Flagstaff Festival of Science — Legendary Egyptologist Will Bring ‘Pyramids to The Peaks’ at 2022 Festival of Science

In 2022, we travel from the Great Pyramid and pharaonic cities of Egypt to the culturally dynamic histories of the Colorado Plateau!

The 2022 Flagstaff Festival of Science will reveal “Pyramids to The Peaks” on September 23- October 2, 2022 in Flagstaff, Arizona. World-renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass, Ph.D., will begin the free, 10-day adventure with a compelling presentation sharing his passion for archeological discovery in the fascinating world of pharaohs and Egyptian gods.

Incredible discoveries by Dr. Hawass include the Tombs of the Pyramid Builders at Giza and the Valley of the Golden Mummies at Bahariya Oasis. One of his most significant research efforts was the Egyptian Mummy Project, which used modern forensic techniques such as CT and DNA analysis to answer questions about royal mummies, including King Tutankhamun’s family, and solves the murder mystery of Ramesses III.

Dr. Hawass’ dynamic personality and extensive knowledge have sparked global interest in ancient Egypt. He has brought the world of the pharaohs into the homes and hearts of people all over the world through his numerous television appearances and books for general audiences. The W. L. Gore & Associates Keynote presentation featuring Dr. Hawass is scheduled for 7 p.m., Friday, Sept. 23, in Northern Arizona University’s Ardrey Auditorium.

Egypt reported its largest discovery in more than a century in 2020 as 30 wooden coffins holding exceptionally-preserved mummies were found in the Valley of the Gods, hidden there for 3,000 years. Dr. Hawass says the finding of the coffins is especially unique because the painted inscriptions are still vivid. “The discovery reveals important details about ancient Egyptian burial rights, including the high respect held for the dead and meticulous care of the deceased.”

Dr. Hawass has a great commitment to the role archeology plays in the conservation and protection of Egypt’s monuments. During his robust career he has supervised major conservation projects for the Great Sphinx, and the Serapeum and Step Pyramid at Saqqara. He has also initiated the construction of nineteen new museums throughout Egypt, including the Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM) and the National Egyptian Museum of Civilization (NEMC).

In 2021, Dr. Hawass led a team of Egyptologists in a ground-breaking discovery. Uncovering a large ancient city built more than 3,400 years ago during the opulent reign of Amenhotep III, the find revealed incredible information about one of Egypt’s wealthiest and powerful pharaohs, who was also the grandfather of Tutankhamun.

During the 10-day Festival, participants will have the opportunity to learn about ancient cultures, the environment of the Colorado Plateau, wildlife, astronomy, biology, and so many more scientific fields! The Festival offers a wide variety of presentations, hands-on workshops, interactive discussions, classroom talks, and guided tours led by outstanding Flagstaff scientists and STEM professionals. All events are free!

The full program will be announced in late August both online and in our “passport” brochure distributed throughout the city. Free tickets to the keynote event will be available at that time on a first-come, first-served basis.