Egypt closes pyramid after rumors of 11/11/11 rituals
The Great Pyramid of Giza in Egypt.
Photographer: Lyn Gateley / Creative Commons 2.0
Posted: 11/11/2011
CAIRO (AP) - Egypt's antiquities authority has closed the largest of the Great Pyramid of Giza following rumors that groups would try to hold spiritual ceremonies on the site at 11:11, Nov. 11, 2011.
The authority's head Mustafa Amin said in a statement Friday that the pyramid of Khufu, also known as Cheops, would be closed from Thursday evening until Saturday morning for "necessary maintenance."
The closure follows a string of unconfirmed reports in local media that unknown groups would try to hold "Jewish" or "Masonic" rites on the site.
Amin called all reports of planned ceremonies at the cite are "completely lacking in truth." The statement did not say whether the rest of the pyramid complex, one of Egypt's biggest tourist attractions, would be closed to visitors.
Copyright Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
PRINT
Top Entertainment Headlines
-
Film: 'Fast & Furious 6' is silliness
Lines spoken in "Fast & Furious 6" include: "I got this"; "This should be interesting"; "Talk to me" (i.e., share with me your "intel"); 'Let's roll"; and "You don't turn your back on family."
-
Need a wedding dress? Target's got some
-
Miguel hits fan during Billboard Awards
-
Taylor Swift dominates Billboard Awards
-
'Star Trek' beams to #1 at box office
-
'Idol' finale draws record low ratings
