Nov 10, 2009, 17:22 GMT
Cairo - A new plan was launched Tuesday for the preservation of the tomb of Tutankhamen - one of the most popular tourist attractions in Egypt.
The tomb of the pharaoh, popularly known as King Tut, was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. The tomb, though it is a small and relatively simple, contained a unique collection of artifacts and was in good condition, contributing to its worldwide popularity.
But this fame led to mass tourism that now threatens the ability of future generations to enjoy the site.
'Today the tomb is among the most heavily visited sites in the Theban necropolis, and the large number of visitors may be contributing to the tomb's physical deterioration,' Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) said in a statement, referring to the spot in the Valley of the Kings.
The SCA said the project would run for five years, in conjunction with the J Paul Getty Trust.
The initial, two-year phase will be focused on an assessment of the tomb's current condition and an analysis of the causes behind the deterioration of the tomb.
Over the next three years, the conservation programme will kick into effect, to be accompanied by plans to help preserve the site over the long-term.
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