Ancient Egyptian Tomb of King Thutmose II discovered in historic archaeological breakthrough

Archaeologists in Egypt have uncovered the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, making it the first royal tomb discovery in over a century. Found west of the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, this significant find sheds new light on Egypt’s 18th dynasty and its rulers.

A Historic Discovery in Egypt

The tomb of King Thutmose II, who reigned nearly 3,500 years ago, was located by an archaeological team working near Luxor. Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced on Tuesday that this is the first pharaonic royal tomb discovery since the legendary tomb of King Tutankhamun was unearthed in 1922.

Thutmose II was a key figure of ancient Egypt’s 18th dynasty and the husband of Queen Hatshepsut, one of the few female rulers in Egypt’s history. His tomb was the last undiscovered burial site from this ruling dynasty.

The excavation team initially found the tomb’s entrance in October 2022 but believed it belonged to a queen. However, as they progressed, inscriptions revealing Thutmose II’s name and title as the “deceased king” confirmed the tomb’s true occupant.

Challenges and Artifacts Found

While the tomb itself has suffered significant damage due to flooding soon after the king’s burial, archaeologists were still able to recover key artifacts. Among the items discovered were fragments of funerary furniture and fallen plaster pieces with inscriptions from the Book of the Amduat—a sacred text used in royal burials.

Professor Mohamed Abdel-Badel, head of Egypt’s Antiquities Sector, emphasized the importance of the find, calling it “one of the most significant archaeological breakthroughs in recent years.” The inscriptions and artifacts are now undergoing restoration to preserve their historical value.

Impact on Tourism and Egypt’s Heritage

With its discovery, the tomb of King Thutmose II joins the ranks of Egypt’s most treasured archaeological wonders. Luxor, home to the Valley of the Kings, remains one of the world’s most important archaeological sites, drawing millions of visitors each year.

In 2023, Egypt welcomed 15.7 million tourists, and officials hope to attract 18 million visitors by 2025. This goal may be further boosted by the highly anticipated opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum, set to showcase Egypt’s rich history at the foot of the pyramids in Giza.

As the excavation continues and new details emerge, the discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb stands as a testament to Egypt’s enduring historical and cultural significance.