of 41 million pounds.

The Centre of Archaeology and Environment engineering, Cairo University will study a plan to control the underground water in the area. The project includes building walls around the archaeological sites to protect it and start restores the antiquities in that area.

Dr. Sabry Abd ElAziz said the project will include establishing a visitor’s centre to show the history of the area that was the capital of Egypt under the rule of Menes (3100 B.C).

That area where the famous statue of Ramses II was found before relocate it in the square opposite Cairo’s train station before it was transferred to the new Grand Museum location in 2006. There are Ptah temple and Hathor temples in the area under development too.

King Tut on tour in Australia

Starting 8^th April 2011, King Tut and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs exhibition will visit Australia for the first time. The exhibition toured across USA (Los Angeles, Chicago, New York).

Around 1 million people are expected to visit the exhibition, which will feature 140 artefacts, 50 of them from Tut's tomb and the rest from the tombs of his ancestors of the Golden Age.

The revenue of the exhibition will be a part of the fund raising for the Grand Museum.

The exhibition will display King Tut’s golden diadem, the falcon collar, golden daggers and jewellery.

Dr Patrick Greene, Museum chief said yesterday " The biggest, the greatest exhibition of all time, right here in Melbourne .This is going to truly be a once in a lifetime experience, also Knowing these objects may never tour again, people in the whole region are going to say, 'Right, we've got to get to Melbourne."

The Museum site and ticketing information on here http://museumvictoria.com.au/kingtut

Tickets go on sale through Ticketek on 29 November 2010. Demand for the exhibition will be very high and we strongly recommend that people pre-register for tickets.

Kylie Minogue and the Pyramids!!!

Before performing in front of the Sphinx and the Great Pyramids,Kylie Minogue met Dr. Zahi Hawass and asked him about the latest discoveries and when the secrets will be revealed about what’s behind the doors inside the Great pyramid.

Kylie was excited when Zahi told her that she is the last singer to perform in this location as the excavation work will start in this area and any concerts will be held south of the third pyramid from now over.

Kylie put on her twitter

"Good Day Cairo!!! My view of The Pyramids is sen-as-tion-AL!!!!!

With the amazing Dr Zahi Hawass in front of the Sphinx…yes THE Sphinx!!! To see these sights is so incredible

This mystical place is insane!!"

The opening of the Crocodiles museum dedicated to Sobek

After 3 years of working on the same spot where it used to be the cult for Sobek, the crocodiles museum will be opened Sunday next to Kom Ombo temple. Dr. Zahi Hawass said that the museum cost 10 million Egyptian pounds and it is the first of its kind to display crocodiles of different sizes. It has 23 crocodiles as well as a mummy of a crocodile fetus and different crocodile eggs.

The museum displays a collection of statues and reliefs showing god Sobek,the crocodile shaped god that was worshipped by ancient Egyptians.

The museum is designed so the visitors can visit it right after visiting Kom Ombo temple as Dr. Zahi Hawass mentioned.