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an obvious concern since this is why the stability of the Sphinx area was being monitored. But apparently, based on a month-long observation, emptying this underground cavity does not endanger the stability of the surface structures. But why empty it in the first place? To keep the Sphinx's paws dry? One source, when confronted with Hawass's reports and my observation, has gone so far as to argue that Hawass—accompanied by Egyptologist Mark Lehner— had actually found this lake several years ago. The lake is under the entire plateau, the area contained within the concrete wall (construction of which began in 2002). He added that, in his opinion, these projects were preparation for an exploration of the Giza underworld. suspicion hanging over them, even if the person turns out to be innocent"."’ Guilty until proven innocent, it seems, is the modus operandi within the SCA. No wonder there are reports that Hawass is unpopular within Egypt. One source, when confronted with Hawass's reports — Robots and Slaves and my observation, has gone so far as to argue that This is not the first time that Hawass has found Hawass—accompanied by Egyptologist Mark Lehner— himself in murky waters. In fact, at the same time that had actually found this lake several years ago. The lake — Gantenbrink's robot uncovered the hidden door inside is under the entire plateau, the area contained within the Great Pyramid on 22 March 1993, Hawass was the concrete wall (construction of which began in 2002). suspended from his then position as Chief Inspector of He added that, in his opinion, these projects were the Giza Pyramid Plateau. Synchronicity, or did preparation for an exploration of the Giza underworld. Gantenbrink make use of the power vacuum to announce his finding in April 1993, knowing that Scandal at the Supreme Council otherwise it might be suppressed? So, how should we interpret Hawass's actions? It is What happened next is also interesting, and revealing. clear that he likes the limelight and that he often makes — Upon the announcement, Gantenbrink was banned from contradictory statements. But resuming his work. The Egyptian is there more going on? Some observers have commented that . . Hawass's tight grip on all] The lake is under the entire archaeological works in Egypt is the logical result of a| Plateau... He added that, developing nation that has in his opinion these sought desperately to put a 9 D . stop to the shameful looting of projects were preparation Antiquities Organization (EAO), e predecessor of the SCA, claimed that Gantenbrink had broken a "rule" of archaeology by speaking for himself rather an through the "proper channels"—which are obviously here, by its own admission, to its historical heritage. i control what gets out and what The fact of the matter, for el exploration of the doesn't. What happened next is however, is that recent Giza underworld. also interesting, and revealing. Graham Hancock writes: "The have brought to light wide- {then] Director of the German scale corruption, with leading Archaeological Institute in government officials imprisoned for embezzlement. On Cairo, Dr Rainer Stadelmann, sided with the Egyptians 8 October 2008, the former Head of Restoration in and condemned Gantenbrink for his press action. Dr Islamic Cairo and two other Egyptian Culture Ministry | Stadelmann was adamant about the non-importance of officials were jailed for 10 years for receiving bribes from __ the find. ‘This is not a door, there is nothing behind contractors. The Cairo court ordered Ayman Abdel _ it.'"’ The President of the EAO, Dr Muhamad Bakr, went Monem, Hussein Ahmed Hussein and Abdel Hamid _ so far as to claim the announcement a "hoax". He Qutb to pay fines of between LE 200,000 and LE stated: "The orifice of the shaft is too small for the developments within the SCA 550,000."° robot to go through."” History has shown Bakr to be Abdel Hamid Qutb was actually the head of the — wrong on both counts. technical department at the SCA and reported to It was Bakr who removed Hawass from his position, Hawass. The contracts under suspicion were worth claiming that a valuable ancient statue had been stolen millions of dollars and involved the restoration of some __ from Giza under Hawass's watch. of Egypt's most famous monuments. Hawass was quick To quote again from Hancock: “Three months later, in to defend Qutb at the time of his arrest in September June 1993, Dr Bakr himself was fired and replaced by Dr 2007, claiming that the accused was not ina positionto Nur El Din. Amid accusations of malpractice and fraud, give out contracts. Dr Bakr spoke of a ‘mafia’ which had been involved with Hawass told the BBC's Arabic Service that contracts the Pyramids for 'the last twenty years’. Refusing to give are only handed out after a "rigorous procedure", and names, Dr Bakr said, ‘I wanted the whole matter Qutb had no decision-making power.'''"? The court investigated by the prosecution authorities, but my obviously ruled differently; and if Hawass made a request was refused.'""’ comment at this point, I at least could not find a In early 1994, Hawass was reinstated to his position. reference to it. Though Bakr is clearly not the most credible source, In the interview at the time of Qutb's arrest, Hawass _ there are nevertheless clear echoes of the ARCE. also told the BBC that he takes "immediate action Hawass's reinstatement was "said to have been brought against any employee with the slightest shadow of | about by American intervention", according to Chris projects were preparation for an exploration of the 46 ¢ NEXUS The lake is under the entire plateau... He added that, in his opinion, these Giza underworld. www.nexusmagazine.com AUGUST — SEPTEMBER 2009