February 1, 2014
My friend Sherif, who spends half of his time in Egypt, the rest here in Philadelphia, reports that things are still very chaotic there, though not as bad as you often read about in the news. Sherif feels that it will take at least five years for things to come into some kind of balance.
Sherif's friend Zahi Hawass, former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, no longer controls archaeological expeditions there. Zahi is not only unpopular with foreigners, but with Egyptians as well, particularly in the scientific community. Zahi spends much of his time writing, and is no longer under house arrest. Tourism is down but scientific exploration continues under new leadership. In the land of myth and mystery, many believe answers will be found perhaps guided by the ancients themselves. One has to wonder how much of the changes in the Middle East are guided by some greater force.
Valley of the other kings: Lost dynasty found in Egypt Independent - February 1, 2014
A previously unknown, yet potentially very important, ancient Egyptian kingdom has been discovered by archaeologists working in the Nile Valley. Excavations at Abydos, 70 miles north-west of Egypt's famous Valley of the Kings, have revealed the existence of an entire royal cemetery, now believed to be the final resting place of up to 16 mysterious pharaohs - an entire dynasty whose existence was up till now virtually unknown to the Egyptological world. Pharaoah Senebkay
Archaeologists find remains of previously unknown pharaoh in Egypt The Guardian - February 1, 2014
Archaeologists in Egypt believe they have discovered the remains of King Senebkay, a previously unknown pharaoh who reigned more than 3,600 years ago in a forgotten dynasty.
