Egypt opens tombs

On Egypt’s Giza Plateau, six Old Kingdom tombs, constructed in the Fourth Dynasty (2890-2686 BC), are to be opened by the end of 2012. The most famous, that of Princess Meresankh III, granddaughter of the pharaoh Khufu, has been closed to the public for 25 years.

The other tombs were built for the overseer of the House of Life, the overseer of the soul priests, the overseer of the king’s farms, the overseer of the royal treasury and King Khufu’s treasurer. The restored tombs have façades, rock pillars, large chambers and decorated walls.

A Giza Plateau ticket costs EGP60 (near $10) and gives access to all open monuments. The pyramids of Khufu and Menkaure and the Sound-and-Light Show require additional tickets.