Thutmose II’s tomb is Egypt’s biggest archaeological discovery since 1922
Al Jazeera2 days ago
Ancient Egypt's Lost Royal Tomb Found After 3.5K Years
Above: Visitors walk around a dig showcasing the tomb of an overseer of Queen Tetisheri's palacein Deir El-Bahari in Luxor on Jan. 8, 2025. Image copyright: Khaled Desouki/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Facts
Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of King Thutmose II — who ruled around 3.5K years ago — in Luxor, Egypt. This is Egypt's first royal tomb discovery since King Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922.
The tomb, designated as C4, was initially mistaken for a royal wife's burial chamber due to its proximity to the tombs of King Thutmose III's wives and Queen Hatshepsut. However, alabaster vessels bearing inscriptions of Thutmose II's name confirmed its ownership.
The burial chamber was found in poor condition due to flooding shortly after the king's death. It featured a white-plastered corridor leading to a burial chamber approximately 1.4 meters below, decorated with blue inscriptions and yellow stars from the Book of Amduat.
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a monumental breakthrough in Egyptology. It completes the map of 18th-dynasty royal burials and provides unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and royal succession. The tomb's architectural features and religious texts reflect sophisticated burial traditions that influenced later pharaohs.
Narrative B
The tomb's poor preservation state and evidence of ancient flooding suggest hasty construction and possible political instability during Thutmose II's brief reign. The relocation of his mummy and burial goods indicates significant challenges in maintaining royal burials, even for powerful pharaohs.