STARS OF EGYPTOLOGY

Mr. Egypt himself, Dr Zahi Hawass is a megastar. He is best known for his position as Minister of Antiquities and has appeared in countless documentaries. A writer of over 50 books and hundreds of articles he has held the top posts in Egypt’s administration for many decades. In the West he is the only Egyptian to have ever represented Egypt at such a prestigious level. I asked him how he managed to not only make a career out of Egyptology, but succeed.

Where were you born?

I was born in a village in the Delta called Abideya in Damietta Governorate; it is near the Mediterranean Sea meeting with the Nile.

When did you first become interested in archaeology?

My story as an archaeologist is really amazing because when I was a young man it was my dream to be a lawyer. When I finished High School, I joined the Faculty of Law at the University of Alexandria. After I bought books of law in my first year and went to the dorms where I was staying, I began to read them but I quickly found out that I was too bored by the texts. I then returned the books almost immediately and transferred from the Faculty of Law to the Faculty of Arts. In that faculty, there were 20 departments, but some people announced a new department of Greco-Roman archaeology had opened. I asked what people did when they graduated and no one gave me a solid answer. I stayed four years in this faculty, but I was not a good student because I never liked Greco-Roman archaeology. When I graduated, I got a government job at the age of 20 but still I did not like the behaviour of the people in the Antiquities Department and began to look for another job. I even tried to become a diplomat, but I failed in those attempts. Then, I returned to the field of archaeology. The Head of Antiquities at that time sent me on an excavation in the Delta.  I was upset to leave Cairo. I became interested in archaeology in my university years. Originally, I did not expect to have a career in Egyptology, much less archaeology. I wanted to leave the antiquities world while I was at the University of Alexandria as I did not enjoy it. I attempted to get into other fields, but these attempts were not fruitful so I returned to archaeology. One time, when I was working at the excavation site of Kom Abu Bello, the workers called me to let me know they had found a beautiful female statue of Aphrodite. As soon as I set my eyes on it, I was immediately smitten as I felt I found my love: Archaeology. 

When I felt that I found my passion, I felt I needed to know more which encouraged me to continue my education in the field. Since then, this feeling of passion has remained with me as it is important to have passion in this field. Passion is the main key for success as it gives one the patience and the endurance to not only persevere, but to put in all of our efforts and energy into our projects.

What education do you have?

I got my Bachelors degree in Greco-Roman archeology from Alexandria University in 1967. Then, I got a diploma in Egyptology from Cairo University in 1980. At the age of 33 I was awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to attend the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia to study Egyptology, earning a Master’s degree in Egyptology and Syro-Palestinian Archaeology in 1983. Then I got my PhD in Egyptology in 1987 (also from there), concentrating on “The Funerary Establishments of Khufu, Khafra and Menkaura During the Old Kingdom.” Then, I received about seven honorary doctorates from various universities worldwide.

How important would you say a formal education is for the study of Egyptology?

I think this formal education made me a true scholar. Without it, I would only have my interest to show but not my scholarship. I really do owe a lot especially to my formative Egyptology scholarship at the University of Pennsylvania. The 7 years that I lived there made me a good scholar with skills in archaeology and language. Also, it gave me the skills and foundation to write more than 200 scholarly articles and over 50 popular and scientific books.

In your career you have held many important posts in Egypt. Could you tell the readers a bit about these, please?

I think I am the only Head of Antiquities who began working in Egyptology when I was 20 as an assistant inspector. Then, I became Inspector, Chief Inspector, Director, Director General, Undersecretary of the State, Head of Antiquities, Vice Minister and eventually the Minister of Antiquities. Moreover, I am the only Egyptian official who became a public figure in his country.

You have made many important discoveries. Could you explain a bit about these fascinating finds? Is there one in particular which stands out?

I have made many remarkable discoveries, so it is impossible to choose one that is more significant than the other as all of them have added something to me, my career and my life.  In the case of the discovery of the tombs of the pyramid builders, for example, that was very important because it was ultimate proof and answer to all those who harbor astonishing theories about the pyramids, namely those who believe they were built by aliens.

Other discoveries that deeply affected me were finding a new pyramid near Khufu’s pyramid; finding the secret doors inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, and finding the the Valley of the Golden Mummies in Bahariya. Also, other moments that made me proud are such as when I did the CT scan of the mummies and successfully identified the mummy of Hatshepsut (through finding a molar in a canopic jar that matched with her mummy). I also discovered how Ramses III was murdered and I put together the family of Tutankhamun by identifying the grandparents and parents, through DNA analysis. Now, I have ongoing excavations in the Valley of the Kings that are revealing many important aspects to the East and West Valleys. We are hoping that we will discover the tomb of Queen Nefertiti one day.  So, I would say these were some of the most beautiful finds in my life as an archaeologist.

What advice would you give young people who want to become archaeologists/Egyptologists?

I get many emails from young people all over the world asking how to become an Egyptologist and archaeologist. I tell them it’s important to read a lot and get a formal education because the field is not easy. Also, I go and meet young Egyptians all over Egypt very often, giving lectures, to keep their curiosity and interest in their heritage alive. I also give many skypes and lectures all over the world. At the same time, I cultivate young people’s interest in Egyptology by meeting High School students in the US through a yearly camp called “Adventures of the Mind” and I connect with young people graduating from university through the Academy of Achievement. My advice for all of them is always: Have passion! I think it is very important for young people especially to be passionate about history and heritage. When you have passion, you can achieve anything: from the littlest to the biggest feats. Not only will passion give you perseverance, but also patience to keep going during difficult times.

Thank you Dr. Hawass. I am sure young people who are aspiring to be Egyptologists will go out and get that all-important formal education! It’s been wonderful interviewing you. Your enthusiasm for Egypt is truly an inspiration. (Originally published 12 May 2020.)

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