Archaeologists found a tomb of a pharaoh, the first tomb since Egyptian king Tut

Archaeologists announced this week that the Egyptian Antiquities Ministry discovered a tomb of a pharaoh in an Egyptian valley west of Luxor, the first time officials say since Tutankamason’s funeral room A royal tomb was excavated once, which was excavated a century ago.

Egyptian ministry said in a statement that the newly identified tomb belonged to Thutmose II, who was believed to have ruled around 1480 B.C., and was “the last missing royal tomb of the 18th dynasty.”

The excavation, a joint project by Egyptian and British researchers, began in 2022 when the entrance to the grave and main corridors were discovered.

Archaeologists first believe that the grave belongs to the Royal Companion because it is located near the funeral of the Royal Wife and near the funeral of Hatshepsut, a queen who is in Thutmose II) Ascended the throne for himself after his death.

In the wet state of the 15th century BC

But evidence inside the tomb shows that it was actually built for the king, including fragments of Alabaster Jars who named Thutmose II “the late king” and inscriptions named Hatshepsut. Part of the ceiling is also still intact, showing blue paint with yellow stars on it, which archaeologists say is only found in the king’s grave.

“Sometimes you find discovery, but then with additional exploration, it’s clear what it really means,” said Peter der Manuelian, a professor of Egyptology at Harvard University, who is not involved in the excavation.

He noted that decades ago a tomb in the Kings Valley was “larger and more unusual than anyone could realize.” It turned out to be built for many sons of Ramses II, one of the most powerful pharaohs in ancient Egypt.

“In the fascinating period of Egyptian history: imperialism and the 18th dynasty of the International Metropolis.” His rule may have been overshadowed by the rule of father, son and queen, who ruled for nearly 20 years,” said Professor Manuelian. and built a major temple and grave for itself.

Professor Manulian said: “We are still working to understand the ins and outs of this era, and the ‘new’ tomb will undoubtedly provide us with other clues.”

Although the ministry’s assertions were the first discovery since 1922, not everyone would agree: Archaeologists reported the discovery of the Faroan graves in 1940 and 2014. Members of the recent research team did not immediately answer questions seeking clarification.

Nevertheless, Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary General of Egypt’s Supreme Antiphysics Council, described it as one of the most important discoveries in decades. “This is the first time that funeral furniture belongs to Thutmose II was discovered,” he said in a statement.

However, unlike Tutanham’s tomb, during the excavation in 1922, his tomb was found full of artifacts, and Tutmose II’s tomb was almost emptied.

Archaeologists believe that the floods were flooded shortly after the king’s death and its contents were moved to another location. (In the 19th century, the remains of the mummy of Thutmose II were found in Deir El-Bahari in the morgue.)

“Water damage caused serious deterioration, resulting in the loss of many original contents, believed to have been relocated in ancient times,” said Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian side of the archaeological mission.

He said archaeologists have been able to restore part of the fallen plaster “adorned with intricate designs including blue inscriptions, yellow star maps and elements of Amduat, which are key to use in royal tombs Religious text.”