Tour guide arrested after drawing stick figure into side of 4,000-year-old pyramid
A tour guide in Egypt was arrested after allegedly drawing a stick figure on a 4,000-year-old pyramid while explaining its history to visitors.
According to a video released by Egypt’s Interior Ministry, the guide appeared deeply engaged in describing how the Pyramid of Unas was built when he sketched a small stick figure onto the lower outer stones of the structure. He then attempted to wipe the drawing away, but the markings remained visible in the footage.
Authorities said police received a report that someone had “damaged an antiquity by drawing on the outer casing of one of the pyramids.” The man was taken into custody and allegedly admitted to the act. Officials later confirmed that the drawing was removed by the appropriate authorities.
The Interior Ministry said legal action was taken but did not provide further details about potential penalties.
Under Egypt’s 1983 Antiquities Law, defacing a historical artifact can result in a prison sentence of at least one year and a fine of 500,000 Egyptian pounds (about $10,400).
Located roughly 20 miles south of Cairo near Saqqara, the Pyramid of Unas is known for containing the earliest recorded Pyramid Texts. More than 200 religious spells were inscribed on its inner walls to protect and resurrect Pharaoh Unas, whose burial chamber lies within the pyramid.
The structure was built in the 24th century BC in preparation for Unas’ death. He was the ninth and final ruler of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty, a period marked by a growing emphasis on worship of the sun god Re and the construction of several sun temples.
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