Tour guide arrested after drawing stick figure on 4,000-year-old pyramid

Stick figure on a 4,000-year-old pyramid? Yep.

A tour guide was arrested after drawing a tiny stick person on the outer casing of the Pyramid of Unas at Saqqara, a structure about 4,000 years old. A video that spread online shows him leaning in, making the little sketch, and then trying to wipe it away with his hand while tourists stand nearby.

Conservation specialists later removed the marks, and the guide admitted the act during questioning. Legal steps were taken once the footage circulated and authorities identified the location and person in the clip.

Why this is a big deal (and not just because of bad doodles)

The Pyramid of Unas sits in the Saqqara necropolis and is famous for containing the oldest known Pyramid Texts—more than 200 religious inscriptions carved inside—making it an invaluable part of ancient heritage. The outer stones are centuries old and protected, so even a small scratch or drawing is treated as damage to an antiquity.

Egypt has strict laws protecting archaeological sites, with penalties that can include fines or prison for those who harm monuments. In recent years officials have stepped up efforts to guard and preserve high-profile sites that draw millions of visitors.

What happened next

After the clip went viral, inspectors and tourism police investigated, specialists cleaned the markings, and the case moved into legal channels. The incident prompted renewed reminders for visitors and guides to respect fragile ancient sites and to save their sketches for paper, not stone.

Visitors are encouraged to enjoy the history and photos, but leave the pyramids marker-free.