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Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Unearthed in Egypt After a Century of Search

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The tomb of Thutmose II, the ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled approximately 3,500 years ago, has been discovered west of the Valley of the Kings, marking an extraordinary find after a century of searching. This discovery, announced by Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, is a significant milestone in Egyptology. The tomb, while largely devoid of treasures, provides invaluable information about ancient Egyptian burial practices. Initial examinations suggest that flooding shortly after the burial led to the removal of grave goods, leaving the chamber empty of artefacts and the pharaoh’s mummy. Despite the tomb’s empty state, ceramics inscribed with Thutmose II’s name were found, which helped confirm the tomb’s royal ownership.

While the tomb itself had been untouched by looters, the absence of grave goods and the mummy led archaeologists to consider the possibility of a second, undiscovered burial site where these items were relocated after the flooding. Some experts speculate that a mummy found in a cache at Deir el-Bahari could belong to Thutmose II, though discrepancies in the estimated age of death cast doubt on this theory. Further research is ongoing to explore the potential of finding his remains and the missing burial artifacts, which could shed light on the royal burial customs of ancient Egypt.

The tomb was first identified in October 2022, but it wasn’t until late 2024 and early 2025 that researchers, using analysis of pottery fragments, were able to definitively link it to Thutmose II. Piers Litherland, an Egyptologist from the University of Cambridge who co-led the excavation, shared that a pottery shard bearing a label indicating natron—a substance used in mummification—provided further evidence that the site was once a burial location. This discovery, although still in its early stages, has the potential to unlock deeper understanding of the burial practices of one of Egypt’s long-reigning pharaohs.

The find holds immense historical significance not only for uncovering the tomb of a pharaoh but also for offering new clues about the royal burial rituals of ancient Egypt. Despite the lack of traditional burial riches, the discovery of ceramics and the presence of natron provide critical insights into the embalming and mummification processes, which continue to intrigue researchers and historians alike. As the investigation progresses, there is hope that further revelations about Thutmose II’s final resting place and the royal burial practices of the time will emerge.

Ancient Egyptian Tomb of Meketre Yields Exquisite Wooden Diorama of Granary and Scribes

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A remarkable wooden diorama depicting a granary with scribes was uncovered in the tomb of Meketre, an influential official from Egypt’s Middle Kingdom. Discovered in 1920 in a concealed chamber within his tomb at Thebes (modern-day Luxor), the model dates back to around 1980 B.C. This artifact provides valuable insight into the role of grain storage and record-keeping in an ancient agricultural society where wheat and barley were essential commodities. Today, this well-preserved model is housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, where it continues to captivate historians and visitors alike.

The diorama, meticulously crafted from wood, measures approximately 74.9 by 56 by 36.5 cm. It showcases a granary divided into two primary sections: one for storing grain and the other for administrative tasks. Inside, 15 miniature figurines, each around 20 cm tall, are arranged to depict various activities. Some figures are shown carrying sacks of grain, while others diligently record inventory on wooden tablets and papyrus scrolls. The model also illustrates architectural elements designed to protect stored grain from theft and rodent infestations, highlighting the sophisticated grain management practices of the time.

The discovery of this diorama sheds light on the economic foundation of ancient Egypt, which was heavily dependent on agricultural production. The Nile Valley’s fertile lands allowed for abundant cereal harvests, making grain a vital resource for both sustenance and trade. Pharaohs exercised strict control over grain distribution, ensuring food security and stability throughout the kingdom. Meketre, as the chief steward, played a crucial role in overseeing royal estates and managing the storage and allocation of grain supplies.

Beyond its historical significance, this model offers a glimpse into the daily operations of an ancient Egyptian granary, emphasizing the importance of administrative roles in maintaining a well-functioning economy. The presence of scribes in the diorama underscores the meticulous record-keeping that was integral to managing resources efficiently. As one of the best-preserved examples of ancient Egyptian craftsmanship, the granary model remains an invaluable artifact that continues to deepen our understanding of life and labor in the Middle Kingdom.

Ancient Egyptian Vase, 2,200 Years Old, Unearths Clues to Hallucinogenic Ceremonies

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A groundbreaking discovery has been made regarding an ancient Egyptian vase, which has revealed surprising evidence of hallucinogenic rituals. The vase, dating back 2,200 years, features a depiction of Bes, a dwarf deity commonly associated with childbirth and joy. According to a recent study published in Scientific Reports on November 13, the vase was likely used in religious ceremonies to recreate a myth involving the calming of the sky goddess. The vessel, now housed in the Tampa Museum of Art, was subjected to cutting-edge chemical analyses, including DNA extraction and infrared spectroscopy, which unveiled intriguing traces of psychotropic substances.

Chemical analysis of the vase’s contents showed traces of wild rue, Egyptian lotus, and Cleome plant—each of which is known to have mind-altering effects. These findings suggest the vessel was used to prepare a hallucinogenic beverage. Additionally, common food ingredients such as sesame seeds, pine nuts, and grapes were found, which researchers believe could have been intentionally added to mimic the appearance of blood. Further analysis also uncovered traces of human saliva and blood, which may indicate that the drink was consumed during ritualistic practices. The evidence strongly suggests the beverage was part of reenactments of the “Myth of the Solar Eye,” in which Bes pacifies the bloodthirsty goddess Hathor using a blood-like concoction.

The vase’s role may extend beyond the ritualistic. Researchers speculate that it could have been used in oracular practices tied to the cult of Bes, particularly in the Bes-Chambers at Saqqara, where individuals sought prophetic visions. The beverage may have played a key role in inducing trance-like states, allowing for dream interpretations that were believed to predict future events. Branko van Oppen, a curator at the Tampa Museum of Art and co-author of the study, suggests that the combination of ingredients found in the vase could also have been used in childbirth-related rituals, potentially even for predicting pregnancy outcomes.

This remarkable find opens a new window into understanding ancient Egyptian spiritual practices. It underscores how religious rituals were deeply intertwined with both symbolic storytelling and the use of psychoactive substances, offering a richer understanding of the ancient world’s relationship with the divine, the supernatural, and human consciousness.