Egypt begins restoring ancient boat near pyramids

Archaeologists are beginning restoration on a 4,500-year-old wooden boat found next to the pyramids, one of Egypt's main tourist attractions. The boat is one of two buried next to the Pharaoh Khufu. Archaeologists believe the boats were buried with the pharaohs to carry them into the afterlife. Khufu, also known as Cheops, is credited with building the Great Pyramid of Giza, the largest of the pyramids. The boat was originally found in 1954 along with another ship, which was restored and is on display at a museum near the pyramids. Experts say the ships are the oldest surviving vessels from antiquity. The head of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, Mustafa Amin, said Egyptologists Monday began taking samples of the wood for restoration.