Egyptian authorities arrested a tour guide after a viral video showed him drawing on the Pyramid of Unas in Saqqara/Image: Screenshot of X video
A tour guide has been arrested in Egypt after a video showed him drawing on the exterior stones of the Pyramid of Unas while explaining details to tourists. The incident took place at the Saqqara necropolis south of Cairo and prompted an investigation by the Egyptian Ministry of Interior.
The development was reported by Egypt Today.The Pyramid of Unas is one of Egypt’s most historically significant monuments. It dates back to the Old Kingdom and is around 4,400 to 4,500 years old. It is widely known as the earliest pyramid to contain pyramid texts and forms part of the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Saqqara site.
What happened at the site
According to the ministry’s statement, the Saqqara Tourist Police Station received a report from a local antiquities inspector.
The inspector stated that the guide had drawn markings on the outer casing stones of the pyramid while leading a group of tourists. Authorities described the act as a distortion of an archaeological monument.The markings were later removed by the relevant authorities.
A video circulating on social media shows the guide using chalk to draw lines and simple explanatory sketches directly on the stone blocks during his explanation.
The footage was filmed by an Egyptian visitor identified on social media as Mahmoud Etman. In the video, the visitor initially confronts the guide calmly and tells him that what he is doing is wrong. The guide responds defensively and questions the filmer.
He insists that the stones he marked were added blocks used in restoration and not original ancient stone.The exchange becomes tense and voices are raised.
Arrest and legal action
The Ministry of Interior confirmed that the accused was apprehended.
During questioning he admitted to committing the act. Legal proceedings have been initiated.Under Article 45 of the 1983 Antiquities Law, anyone who writes on or inscribes an antiquity faces imprisonment of no less than one year. The law also provides for a fine of up to 500,000 Egyptian pounds.
Identity and background
Multiple Arabic media sources and social media posts describe the guide as a Russian tour guide. Some reports name him as Rami Al-Amir.
It remains unclear whether he is a foreign guide or an Egyptian-licensed guide leading a Russian-speaking group. During the filmed confrontation he reportedly claimed that he was a doctor.The case has drawn public attention because of the cultural importance of the Pyramid of Unas and the strict legal protections surrounding Egypt’s archaeological heritage. Authorities have not yet announced further details about the legal process.
Public reaction
The video sparked widespread criticism online. Many social media users expressed anger over what they described as disrespect toward Egypt’s cultural heritage. Several users praised the visitor who filmed the incident and confronted the guide. Others called for stricter monitoring of tour guides at archaeological sites and stronger enforcement of heritage protection laws.The case has renewed debate about preservation standards at major tourist destinations and the responsibility of licensed guides when handling sites of historical significance.
Authorities have not yet released further details about the ongoing legal process.
Pyramid of Unas
The Pyramid of Unas dates back to the 24th century BCE and stands in Saqqara as the final royal pyramid of Egypt’s Fifth Dynasty. Built for Pharaoh Unas, who ruled from around 2375 to 2345 BCE, it is best known for the Pyramid Texts inscribed on its walls. These spells, hymns, and prayers are considered the oldest religious texts in existence and later influenced funerary works such as the Book of the Dead. The complex originally bore the name “Beautiful are the Places of Unas” and includes a mortuary temple, causeway, and valley temple.
