Piers Litherland, a Scottish Egyptologist from Selkirk, has made history with his astonishing discovery of not one, but two burial tombs believed to belong to Pharaoh King Thutmose II, a key figure from ancient Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

Just days ago, Litherland, alongside his team of Egyptian archaeologists, unveiled the first tomb, located underneath a waterfall in the Theban mountains of Luxor. Though the initial tomb was found empty, it quickly became clear that this was only the beginning of a remarkable journey. Following further investigation, Litherland announced the discovery of a second tomb, buried beneath 23 meters of limestone rubble, ash, and mud.

Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt around 3,500 years ago, was the ancestor of the famous Tutankhamun, whose tomb was uncovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. Litherland’s double discovery marks the first time since Carter’s monumental find that the tomb of a pharaoh has been uncovered, a breakthrough that has eluded archaeologists for centuries.

Secrets of Thutmose II’s Tomb

The second tomb, expected to be far more intact than the first, is believed to contain the mummified remains of the young Pharaoh and the treasures that were likely buried with him. Litherland, a Cambridge University don who has spent over ten years researching and investigating ancient Egyptian sites, remarked, “The best candidate for what is hidden underneath this enormous pile of rubble is the second tomb of Thutmose II.”

The significance of this discovery is further amplified by the theory that Thutmose II’s burial site may have been relocated shortly after he died in 1479 BC. His wife, Hatshepsut, one of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, is thought to have moved the contents of the tomb to protect them from flooding and grave robbers. Litherland’s team believes that the tomb was emptied within six years of Thutmose II’s death, suggesting a dramatic turn in Egyptian history as Hatshepsut rose to power.

A Dangerous and Laborious Search

Litherland’s team, who are carefully excavating the site, have encountered numerous obstacles. Attempts to tunnel into the tomb have been halted due to the risk of overhanging rocks and unstable ground. The plan now is to remove the rubble and limestone plaster by hand, a painstaking process expected to take another month.

Litherland’s passion for ancient Egypt began in his youth, and the discovery of these tombs is something he describes as a dream come true. “You dream about such things. But like winning the lottery, you never believe it will happen to you,” Litherland said.

A Historic Moment for Egyptology

The discovery of the second tomb was confirmed by the New Kingdom Research Foundation and the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, both of whom have hailed the find as extraordinary. Sherif Fathy, Egypt’s Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, declared, “This is the first royal tomb to be discovered since the find of King Tutankhamun’s burial chamber in 1922. It is an extraordinary moment for Egyptology and the broader understanding of our human story.”

Litherland’s breakthrough has not only added to the archaeological knowledge of ancient Egypt but has also sparked renewed excitement in the field of Egyptology. With continued efforts to safely excavate the tomb, this discovery promises to shed new light on one of history’s most powerful civilizations.

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