As a distinguished professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Drexel University, [Michel Barsoum's] daily routine consists mainly of teaching students about ceramics, or performing research on a new class of materials, the so-called MAX Phases, that he and his colleagues discovered in the 1990s. These modern ceramics are machinable, thermal-shock resistant, and are better conductors of heat and electricity than many metals-making them potential candidates for use in nuclear power plants, the automotive industry, jet engines, and a range of other high-demand systems.

Then Barsoum received an unexpected phone call from Michael Carrell, a friend of a retired colleague of Barsoum, who called to chat with the Egyptian-born Barsoum about how much he knew of the mysteries surrounding the building of the Great Pyramids of Giza, the only remaining of the seven wonders of the ancient world.

The widely accepted theory-that the pyramids were crafted of carved-out giant limestone blocks that workers carried up ramps-had not only not been embraced by everyone, but as important had quite a number of holes.

According to the caller, the mysteries had actually been solved by Joseph Davidovits, Director of the Geopolymer Institute in St. Quentin, France, more than two decades ago. Davidovits claimed that the stones of the pyramids were actually made of a very early form of concrete created using a mixture of limestone, clay, lime, and water.

"It was at this point in the conversation that I burst out laughing," says Barsoum. If the pyramids were indeed cast, he says, someone should have proven it beyond a doubt by now, in this day and age, with just a few hours of electron microscopy...

Engineering the pyramids, Michel Barsoum, Drexel University.

The Surprising Truth Behind the Construction of the Great Pyramids,

Sheila Berninger and Dorilona Rose, May 18, Live Science, USA, 2007.

Previously:

Concrete Pyramid an 'Insult', December 04, 2006.

Pyramids were built with concrete rather than rocks, scientists claim, December 02, 2006.

The mysterious and enchanting world of Ancient Egypt is brought to life on May 25 [2007], when Egypt: Beyond the Tomb opens the Auckland Museum’s Winter Programme.

This extraordinary international touring exhibition follows the story of Keku, an Egyptian woman who lived 2700 years ago, as she makes the perilous journey through the underworld. Drawing on over 200 ancient Egyptian burial treasures from animal mummies to a magnificently decorated sarcophagus (coffin), Keku’s story offers a fascinating insight into the mysterious death rituals of this age-old civilization...

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb has been developed by the Australian Museum and the National Museum of Antiquities, The Netherlands. It will be accompanied by a full programme that of public events offering a full range of activities for all ages. Highlights include the Ancient Egypt Parade, Make-up demonstrations, Making of a Mummy Show, Adult Egyptian Nights, screening of Cleopatra (starring Elizabeth Taylor) and a comprehensive lecture series...

Auckland comes alive with the world of the dead, Auckland Museum via Scoop, New Zealand, May 09, 2007.

Previously:

Egypt: Beyond the Tomb Coming to Auckland, April 10, 2007.

Molefi Asante, professor of African-American studies at Temple University, led a protest yesterday in front of the Franklin Institute claiming the museum's exhibit on King Tutankhamun is racist.

"This is a crime scene," he shouted. "This is an area of criminal theft, identity theft."

Among the grievances shared by members of the Association of Kemetic Nubian Heritage, of which Asante is president, is that the exhibit has no mention of Africa and that information within suggests that King Tut, an African, was white...

This is nothing new and each of the US exhibitions have attracted a new wave of protesters.

Protesters at exhibit say King Tut was black, Stephanie Farr, Philadelphia Daily News, Pennsylvania, USA, May 21, 2007.

Previously:

Reasons to be suspicious about King Tut's image, December 14, 2005.

Pharaoh furore, December 07, 2005.

Tut exhibit fails to face facts, some scholars say, November 29, 2005.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs DVD (ICON107) is hosted by Omar Sharif and includes interviews with Dr. Zahi Hawass, Secretary General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities in Cairo, Egypt, and others instrumental in organizing this exhibit.

In 1976 treasures from King Tut's tomb left the Cairo Museum en route to the USA. It took the country by storm and introduced Americans to these wonders of the ancient world.

In 2005 Egypt granted another opportunity to view such treasures. This current exhibit has visited LA, Chicago, Ft. Lauderdale, and is currently in Philadelphia. The exhibit includes major artefacts excavated from Tutankhamun's tomb, and artefacts from other royal graves. All of the treasures in the exhibit are between 3,300 and 3,500 years old.

The DVD draws you into the exhibit, showcasing the design and technology the visitors experienced. You come face to face with Tut's contemporaries, hear about the fascinating times in which the young king lived and learn how his short reign changed history. This DVD gives you an up-close and detailed look beyond the beautiful treasures — isolating each piece with multiple camera angles, and moving images.

Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs DVD — in stores and online everywhere July 10, 2007.

, Icon Music Entertainment, USA, 2007.

Icon Music Entertainment Releases "TUTANKHAMUN and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs" – Exhibit Documentary — July 10, 2007,

Icon Music Entertainment via Yahoo! Finance, USA, May 25, 2007.

Luxor is often described as the world's greatest open air museum. The site of Egypt's ancient capital Thebes, the town boasts incomparable temples and a splendid necropolis. Sadly, though, over the centuries Luxor's monuments have suffered encroachment. Houses were built on top of ancient tombs on the West Bank and the open court fronting the Luxor Temple was turned into a bustling souq. Since 2005, however, as part of President Hosni Mubarak's programme to develop Upper Egypt and improve services for Egyptians as well as develop and promote tourist projects which will in turn provide job opportunities, Luxor has been the site of a major development scheme. New houses and shops have been built to replace buildings demolished because they encroached on ancient monuments. Excavations have been undertaken to reveal the full route of the Avenue of Sphinxes, once the royal path between Luxor and Karnak temples.

After two years of work, Luxor, which has twice won prizes for its comprehensive development plan from the International Competition of Islamic Capitals and Cities, is looking more alluring than ever. Everything has been changed: buildings along the Corniche have been repainted in earth colours and the city's streets and squares have been subject to extensive refurbishment, including the planting of large numbers of trees and flowers.

"I am very impressed with what I saw along my route from the airport to here," said Mrs Suzanne Mubarak, addressing invitees at this week's inauguration of the Luxor branch of the Mubarak Public Library. "I have seldom seen such beautiful streets in Egypt. I would like every street in every town in Egypt to be lined with trees and flowers like this..."

Luxor's resurrection, Nevine El-Aref, Al-Ahram, Egypt, Issue No. 846, May 24 - 30, 2007.

cf. Mrs. Mubarak inaugurates Luxor projects including public library, hospital, Egypt State Information Service, Egypt, May 20, 2007.

cf. Suzanne Mubarak to visit Luxor on Saturday, Jane Akshar, Luxor News via Tour Egypt, Texas, USA, May 27, 2007.