Significant Discovery: Tomb of King Thutmose II Revealed
In a landmark announcement, Egyptian officials have confirmed the discovery of the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, marking a major archaeological milestone for the Eighteenth Dynasty of ancient Egypt. This dynasty ruled from approximately 1550 BC to 1292 BC, and the discovery is notable as it is the first royal tomb to be found since the iconic tomb of King Tutankhamun was unearthed in 1922.
Excavation Details
The tomb was unearthed by a collaborative effort between Egyptian and British archaeologists in the mountainous region of Thebes, situated west of Luxor and near the infamous Valley of the Kings. The expedition team, in conjunction with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, concluded that what was previously designated as tomb No. C4 belongs to King Thutmose II based on substantial evidence uncovered during the excavation process.
Unearthing the Tomb
The team’s initial discoveries began in 2022 with the identification of the tomb’s entrance and main passage, leading to further internal excavations that have continued for nearly three years. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, indicated that early assumptions linked the tomb to royal wives due to its location near the tomb of Thutmose III’s wives and that of Queen Hatshepsut, who was interred elsewhere because of her ascension to power.
Confirmed Findings
Continued research and artifact examination ultimately revealed clearer evidence attributing the tomb to King Thutmose II, suggesting that his burial rites may have been conducted by Queen Hatshepsut, his spouse and half-sister. Among the artifacts discovered are alabaster vessels inscribed with the names of both Thutmose II and Hatshepsut, affirming their connection to the burial site.
Significance of the Discovery
Dr. Khaled characterized this find as one of the most vital archaeological discoveries of recent years, underscoring its importance in enhancing our understanding of the historical context of King Thutmose II’s reign. Investigators unearthed various artifacts that provide invaluable insights into the burial practices of the time.
Condition of the Tomb
The tomb is reported to be in a compromised state largely due to flooding that occurred shortly after the king’s death. According to Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, initial research implies that many items originally within this tomb were relocated following the ancient floods.
Among other findings were remains of mortar adorned with faded blue inscriptions and yellow stars, along with excerpts from the “Imydwat,” a significant funerary text designed to guide deceased royals in their afterlife journey.
Future Excavation Goals
Dr. Piers Litherland, the leader of the British team, highlighted the tomb’s architectural simplicity as reflective of later royal choices. The joint mission aims to continue its exploration to ascertain the whereabouts of any items that may have been removed from Thutmose II’s tomb and to uncover additional secrets hidden beneath the sands of time.
Conclusion
This discovery not only enriches Egypt’s archaeological narrative but also serves as a reminder of the enduring allure of ancient civilization. As archaeologists continue their meticulous work, the tomb of King Thutmose II promises to offer more revelations about a time long past.
