Cairo – U.S. Ambassador Stephen Beecroft and Minister of Antiquities Dr. Khaled El-Anany today inaugurated the recently-conserved Theban Tomb 110 in Luxor and a new groundwater lowering system at Edfu Temple.  The inaugurations mark the completion of projects to preserve and restore two important monuments from Egypt’s antiquity.

“These sites are integral to Egypt’s cultural heritage – and the heritage of humanity,” said Ambassador Beecroft. “Our shared commitment to protecting Egypt’s most important archaeological sites ensures that future generations can enjoy them – and that Egypt can continue to capitalize on tourism for economic growth and employment.”

Edfu Temple, located in Aswan governorate, is dedicated to the falcon-headed god Horus.  The temple was damaged by groundwater that was eroding the structure.  The Ministries of Antiquities and International Cooperation requested USAID assistance in designing and constructing a system to lower groundwater levels to protect the historic temple.  The inauguration today signifies the completion of the system.

Theban Tomb 110, located in Qurna on the West Bank of Luxor, is the tomb of nobleman Djehuty, Royal Butler under both Hatshepsut and Tuthmosis III.  USAID funded on-the-job training for Ministry of Antiquities’ archaeologists and conservators to clean, excavate, and conserve this nobleman’s tomb.  Further, USAID provided funding for short-term job opportunities to 1,000 daily workers to clear the area of demolished houses, create trails, and insert signage leading to the tombs in the area to enhance visitors’ experiences.  During archeological clearing, two previously unknown 18^th dynasty tombs were discovered.  Today’s inauguration formally opens the site for tourism.

The American people, through USAID, have provided assistance valued at over $100 million since 1992 for the preservation and restoration of cultural heritage sites in the governorates of Cairo, Luxor, Alexandria, Sohag, and Red Sea.