In brief
In a momentous archaeological find, Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities announced the unearthing of a royal tomb not seen since the discovery of King Tutankhamun's burial site in 1922. The tomb, situated in a valley west of Luxor, belonged to Thutmose II, a pharaoh estimated to have ruled around 1480 B.C. This excavation marks the completion of the royal tombs of the 18th Dynasty, according to the Egyptian authorities.
The discovery is the result of a collaborative effort by Egyptian and British archaeologists, commencing in 2022. Initially, the researchers misidentified the site as belonging to a royal consort due to its proximity to other burial sites. Notably, it lies near the resting place of Hatshepsut, Thutmose II's wife, who assumed the throne after his demise. The location of the tomb beneath two waterfalls and at the bottom of a slope was unexpected for a king's burial.However, further investigation confirmed its significance. Inside, researchers found alabaster jars bearing Thutmose II’s name, and inscriptions linking to Hatshepsut. Additionally, remnants of the ceiling painted with blue and yellow stars were discovered—ornaments that traditionally signify royal tombs. This revelation adds a remarkable chapter to Egypt's rich historical narrative and reignites global interest in ancient Egyptian archaeology.
