Archaeologists in Egypt have made a remarkable discovery as they continue their search for a second tomb believed to belong to the ancient pharaoh Thutmose II. Dr. Litherland, leading the British-Egyptian excavation team, suspects that this tomb is concealed beneath a 23-meter (75-foot) artificial mound composed of limestone, ash, rubble, and mud plaster. This structure was intentionally crafted by the ancient Egyptians to resemble a mountain and is located in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis, near Luxor.
The quest for the second tomb follows the discovery of the first, which was found behind a waterfall and is thought to have been flooded. During the search for this initial burial site, archaeologists uncovered a posthumous inscription suggesting that the contents of the tomb may have been relocated by Hatsheput, the wife and half-sister of Thutmose II, to a nearby location.
The excavation team is currently working to reveal the tomb manually, having deemed previous attempts to tunnel into it as too hazardous. Dr. Litherland expressed optimism about the progress, stating, "We should be able to take the whole thing down in about another month."
The first tomb, located in an area known for the burial sites of royal women, surprised researchers with its decorations, indicative of a pharaoh’s resting place. Among the notable features was a blue-painted ceiling adorned with yellow stars, a motif exclusive to kings’ tombs. Dr. Litherland shared his emotional reaction to the find, describing the experience as one of "extraordinary bewilderment."
Thutmose II, who reigned during the 18th Dynasty, is particularly renowned for his marriage to Queen Hatsheput, one of Egypt’s most celebrated pharaohs and a rare female ruler who held power in her own right. He is also an ancestor of the famous Tutankhamun, whose tomb was discovered by British archaeologists in 1922. Tutankhamun’s reign is estimated to have occurred between 1493 and 1479 BC.
As the excavation team continues their work, the anticipation surrounding the potential findings remains high, promising further insights into Egypt’s rich history and the lives of its ancient rulers.