Recent archaeological efforts hint at a significant discovery as experts speculate they've found a second tomb belonging to Pharaoh Thutmose II near Luxor, just days after uncovering the first tomb since Tutankhamun's.
Archaeologists Unveil Potential Second Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II
Archaeologists Unveil Potential Second Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II
Discovery of a second tomb presents new insights into the afterlife of ancient Egyptians.
The British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland has voiced optimism regarding the discovery of a second burial site belonging to the famed Pharaoh Thutmose II, following a recent find of the first tomb in over a century since that of Tutankhamun was revealed. Litherland shared the news with the Observer, expressing the belief that this new site could house the pharaoh's mummified remains.
According to archaeologists, the first tomb was likely looted shortly after Thutmose II's burial, with its contents relocated due to a flood. Dr. Litherland hypothesizes that the second tomb lies beneath a 23-metre (75 ft) mound artificially constructed with limestone, ash, and rubble to mimic a natural mountain formation within the Theban Necropolis's Western Valleys.
The initial tomb was discovered behind a waterfall, which had been compromised by flooding; during their search, the team unearthed an inscription hinting that the tomb's contents had been moved to this prospective second location by Thutmose II's wife and half-sister, Hatsheput. Focusing on careful manual excavation, the British-Egyptian team abandoned dangerous tunneling attempts and estimates the work to be completed in approximately a month.
During the exploration of the first tomb, the archaeologists were captivated by the ornate burial chamber adorned with decorations unique to royal internments, including a blue-painted ceiling emblazoned with yellow stars—a hallmark of kings' tombs. Dr. Litherland noted his profound sense of wonder and emotion upon the discovery.
Thutmose II's legacy is particularly significant as he was the spouse of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most prominent female pharaohs. This pharaoh is also an ancestor to the famed Tutankhamun, who reigned roughly between 1493 and 1479 BC. The iconic tomb of Tutankhamun was unearthed by British archaeologists back in 1922, marking a pivotal moment in the field of Egyptology.
According to archaeologists, the first tomb was likely looted shortly after Thutmose II's burial, with its contents relocated due to a flood. Dr. Litherland hypothesizes that the second tomb lies beneath a 23-metre (75 ft) mound artificially constructed with limestone, ash, and rubble to mimic a natural mountain formation within the Theban Necropolis's Western Valleys.
The initial tomb was discovered behind a waterfall, which had been compromised by flooding; during their search, the team unearthed an inscription hinting that the tomb's contents had been moved to this prospective second location by Thutmose II's wife and half-sister, Hatsheput. Focusing on careful manual excavation, the British-Egyptian team abandoned dangerous tunneling attempts and estimates the work to be completed in approximately a month.
During the exploration of the first tomb, the archaeologists were captivated by the ornate burial chamber adorned with decorations unique to royal internments, including a blue-painted ceiling emblazoned with yellow stars—a hallmark of kings' tombs. Dr. Litherland noted his profound sense of wonder and emotion upon the discovery.
Thutmose II's legacy is particularly significant as he was the spouse of Queen Hatshepsut, one of Egypt's most prominent female pharaohs. This pharaoh is also an ancestor to the famed Tutankhamun, who reigned roughly between 1493 and 1479 BC. The iconic tomb of Tutankhamun was unearthed by British archaeologists back in 1922, marking a pivotal moment in the field of Egyptology.
