18 September 2025 The Future is the Product of the Past

3,500-Year-Old Tomb of King Thutmose II Discovered: The First Royal Burial Unearthed Since King Tutankhamun

Egyptian officials have announced a groundbreaking discovery: the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, marking the last of the royal tombs from ancient Egypt’s Eighteenth Dynasty. This significant find comes over a century after the discovery of King Tutankhamun‘s tomb in 1922, and it sheds new light on a period that reigned from approximately 1550 BC to 1292 BC.

A joint archaeological mission comprising British and Egyptian teams uncovered the tomb, designated as No. C4, located a few miles west of Luxor in the area known as the mount of Thebes. The entrance and main passage were initially discovered in 2022, and while the team initially speculated that the tomb might belong to one of the wives of the kings due to its proximity to the tombs of Queen Hatshepsut and the wives of King Thutmose III, further excavations revealed compelling evidence linking it directly to King Thutmose II.

Among the artifacts found were several fragments of alabaster vases inscribed with the name of King Thutmose II, referring to him as the “deceased king.” Additionally, sections of a religious text associated with ancient Egyptian royal burials and plaster fragments adorned with blue paint and yellow stars were discovered. These findings have led archaeologists to conclude that Tomb No. C4 was indeed the final resting place of King Thutmose II.

Archaeologists found a simple tomb near Luxor and identified it as the 3,500-year-old burial site of King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Archaeologists found a simple tomb near Luxor and identified it as the 3,500-year-old burial site of King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, emphasized the importance of this discovery, describing it as one of the most significant archaeological finds in recent years. The tomb, however, is in a poor state of preservation, likely due to flood damage shortly after the king’s death. Initial studies suggest that many of the original contents of the tomb may have been relocated following these ancient floods.

The architectural design of the tomb is characterized by simplicity, featuring an entrance, a sloping main corridor, and a burial chamber. Dr. Piers Litherland, head of the English team at the site, noted that the mission would continue to investigate the tomb and seek to uncover any additional secrets that may lie beneath the earth.

While the mummy of King Thutmose II was discovered in the 19th century at another site known as the Deir el-Bahari Cachette, this recent discovery provides a crucial link to understanding his life and reign. As work at the tomb progresses, many questions remain regarding the circumstances surrounding the removal of the king’s mummy from its original burial site.


Artifacts found in tomb No. C4 and linked to King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities
Artifacts found in tomb No. C4 and linked to King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

This remarkable discovery not only enhances our understanding of King Thutmose II’s life and reign but also underscores the importance of continued archaeological efforts in revealing the complexities of ancient Egyptian history. As researchers delve deeper into the tomb and its artifacts, they are poised to uncover further insights that could reshape our knowledge of this pivotal era in Egypt’s past.

Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Cover Image Credit: A section of tomb No. C4, identified as the burial site of King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities

Related Articles

1.8-million-year-old ‘human tooth’ discovered in Georgia

9 September 2022

9 September 2022

An ancient human tooth discovered by archaeologists in Georgia dates back 1.8 million years, firmly establishing the area as the...

6,000-year-old island settlement found off the Croatian coast

24 June 2021

24 June 2021

Archaeologist Mate Parica, a professor at the University of Zadar, noticed something unusual while examining satellite images of Croatia‘s coastline....

The 1000-year Curse of the Croatian King Zvonimir

26 September 2023

26 September 2023

Croatia is a fascinating country that continually rises up people’s must-visit lists thanks to its sparkling Adriatic coastline, 1,244 islands,...

A 4000-year-old Fabric Found in a Cave of Skulls in the Judean Desert is the Oldest Dyed with Insect Dye

15 July 2024

15 July 2024

Researchers discovered an ancient textile dyed with kermes (Kermes vermilio) in Israel’s Cave of Skulls that dates back to the...

First Major Iron Age Cemetery Discovered in the UAE: A 3,000-Year-Old Burial Site in Al Ain Region

22 April 2025

22 April 2025

A groundbreaking archaeological discovery has emerged from the Al Ain Region of the United Arab Emirates, revealing a 3,000-year-old necropolis...

‘Exceptional’ Viking Age silver treasure found in Norway

27 October 2022

27 October 2022

A treasure trove of silver fragments from the Viking Age has been discovered in Stjørdal, near Trondheim in central Norway....

A rare 3,300-year-old wooden yoke found in northern Italy

30 October 2023

30 October 2023

After eight years of complex excavation, recovery, and restoration, a rare 3,300-year-old wooden yoke discovered in a Late Bronze Age...

Study Reveals Córdoba’s Advanced Sanitation System: A Medieval Model Unmatched in Europe for Centuries

25 April 2025

25 April 2025

Recent research has unveiled the impressive sanitation systems of medieval Córdoba, revealing that the city’s infrastructure was so advanced that...

Ancient rubbish dump under Hatshepsut temple reveals hundreds of artifacts

24 November 2021

24 November 2021

Polish archaeologists uncovered a 3,500-year-old dump while working on the reconstruction of the Hathor Goddess Chapel, which is part of...

New research reveals the true function of Bronze Age daggers

30 April 2022

30 April 2022

A new study led by Newcastle University has revealed that the analysis of Bronze Age daggers has shown that they...

Builders of Massive 6000-year-old Menga Dolmen Likely Understood Geometry and other “Early Science” Concepts

25 August 2024

25 August 2024

Researchers say that a new analysis of the 6000-year-old stone Menga (also known as the Dolmen of Menga), supported by...

Olmec reliefs show Ancient Olmec Leaders In Trance-Like State Roaring Like Jaguars

14 August 2022

14 August 2022

Archaeologists in Mexico have discovered two carved reliefs from the late Olmec period (900-400 B.C.) in Villahermosa, Tabasco, southeastern Mexico...

Aspendos Excavation Reveals Rare 1,700-Year-Old Roman Emperor’s Statue Head

9 August 2025

9 August 2025

Archaeologists have uncovered a remarkable marble head believed to depict a Roman emperor during excavations in the ancient city of...

Magical Roman Phallus Wind Chime Unearthed in Serbia

15 November 2023

15 November 2023

Archaeologists have unearthed a Roman phallus wind chime known as a tintinnabulum, during excavations at the ancient city of Viminacium...

Archaeologists Discover Rare 3,800-Year-Old Clay Figurine of Frogs at Peru’s Vichama Site

31 August 2025

31 August 2025

Archaeologists in Peru have announced a remarkable discovery: a 3,800-year-old Clay figurine depicting two frogs, unearthed at the Vichama archaeological...