Thutmose II’s tomb is Egypt’s biggest archaeological discovery since 1922
Al JazeeraFEB 20
Ancient Egypt's Lost Royal Tomb Found After 3.5K Years
Above: Visitors walk around a dig showcasing the tomb of an overseer of Queen Tetisheri's palacein Deir El-Bahari in Luxor on Jan. 8, 2025. Image copyright: Khaled Desouki/Contributor/AFP via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
This is a monumental breakthrough in Egyptology. It completes the map of 18th-dynasty royal burials and provides unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and royal succession. The tomb's architectural features and religious texts reflect sophisticated burial traditions that influenced later pharaohs.
Narrative B
The tomb's poor preservation state and evidence of ancient flooding suggest hasty construction and possible political instability during Thutmose II's brief reign. The relocation of his mummy and burial goods indicates significant challenges in maintaining royal burials, even for powerful pharaohs.