In a remarkable archaeological breakthrough, the long-lost tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II has been identified, marking a significant milestone in Egyptology. First uncovered in October 2022, the tomb's identification as Thutmose II’s burial site was confirmed during the late 2024 and early 2025 excavation season. Located west of the renowned Valley of the Kings, this discovery is particularly significant as it is the first excavation of a pharaoh’s tomb since King Tutankhamun's was unearthed in 1922. Despite being mostly empty, this 95.1-foot-long tomb holds key insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and the reign of Thutmose II.
The tomb, found west of the Valley of the Kings, suggests a shift in burial practices prior to its well-known use. The proximity of Thutmose II's tomb to this location lends weight to the hypothesis that Hatshepsut was likely the first pharaoh buried in the Valley of the Kings. The burial chamber itself measures 17.4 by 17.1 by 11.2 feet, yet no remains were discovered within it.
Piers Litherland, a prominent Egyptologist involved in the excavation, clarified misconceptions about the tomb's condition.
"The entire contents of the tomb had been removed. The tomb was not robbed." – Piers Litherland
The lack of grave goods is attributed to flooding shortly after Thutmose II’s burial, which necessitated their relocation for preservation. Despite this, the presence of pottery bearing Thutmose II's name provides compelling evidence of the tomb's initial purpose.
"This confirms that a burial did initially take place in the tomb." – Piers Litherland
Thutmose II’s reign remains a topic of scholarly debate. While some experts estimate his rule spanned from approximately 1492 to 1479 B.C., others propose it may have lasted less than five years. His legacy continues to intrigue historians and archaeologists alike, particularly due to the ambiguous nature of his burial and the subsequent identification of his mummy.
A mummy reburied at Deir el-Bahari has been proposed by certain Egyptologists as potentially belonging to Thutmose II. However, this identification is met with skepticism by some scholars, including Thomas Schneider.
"I am very skeptical and would need to see further details in support of such an identification" – Thomas Schneider
Schneider also highlighted that multiple candidates for Thutmose II's tomb have been considered over the years.
"Several candidates for the tomb of Thutmose II in the Valley of the Kings have been proposed" – Thomas Schneider
Despite these uncertainties, the confirmation of the tomb’s ownership has been met with enthusiasm in the archaeological community.
"It's great that they believe they've now confirmed the tomb's ownership" – Aidan Dodson
The pottery discovered within the tomb further corroborates its connection to Thutmose II. Among these artifacts, one piece bore a label indicating it once contained natron, a substance integral to embalming processes in ancient Egypt. This discovery not only authenticates the tomb's association with Thutmose II but also sheds light on funerary practices of the era.
Filip Taterka, another Egyptologist, expressed excitement over this groundbreaking find.
"I think it is an exciting discovery" – Filip Taterka
This discovery reignites interest in Thutmose II’s reign and his mysterious posthumous journey. As excavation and research continue, scholars hope to uncover more about this enigmatic ruler and his era.
