Tomb robbers illegally digging for treasures

In the tombs of the middle and new kingdom robbers dig and sift large quantities of earth and rubble in search of ancient treasures. They work in very claustrophobic environments where fatal accidents are common. They also suffer from serious pulmonery ailments due to the constant inhailing of the very fine dust and other toxic particles mainly from bat excrement. Their reward lies in artifacts such as sarcophagus and their contents. (Photo by Christopher Pillitz/Getty Images)