Egyptian authorities announced the discovery of a royal tomb belonging to Thutmose II, believed to have reigned around 1480 B.C., in an Egyptian valley west of Luxor. The excavation, a joint project by Egyptian and British researchers, is considered significant as it marks the first discovery of a royal tomb near the Valley of the Kings since Tutankhamen’s burial chamber was unearthed over a century ago.
The newly identified tomb belonged to Thutmose II, who is believed to have been married to his half-sister Hatshepsut, who took the throne after his death. The excavation revealed fragments of alabaster jars and inscriptions naming Thutmose II as the “deceased king” and Hatshepsut.
The discovery has provided new insights into Hatshepsut’s reign and her role in ancient Egyptian history. Experts say that the tomb suggests she built burial places for her father and husband, later relocating them to a new tomb. The excavation also shed light on the royal netherworld book, Amduat, which is significant for understanding this period of Egyptian history.
While some experts have questioned the statement made by Egyptian officials that this discovery was the first since 1922, others agree that it represents a major and interesting finding, particularly for its evidence of Hatshepsut’s pivotal role in her time. The tomb’s location, beneath two waterfalls and at the bottom of a slope, is also unusual for a king’s burial.
The excavation provides additional clues to the ins and outs of this era of Egyptian history and highlights the importance of further exploration and study.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/21/world/middleeast/egypt-tomb-archaeologists.html