Cracking pyramid at Saqqara

Egyptian authorities have put a ban on idling vehicle engines in Saqqara, southwest of Cairo, after cracks started to show on the country's oldest pyramid.

The head of Egypt's supreme council for antiquities, Zahi Hawass, had "decided to ban the running of engines of all cars and buses waiting for tourists in the archaeological area of Saqqara," a council statement said.

"The running of engines has caused the area to experience some shaking, which has in turn caused cracks in the pyramid of Djoser," the statement said.

Not to mention the clouds of exhaust smothering the vicinity. From the Middle East Times.

Posted by David on October 10, 2006 11:15 AM