Can Egypt copyright the pyramids?

National Geographic (Steven Stanek)

I think that this subject has probably been thoroughly talked out for the time being, but for those who haven't been following the proposal to copyright ancient Egyptian monuments and artefacts, this two-page article is a useful round-up of the topic, pulling together the main issues and doubts. It also talks about some other, less surprising aspects of the proposed bill, which appears to have a very wide scope:

The legislation also contains provisions that stiffen penalties for those caught smuggling, stealing, or destroying antiquities—the first revision of such laws since 1983. . . .

The maximum penalty for smuggling would be increased from the current 15 years to possible life imprisonment, including a U.S.$90,000 fine, according to El Ashmawi. Those who damage or destroy antiquities could face up to five years in prison and a penalty of U.S.$18,000.

"Stopping the smuggling of antiquities is more important than stopping the smuggling of drugs," he said. "Some people are making millions."

El Ashmawi added that offenders who help Egyptian authorities retrieve illegally trafficked goods or who turn in their partners will receive shorter sentences or be released.

New provisions will also stop foreign archaeological expeditions from taking some of their finds out of Egypt. Under current laws, foreign archaeologists are allowed to transport ten percent of their discoveries back home, according to Hawass.

"Our antiquities are not for sale. They are not for the taking," Hawass said.

The law would even create restrictions for locals at major tourism sites. Egyptian vendors selling goods—including those who offer the popular camel and horse rides at the foot of the Giza Pyramids—will be forced to remain outside of a 0.6-mile (1-kilometer) buffer zone.

See the above page for the full story.