New Discovery in Egypt Lost Tomb of Thutmose II Unearthed

Significant Archaeological Find in Egypt: The Lost Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Discovered After 3,500 Years

In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, the long-hidden tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II has been discovered near Luxor, Egypt. This significant finding represents the first identification of a royal tomb since Howard Carter's renowned discovery of Tutankhamun's burial site in 1922.

Revealing the Overlooked Pharaoh:

The collaborative Egyptian British expedition, spearheaded by Dr. Piers Litherland of the New Kingdom Research Foundation, located the tomb approximately 2.4 kilometers west of the Valley of the Kings within the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis. Initially, the team speculated that the site belonged to a royal consort due to its closeness to the tombs of King Thutmose III's wives and Queen Hatshepsut's burial location. However, subsequent excavations uncovered alabaster jar fragments inscribed with the names of Thutmose II and his principal wife, Hatshepsut, thereby confirming the tomb's rightful owner.

A Distinctive Tomb:

The architectural features of the tomb are particularly noteworthy. Dr. Litherland characterized the entrance as comprising "a large staircase and a vast descending corridor," which leads to a burial chamber with a blue-painted ceiling adorned with yellow stars—a design element exclusively associated with pharaonic tombs. This artistic choice, along with depictions from the Amduat, an ancient funerary text for royalty, highlights the tomb's importance.

Preservation Challenges:

Despite its historical significance, the tomb was discovered in a deteriorated condition. Flooding shortly after Thutmose II's burial inflicted considerable damage, resulting in the relocation of its original contents in antiquity. Mohamed Abdel Badi, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector and co-leader of the mission, remarked that water damage had severely impacted the interior, with many artifacts likely moved to protect them from further decline.

Historical Importance:

Thutmose II, who ruled approximately from 1493 to 1479 BCE, was both the spouse and half-brother of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the most celebrated female pharaohs in Egyptian history. Although his reign was relatively short, it plays a crucial role in comprehending the lineage of the early 18th Dynasty and the subsequent ascendance of Hatshepsut. The unearthing of his tomb not only addresses a significant void in Egyptological documentation but also provides new perspectives on the burial customs and political circumstances of that time.

A New Era in Egyptology:

This discovery has been recognized as one of the most important archaeological achievements in recent times. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, highlighted that the artifacts unearthed from the tomb offer essential insights into the historical context of the region and the reign of Thutmose II. The ongoing mission aims to further explore the site, seeking to unveil additional secrets and locate the original burial items.

The discovery of Thutmose II's tomb not only enhances our comprehension of ancient Egypt but also rekindles global fascination with the enigmas of the Pharaonic period. As excavations continue, there is widespread anticipation regarding the insights that this significant site may reveal. We invite you to participate in our cultural and archaeological tours in Egypt. Contact us today.