Idling vehicles banned after pyramid cracks found

CAIRO: Egyptian authorities have put a ban on idling vehicle engines in Saqqara, southwest of Cairo, after cracks started to show on the country s oldest pyramid. The head of Egypt s supreme council for antiquities, Zahi Hawass, has decided to ban the running of engines of all cars and buses waiting for tourists in the archeological area of Saqqara, a council statement said. The running of engines has caused the area to experience some shaking which has in turn caused cracks in the pyramid of Djoser, the statement said. Built in the 27th century BC, the Djoser pyramid, also known as the Step Pyramid, is said to be the world s oldest stone monument building. The 60 metre high structure was commissioned by the Pharaoh Djoser, the founder of Egypt s third Dynasty, for his burial in what was then Memphis, the capital of Ancient Egypt. Hawass warned that anyone caught running a car engine would be charged with damaging archeological sites and face legal action.