Archaeologists in Egypt have made an exciting and groundbreaking discovery near Luxor – the ancient tomb of King Thutmose II. This is the first time in 100 years that a royal tomb from ancient Egypt has been unearthed, making it a truly remarkable find.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt announced the discovery on Tuesday, stating that it is the first pharaonic royal tomb to be discovered since the famous treasures of King Tutankhamun’s tomb were found in 1922. The tomb of Thutmose II was found on the west bank of the Nile, in the Valley of the Kings – a site that is home to the burial sites of many ancient Egyptian royals and nobles.
Thutmose II, who lived nearly 3,500 years ago, was an ancestor of King Tutankhamun. His wife, Queen Hatshepsut, was one of the few women known to have ruled Egypt. Her mortuary temple is located near the newly discovered tomb of her husband, adding to the significance of this find.
Thutmose II was a king of the 18th dynasty of ancient Egypt, and his tomb was the last undiscovered tomb from this period. The entrance to the tomb was first discovered by an archaeology team in October 2022, according to the online magazine, Archaeology News. Initially, the team believed it to be the burial site of a queen, but as they continued to excavate, they found inscriptions referring to Thutmose II as the “deceased king” and Hatshepsut.
Unfortunately, the tomb had flooded soon after the king’s burial, causing damage to most of its contents. However, the team was able to recover and restore some funerary furniture, making this discovery even more significant. The Egyptian antiquities ministry has described this finding as “one of the most significant archaeological breakthroughs in recent years.”
Professor Mohamed Abdel-Badel, who heads Egypt’s Antiquities Sector, shared some details about the inscriptions found in the tomb. He stated that the team had recovered fallen plaster fragments with blue inscriptions on them, including from the Book of the Amduat – a key funerary text used in royal burials.
The discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb adds to the list of wonders of ancient Egypt, which has always been a popular destination for tourists. Last year, the country welcomed 15.7 million visitors, and with the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum this year, it aims to attract 18 million tourists by 2025, according to Agence France-Presse.
The Grand Egyptian Museum, located at the foot of the iconic pyramids in Giza, is one of the most highly anticipated openings in the world of archaeology. With the addition of Thutmose II’s tomb, it is expected to draw even more tourists to Egypt, eager to witness this incredible discovery firsthand.
This discovery is a testament to the rich and fascinating history of Egypt, and it serves as a reminder of the incredible achievements of the ancient Egyptians. The country is home to countless archaeological treasures, and the discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb only adds to its allure.
The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities in Egypt, along with the team of archaeologists, should be commended for their dedication and hard work in uncovering this significant piece of history. It is a momentous occasion for Egypt and the world of archaeology, and it will undoubtedly inspire further exploration and discoveries in the future.
In conclusion, the discovery of King Thutmose II’s tomb is a momentous event that has captured the attention and imagination of people around the world. It is a reminder of the rich and fascinating history of Egypt and a testament to the tireless efforts of archaeologists in uncovering the secrets of the past. This discovery is sure to attract even more visitors to Egypt, eager to witness this remarkable find and experience the wonders of ancient Egypt firsthand.
