Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has criticized allegations made by an Afrocentric group regarding their ties to ancient Egyptian civilization, claiming they have no basis in reality.

A few days ago, a group of photos spread on Facebook sparked controversy after an Afrocentric group visited the Egyptian Museum in Tahrir and claimed that their black ancestors were once Pharaohs.

In a statement to the Cairo 24 website, Hawass explained that the black Kingdom of Kush ruled Egypt in 500 BC, which marked an end to Pharaonic rule for a time as Kush ruled Egypt.

He noted that it was not the Kush rule that shaped Egypt in this era, but more-so the other way around.

Hawass referred to depictions on Egyptian temples from the Old Kingdom to the end of the Late Period of an Egyptian pharaoh with captives from Africa, Libya, Syria and Palestine, showing how the features of the Egyptian king are completely different from black people.

He clarified that the issue is not one borne of racism but of refuting ideas that have no basis in reality.

Hawass slammed the Afrocentric movement for creating confusion and spreading false information regarding ancient Egypt.