DESERT CLASSROOM
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LABORERS engaged in excavation work ot Sakkaro stop to look at the bus on arrival.
Ctudents at the University of Cairo do not have far to go to get first-hand
information about their country's early history. Members of the class in
Egyptology are loaded on buses at the university, taken past the famed
pyramids of Cheops and Chrephren to their outdoor classroom at Sakkara,
25 miles east of Cairo, on the very edge of the Sahara desert. There in the
shadow of the Step Pyramid, the world's oldest monument, built by King
Zoser 5,000 years ago (3rd Dynasty), they watch the restoration work going
on under the supervision of the Egyptian government, study the antiquities
which are being unearthed and learn all about the glories of ancient Egypt.
At present, the government's excavation work in the area is being centered
on the tomb of Snefru, first king of the 4th Dynasty and the father of Cheops.
Its restoration work on the main entrance to the Temple of Zoser is nearly
completed. The srtudents are getting a full view of these efforts. Coiro
University's outdoor classroom is pictured here.
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MUMMY BEARERS. Instructor ond students watch workmen bring up 3,000-year-old mummy.,
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INSTRUCTION. At the partial ly reconstructed columns of the temple of Zoser,
the. class holds a study period. In background is the base of Step Pyramid.
OLD SUBJECT. Professor tells students about the mummy. It's encosed In gold coverings.
SKULL IN HAND. Professor of Antiquities Dr. Mot?
wolly uncovers o skull of mummy removed from tomb.
PROFESSOR Pierre Buchard points out inscriptions, corved figures inside tomb
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