Unearthed Wonder: Discovery of Thutmose II's Tomb Marks Historic Milestone

In a groundbreaking development, archaeologists have uncovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, providing new insights into ancient Egyptian royalty.

Archaeologists have announced the discovery of a pharaoh’s tomb in the valley west of Luxor, Egypt, with the Ministry of Antiquities heralding this find as the first excavation of a royal tomb since the unearthing of King Tutankhamun's burial site. The tomb, believed to belong to Thutmose II—who ruled around 1480 B.C.—was described by officials as "the last missing royal tomb of the 18th Dynasty."

The joint excavation project, conducted by Egyptian and British researchers, initiated in 2022, led to the initial finding of the tomb's entrance and main corridor. Initially, archaeologists speculated that the tomb might be that of a royal consort due to its proximity to the burial sites of royal wives, including Hatshepsut, a queen who seized the throne after Thutmose II's death.

Surprisingly, the tomb was discovered beneath two waterfalls and on a slope that suggests it was part of the much wetter conditions seen during the 15th century B.C., leading to initial assumptions that it was an unsuitable location for a king's burial. However, evidence found within the tomb indicated its true purpose, featuring fragments of alabaster jars identifying Thutmose II as the “deceased king” along with inscriptions related to Hatshepsut. Additionally, the ceiling of the tomb remains largely intact, showcasing blue paint adorned with yellow stars—a design characteristic of royal burial chambers in ancient Egypt.

This significant discovery not only reshapes the understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices but also opens up a new chapter in the exploration of royal tombs from one of history's most intriguing dynasties.