Revolution and Destruction

Victorian England is not the only era of history that I enjoy, it isn't even my favorite. The history that really gets me excited is ancient history. In fact my real passion is Ancient Egypt. That's one reason why for the last couple of days I've been on edge and very emotional about the current riots taking place in Egypt.

Amid the protesters and police who have flooded the streets there are those who want to take advantage of the chaos by stealing and destroying the history. This week some were able to break inside the nation's main museum despite the human chain of citizen's who tried to protect their national treasures. They now believe that it is secured against further attempts.

The Egyptian Museum in Cairo has been at the top of my 'bucket' list since I was seven. It houses 'King Tut's' vast collection of riches but more importantly it contains over 4,000 years of historical objects from that region.

They believe that nothing was stolen, the thieves were caught and removed from the building. Unfortunately there was damage. Right now we don't know how extensive it is but what has leaked out doesn't sound good. Two of the nine mummies on display had their heads torn off, they haven't released which ones . At least ten artifacts were also ruined during the break in. Some of the pictures have been posted here. The objects are achingly familiar to me. I even have a small replica of one at home. Now they lay on the floor, smashed and irreparably damaged. I hate thinking that people are capable of doing this.

The optimistic side of me hopes that something wonderful might come of the revolution. I hope that the people are able to gain a government that will address the issues of unemployment and poverty. Maybe, in the end, this will mean a better life for that country. I have not forgotten that America's Independence was also gained through blood and destruction. Maybe things will improve, Egypt will become safer for visitors and I will finally be able to see Abu Simbel and the Cairo Museum. That might help to make up for the tragedy of this loss.