One of the most famous of Egypt’s pyramids, Menkaure’s pyramid on the Giza plateau, is the subject of controversy after the Egyptian authorities announced plans to restore it in what the country’s Head of Antiquities has called “the project of the century” and Egypt’s “gift to the world”. But not everyone believes such a restoration is in keeping with the demands of proper archaeological preservation.

The plans met with opposition from archaeologists and Egyptologists both inside and outside the country. The project has now been paused after recommendations from a scientific committee commissioned by the Egyptian authorities.

So what’s going on with the pyramids?

Presenter: Gary O’DonoghueProducer: Louise ClarkeResearcher: Matt ToulsonEditor: Tara McDermottTechnical producer: Nicky EdwardsProduction co-ordinator: Liam Morrey

Contributors: Aidan Dodson, honorary Professor of Egyptology at Bristol university in the UKDr Jennifer Hellum, senior lecturer in classics and ancient history at the University of Auckland in New ZealandHeba Saleh, Cairo correspondent for the Financial TimesSalima Ikram, professor of Egyptology at the American University in Cairo

Photo by KHALED ELFIQI/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock via BBC Images