Advertising

The Seattle Times Company

NWjobs | NWautos | NWhomes | NWsource | Free Classifieds | seattletimes.com

The Seattle Times

Nation & World


Our network sites seattletimes.com | Advanced

Originally published June 5, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified June 5, 2007 at 2:01 AM

E-mail article     Print view

No pyramids on Portugal stamps, Egypt says

Egypt has refused to allow Portugal to feature its ancient Pyramids of Giza on postage stamps the European country wants to issue coinciding...

CAIRO, Egypt -- Egypt has refused to allow Portugal to feature its ancient Pyramids of Giza on postage stamps the European country wants to issue coinciding with a global contest to name the seven new wonders of the world.

Zahi Hawass, the head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, said the pyramids, which date back more than 4,000 years, would not be shown on any stamps.

"The council totally rejects any attempt to put the pyramids, the wonder of world wonders and the only wonder which still exists, on a postage stamp or to be included in a commercial competition which is not subject to scientific criteria," Hawass was quoted as saying Sunday by the official Middle East News Agency.

There was no immediate response from Portuguese officials.

Hawass scoffed earlier this year at the popular online contest, saying it was a disgrace that the pyramids must compete for a spot on a list of new seven wonders.

As a result, officials with the Zurich, Switzerland-based contest decided to honor the pyramids as the only ancient wonder remaining and take it out of the running for the new wonders.

The Egyptian pyramids were on the traditional list of marvels cited by ancient Greek and Roman writers. The other six were the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Mausoleum of Maussollos, Colossus of Rhodes and Lighthouse of Alexandria.

The 20 finalists for the new seven wonders include the Colosseum in Rome, the Great Wall of China, and Petra in Jordan, as well as newer structures such as the Statue of Liberty, the Eiffel Tower and the Sydney Opera House. Organizers say the contest has received millions of votes so far.

The winners are to be announced during a ceremony in Lisbon, Portugal, on July 7.

Copyright © 2007 The Seattle Times Company

More Nation & World headlines...

E-mail article Print view      Share:    Digg     Newsvine

advertising

Senate Democrats split on health bill's fate

UPDATE - 04:05 PM
SC gov faces 37 charges he broke state ethics laws

U.K. started planning early for war, leaked papers show

Vaccine to kill nicotine buzz now in late tests by small drug firm

India's feeling bruised even before White House visit

Advertising

Video

Real Salt Lake wins MLS Cup
Real Salt Lake defeated the Los Angeles Galaxy with penalty kicks after 120 minutes of play at Qwest Field in Seattle.

Raw Video | Real Salt Lake receives the MLS Cup trophy
Raw Video | Real Salt Lake fans celebrate
Real Salt Lake fans enter Qwest Field
Raw Video | MLS Cup Opening Ceremony
LA Galaxy's David Beckham
Real Salt Lake's Kyle Beckerman
MLS trophy arrives in Seattle
Chittenden Locks Inspection
Full interview with New Moon actors

Marketplace

Advertising