Zahi Hawass

Zahi Hawass is an Egyptian archaeologist and former Minister of State for Antiquities Affairs. Born in Damietta, Egypt, he pursued his education in archaeology at the University of Alexandria and completed his PhD at the University of Pennsylvania. Hawass became one of the most prominent figures in Egyptian archaeology, known for his charismatic personality and media presence. He served as Secretary General of the Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities from 2002 to 2011, and briefly as Minister of Antiquities in 2011. Throughout his career, Hawass has made significant discoveries, including the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis and the tombs of pyramid builders at Giza. He has been instrumental in returning stolen Egyptian artifacts to their homeland and modernizing Egypt's archaeological institutions. Despite controversies surrounding his leadership style and political connections, his contributions to Egyptology and public awareness of ancient Egyptian civilization are substantial.