Archaeologist Zahi Hawass Unlocks the Secrets of Egypt

Zahi Hawass

Zahi Hawass currently serves as secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities and director of excavations at Giza, Saqqara and the Bahariya Oasis.

Dr. Hawass is responsible for many recent discoveries in Egypt, including the tombs of the pyramid builders at Giza. He discovered the satellite pyramid of Khufu and revealed the secrets behind the so-called doors found inside the pyramid. He also excavated at Bahariya Oasis, where he discovered the Valley of the Golden Mummies. He also found the tombs of the governor of Bahariya and his family under the houses in the town of El-Bawiti. His excavations at Saqqara revealed many discoveries around the pyramid of Teti, such as the tomb of the physician Qar, and the rediscovery of the "headless pyramid." He led an Egyptian team in the examination of the mystery of King Tut's mummy through the use of a CT scan.

Hawass is extremely concerned about the conservation and protection of Egypt's monuments. He has carried out a major conservation project on the Great Sphinx and developed management plans for a number of important sites, including the "unfinished obelisk" quarry in Aswan and the temples of Kom Ombo, Edfu and Dendera. Currently, he is completing plans for the West Bank of Luxor, Giza and Saqqara.

Dr. Hawass' dynamic personality and extensive knowledge have sparked global interest in ancient Egypt. He has brought the world of the Pharaohs into the homes and hearts of people all over the world through his numerous television appearances and books for general audiences. Over the course of his long career, Dr. Hawass has received numerous awards and honors, including TIME Magazine's "Top 100 Most Influential People" for the year 2005. Most recently, Dr. Hawass was instrumental in sending King Tutankhamun back to the United States.