Hawass searches for tombs of Nefertiti, Imhotep

CAIRO - 21 May 2020: Egyptologist Zahi Hawas said that he is currently searching with his team for the tomb of Queen Nefertiti in Luxor and the cemetery of the architect Imhotep in Saqqara.

In a statement made to CNN, Hawass added that he succeeded in achieving important discoveries in Luxor's Valley of the Apes in 2019, most notably the discovery of the KV65 cemetery, and more than 30 workshops in an integrated industrial area serving the construction of the tombs of the Valley of the Kings, next to a tank used to store water in the same valley.

In regards to epidemics that spread during the time of the ancient Egyptians, Hawass explained that there were two types of epidemics in ancient Egypt; the first type spread in Amarna, which is the city where Akhenaten lived, noting that King Tutankhamun died of malaria, and this was discovered by an Egyptologist who confirmed that malaria was the main cause of death of 70 percent of those who lived in Tel el-Amarna.

Hawass further explained that the second type of epidemic was the plague, which spread to all existing civilizations, and continued for a long time.

Renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass noted that a state of terror prevailed at the time of this epidemic as people of various nations were hit in large numbers.

Hawass emphasized that the ancient Egyptians managed to overcome the plague, noting that the ancient Egyptians followed strict precautionary measures, and ate healthy foods like onions, garlic and foods that boost immunity. He stressed that these measures helped ancient Egyptians overcome this epidemic.

Furthermore, Hawass said that King Tutankhamen will be the hero in the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is scheduled to open in 2021.

“On November 4, 2022, the whole world will celebrate the centenary of the discovery of the tomb of King Tutankhamun,” concluded Hawass.