Ιn a historic breakthrough, a joint Egyptian-British archaeological team has unearthed the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, marking the first discovery of a pharaoh’s royal tomb since King Tutankhamun’s in 1922. The tomb, found west of Egypt’s famed Valley of the Kings, fills a major gap in Egypt’s 18th dynasty history and offers unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices.
A Landmark Discovery in Egyptology
The tomb’s identification hinged on the discovery of alabaster vessels inscribed with the names of Thutmose II and his wife, Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful female rulers. Archaeologists also uncovered funerary furniture fragments and mortar pieces adorned with blue inscriptions, yellow stars, and religious texts — unmistakable markers of pharaonic royalty, according to Reuters.
“Initially, we thought we had found the tomb of a royal wife, but the wide staircase and large doorway suggested something more significant. The discovery that the burial chamber had been decorated with scenes from the Amduat, a religious text reserved for kings, was immensely exciting. It was the first indication that this was a king’s tomb,” said Dr. Piers Litherland, field director of the excavation, in a statement to Egypt Museum.
Reviving Egypt’s Golden Age
This major find is the latest success from Dr. Litherland’s New Kingdom Research Foundation in collaboration with Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The team has previously unearthed 54 tombs in Luxor’s Theban Mountains and identified over 30 royal court women — efforts that continue to reshape understanding of Egypt’s New Kingdom era.
A Glimpse into Royal Burial Practices
The tomb’s design — including a wide staircase, grand doorway, and Amduat-themed decorations — underscores the significance of Thutmose II’s reign and offers rare glimpses into the religious beliefs and artistic expressions of the period. The Amduat, a guide to the afterlife, was traditionally reserved for kings, reinforcing the tomb’s royal attribution.
Preservation Challenges and Future Excavations
Unfortunately, the tomb has suffered from poor preservation due to flooding shortly after the king’s death. Experts believe that most original artifacts were likely relocated to a second tomb, which the excavation team is now actively searching for.
