Why was zahi hawaas angry with hawered carter?
Zahi Hawass was Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. He believed that Tut’s mummy was in bad condition because of Carter’s mishandling. He arranged the first ever CT scan of Tut’s mummy for an accurate forensic reconstruction. He was worried about the results.
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Why was zahi hawaas angry with hawered carter?
Introduction:
Zahi Hawass, the renowned Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs, had a controversial relationship with Howard Carter, the British archaeologist who discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922. Hawass's anger towards Carter can be attributed to several factors, including professional jealousy, differing views on archaeological practices, and the perceived mishandling of Tutankhamun's treasures.
Professional Jealousy:
One of the primary reasons for Hawass's anger towards Carter was professional jealousy. Carter's discovery of the intact tomb of Tutankhamun was a groundbreaking achievement in the field of Egyptology and brought immense fame and recognition to Carter. As a result, Hawass, who saw himself as a leading figure in the field, may have felt overshadowed and overlooked.
Differing Views on Archaeological Practices:
Hawass and Carter had differing views on archaeological practices, which further strained their relationship. Hawass advocated for strict preservation and conservation of archaeological sites and artifacts, while Carter's excavation techniques were seen as less meticulous by Hawass. This disagreement in approaches led to clashes between the two archaeologists.
Mishandling of Tutankhamun's Treasures:
Hawass also criticized Carter for the perceived mishandling of Tutankhamun's treasures. Carter's excavation methods were seen as hasty and careless by some, which led to damage and loss of artifacts. Additionally, Carter's decision to remove the mummy of Tutankhamun from the tomb and transport it to Cairo without proper documentation or scientific examination was heavily criticized by Hawass and other experts.
Legacy and Recognition:
Another factor contributing to Hawass's anger towards Carter was the latter's enduring legacy and recognition. Despite their differences, Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb remains one of the most significant archaeological finds in history. This continued recognition and admiration for Carter may have been a source of frustration for Hawass, who felt his own contributions were not receiving the same level of acclaim.
Conclusion:
Zahi Hawass's anger towards Howard Carter can be attributed to professional jealousy, differing views on archaeological practices, and the perceived mishandling of Tutankhamun's treasures. While their relationship was marked by tension and disagreement, both archaeologists made significant contributions to the field of Egyptology, leaving a lasting impact on the study of ancient Egypt.
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