Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in a side valley of the Valley of the Kings. This is the first discovery of a royal tomb in Egypt since Tutankhamun’s and the last missing tomb of the 18th Dynasty. Thutmose II ruled nearly 3,500 years ago with his half-sister Hatshepsut.
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First Royal Tomb Since Tutankhamun
The Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, is renowned for its pharaoh tombs. In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s untouched tomb there. The valley also houses the mortuary temples and tombs of pharaohs from the 18th to 20th Dynasties.
Missing Tomb of Thutmose II Found
Born around 1492 BC, Thutmose II succeeded his father, Thutmose I, alongside his wife and half-sister, Hatshepsut. He was sickly and died young in 1479 BC. His mummy was found nearly 200 years ago, but relocated, leaving his tomb lost until now.
Discovery in Side Valley
Archaeologists identified the long-sought tomb of Thutmose II in a side valley 1.5 miles from the Valley of the Kings. A British-Egyptian team led by Piers Litherland discovered the tomb entrance, buried under rubble, in 2022. Due to its location, it was initially believed to be a queen’s tomb.
Royal Clues Revealed
A large staircase and wide corridor indicated a high-ranking individual. Inside the tomb chamber, remnants of wall and ceiling paintings displayed inscriptions from the Book of Amduat, typically found only in royal tombs. Fragments of alabaster vessels bore Thutmose II’s cartouche, confirming his identity.
This discovery marks a momentous occasion for Egyptology, providing valuable insights into the reign of Thutmose II and the 18th Dynasty. Despite the tomb’s poor condition and missing sarcophagus, its identification as Thutmose II’s final resting place fills a significant gap in our understanding of ancient Egyptian history. The ongoing excavations promise to reveal further details about the pharaoh and his era.
What new insights do you think the discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb might offer into the history and culture of ancient Egypt, and how might it influence future archaeological research in the Valley of the Kings?
Based on content from www.scinexx.de and own research.