In a groundbreaking archaeological discovery, a joint Egyptian-British mission has found the tomb of King Thutmose II near Luxor. This marks the first time in more than a century that a royal pharaonic tomb has been unearthed. The discovery offers fresh insights into Egypt’s 18th Dynasty and its rulers, marking a major milestone in archaeological exploration.

The tomb, located west of the Valley of the Kings, was considered one of the last missing tombs of Egypt’s illustrious New Kingdom period. Researchers identified it through alabaster vessels inscribed with the name of Thutmose II and his wife, Queen Hatshepsut—one of the few women to have ruled ancient Egypt in her own right. The discovery is particularly significant as the last royal tomb found was that of King Tutankhamun in 1922, which famously yielded a treasure trove of artifacts.

Preliminary excavations at the site have uncovered fragments of the king’s funerary furniture, as well as pieces of mortar adorned with blue inscriptions, yellow stars, and religious texts. However, archaeologists noted that the tomb had suffered severe damage due to flooding soon after the king’s death. Many of its original contents appear to have been relocated in antiquity, prompting an ongoing effort to trace and recover them.

Despite the damage, experts believe the discovery will provide invaluable insights into the reign of Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt in the 15th century BCE. His legacy has long been overshadowed by that of his powerful wife and successor, Hatshepsut. The find is expected to fuel new research into the political and religious shifts of the time, as well as burial customs that defined the era.

The excavation team continues to carefully document the site, hoping that further studies will reveal more about the lost treasures of the tomb and its historical significance. This discovery reaffirms Egypt's position as one of the world’s richest sources of ancient history and highlights the continuing importance of archaeological exploration.