A different type of pyramid scheme

The controversial head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Zahi Hawass, has asked parliament to pass a law requiring royalties to be paid whenever copies are made of museum pieces or ancient monuments, such as the pyramids.

While one can sympathise with the proposal's objective, to raise funds for the upkeep and maintenance of all the precious artifacts and monuments, it does raise a number of issues, not least how it would be implemented.

There is also the matter of whether historic sites and treasures, which have been in the public domain for at least 5,000 years, can now be registered as copyright and royalties be paid by users of the likenesses.

If it is thought possible, then it will raise interesting issues with other countries also in possession of antiquities and that may decide to exploit their commercial value. It could open an unwelcome floodgate and curtail the tourist market.