German experimental archaeologist Dominique Goerlitz has presented what he asserts is evidence to prove his innocence in the 2013 Great Pyramid scandal. Egyptian authorities accused Goerlitz and others of damaging a crucial inscription inside the Great Pyramid of Giza, the hieroglyphic nameplate of King Khufu, which is used to date the monument. The incident led to criminal investigations and court proceedings, with nine individuals eventually sentenced to five years in prison.
Goerlitz contends that allegations of his team damaging the Khufu cartouche are based on a false premise and that his career has been unfairly destroyed by the accusations. He claims to have photographic evidence showing that marks on the cartouche existed years before his team entered the chamber. Specifically, he points to images taken in 2003 by geologist Robert Schoch that show scratches near the cartouche, which he says were later used as evidence against him and his associates. Goerlitz stated that these marks appear to have been made with specialized tools, suggesting a level of precision beyond that of an amateur.
The Expedition and Accusations
The controversy began when Goerlitz and fellow researcher Stefan Erdmann, along with several Egyptian colleagues, gained access to chambers within the Great Pyramid. While their initial objective, according to Goerlitz, was to analyze black deposits on granite beams above the King's Chamber, the situation escalated. Goerlitz believes these deposits contained magnetite and their analysis could impact theories on pyramid construction. He stated that tiny samples were collected using a flaking technique for laboratory testing, emphasizing that the work was conducted under official supervision.
During the expedition, Goerlitz claims an Egyptian official suggested examining red ochre markings in a relieving chamber, which was not part of the original plan. Months later, a presentation of the team's work was allegedly misunderstood by an Egyptian heritage official, leading to the conclusion that the researchers had tampered with the Khufu cartouche. Goerlitz described this misunderstanding as the catalyst for the ensuing scandal, with media outlets worldwide reporting accusations of looting.
Legal Proceedings and Defense Claims
In November 2014, a Giza court sentenced nine individuals, including Goerlitz, Erdmann, and six Egyptians, to prison for damaging archaeological heritage. The German researchers were convicted in absentia after leaving Egypt. Egyptian authorities characterized the incident as a grave violation of the nation's archaeological heritage.
Goerlitz, however, insists he never touched the Khufu cartouche and that samples were collected from a nearby area of red ochre. He provided photographs to support his claim that the damage predated his team's entry. He also stated that the team collected only a few tiny fragments, each weighing approximately 50 milligrams. He further noted that Erdmann echoed his sentiment, telling German newspaper Spiegel Science in 2017 that the royal cartouche was considered sacred and had not been touched.
Aftermath and Ongoing Assertions
Following the charges, the German government returned 15 archaeological samples taken from the Great Pyramid to Egypt in 2014. Later that year, Goerlitz and Erdmann reportedly sent a letter to Egypt's Ministry of Antiquities apologizing for any vandalism, offering compensation, and stressing their lack of malicious intent.
Goerlitz has detailed the severe consequences of the scandal, including significant financial costs for legal expenses, loss of professional positions, and damage to his academic career. He expressed particular concern for his Egyptian colleagues who received prison sentences. Over a decade later, Goerlitz continues to assert his innocence and seeks to have the evidence re-examined, stating, "I'm innocent. We came as friends, we came as scientific colleagues."