In brief
British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland and his team have potentially located a second tomb of King Thutmose II near Luxor, just days after unveiling the first royal burial site discovered since Tutankhamun’s tomb. The initial tomb, thought to have been salvaged following a flood, was found behind a waterfall, but indications point to it being relocated by Thutmose II's wife, Hatsheput.
Dr. Litherland suspects the second tomb is hidden beneath a large pile of construction debris designed to mimic a mountain. This pile consists of limestone, ash, rubble, and mud plaster, strategically placed by the ancient Egyptians. The team is currently excavating the area by hand, prioritizing safety over tunneling, which was deemed too perilous. Dr. Litherland anticipates uncovering this tomb within the next month.Notably, the recent excavation revealed a beautifully decorated burial chamber in the first tomb, featuring a ceiling adorned with blue paint and yellow stars—an exclusive find in royal tombs. Dr. Litherland expressed his astonishment at the emotional weight of uncovering such historical treasures, highlighting the profound connection to the past these discoveries evoke.Thutmose II, notable for being the husband of the formidable Queen Hatsheput, lived around 1493 to 1479 BC and is an ancestor of Tutankhamun, whose tomb garnered global attention when it was discovered by British archaeologists in 1922. As the archaeological community eagerly awaits the developments, the ongoing research continues to shed light on Egypt’s royal lineage and rich history.
