Archaeologists in Egypt have made a groundbreaking discovery: the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, who has long been overshadowed by his famous wife and half-sister, Queen Hatshepsut. Located in the Western Valley, near Deir el-Bahari, the tomb is considered a significant find, shedding new light on ancient Egyptian history.
Thutmose II ruled in the 15th century BCE, during the early days of the New Kingdom period. He was married to his half-sister Hatshepsut and had a daughter named Nefrure. Despite his short reign, Thutmose II played an important role in Egypt’s military campaigns, particularly against the land of Kush.
The tomb, although empty, is crucial for understanding this pivotal period in Egyptian history. It features unique decorations depicting Thutmose II, Hatshepsut, and their daughter Nefrure. The monument was reconstructed by French researchers and can now be seen at the Open Air Museum in Karnak.
However, Thutmose II’s legacy has been marred by the actions of his successor, Thutmose III, who carried out a campaign to remove Hatshepsut’s name and images from temples. This “damnatio memoriae” led to many monuments being repurposed with Thutmose II’s name.
The discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb highlights the complexities of ancient Egyptian politics and the often-overlooked role he played in setting up Hatshepsut’s reign. The empty tomb may suggest that his legacy was not as celebrated as others in his dynasty, but it provides valuable insights into this period of Egyptian history.
Source: https://theconversation.com/its-the-biggest-egyptian-tomb-discovery-in-a-century-who-was-thutmose-ii-250432