ALBAWABA - The Head of the American mission, Mark Lehner, has recently found himself facing criticism for his excavation work at the Menkaure Valley Temple in Egypt.
The mission, which has been attempting to discover the secrets of the smallest pyramid among the pyramids of Giza, made a controversial decision to extract groundwater from a well within the temple.
This move led to widespread dissatisfaction among specialists, Egyptian antiquities enthusiasts, and those interested in preserving historical sites.
The mission's actions almost caused a disaster by potentially damaging the ancient temple and the tombs buried beneath it. The use of heavy machinery and unauthorized exploration methods raised concerns about the safety of the archaeological site.
Shutterstock
The incident sparked questions about the responsibility of those entrusted with protecting Egypt's cultural heritage and their ability to prevent the destruction of antiquities due to reckless actions. The controversial decision to excavate the Temple of Menkaure without following established protocols has drawn criticism from experts and officials alike.
Former Minister of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, has supported Lehner's excavations, leading to even further controversy surrounding the mission's activities and the preservation of historical landmarks.
Calls for an urgent investigation into the damages caused by the excavation have been made, some wanting even stricter regulations on foreign missions operating in Egypt.
Shutterstock
The controversy surrounding the Menkaure Valley Temple could be seen as a reminder of the delicate balance between exploration and conservation in the field of archaeology, and just how important it is to make sure to preserve historical spots like this, wherever they might be located.
