An Egyptian policeman rides his camel next to the Cheops pyramid which will be closed for the next eight months

GIZA, Egypt (CNN) -- One of Egypt's greatest monuments has been closed for repairs. Cheops, the largest of the three pyramids at Giza, has suffered damage from the hundreds of tourists who climb through its passages every day. In addition to leaving graffiti scratched into the soft limestone walls, visitors have also raised the moisture and salt levels inside the ancient monument. Officials say it should take about eight months to repair deep cracks and clean up graffiti and salt deposits.

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