Potential Second Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Unearthed by Archaeological Team
A British-Egyptian excavation team follows major discovery with hints of a second royal burial site
A joint British-Egyptian archaeological team, led by Piers Litherland, has reported the possible discovery of a second tomb belonging to the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Thutmose II. This development follows their recent groundbreaking find of a tomb, the first of its kind since the discovery of Tutankhamun's burial site over a century ago.
The initial discovery was made in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis, situated near modern-day Luxor.
Archaeologists believe that the newly discovered tomb could lie 23 meters beneath layers of man-made material, interpreted as a mountain, which has concealed it for approximately 3,500 years.
Litherland's team posits that the newly identified site might contain the pharaoh's mummified remains along with grave goods.
They suggest that the first tomb could have been emptied following a catastrophic flood shortly after Thutmose II's burial, prompting the relocation of his remains to this second site.
Litherland noted that the team has encountered significant challenges while attempting to access the second tomb, citing the dangers posed by overhanging rocks as they attempt to tunnel in.
They estimate it may take about a month to safely excavate and reach the burial site.
During their excavation, the team uncovered various artifacts, including fragments of alabaster jars associated with perfumery, along with an inscription referencing Queen Hatshepsut, Thutmose II's wife, who is recognized as a significant female pharaoh in ancient Egypt.
The initial tomb’s decor contained images from the Amduat, a religious text specifically relating to royalty, reinforcing the belief that this is indeed a king's burial site.
The mission, backed by the New Kingdom Research Foundation and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, has invested twelve years in the area and has historically contributed to the understanding of royal women's roles during this period, having identified over 30 such figures and excavated numerous tombs.
Thutmose II, who ruled from approximately 1493 to 1479 BCE, is considered a pivotal figure in Egypt’s 18th dynasty lineage, being both husband and half-brother to Hatshepsut and father to Thutmose III.
His reign has often been overshadowed by more prominent figures in Egyptian history.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized the significance of this discovery, marking it as a pivotal moment in Egyptology.
The findings not only enhance the understanding of royal burial practices but also shed light on the continuity and modification of tomb usage in ancient Egyptian tradition.
The implications of a potential second tomb could challenge previous assumptions about Thutmose II's burial practices and the historical context surrounding the calamity that disrupted his original sepulcher.
The initial discovery was made in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis, situated near modern-day Luxor.
Archaeologists believe that the newly discovered tomb could lie 23 meters beneath layers of man-made material, interpreted as a mountain, which has concealed it for approximately 3,500 years.
Litherland's team posits that the newly identified site might contain the pharaoh's mummified remains along with grave goods.
They suggest that the first tomb could have been emptied following a catastrophic flood shortly after Thutmose II's burial, prompting the relocation of his remains to this second site.
Litherland noted that the team has encountered significant challenges while attempting to access the second tomb, citing the dangers posed by overhanging rocks as they attempt to tunnel in.
They estimate it may take about a month to safely excavate and reach the burial site.
During their excavation, the team uncovered various artifacts, including fragments of alabaster jars associated with perfumery, along with an inscription referencing Queen Hatshepsut, Thutmose II's wife, who is recognized as a significant female pharaoh in ancient Egypt.
The initial tomb’s decor contained images from the Amduat, a religious text specifically relating to royalty, reinforcing the belief that this is indeed a king's burial site.
The mission, backed by the New Kingdom Research Foundation and Egypt's Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, has invested twelve years in the area and has historically contributed to the understanding of royal women's roles during this period, having identified over 30 such figures and excavated numerous tombs.
Thutmose II, who ruled from approximately 1493 to 1479 BCE, is considered a pivotal figure in Egypt’s 18th dynasty lineage, being both husband and half-brother to Hatshepsut and father to Thutmose III.
His reign has often been overshadowed by more prominent figures in Egyptian history.
Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Sherif Fathy, emphasized the significance of this discovery, marking it as a pivotal moment in Egyptology.
The findings not only enhance the understanding of royal burial practices but also shed light on the continuity and modification of tomb usage in ancient Egyptian tradition.
The implications of a potential second tomb could challenge previous assumptions about Thutmose II's burial practices and the historical context surrounding the calamity that disrupted his original sepulcher.
