TOMB RAISERS

King Tut revamp nearly complete

EGYPT: A nearly decade-long makeover of King Tutankhamun’s tomb aimed at preserving one of Egypt’s most important archaeological sites and also one of its most popular tourist attractions is almost complete.

The project has added a filtration system to keep out dust, humidity and carbon dioxide, and a barrier to keep visitors from continuing to damage the tomb’s elaborate wall paintings.

New lights are also scheduled to be installed in the tomb of Tutankhamun, the legendary boy king who ruled Egypt more than 3000 years ago. His mummified body remains on display in an oxygen-free case.

The project was launched in 2009 by the Getty Conservation Institute, renowned for its conservation work, in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities.

‘‘This project greatly expanded our understanding of one of the best-known and significant sites from antiquity, and the methodology used can serve as a model for similar sites,’’ Tim Whalen, of the institute, said.

Tutankhamun was about 19 when he died. His tomb, discovered in 1922, was hidden for millennia by flood debris that preserved it intact and protected it from tomb raiders.

Humidity and dust carried in by visitors have caused damage, as have some visitors who scratched the wall paintings.

‘‘Humidity promotes microbiological growth and may also physically stress the wall paintings, while carbon dioxide creates an uncomfortable atmosphere for visitors themselves,’’ said Neville Agnew, the institute’s senior principal project specialist.

‘‘But perhaps even more harmful has been the physical damage to the wall paintings. Careful examination showed an accumulation of scratches and abrasion in areas close to where visitors and film crews have access within the tomb’s tight space.’’

Conservationists also studied mysterious brown spots on some of the paintings that have baffled experts for years. They concluded they were caused by microorganisms that have since died and are causing no further damage. They decided to leave the spots there because they have penetrated into the paint layers and removing them would cause more damage. –AP

PHOTO: AP A nearly decade-long project to better protect and preserve the tomb of King Tutankhamun in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings is nearing completion.