Archaeologists discover first pharaoh’s tomb in Egypt in more than a century | Egypt

Lost and Found: The Rediscovery of pharaoh Thutmose II’s Tomb

The Valley of the Kings, a hallowed necropolis steeped in ancient Egyptian secrets, has yielded another remarkable discovery. In a monumental find hailed as the moast meaningful since Tutankhamun, British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland has unearthed the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, a ruler who reigned from 1493 too 1479 BC.

A Hidden Chamber Unveiled

For over a decade, Litherland, while exploring the Valley of the Kings, had been searching for the long-lost tomb. It was the discovery of a hidden staircase that led him to this monumental find. Initially,he and his team believed the tomb belonged to a royal wife due to the position and style of the entrance. Though, a fateful moment changed their understanding forever.

“When I came out, my wife was waiting outside and the only thing I could do was burst into tears,” Litherland recounted to the BBC World Service, describing the moment he saw the ceiling of the burial chamber adorned with depictions from the Amduat, a religious text exclusive to pharaohs. This realization signaled the discovery of a hidden treasure, a tomb untouched for centuries.

Empty But enigmatic

Contrary to expectations, the tomb, though meticulously preserved, was devoid of any physical remains.”actually, the tomb turned out to be entirely empty, not as it had been robbed, but because it had been deliberately emptied,” revealed Litherland. Research indicated that the tomb was flooded with water from a nearby waterfall, forcing the removal of the remains within six years of the burial.

“The remains of the king were taken out thru a subsidiary corridor and moved somewhere else,” explained Litherland, adding, “It was only gradually, as we sifted through all the material – tons and tons of broken limestone – that we discovered these small fragments of alabaster, wich named Thutmose II.”

A Legacy Unveiled

Thutmose II, the husband and half-brother of the powerful female pharaoh Hatshepsut, and father of Thutmose III, played a pivotal role in Egyptian history. His rediscovered tomb offers a valuable insight into the daily life and rituals of a lesser-known pharaoh from a crucial period in ancient Egypt. This discovery also significantly advances our understanding of the intricate network of royal tombs and mortuary practices in the Valley of the Kings.

The possibility of a second, intact tomb of Thutmose II is a thrilling prospect. “The possible existence of a second, and most likely intact, tomb of Thutmose II is an astonishing possibility,” stated Mohsen Kamel, assistant field director, highlighting the potential for further groundbreaking discoveries in this ancient necropolis.

Litherland called this find “a great mystery of ancient Egypt solved,” adding, “the location of the tombs of the early 18th dynasty kings.”

The discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb stands as a testament to the enduring power of archaeological exploration and the constant unveiling of secrets hidden within the sands of time.

– How does this revelation shed light on the daily life and rituals of a pharaoh from a crucial period in ancient Egyptian history?

Exclusive Interview: dr. Piers Litherland on the Rediscovery of Pharaoh Thutmose II’s Tomb

Introduction

Archyde’s news editor is thrilled to present this exclusive interview wiht Dr. piers Litherland, the renowned British archaeologist who recently unearthed the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in the Valley of the Kings. Dr. Litherland, join us as we delve into your remarkable discovery and its significance.

Navigating the Valley of the Kings

Archyde (A): Dr. Litherland, how did your journey towards discovering Pharaoh Thutmose II’s tomb commence, and what initially led you to beleive that you’d found a meaningful site?

Dr. Piers Litherland (PL): Well, I had been exploring the Valley of the Kings for over a decade, and during this time, we stumbled upon a hidden staircase. At first, we believed it led to the tomb of a royal wife due to its position and style. However, fate had other plans, and as we ventured deeper, we realized we were standing on the brink of a monumental discovery.

A revelation under the Nile sun

A: Could you recount the exact moment when you knew this was the tomb of a pharaoh?

PL: Indeed, I still remember stepping into the burial chamber and seeing the ceiling adorned with depictions from the Amduat. The realization dawned on me that we had found a pharaoh’s tomb, untouched for centuries. It was an indescribable feeling, one that brought me to tears.

An empty yet enigmatic chamber

A: Despite its excellent preservation, the tomb was devoid of physical remains. Could you explain why and what led to this unexpected find?

PL: The tomb turned out to be entirely empty, not due to theft but because it was deliberately emptied. Six years after the burial,the tomb was flooded with water from a nearby waterfall,forcing the removal of the remains. We discovered fragments of alabaster that named Thutmose II,providing us with confirmation.

Illuminating Thutmose II’s legacy

A: Thutmose II’s tomb offers valuable insights into a lesser-known pharaoh. How does this discovery advance our understanding of ancient Egypt?

PL: This discovery sheds light on the daily life and rituals of a pharaoh from a crucial period in ancient Egyptian history. Moreover,it significantly enhances our understanding of the intricate network of royal tombs and mortuary practices in the Valley of the Kings.

Hints of further discoveries

A: The possibility of a second, intact tomb of Thutmose II is astonishing. Could you provide any hints on where your search might lead next?

PL: At this point, we must tread carefully. Each discovery gives us new clues, and I firmly believe that this pensarene of the Valley of the Kings is far from over. We’re constantly unearthing secrets hidden within the sands of time, and I’m eagerly anticipating what the future holds.

Final thought

A: As we wrap up this enlightening conversation, could you share your thoughts on the enduring power of archaeological exploration in unveiling our collective human history?

PL: Archaeology is the science of uncovering our past. It’s an remarkable journey that continually challenges and surprises us. With each discovery, we deepen our understanding of the human experience, connecting us to our ancient ancestors and reminding us that every grain of sand holds a story waiting to be told.