The recent discovery of a pharaoh’s tomb near Luxor has sent ripples of excitement through the archaeological community. This remarkable find, the first Egyptian royal burial site unearthed in over a century, belongs to Thutmose II. However, the tomb was found empty, sparking a new mystery surrounding the pharaoh’s final resting place. British archaeologist Piers Litherland, who led the excavation, believes he may have already found the answer – a second, hidden tomb.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities announced the discovery of Thutmose II’s first tomb on February 18, 2025. The tomb, situated near Luxor, close to the Valley of the Kings, was badly damaged, likely due to flooding shortly after the pharaoh’s death. Despite the deterioration, the team identified the tomb through artifacts like alabaster jars bearing Thutmose II’s name and remnants of funerary furniture.
Thutmose II’s reign remains shrouded in mystery due to limited archaeological evidence. He likely ruled between 1493 and 1479 BCE, possibly for as little as three years. The National Museum of Egyptian Civilization suggests a reign of under five years. He ascended to power by marrying his half-sister Hatshepsut, daughter of Thutmose I’s principal wife, after being born to one of the pharaoh’s lesser wives. Despite his short reign, Thutmose II led successful military campaigns, quelling uprisings in Nubia and conquering a tribe in the Sinai. He was succeeded by his son, Thutmose III.
While the discovery of the tomb was a momentous occasion, the absence of Thutmose II’s mummy presented a significant puzzle. However, Litherland believes he may have solved this mystery less than a week later. He discovered an inscription within a pit in the first tomb, indicating that Thutmose II’s half-sister/wife had its contents relocated. This led him to another tomb he had initially discovered in 2022, which he now suspects holds the pharaoh’s remains.
Accessing this potential second tomb is a challenging undertaking. Buried beneath layers of rock and plaster, it lies under “23 meters of a pile of man-made layers,” according to Litherland. He explained that other evidence supports the existence of a concealed monument beneath this carefully constructed barrier. The immense effort expended on this covering suggests a burial of great importance, making it a strong candidate for Thutmose II’s second tomb.
The original builders went to extraordinary lengths to protect the tomb. They not only applied a layer of mud plaster topped with ash but also piled massive boulders and plastered them in place. Carefully removing these obstacles has been a time-consuming process. Litherland estimates the work is halfway complete and could be finished within a month.
There is some debate about the mummy’s identity. In 1881, the mummified body of a 30-year-old man was identified as Thutmose II. Litherland disputes this identification, citing historical records that suggest the pharaoh came to power as a young boy and likely died well before 30, given his short reign.
At MaagX, we embrace a scientific perspective and remain skeptical of the “Curse of the Pharaohs.” While some unusual deaths were linked to the Tutankhamun discovery, it’s highly likely coincidence. Nevertheless, if Thutmose II is indeed in this tomb, we might want to check Brendan Fraser’s schedule for next month, just in case.
