Discovery of Thutmose II’s Tomb

In a groundbreaking discovery, British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland uncovered the tomb of Thutmose II in the Valley of the Kings, marking the first such find in over a century. Initially mistaking the empty tomb as belonging to a royal wife due to flood debris, Litherland realized its significance upon seeing the blue ceiling adorned with yellow stars and scenes from the Amduat, a royal religious text.

The tomb, constructed beneath a waterfall, had been deliberately emptied shortly after Thutmose II’s burial, which took place between 1493 and 1479 BC. The king’s remains were relocated to another site, leading to the discovery of alabaster fragments identifying him during the excavation process.

The joint mission included the New Kingdom Research Foundation and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The find resolves longstanding questions regarding the tombs of early 18th dynasty kings, shedding light on the burial practices of the time. Additionally, there is speculation about the existence of an intact second tomb for Thutmose II, hinting at further archaeological significance. Litherland’s emotional reaction and the implications of this discovery have been hailed as a monumental event in Egyptian archaeology.

Source: THE GUARDIAN