Archaeologists in Egypt may have stumbled upon the second tomb of King Thutmose II, following the excitement of discovering his first tomb—a groundbreaking find since Tutankhamun's tomb was uncovered over a century ago. British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland believes this potential second burial site could house the pharaoh's mummified remains, buried under a massive man-made structure resembling a mountain in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis.
Dr. Litherland explained that the first tomb was probably emptied six years post-burial due to a flooding incident. While searching for this initial tomb, archaeologists discovered an inscription hinting at a nearby second location, possibly relocated by Thutmose II's wife, Pharaoh Hatsheput. The team is currently working painstakingly to excavate the second tomb safely as previous tunneling efforts proved hazardous. Dr. Litherland is optimistic about revealing the entire site within a month.
The first tomb surprised researchers with its exquisite decorations, including a striking blue-painted ceiling adorned with yellow stars—an exclusive feature of royal tombs. Expressing his emotional response to these findings, Dr. Litherland remarked on the extraordinary thrill and bewilderment of uncovering unexpected treasures from ancient history. Thutmose II, notable for his lineage and marriage to Queen Hatshepsut, is an ancestor of the famed Tutankhamun, whose reign dates back to 1493 to 1479 BC.
Dr. Litherland explained that the first tomb was probably emptied six years post-burial due to a flooding incident. While searching for this initial tomb, archaeologists discovered an inscription hinting at a nearby second location, possibly relocated by Thutmose II's wife, Pharaoh Hatsheput. The team is currently working painstakingly to excavate the second tomb safely as previous tunneling efforts proved hazardous. Dr. Litherland is optimistic about revealing the entire site within a month.
The first tomb surprised researchers with its exquisite decorations, including a striking blue-painted ceiling adorned with yellow stars—an exclusive feature of royal tombs. Expressing his emotional response to these findings, Dr. Litherland remarked on the extraordinary thrill and bewilderment of uncovering unexpected treasures from ancient history. Thutmose II, notable for his lineage and marriage to Queen Hatshepsut, is an ancestor of the famed Tutankhamun, whose reign dates back to 1493 to 1479 BC.
