Tombs in Egypt's Valley of the Kings 'could vanish in 150 years'

By Travelmail Reporter

Last updated at 11:26 AM on 20 August 2009

The tombs built for the pharaohs in Egypt's Valley of the Kings could vanish within 150 to 500 years due to tourism, it has been revealed.

The country's head of antiquities Zahi Hawass said that the walls of the royal tombs are being erased by humidity and fungus.

The royal burial ground, located on the west bank of the Nile, attracts thousands of tourists each day whose breath, coupled with poor ventilation, is damaging carvings and painted decorations inside the chambers.

Full article here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/travel/article-1207861/Tombs-Egypts-Valley-Kings-vanish-150-years.html