Tomb of Tutankhamun at risk of collapse, say experts

The tomb of Tutankhamun in Luxor is in its most fragile state since its discovery in 1922, with cracks spreading across ceilings, rock layers peeling under humidity, and mural colours fading under the assault of fungi.

- SALAH LABAN

The tomb, one of the smallest royal burials in the Valley of the Kings, is suffering from a major fracture running across the ceiling of the burial chamber and entrance, causing fissures that have allowed rainwater to seep inside. Given the nature of the Esna shale rock used in the tomb, which expands and contracts with changes in humidity, the risk of deformation and collapse now looms over both the structure and its intricate decorations.

West of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is home to dozens of royal tombs carved deep into the mountains. Many of these have been eroded by sudden flash floods that periodically strike the area. In 1994, a catastrophic deluge submerged the valley in silt-laden water that eroded the rock layers and led to a sharp rise in humidity levels within the tombs.

As a result, fungi flourished and damaged precious paintings and murals, while the valley's fragile geological makeup, dominated by weak Esna shale, further compounded the crisis.

In a recent study published in Nature's npj Heritage Science journal, Sayed Hemeda, Professor of Preservation of Architectural Heritage at Cairo University, notes that Tutankhamun's tomb is now suffering from compromised structural integrity. He identified the 1994 flood as the turning point: it allowed water ingress, raised humidity levels and triggered fungal growth that ravaged the wall paintings.