Dr. Zahi Hawass is likely the most famous archaeologist in the world at the moment. He’s active on a number of projects, sometimes traveling abroad to give a talk or leading groups around Egypt’s bounty of archaeological sites. He continues to play a large role in major excavations and is known for promoting Egypt and native-born Egyptologists.
He and his team discovered the necropolis of the builders of the pyramids at Giza, began excavations of tombs at Bahariya Oases, initiated the Egyptian Mummy Project, discovered major tombs, and more.
In the past, he has held various positions in the government, culminating as Supreme Head of Antiquities. Dr. Hawass has published many books and is a frequent presence in the media. Now on Netflix is Unknown: The Lost Pyramid, in which Dr. Hawass and his team search for the Pyramid of Huni at Saqqara.
Around twenty-five years ago, I met Dr. Hawass after his lecture at the University of Pennsylvania’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology in Philadelphia. I recall some of his humor on the topic of pyramid power. (Years before that, he had a Fulbright Award to complete his doctorate at UPENN.) The audience was excited to see his slides and hear about his latest projects and Egyptology in general. Afterwards, he signed books. In June 2023, I met him after his lecture during his Grand Tour in New York City.
Recently, he was very generous in granting me this interview on Zoom (below). There is such antiquity and brilliance to ancient Egypt that draws in…
