In an extraordinary archaeological breakthrough, British archaeologist Piers Litherland recently announced the discovery of a tomb belonging to Pharaoh Thutmose II in the Theban Mountains near Luxor, Egypt. It is the first rock-cut tomb of a pharaoh found since the famous discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922. Litherland and his team of experts uncovered the tomb beneath a waterfall, a short distance west of the Valley of the Kings.
However, Litherland’s discovery doesn’t stop there. While investigating the site, he believes that he may have uncovered the location of a second tomb belonging to Thutmose II. This hidden tomb, buried under 23 m of limestone flakes, rubble, ash, and mud plaster, could contain the pharaoh’s mummified body and valuable grave goods. The layers contained remains of beer jars and chisel ends, confirming they were man-made. Litherland speculates that the tomb had been concealed over 3,500 years ago to protect it from flooding, as the area was known for its heavy rains and floods. The thick layers of mud and limestone also successfully hid the tomb from grave robbers.
Litherland, who has spent over a decade studying ancient Egypt, is thrilled by the find. He describes the discovery as a dream come true, comparing it to winning the lottery. The search for the second tomb is ongoing, and archaeologists are excited about what further discoveries may lie hidden in the ancient landscape of Luxor.