19:00 / 20.02.2025

First pharaoh's tomb discovered in Egypt in 100 years

On February 18, British and Egyptian archaeologists discovered the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, who ruled Ancient Egypt around 1500 BC, in the Thebes cemetery. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced this.

The discovery was the first pharaoh's tomb since the discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, said the head of the ministry, Sherif Fathi.

^{Photo: AFP / Scanpix / LETA}
The entrance to the main corridor of the tomb was discovered in October 2022 near Luxor (ancient Thebes). Initially, scientists assumed that the tomb could belong to one of the members of the royal family of the Thutmose dynasty. Because nearby was the tomb of Queen Hatshepsut, the wife of Thutmose II, who ascended the throne after his death, as well as the tomb of the wives of Thutmose II's son, Pharaoh Thutmose III.

As a result of new excavations, it was determined that this tomb belongs to Pharaoh Thutmose II himself. This is evidenced by the objects found, in particular, fragments of alabaster jars inscribed with the names of the late Thutmose II and Queen Hatshepsut.

^{Photo: AFP / Scanpix / LETA}
In addition, archaeologists have found the remains of the pharaoh's burial utensils. Among the fragments found are the remains of plaster with blue inscriptions, as well as images from the "Book of Am-Duat", which is found in the tombs of the pharaohs of Ancient Egypt.

Shortly after the burial of Pharaoh Thutmose II, a flood occurred, which seriously damaged the interior of the tomb. Researchers have determined that the contents of the tomb were moved to another location after the flood.

The mummy of Thutmose II was discovered in 1881 in the Deir el-Bahri secret tomb in the Theban necropolis. According to N+1, this secret place contained dozens of mummified human remains, including those of the pharaohs Thutmose III, Seti I, Ramses II, and Ramses III. The original burial place of Thutmose II has remained unknown until now.

Almost nothing is known about Thutmose II. Scholars even debate the length of his reign: some believe he ruled for about three or four years, others for more than 14. The new discovery also says almost nothing about Thutmose II's life.