An ancient tomb near Luxor has been identified as that of King Thutmose II, marking a significant archaeological discovery for Egypt. This is the first pharaonic royal tomb found in over a century, as Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Tuesday. Located west of the Valley of the Kings, this tomb is the last lost burial site of the 18th Dynasty kings and the first such discovery since the tomb of King Tutankhamun in 1922.
The tomb was identified by a joint Egyptian-British mission after a series of remarkable findings. Among the most significant were alabaster vessels inscribed with the names of King Thutmose II and his wife, Queen Hatshepsut. She is one of the few women to have ruled Egypt and holds a prominent place in the history of the pharaohs. The discovery of these inscribed items, along with funerary furniture and pieces of mortar featuring blue inscriptions, yellow stars, and religious writings, provided key clues to the tomb’s identity.
However, the tomb’s condition is less than ideal, as it suffered significant damage due to flooding that occurred shortly after the king’s death. As a result, much of the tomb’s contents were moved or displaced. Despite this, the mission is working diligently to recover and preserve whatever remains of the royal burial site. The findings offer invaluable insight into Egypt’s rich history and the legacy of its rulers, particularly the 18th Dynasty, which included some of the most renowned pharaohs.
Although the tomb’s preservation is compromised, the discovery of such a significant royal tomb is a monumental achievement in Egyptology. It not only provides a deeper understanding of the ancient Egyptians’ burial practices but also adds to the body of knowledge about one of the most powerful dynasties in ancient Egyptian history. The ongoing work to recover the contents of the tomb will continue to shed light on the lives of the rulers and their roles in shaping ancient Egypt.
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