In a groundbreaking discovery, archaeologists have uncovered a 3,500-year-old tomb in Egypt, believed to belong to King Thutmose II, who ruled during the early 15th century BC. This astonishing find is being hailed as one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in over a century, since the unearthing of the famous tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922. The tomb was revealed by a team of Egyptian archaeologists and British specialists, who have worked tirelessly in the Theban Mountains, located west of Luxor, near the renowned Valley of the Kings.
A First-Time Discovery
According to Mirror UK, the tomb’s location initially led researchers to believe it was a burial site for the wives of Egyptian kings. That’s due to its proximity to the tombs of King Thutmose III’s wives and Queen Hatshepsut, the sole female pharaoh. However, further investigation revealed that this tomb belonged to King Thutmose II. As Mohamed Ismail Khaled, the secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), stated, “This is the first time funerary furniture belonging to Thutmose II has been discovered, as no such items exist in museums worldwide.”
The tomb’s contents provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs, especially for royals. Among the artifacts found were alabaster jars, inscribed with the names of both Thutmose II and his chief wife, Queen Hatshepsut. These discoveries have allowed archaeologists to confirm the tomb’s ownership and, importantly, deduce that Hatshepsut played a central role in overseeing the burial of her husband. As Khaled explained, “The tomb is one of the most important Egyptian discoveries in recent history.”
The tomb’s remarkable condition, combined with the rare nature of the objects found, sets this discovery apart from other excavations in the region. Artifacts from the tomb, such as the alabaster jars, were key in identifying Thutmose II as its occupant. The tomb was initially thought to be a royal burial site of one of the king’s wives, but the newly found artifacts significantly altered this assumption.
The Role of Queen Hatshepsut
A particularly fascinating aspect of the tomb’s discovery is the involvement of Queen Hatshepsut, who not only served as the king’s wife but was also his half-sister. Archaeologists have suggested that Hatshepsut may have been directly involved in the burial process, a theory supported by the inscriptions and artifacts found within the tomb.
The tomb is not only a monumental find for its contents but also for the implications it has on our understanding of Hatshepsut’s role in royal affairs during the 15th century BC. Her presence in the tomb points to her power and influence within the Egyptian court, both as a queen consort and as a figurehead who may have influenced the course of history.
Uncovering Egypt’s Ancient History
This discovery marks a significant moment for Egyptology, as it enhances our understanding of ancient Egyptian royal practices and burial rituals. Experts believe that the tomb’s contents provide new perspectives on the relationship between Thutmose II and his contemporaries, as well as a deeper understanding of the political and social structure of ancient Egypt.
The tomb’s excavation, which began in 2022, was a joint effort with the New Kingdom Research Foundation, a UK-based institution. The ongoing collaboration between Egyptian and international experts continues to yield remarkable results.
King Thutmose II’s mummy was originally discovered in the 19th century at the Deir el-Bahari Cachette, an archaeological site not far from the newly discovered tomb. Though the mummy was likely relocated there centuries ago after tomb raiders had looted it, the discovery of the burial site has opened a new chapter in understanding the ancient ruler’s life and reign. Today, Thutmose II’s mummy is housed at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where it is displayed alongside other royal mummies from Egypt’s storied past.
