In a ground-breaking development, a British-led archaeological team may have uncovered a second burial site of Pharaoh Thutmose II, hidden beneath the ancient sands of Egypt. This discovery, which follows closely on the heels of an earlier find, has sparked worldwide interest and could reshape historical understanding of Egypt’s royal burial traditions.
The Search for the Lost Tomb
Piers Litherland, a British archaeologist, has revealed that his team suspects a second tomb belonging to Thutmose II lies concealed beneath a 75-foot (23-metre) mound of limestone, ash, rubble, and mud plaster. This artificial structure, designed by the ancient Egyptians to blend seamlessly with the natural mountainous landscape, is located in the Western Valleys of the Theban Necropolis near Luxor.
Thutmose II, who ruled over 3,500 years ago, was initially buried in a tomb that was later abandoned due to flooding. Historical evidence suggests that his wife and half-sister, Queen Hatshepsut—one of ancient Egypt’s most powerful female rulers—may have orchestrated the relocation of his remains to a safer secondary burial site.
A Delicate Excavation Process
Unlike modern excavation methods that employ extensive tunneling and machinery, the team has opted for a meticulous manual approach due to safety concerns. Litherland and his crew estimate that the debris covering the potential tomb could be removed within a month, allowing them to explore what lies beneath.
“We are confident that this second site could hold Thutmose II’s mummified body,” Litherland shared. “It’s a moment of great anticipation.”
Clues from the First Tomb
The team had previously discovered an elaborately decorated burial chamber, a key indicator that it belonged to a pharaoh rather than a lesser noble or royal consort. The presence of a blue-painted ceiling adorned with golden stars—an artistic feature exclusive to kings’ tombs—solidified their belief that they had uncovered a significant royal resting place.
“We were overwhelmed by the discovery,” Litherland remarked. “Coming across something unexpected like this is emotionally turbulent, but also incredibly rewarding.”
Thutmose II and His Legacy
Pharaoh Thutmose II is best known for his marriage to Hatshepsut, who later ascended to the throne and ruled Egypt as one of its most influential female pharaohs. His reign, which spanned from approximately 1493 to 1479 BC, predates that of the famed Tutankhamun by several centuries.
This potential discovery draws parallels with the famous unearthing of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. However, unlike Tutankhamun’s largely intact burial chamber, Thutmose II’s first tomb was disturbed by natural disasters and possibly looters. If the second tomb indeed holds his remains, it would provide crucial insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs and royal lineage preservation.
The excavation continues under the intense Egyptian sun, with archaeologists carefully removing the debris to reach what could be one of the most significant historical finds of the decade. If confirmed, this second tomb will not only solve a centuries-old mystery but also deepen our understanding of the elaborate funerary practices of Egypt’s New Kingdom.
With each layer of earth removed, history is being rewritten. The world now waits in anticipation for the moment when the lost tomb of Thutmose II is finally revealed.
