In a significant archaeological find, the long-lost tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh has been unearthed, bringing an end to a historical mystery from ancient Egypt’s prosperous times. The tomb belongs to King Thutmose II of the 18th dynasty, who ruled in the 15th century B.C. as the husband of the renowned Queen Hatshepsut. Queen Hatshepsut was a prominent pharaoh known for her extensive construction projects and trade expansions during her reign.
Thutmose II, an ancestor of Tutankhamen, the famous boy king whose tomb was discovered in 1922, had his mummy discovered in the 19th century, but his tomb remained elusive until now. The discovery fills a crucial gap in understanding this era of Egyptian history, described as a particularly prosperous period by experts.
Excavations conducted by a team of British and Egyptian archaeologists revealed the entrance and main corridor of the tomb near the Valley of the Kings in 2022. Initially believed to belong to a royal wife, further investigations confirmed it as the burial place of a pharaoh, Thutmose II. The intricately decorated tomb offers valuable insights into the reign of this ancient king.
The significance of this find was highlighted by archeology professor Joann Fletcher, stating that the discovery in an area previously associated with royal women adds to its intrigue. Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities described the discovery as one of the most important in recent times, marking a significant milestone in unraveling the region’s history and the legacy of Thutmose II.
Archaeologist Piers Litherland, the mission’s field director, shared the challenges faced in clearing debris and accessing the tomb. He described the emotional moment of discovering a well-preserved blue-painted ceiling with yellow stars, a hallmark of royal tombs, and the careful identification of Thutmose II’s tomb through inscriptions on fragments found.
The mummy’s absence suggested deliberate relocation due to flooding shortly after burial. Fragments of alabaster jars with inscriptions played a crucial role in identifying the tomb’s occupant. The remains were eventually moved to a second tomb, believed to be intact and awaiting further exploration buried deep beneath layers of rock and plaster.
“We believe we have an idea of their whereabouts, although accessing them might prove to be a challenge,” he remarked. “If our suspicions are correct, this discovery would mark only the second time a royal tomb has been unearthed with all its significant treasures intact.” Charlene Gubash contributed to this report from Cairo, while Mithil Aggarwal reported from London.
