British Egyptologist Unveils Largest Ancient Egyptian Discovery Since Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Discovery of Thutmose II’s Tomb Ends Century-Long Search
(Images: 1. Piers Litherland at the site; 2. Depiction of Thutmose II; 3. Tomb entrance; 4. Howard Carter in 1922)
A century after Howard Carter’s groundbreaking discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, archaeologists have finally uncovered another long-lost pharaonic burial site. Led by Scottish Egyptologist Piers Litherland, a British-Egyptian team identified the tomb of Thutmose II, a ruler of Egypt’s 18th dynasty who died 3,500 years ago. Located in the Western Valleys of Luxor’s Theban Necropolis, the tomb had been sought for decades and marks the last missing royal burial of its dynasty (Image 1).
A Royal Mystery Solved
Initially mistaken for a queen’s tomb due to its location, the site’s grand staircase, wide doorway, and religious artwork hinted at a royal male burial. Scenes from the Amduat—a funerary text reserved for kings—confirmed its status. “This solves one of Egypt’s great mysteries: where early 18th dynasty kings were buried,” said Litherland (Image 2).
Thutmose II, husband and half-brother of the famed female pharaoh Hatshepsut, ruled briefly (c. 1493–1479 BCE). His reign was overshadowed by his father, Thutmose I, and his heir, Thutmose III. Fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with his name and Hatshepsut’s were pivotal in confirming the tomb’s ownership—the first artifacts ever linked to his burial.
Floods, Relocation, and a Possible Second Tomb
Evidence suggests a flood damaged the original tomb, prompting relocation of its contents. A nearby intact foundation deposit hints at a second, undisturbed burial chamber. “The chance of another intact tomb is astonishing,” said archaeologist Mohsen Kamel (Image 3).
Controversy Over the Pharaoh’s Mummy
The discovery also challenges previous assumptions about Thutmose II’s mummy. A body found in 1881, initially identified as his, belonged to someone over age 30. Historical records, however, suggest Thutmose II died young after a short reign. The tomb’s connection to Hatshepsut adds layers to ongoing debates about her rise to power.
12 Years of Research
The find caps a 12-year project by the New Kingdom Research Foundation and Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. The team previously identified over 30 royal wives and excavated 54 tombs in the area. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s antiquities minister, hailed it as “an extraordinary moment for understanding our shared history” (Image 4).
This discovery bridges a century-long gap in Egyptology, offering fresh insights into a dynasty that included icons like Hatshepsut and Tutankhamun. As excavations continue, the Western Valleys may yet reveal more secrets, rewriting ancient Egypt’s storied past.
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