On February 2nd the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II in Luxor was announced. This significant find marks the first royal tomb uncovered since Howard Carter’s discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. The joint Egyptian-British archaeological team, led by the Supreme Council of Antiquities and the New Kingdom Research Foundation, began their excavation in 2022 when they identified the entrance and main corridor of Tomb KV42.
Initially believed to belong to a royal consort due to its proximity to the tombs of King Thutmose III’s wives and Queen Hatshepsut, further investigations confirmed it as the burial site of King Thutmose II. Artefacts discovered in the tomb, including fragments of alabaster jars bearing inscriptions with the names of Thutmose II and his principal wife, Queen Hatshepsut, provided definitive evidence of the tomb’s ownership.
The wooden artifact found in the tomb of King Thutmose II is a significant discovery. It is a wooden funerary bed, which was used as part of the burial rituals for the king. This bed is intricately carved and decorated, showcasing the craftsmanship of ancient Egyptian artisans. The funerary bed is an important piece of evidence that helps archaeologists understand the burial practices and rituals of the 18th Dynasty.
Experts have determined that Queen Hatshepsut, the king’s wife and half-sister, oversaw his burial. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, secretary-general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, described the find as one of the most significant in decades. This discovery is particularly noteworthy because it is the first time funerary furniture belonging to Thutmose II has been found, as no such items exist in museums worldwide.
Despite its significance, the tomb was found in poor condition, having been flooded in antiquity shortly after the king’s death. Water damage caused severe deterioration, leading to the loss of many original contents, which are believed to have been relocated during ancient times. Archaeological teams have restored portions of fallen plaster adorned with intricate designs, including blue inscriptions, yellow star motifs, and elements of the Book of Amduat, a key religious text used in royal tombs.
The team will continue excavations to discover more of the site’s secrets. As the excavation progresses, it is expected that more artifacts and information will come to light, stay tuned for more updates from AncientHistoryX.com
