Egypt Announces Discovery of King Thutmose II’s Tomb, the Last of Ancient Egypt’s Lost Royal Burials
A Historic Find Unveiled After Centuries
Egyptian officials made a groundbreaking announcement on Tuesday, revealing the discovery of the tomb of King Thutmose II, the last of the lost tombs of the kings of Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty. This dynasty reigned for over two centuries, from approximately 1550 BC to 1292 BC. The discovery marks the first royal Egyptian tomb to be uncovered since the tomb of King Tutankhamun was found in 1922, making it one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in recent history.
The tomb was unearthed by a joint Egyptian-British archaeological mission in the Mount Thebes area, west of Luxor and the world-renowned Valley of the Kings. The site, previously labeled as tomb No. C4, had been under excavation since the entrance and main passage were discovered in 2022. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, explained that the team initially believed the tomb might belong to one of the wives of the kings, given its proximity to the tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and the wives of King Thutmose III. However, as excavation and analysis progressed, evidence began to point to a far more significant occupant: King Thutmose II himself.
Unraveling the Mysteries of the Tomb
Clues That Led to the Identification
The discovery of alabaster vessels bearing inscriptions with the name of King Thutmose II was a pivotal moment in identifying the tomb. These inscriptions referred to him as the "deceased king," alongside the name of his wife, Hatshepsut, who would later become one of Egypt’s most formidable female rulers. The presence of these artifacts, combined with the tomb’s layout and location, provided conclusive evidence that the tomb belonged to King Thutmose II. Dr. Khaled described the find as one of the most important archaeological discoveries in recent years, noting that the artifacts uncovered are invaluable additions to the historical record of the region and the reign of Thutmose II.
The tomb’s condition, however, is far from pristine. According to Mohamed Abdel Badie, Head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, the structure suffered significant damage due to floods shortly after the king’s death. These floods likely caused the removal of much of the tomb’s original contents to another location, which researchers are now working to identify. Despite the challenges posed by the tomb’s poor state of preservation, the team has made some remarkable discoveries, including mortar remnants with blue inscriptions and yellow stars, as well as excerpts from the "Book of Imydwat," a funerary text designed to guide deceased royals through the underworld.
The Legacy of King Thutmose II
A Life Shaped by Family and Power
King Thutmose II, who ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty, was the husband and half-brother of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most celebrated rulers. Although Thutmose II’s reign was relatively short, his legacy is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the dynasty. His mummy, discovered in the 19th century at Deir el-Bahari Cachette, is now on display at the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization, where it sits alongside the remains of other ancient Egyptian royals. The discovery of his tomb provides new insight into his life and reign, as well as the burial practices of the time.
Dr. Piers Litherland, head of the English team involved in the excavation, noted that the tomb’s design reflects a simpler architectural style, typical of tombs built for rulers who followed Thutmose II. This suggests that the tomb may have served as a template for later royal burials, further underscoring its historical significance. The team plans to continue its work at the site, hopeful of uncovering more secrets and potentially locating the rest of the tomb’s contents, which were likely moved to protect them from the floods that damaged the original structure.
A Glimpse Into Ancient Egypt’s Royal Past
The Significance of the Discovery
The discovery of King Thutmose II’s tomb is not just a monumental archaeological achievement; it also offers a rare window into the lives of ancient Egypt’s rulers and their burial practices. The tomb’s proximity to those of other notable figures, such as Queen Hatshepsut and Thutmose III, provides a fascinating opportunity to explore the interconnected lives of these royal figures and the political and cultural dynamics of the time.
As researchers delve deeper into the tomb and its contents, they may uncover even more clues about the life and reign of King Thutmose II, as well as the broader history of the Eighteenth Dynasty. The discovery is a testament to the enduring allure of ancient Egypt’s history and the importance of continued archaeological exploration in uncovering the secrets of the past. For now, the tomb stands as a remarkable find, bridging the gap between modern-day Egypt and the ancient civilization that once thrived along the Nile.
In the words of Dr. Khaled, this discovery is a reminder of the importance of preserving and studying our shared cultural heritage. As the archaeological team continues its work, the world waits with bated breath for the new insights and discoveries that may emerge from the tomb of King Thutmose II.
