Tour guide sketches diagram on 4,000-year-old Egyptian Pyramid wall, arrested after video goes viral

A tour guide has been arrested after allegedly drawing on the 4,000-year-old Pyramid of Unas in Saqqara. According to a statement issued on Monday by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, the Saqqara Tourist Police Station received a formal complaint from a local antiquities inspector. As reported by Egypt Today, the inspector alleged that the guide used chalk to draw on the outer stones of the ancient pyramid while leading a tour group.

Video Shows Guide Drawing on Historic Monument

Videos circulating on social media appear to show the guide sketching what looked like a diagram in chalk as he explained details of the monument to tourists. The individual filming the footage confronted the guide, who reportedly responded by asking, “Are you sane?”


The act was quickly condemned as vandalism of one of Egypt’s most significant ancient sites. Authorities later confirmed that conservation specialists had safely removed the chalk markings without causing permanent damage.

Guide Identified and Legal Action Initiated

The guide, identified as Al-Amir, was taken into custody for questioning. During interrogation, he reportedly admitted to drawing on the pyramid. Legal proceedings have since been initiated.

In a subsequent video apology, he described his actions as a “grave mistake”, claiming they were unintentional. The Tourist Guides Syndicate has suspended him pending further investigation.

Under Article 45 of Egypt’s 1983 Antiquities Protection Law, anyone convicted of writing on or defacing an antiquity faces a minimum prison sentence of one year and a fine of up to 500,000 Egyptian pounds.

The Pyramid of Unas: A Landmark of Ancient Egyptian History

As per a NDTV report, the Pyramid of Unas is a smooth-sided pyramid located in Saqqara, Egypt. It was built for Pharaoh Unas, the ninth and final ruler of the Fifth Dynasty of Ancient Egypt, around 2350 BC.

Although smaller than many other pyramids, the structure holds immense historical importance. It was the first pyramid to feature the Pyramid Texts, a collection of spells and religious inscriptions intended to guide the pharaoh through the afterlife.

The Significance of the Pyramid Texts

The Pyramid Texts found inside the monument are considered a cornerstone of ancient Egyptian religious belief. They provide invaluable insight into early funerary practices, cosmology and spiritual traditions.

Discovered in 1881, the pyramid originally stood at approximately 43 metres high, with a base measuring around 58 metres. Its interior walls are lined with fine white alabaster, intricately carved with blue-painted hieroglyphs. The gabled ceiling is adorned with golden five-pointed stars set against a deep blue background, symbolising the night sky.

The Pyramid of Unas remains open to visitors today and is typically included in a standard Saqqara entry ticket, attracting tourists from around the world.

Inputs from agencies