Egyptian authorities have revealed a significant archaeological breakthrough, which is the discovery of the long-lost tomb of King Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt for a short time around 1,480 BC. Despite the relentless efforts of archaeologists, this is the first royal Egyptian tomb uncovered since the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s final resting place in 1922.
The tomb, which dates back to the Eighteenth Dynasty, had remained hidden for centuries until it was located in the area of ancient Thebes, west of Luxor, near the renowned Valley of the Kings.
A joint effort by Egyptian and British archaeologists led to the identification of what was previously known only as tomb No. C4. Careful excavations and artifact analysis confirmed that this site belonged to King Thutmose II. The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities officially announced the discovery on Facebook, which adds to what is known about ancient Egypt’s burial traditions and the practices surrounding royal burials during the Eighteenth Dynasty, a period known for its great military and cultural achievements.
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A Long Search Reaches a Successful Conclusion
The entrance and main corridor of the tomb were first detected in 2022. Upon its initial discovery, archaeologists speculated that it may have belonged to one of the royal wives, given its location near the tombs of King Thutmose III’s consorts and Queen Hatshepsut’s burial site. Hatshepsut was originally interred as a royal wife, before later being entombed in the Valley of the Kings after ascending to the throne.
Objects with inscriptions found inside the tomb of Thutmose II. (Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry).
However, further excavation and artifact examination revealed key inscriptions that pointed to King Thutmose II as the tomb’s rightful owner. Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Secretary-General of Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities, stated that alabaster vessels inscribed with Thutmose II’s name and the title “deceased king” were discovered, along with references to his wife, Hatshepsut. This evidence confirmed that the tomb was constructed for Thutmose II, and historical records suggest that Hatshepsut may have had a hand in overseeing his burial.
Despite the excitement surrounding the discovery, the tomb itself is in a poor state of preservation. According to Mohamed Abdel Badie, head of the Egyptian Antiquities Sector, ancient floods severely damaged the structure soon after Thutmose II’s burial.
Initial studies indicate that many of the tomb’s original contents were relocated following these floods. However, remnants of blue inscriptions, yellow stars, and passages from the funerary text known as the "Imydwat" were found inside. This book was traditionally included in royal tombs to guide the deceased on their journey through the underworld.
Dr. Piers Litherland, who leads the British team working on the excavation, described the tomb’s architectural design as simple, consistent with the structures chosen by the pharaohs who succeeded Thutmose II. The ongoing mission aims to uncover additional information about the tomb’s lost contents and its historical significance. Many artifacts believed to have been buried with the king may have been moved elsewhere, possibly repurposed by later rulers. The discovery team will continue searching for these lost relics to piece together the full story of Thutmose II’s burial and the subsequent fate of his tomb’s treasures.
The Reign and Legacy of Thutmose II
King Thutmose II ruled during the Eighteenth Dynasty, though historians debate the exact length of his reign, estimating it to be between three and 13 years. His rule is often overshadowed by his influential wife, Queen Hatshepsut, and his son and successor, Thutmose III, who became one of Egypt’s most powerful pharaohs.
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The name Thutmose means “born of Thoth,” referring to the deity Thoth, who was associated with wisdom, writing, and the will of the sun god Ra. Thutmose II’s rule was marked by military campaigns, but historical records suggest he did not personally lead these expeditions. His forces successfully suppressed revolts in Nubia and the Levant, and his generals secured victories over nomadic Bedouin groups in the Sinai Peninsula. The credit for these campaigns went to Thutmose II, though it was his generals who actually led them. This raises questions about the extent of his personal involvement in military affairs and whether his reign was characterized more by strategic alliances than by direct military leadership.
Stone block relief from Thutmose II’s temple at Karnak. (JMCII/Public Domain).
Born to Thutmose I and a secondary wife, Mutnofret, Thutmose II ascended to the throne after his older brothers, Wadjmose and Amenmose, passed away. Recognizing the political importance of securing his rule, he married his half-sister Hatshepsut, the eldest daughter of Thutmose I and his principal wife, Queen Ahmose. Hatshepsut’s royal lineage strengthened Thutmose II’s position, ensuring his authority as pharaoh.
Together, Thutmose II and Hatshepsut had a daughter, Neferure. However, his successor, Thutmose III, was born to a secondary wife, Iset. Following Thutmose II’s death, Hatshepsut took control as regent for the young Thutmose III and later declared herself pharaoh, ruling Egypt for over two decades. Historians debate whether Hatshepsut’s rule represented a continuation of Thutmose II’s policies, or a significant departure that reflected her own vision for Egypt.
Due to Hatshepsut’s later efforts to solidify her own legacy, many monuments and inscriptions bearing Thutmose II’s name were altered or replaced. After her death, Thutmose III attempted to restore his father’s legacy by reinstating his name on several structures. These conflicting efforts have made it difficult for historians to determine the full extent of Thutmose II’s reign, which current estimate suggest lasted from from approximately 1493 BC to 1479 BC.
Head of the mummy of Thutmose II. (G. Elliot Smith/Public Domain).
Though much of his architectural work was erased or repurposed, a few structures from his time still exist. Some temples and monuments associated with him can be found in Kumma, Semna, and Elephantine. His most significant surviving architectural achievement is a limestone gateway at Karnak, originally part of the forecourt of the temple’s fourth pylon. However, the blocks from this gateway were later dismantled and used as a foundation for Amenhotep III’s constructions. Despite these losses, Thutmose II’s legacy persists through the monuments that remain and the historical accounts that reference his rule.
Thutmose II’s Mummified Remains Finally Linked to Burial Site
Unlike other pharaohs, no mortuary temple or previously identified royal tomb was associated with Thutmose II. His mummy was rediscovered in the late 19th century within the Deir el-Bahari Cachette, a site where numerous royal mummies had been reburied to protect them from tomb robbers. His remains were examined in 1886 by Gaston Maspero, revealing that his body had suffered extensive damage due to ancient looting.
Studies of Thutmose II’s mummy indicate that he was physically weak. His body was thin, with a lack of muscle mass, suggesting that he may have suffered from health issues. He also displayed signs of a severe skin disease, with scars and patches covering his body. His head had bald spots, which may have been related to the illness that ultimately led to his death in his early 30s.
The discovery of Thutmose II’s tomb is a major achievement, yet much remains unknown. Archaeologists continue to search for additional burial goods and evidence that could further illuminate the life and reign of this elusive and mysterious Egyptian pharaoh.
Top image: Interior of the tomb of Thutmose II.
Source: Egyptian Tourism and Antiquities Ministry.
By Nathan Falde
