We have all seen countless shows on the Pyramids.  Usually, when there is something new, it's a tomb.  This time, it's a bit different.  A British explorer claims that there is "an enormous system of caves, chambers and tunnels lies hidden beneath the Pyramids of Giza."  Here's the link:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/32417238/ns/technology_and_science-science/

Ok…a few things on this:

1) There seems to be some question as to what was actually found.  The article constantly uses the word "claims."  It's sort of odd to me.  Either there is a cave system under the pyramids or there isn't.  Pick one.  If there isn't substantial evidence to support the claim, then why write the article? 

2) I've seen so many shows on Egypt and tombs and the pyramids…they all kind of blend together.  But I swear I saw one using different types of GPR (ground penetrating radar) and satellite imagery looking for tunnels.  The premise was that there was a hidden chamber somewhere and that they were trying to find it.  It was hoped that scrolls from the Library of Alexandria were there.  Needless to say, they never found anything like that.  But I remember seeing the graphics of "suggested" tunnels and such underneath the pyramids.  A cave system under the pyramids doesn't seem so far fetched, although…if my memory about that show was accurate, I wonder why they didn't discover it…if it does indeed exist.

3) Lastly, this caught my eye:

"Zahi Hawass, chief of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, has dismissed the discovery.  'There are no new discoveries to be made at Giza. We know everything about the plateau,' he stated."

Now, that's a very odd position to take.  Zahi Hawass is an interesting character.  He's on EVERY show pertaining to Egypt and his pyramids.  His ego is so big (how big is it?)…that he's had to sign treaties with neighboring countries because his ego actually extends past the boundaries of Egypt itself.  But to actually say what he did…um, not too scientific there.  You know, something tells me that if the explorer was from…oh, I don't know, say Egypt, then this discovery would probably be earth-shattering and spectacular.  Since the explorer is British…yeah…"We know everything about the plateau…so, nothing to see here.  Buy your souvineirs and move along.  Keep behind the rope at all times…"

With all due respect, this Andrew Collins is not actually an "explorer" in the true sense of an explorer.  He is a writer, a science fiction author and is a self proclaimed historian/explorer with no credible credentials. 

Here is a snipet describing Mr. Collins and his "exploration" of crop circles in his book "The New Circlemakers":  "Andrew argues that psychic communications with alleged extraterrestrial sources by modern-day light workers might well be involved in this extraordinary process, which he calls deep space consciousness. Andrew demonstrates also how the circles phenomenon goes back at least 400 years, and is present even in native American folklore."

Mr. Collins has also written his theories on his search for Atlantis in a book "Gateway to Atlantis" which have never been proven along with many others including "The Seventh Sword: Psychic Quest for King Arthur's Sword" and "Tutankhamun: The Exodus Conspiracy – The Truth Behind Archeology's Greatest Mystery" to name a few.

From what I can determine, he, like many others, takes what others write and then reassembles the words to make "his" revalation.  That should sound familiar to many on this board, huh?

I totally agree with the assessment of Dr. Hawass and understand his comments regarding this alleged "explorer".  I don't think it would matter if this person was Egyptian or not.  Even though in a past post I have stated Dr. Hawass is a character who has a huge ego, he does have immense knowledge, impeccable qualifications, and is considered and respected by all to be "the" world renowned expert whereas this Collins has absolutely no credibility other than being able to get science fiction books of his theories published (uh oh – could GHI recruit him?).  In Egypt, no grain of sand goes unturned without Zahi Hawass' knowledge and no exploration does either.  If there was even a remote chance of anything being uncovered, you can be sure you would see a picture of Dr. Hawass checking it out.

BD50 – Yes, it could be possible he is a part of the lost branch of the Hawes family tree (ego wise) but obviously Jason wouldn't have him on his "team" because Hawass is smarter than him although that wouldn't stop him from introducing Dr. Hawass as his "real good friend and relative".

Thanks Revenant.  I did understand you were joking.    As far as why they would cover the story, why not?  It is controversial and was picked up on the wires.  This Collins character, his friends, "colleagues" and his publisher probably screamed to the hills so I think it's possible they just didn't want to be the last one commenting if something did turn up.  No one wants the boss to come in and ask why someone didn't cover what might be the biggest story since Harold Carter found King Tut's tomb.  (Plus I secretly think there are a lot of people who want to put a pin in Dr. Hawass' ego.)

I think you and Nosfer are exactly right.  We'll never know what he actually said.  Yes, he is media savvy and should know better but he also has a quick temper and is quite defensive.  On the other hand, he can be quite charming which you don't hear much about.  Add all that to an incredible ego and you've got quite a mix.

As far a the Rosetta Stone, yes, that was a slap in the face but I do understand his dream (although not his methods) to have it returned to Egypt.  It's an amazing piece of history and I highly recommend a visit to the British Museum when in London to see it and all the other incredible historical collections.  It's an experience that will get you hooked and it's free which is a rarity these days.

alicat said:

I always kicked myself when I never went to see the Tutankhamun exhibit when it came to the U.S. in the 70's.  However, I was lucky enough to see the current tour which was an absolutely incredible experience.

I saw the Tut exhibit in 70's as a kid in Chicago.  And as a kid, I don't think I fully appreciated it at the time.  I remember when I got home and was asked about it, I raved about seeing into a back room.  I was with the tour and a guy opened a door to a back room to step in.  Inside that room…I'm not sure if they were Chicago police, FBI, or what, but they were armed to the teeth in full battle gear.  It looked like a small army preparing for an invasion.  As a young boy…nothing really cooler than that!  Even to this day, it still makes me laugh.  Unless someone brought in a few tanks…NOTHING was happening to that Tut exhibit while in Chicago.  And I wouldn't be surprised if they had anti-tank weapons with them as well….

Nosfer said:

So maybe the Stone should actually have to be returned to the Turks or did the Mamluqs retain enough autonomous control in "Egypt" after the start of the 1500s that it should still belong to them? I mean, how far back do you go to establish ownership? Or, since it was created under the Ptolemies, is it in fact Greek?

Then you have claims such as those that all coins originating in Italy should be returned….

An excellent point.  That's why I side with the "winners" like I said in that post that you were responding to.  Returning stolen items and/or items taken during war is such a slippery slope.  That's why I kind of like the "revolving" trade idea between countries.  It kind of starts getting away from "your" history or "my" history and gets more into "our" history, as in mankind.

And this idea isn't mine in the least.  Museums have been doing it for quite some time.  I'd just like to see them ramp it up a bit.  I mean the fact that the Rosetta Stone hasn't been to Egypt in 200 years is kind of a shame.  And I wouldn't mind seeing it make a stop in Greece either.  I guess I'm just not a big fan of a museum holding on to particular pieces forever.  The Rosetta Stone is an important piece in the world's history…so…share it with the world.  This "Either come to my house and see it or you don't get to see it at all" mentality is out-dated.   

Revenant – Somehow I knew that you would want to have more in common with Dr. Hawass.   I'm disappointed you don't want the second one.   It is amazing the number of products they can produce from all this.  I'm still finding more as I go through their site.  And thanks for your gift.  That was very kind of you.  Did you see how much that weighs?  4 lbs.