The legendary Egyptologist talks about his deep connection with the Great Sphinx of Giza and how his immense passion for Ancient Egypt has always pushed him through a memorable career full of remarkable accomplishments.
"I’m always happy to share secrets with people around the world. Through travel, archaeology becomes a very important part in people’s lives”. Zahi Hawass is a legend of contemporary Archaeology. A former Minister of Antiquities and, for nearly 30 years, the television face of ancient Egypt, he never ceases to be amazed by how little is still known about this fascinating world, full of mysteries and hidden passageways beneath the sand. Instantly recognisable with his wide-brimmed hat and blue denim shirt, he is an enthusiastic researcher.

“Archaeology is a great passion of mine. It’s there when you brush away the desert sand, when you uncover an ancient artefact, just as it was when I opened Tutankhamun’s tomb to carry out a CT scan on the boy-pharaoh.
When you think you already know everything, you are always surprised by what remains unknown.

His is a mission that renews itself day after day. “The head of the workmen handed me a brush. In the middle of the tomb stood a beautiful statue of Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty and love. As I brushed and cleaned the statue, I said to myself: ‘I have found my love.’
"Passion. This is my message to every student aspiring to be a good Archaeologist. I always say one thing: With passion, you take something small and make it great.”