Hawass Reveals History of Crises, Epidemics from Pharaohs until Now

The world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass said that Egypt is experiencing a severe crisis.

He expressed his happiness over the role the country is playing in combating the coronavirus, saying: "President Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El Sisi is making a great effort, which showcases us the concern of the Egyptian state and government over the health of its citizens,".

Dr. Hawass pointed out that the crisis also showed the unity of the people with each other.

The world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist also discussed the history of the crisis and epidemics in Egypt.

He noted that Egypt experienced several crises during Ancient Egypt, the first of which was seven years of famine during the reign of King Djoser, who was the first to build a stone building in history.

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Dr. Hawass pointed out that malaria disease had spread in Egypt, which was the cause of death of King Tutankhamun; it was discovered after DNA analysis, in addition to the many royal families that died of malaria.

Furthermore, Prof. Barry Kemp discovered a group of cemeteries during his work in Tell el-Amarna, which showed that about 70% of the people who lived in Amarna died from malaria, confirming that Egypt has been exposed in the Amarna era to this epidemic that came from Africa.

He stated that Egypt was exposed to the Hittites plague, and there are many texts in Amarna that talked about the prayers that were carried out to get rid of the plague.

The texts also followed how the Maathorneferure Hittite princess, the first wife of King Ramesses went to the Karnak temple, the Sobek temple in Fayoum, and then to Sekhmet temple in Abusir to pray for healing.

Dr. Hawass stressed that at the end of these previous crises, Egypt emerged safe, and strong, and provided the world with knowledge, pointing out the need for people to unite for it to pass the current crisis.

Talking about the excavations in the Valley of the Kings, the veteran archaeologist stated that the workers are working non-stop for the excavations because the workers need employment.

"We have taken all necessary precautions to protect workers from Coronavirus, who could possibly present us with a major discovery during this crisis,” added Dr. Hawass.

The world-renowned Egyptian archaeologist pointed out that the excavation work is continuing in Luxor and Saqqara, during which the workers are wearing a medical mask and partaking the protective measures against the new coronavirus to stem the spread of novel Coronavirus.

“Before any excavation work is carried out, we and the place are sterilized until the work is done in an environment free from the virus,” he pointed out.

Dr. Hawass also thanked President Sisi for his strong stance with everyone in Egypt and advised on the need to stand against prejudiced rumors.

“Egypt is strong, and that this crisis will end well.” he stressed.