I would like to see some lab tests and probe work before accepting Mr.
Karnak's word on this.   The whole thing doesn't quite add up, although I
suppose that the dry climate (are we talking Nile or Euphrates here?) would
be beneficial; then again, thousands of years of flooding and water table
movement ought to have a not-entirely salubrious effect on the masonry
trapped inside bituminous mortar, even if the  mortar held up as well as
claimed.

I smell a rat.  Maybe a rat in an acid-tanned condom.  Could we see some
pictures of the black leather cop belts, John?  (Posted on Pighabit-L?)

Ralph