Tour guide arrested after drawing stick figure on 4,000-year-old pyramid
An Egyptian tour guide was arrested for drawing a stick figure on the Pyramid of Unas while leading tourists, leading to a police investigation and damage claims.
An Egyptian tour guide has been arrested for defacing the 4,000-year-old Pyramid of Unas by sketching a stick figure on its outer casing while conducting a tour for a group of tourists. This incident was captured in a video that went viral on social media, showing the guide in action as he leaned against the pyramid, drawing while explaining the site to the visiting group. After realizing the seriousness of his actions, he attempted to erase the drawing with his hand but was unsuccessful, leaving remnants of the sketch visible in the footage.
The Egyptian Interior Ministry acted swiftly, launching an investigation after the video gained widespread attention online. A report was filed by an antiquities inspector with the Saqqara Tourism Police, identifying the guide responsible for the act. The ministry condemned the vandalism, stating that his actions caused damage to a national treasure. Fortunately, specialists were able to remove the markings, but this incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding the protection of Egypt's ancient sites, which attract millions of tourists each year.
This event prompts a broader discussion about the responsibilities of tour guides and the importance of preserving historical artifacts. The swift arrest of the tour guide emphasizes Egypt's commitment to protecting its cultural heritage, especially in light of frequent tourism-related incidents that threaten its historical integrity. It raises awareness about the potential consequences of improper behavior at sensitive archaeological sites, particularly those that are thousands of years old, and the need for stricter regulations to prevent similar occurrences in the future.