Egypt discovers royal tomb of King Thutmose II after centuries

In a significant archaeological breakthrough, Egyptian officials announced the discovery of King Thutmose II's tomb in Luxor, an area rooted in ancient history. This landmark find marks the first royal burial site discovered since the famous tomb of Tutankhamun was unearthed over a century ago in 1922. The joint archaeological mission, consisting of Egyptian and British teams, located the tomb in the Thebes region near the Valley of the Kings, specifically in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis. King Thutmose II reigned nearly 3,500 years ago and is an ancestor of the more famous Tutankhamun. Initially, archaeologists assumed the tomb might belong to a royal wife, due to its proximity to known sites associated with royal women, including King Thutmose III's wives and Queen Hatshepsut, who was Thutmose II's principal consort and half-sister. However, upon further excavation, a wide staircase and an ornately illustrated burial chamber suggested that it indeed belonged to a king. Throughout the excavation, researchers found multiple artifacts, including fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with the names of Thutmose II and Hatshepsut, providing definitive evidence for the tomb's ownership. The tomb’s condition was reported to be poor, primarily due to flooding that occurred shortly after Thutmose II’s death, which severely damaged the burial chamber and its contents. Notably, remnants of decorated plaster were uncovered, including parts of the Book of Amduat, a crucial ancient text believed to guide the deceased through the afterlife. The discovery of this tomb not only sheds light on Thutmose II’s life but also enriches the understanding of burial practices during Egypt's 18th Dynasty. Archaeologists emphasized that findings from this excavation are critical for comprehending the architecture and cultural nuances of the period, as well as the evolution of funerary practices. Furthermore, this breakthrough serves as a testament to Egypt's commitment to archaeological exploration and cultural heritage, with hopes of boosting tourism and educating the public about the region's rich history.