Archaeology

Royal tombs threatened with collapse

Leaking water from Ein el-Seira, a body of water formed by six springs, is threatening cemeteries in the Emam el-Leithy area where members of Egypt’s royal family are buried.

The Eman el-Leithy royal cemetery is a short distance from the garden of Foustat, and includes around 44 tombs that belong to the family of Mohamed Ali. Although the marble floors conceal the water lying below, it has visibly seeped into the walls.

"The filling and drying of Ein el-Siera have led to water leaking into the area and its tombs, which might, sooner or later, collapse," said Mohamed Abdel Maqsoud, a resident in the area. The dome built above the upper tombs is already starting to collapse, he said, which could be a sign the entire building is about to fall apart.

Translated from the Arabic Edition.

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