British archaeologist Piers Litherland’s groundbreaking discovery of a possible second tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II has sent shockwaves through the ancient Egyptology community, sparking fresh hope for a new era of archaeological exploration and discovery.
The Unveiling of a Hidden Treasure: British Archaeologist Piers Litherland Uncovers Possible Second Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II
Piers Litherland, a renowned British archaeologist, has made history by discovering the first rock-cut pharaoh’s tomb in Egypt since Tutankhamun‘s in 1922. However, his latest find may surpass this incredible achievement, as he believes he has identified the location of another tomb belonging to Thutmose II.
The Discovery of a Lifetime
Litherland‘s team found the pharaoh Thutmose II‘s tomb underneath a waterfall in the Theban mountains in Luxor, about 3km west of the Valley of the Kings. Although the tomb contained almost nothing but debris, it is believed that it was flooded and emptied within six years of the pharaoh’s death in 1479BC.
Thutmose II was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled from circa 1493 to 1479 BCE.
He was a son of Pharaoh Thutmose I and Queen Ahmose, and he married his half-sister Hatshepsut, one of the most successful female pharaohs of Egypt.
During his reign, Thutmose II launched several military campaigns in Nubia and Syria, but his legacy is largely overshadowed by that of his stepmother and successor.
Historical records indicate that he died at a relatively young age, possibly due to illness or injury.
Unraveling the Mystery of the Second Tomb
Litherland has revealed that his team has been investigating ways to access a second tomb believed to be hidden beneath 23 meters of limestone flakes, rubble, ash, and mud plaster. The layers above the tomb are man-made, and it is suspected that they were created to conceal the site from robbers.
A Clever Strategy by Ineni
The ancient Egyptians employed a clever strategy to protect the tomb from water while simultaneously concealing its location. By covering the tomb with layers of plaster and limestone flakes, they ensured that the site remained hidden for centuries. This strategy appears to have been successful, as there are no burial goods related to Thutmose II’s burial in any museum or private collection.
A Young Pharaoh’s Final Resting Place
Thutmose II was a young pharaoh who reigned for just three to four years and died shortly after fathering Thutmose III. Litherland believes that the body of a 30-year-old found in Deir el-Bahari and previously identified as Thutmose II is too old to belong to the pharaoh.
The Excavation Process
Litherland‘s team has been working tirelessly to excavate the human-made layers surrounding the second tomb. They have encountered significant challenges, including overhanging rocks that make it difficult to tunnel into the site. To overcome this obstacle, they are carefully removing the entire structure by hand.
A Career-Defining Moment
Litherland‘s discovery of the possible second tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II is a testament to his dedication and expertise in the field of archaeology. He believes that finding this tomb could be the find of the century, surpassing his previous achievement.
