Hi Anthony,

I know

However, it is a fair question to ask. The justification for the destructive nature of modern archaeology is that, in return, we gain valuable knowledge. Some accept that this is, in effect, knowledge for knowledge's sake, and that it is essential to push back the boundaries of science, etc. Others argue an ethical component that is usually based around the "history helps us learn from our mistakes" principle.

With regard to the "pure" motive of expanding knowledge, and looking at the comments here, it seems to me unbelievable that, faced with archaeology that is safe (such as the pyramid, or sealed tombs, etc with no chance of a road going through) we are considering drilling holes in pyramids and cutting up bodies. If this represents the limit of twenty first century technology then, simply, we need to wait until the technology improves.

All I am seeing in some of the replies on this thread are people shouting "but I want to know NOW!", irrespective of what could conceivably be lost to the future.

Quite frankly the shafts have been sealed for four and a half thousand years. What's so urgent that we have to drill a hole in them and have a peak?

Pete

God is our guide! from field, from wave, From plough, from anvil, and from loom; We come, our country's rights to save, And speak a tyrant faction's doom: We raise the watch-word liberty; We will, we will,we will be free!