Air Force House salons hosted the Egyptian archaeologist Dr. Zahi Hawass.
Hawass said: “The history of the Egyptian army is full of victories.” He talked about the Hyksos and how the ancient Egyptians managed to defeat them. About King Akhenaten, he revealed how General Hor-em-heb reunited the country.
He also talked about the Battle of Megiddo (15th century BC) that is being taught in military academies so far. Hawass also revealed some details about the Battle of Kadesh and its first peace treaty in history.
During the session moderated by Mostafa Mizar, Hawass stressed that the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) is the most important cultural project in the twenty-first century; it will be opened in October.
He stressed that it will be an international educational and cultural institution.
Hawass added that Tutankhamun’s opera is completed and it will be played next September at the Cairo Opera House. This is in preparation for its display at the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, which will be attended by kings and presidents of the world.
The Egyptian archaeologist said: “Everyone should love his work in order to excel in his achievement.”
He pointed out that he did not acclimatize with the work environment in the Ministry of Antiquities in which he was appointed after graduation until he moved to work in excavations. He began to acquire skills from workers in the field of excavation of antiquities and then received a scholarship for 7 years to study in the US then he returned to Egypt.
Hawass stated: “Egypt has 124 pyramids, the greatest of which is the pyramid of Khufu.” He denied the presence of red mercury in the graves, which some people believe it makes them riches and cures diseases.
Hawass noted that only 30% of Egypt’s antiquities were discovered and that the rest of its secrets are still lurking in the ground.
