Sarcophagus jigsaw puzzle for archaeologists

The American Research Center will be carrying out a series of projects including the restoration of the sarcophagus of Ramses VI in the Valley of Kings near Luxor.

The sarcophagus, which was found in the tomb of Ramses II, is in fact two containers, one inside the other.

Even this ultimate security measure was no deterrent to tomb robbers. The stone coffins were broken up into 263 pieces centuries ago.

Zahi Hawas, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council for Antiquities (SCA), said that the American Research Centre will embark on the task of reassembling the pieces by using the most up-to-date techniques.

Tomb paintings and inscriptions will also be subject to thorough scrutiny.

"The American team will also undertake phase two of the Thebes survey, which covers the area between the Temple of Amenhotep I and the Ahmos Temple.

The area will be geophysically charted and probed with the help of electromagnetic devices," Hawas said adding that the Archaeological Committee has approved another study to rewire the tombs of Taq Sert, Set Nekht and Ramses VI and modify the lighting system in order not to harm the wall paintings.

Hawas decided this week to form a committee to select Egyptian archaeologists for a training course sponsored in by the American Research Center.

The three-month course will start on 1 September and at one of the archaeological sites in Fayyoum.

Participants will receive field training in excavation, and in the registration of sites and artifacts.