A new initiative made possible by members of the GW Capitol Archaeological Institute will strengthen the protection of Egyptian antiquities and historic sites and modernize artifact collection and research in the country.
In May, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Egypt and the International Coalition to Protect Egyptian Antiquities—led by the GW Capitol Archaeological Institute— created and signed an agreement that addresses issues of looting and preservation education and awareness.
Launched last fall, the GW Capitol Archaeological Institute is housed in GW’s Columbian College of Arts and Sciences and utilizes Columbian College archaeologists and scholars specializing in the ancient and classical worlds and civilizations across the globe. GW archaeologists have participated in excavations in the Middle East, Asia, Africa, North America, Central America and Europe.
“The [agreement] is a historic undertaking that will lead to immediate, short-term and long-term solutions to the overall looting issue,” said Institute Director Eric Cline, chair of the Department of Classical and Near Eastern Languages and Civilizations. “It is certainly a challenge for countries in transition to ensure adequate protection for their historic sites, particularly in a country with as many sites and over such a large area as Egypt, but we believe that the Egyptian government, with our support, is able to meet that challenge.”
The agreement was formed after a series of meetings in May between the coalition and senior Egyptian government officials and archaeological experts. Coalition membership includes the Archaeological Institute of America, the American Schools of Oriental Research and the National Geographic Society.
Dr. Cline, who traveled to Cairo along with Institute Chair Deborah Lehr, said the initiative will lead to the first complete inventory of all known artifacts in Egypt and the first satellite mapping database of Egypt. A nationwide educational campaign will also be launched to help Egyptians understand the cultural and economic reasons for protecting these sites and artifacts.
“Our intent is to propose solutions to the looting that lead to education, training and job creation,” he said. “It is in all of our interests to vest the local people around these sites in protecting these sites and artifacts and arm them with the necessary tools and education.”
Dr. Cline said the institute will assist the Egyptian government in implementing the initiative and will launch a major fundraising campaign to support training and job creation programs.
To Dr. Cline and members of the institute, archeology is “a form of diplomacy,” which is why the institute sought to form an international coalition.
“When we saw the people of Egypt stand up to protect the Cairo Museum during the uprisings in January, it was our belief that we should do that same,” he said. “We have been heartened by the positive response that we have received to our initiative from around the world.”
“As we heard frequently on our visit, Egyptians are the ‘custodians’ of our common cultural heritage,” he added. “Losing the past is akin to losing our future.”