In a historic announcement echoing across the world, Egyptian officials have unveiled the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, a remarkable find that marks the latest chapter in ancient Egypt’s rich history. This discovery, the first royal burial unearthed since the legendary tomb of King Tutankhamun was found in 1922, offers new insights into a dynasty that reigned from approximately 1550 BC to 1292 BC.
Archaeologists found a simple tomb near Luxor and identified it as the 3,500-year-old burial site of King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
The recently uncovered tomb, designated as No. C4, lies just a few miles west of Luxor, in an area renowned for its historical significance known as the mount of Thebes. A collaborative archaeological effort involving British and Egyptian teams led to the discovery of the tomb’s entrance and main passage in 2022. Initially, speculation arose that this burial site could belong to one of the queens, due to its proximity to the tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and the wives of King Thutmose III. However, further excavations have yielded substantial evidence connecting the site directly to King Thutmose II.
Artifacts unearthed during the excavation include fragments of alabaster vases inscribed with the name of King Thutmose II and references to him as the “deceased king.” Additionally, the discovery of sections of a religious text related to royal burials, alongside plaster fragments adorned with vibrant designs, further solidifies the tomb’s association with this ancient ruler. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, hailed this find as one of the most significant archaeological events in recent years.
Artifacts found in tomb No. C4 and linked to King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Despite this remarkable discovery, the condition of the tomb is notably poor, attributed to significant flood damage shortly after the king’s death. Studies suggest that many initial contents may have been displaced by these ancient floods, thus posing challenges for archaeologists working to reconstruct the life and legacy of King Thutmose II.
Architectural features of the tomb reveal a straightforward design, comprising an entrance, a sloping corridor, and a burial chamber, with plans for continued investigation into its depths remaining. Dr. Piers Litherland, the head of the English team at the site, expressed optimism about the potential discoveries that may still lie beneath the surface.
While the mummy of King Thutmose II was previously discovered in the 19th century at another location known as the Deir el-Bahari Cachette, this recent find creates a crucial narrative link that could deepen our understanding of the king’s reign and circumstances surrounding the removal of his remains.
As excavations progress, each artifact and structural feature may open doors to new interpretations of this pivotal era in ancient Egypt’s timeline. The significance of ongoing archaeological efforts is underscored as researchers continue to unveil the hidden complexities of Egypt’s grand past. How much more do these ancient walls still have to tell us about the enigmatic life of one of Egypt’s greatest rulers?