After 80 years of absence,Akhenaton's sarcophagus returns home
Egypt, Local, 1/28/2002

Egyptian Minister of Culture Farouk Hosni Sunday called on all world countries which are still in possession of smuggled Egyptian antiquities to return them back to Egypt which is planning to build the biggest museum in the world on the Fayyoum desert road. It is noteworthy that President Hosni Mubarak will lay the foundation stone of the new museum within the coming few days.

The Culture Minister expressed,in a press conference held at the Egyptin Musum, deep thanks to the German government, especially the Bavarian government which sent back the sarcophagus after its restoration to be shown in its original country, Egypt.

The German Ambassador to Egypt expressed satisfaction over the return of one of the most important historical antiquities to its homeland, adding that such step was preceded by high-level contacts between the Egyptian and German sides.

The golden sarcophagus was on display for the public for three months in Munich and was visited by 80,000 persons before it was sent back to Egypt.

The one-tonne sarcophagus and its cover in addition to other pieces of antiquity showcased in Germany since October 16, were transported to the Egyptian Museum amidst tight security measures.

It is the first time that one of the antiquities be brought back home after having been stolen from the Egyptian Museum more than 80 years ago.

The sarcophagus was discovered in tomb 55 in the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Akhenaton is one of the most important kings who ruled ancient Egypt.

Previous Stories:
  Egypt restores Akhenaton sarcophagus after 90 year-old absence   (1/22/2002)
  High Dam power stations renovation kicks off   (1/21/2002)
  Egypt to retrieve smuggled Akhenaton sarcophagus base on January 25   (1/17/2002)

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