A groundbreaking discovery by a British-led archaeological team has reignited excitement in Egyptology, as researchers close in on a second ancient burial site believed to lie 23 meters beneath an artificial mountain in Egypt’s Western Valleys. The announcement follows the recent unearthing of the tomb of Thutmose II, a pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, marking the first such royal find since Tutankhamun’s tomb was revealed in 1922.
Led by archaeologist Piers Litherland, the team initially located Thutmose II’s tomb near a waterfall in the Theban Necropolis. While initially mistaken for a royal consort’s burial site due to its proximity to known queens’ tombs, the structure’s grand staircase and elaborate wall art—featuring scenes from the Amduat, a funerary text exclusive to pharaohs—confirmed its royal significance. Artifacts such as inscribed alabaster jars linking the tomb to Thutmose II and his wife, Hatshepsut, provided further evidence.
The Hunt for a Hidden Chamber
Historical records suggest the first tomb was hastily emptied six years after Thutmose II’s burial due to flooding, with relics relocated to a secondary site. Clues from inscriptions point to Hatshepsut, the pharaoh’s half-sister and spouse, overseeing the transfer. Now, researchers believe this second tomb has remained concealed for 3,500 years beneath layers of limestone debris, plaster, and rubble designed to mimic natural terrain.
“Beneath 23 meters of meticulously layered material, we’re confident a monumental structure exists,” Litherland explained. “The scale of effort to mask it strongly suggests it’s Thutmose II’s true resting place, potentially holding his mummy and funerary treasures.”
Excavation Challenges and Timeline
Accessing the site has proven perilous, with unstable overhangs hindering manual tunneling. “We’ve attempted multiple approaches but must proceed cautiously,” Litherland noted. The team estimates another month of careful excavation to safely reach the chamber.
Historical Context and Collaboration
Thutmose II’s reign (circa 1493–1479 BCE) was overshadowed by Hatshepsut’s subsequent rule, during which she emerged as one of Egypt’s most influential female pharaohs. The discovery, a collaboration between the University of Cambridge’s McDonald Institute, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, and the UK-based New Kingdom Research Foundation, sheds light on burial practices of early 18th dynasty rulers.
“This solves a longstanding mystery,” Litherland remarked. “Previous searches focused on the Valley of the Kings, but Thutmose II’s tomb was hidden in plain sight, redefining our understanding of royal necropolises.”
As the team edges closer to the chamber, anticipation builds. “Discovering a pharaoh’s undisturbed remains is every archaeologist’s dream,” Litherland shared. “It’s akin to winning the lottery—thrilling yet surreal.”
The findings not only illuminate Thutmose II’s legacy but also underscore Hatshepsut’s pivotal role in preserving his memory, offering fresh insights into Egypt’s New Kingdom era.
