Archaeologists have uncovered the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, marking the first discovery of a pharaoh’s burial site in over a century. Dr. Piers Litherland, who is leading the excavation in Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, initially believed the tomb belonged to a royal wife. When he entered the burial chamber, he saw a ceiling painted with scenes from the Amduat, a sacred text reserved for kings, confirming its royal owner. Litherland emerged from the tomb in tears. The burial site, long thought to be in another part of the valley, was found empty, not due to looting, but because flooding led to the removal of its contents just years after the burial. Researchers identified its occupant through fragments of alabaster inscribed with Thutmose II’s name, likely broken during the relocation process. The discovery, which was a joint effort by the New Kingdom Research Foundation and Egypt’s Ministry of Antiquities, could lead to an even greater find. Experts believe a second, possibly intact, tomb of Thutmose II may still be hidden nearby, and it could contain secrets of Egypt’s early 18th Dynasty.

Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in Egypt, marking the first pharaonic burial site found since Tutankhamun in 1922. View on euronews

Archaeologists have discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II in the Theban Necropolis near Luxor, the first significant Egyptian royal burial find since Tutankhamun in 1922. Inscriptions confirm the tomb's identity, revealing important artifacts related to Thutmose II and Queen Hatshepsut.