theguardian.com
Second Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Discovered in Egypt
British archaeologist Piers Litherland discovered the first rock-cut pharaoh's tomb in Egypt since 1922, belonging to Thutmose II, and is now excavating a second, concealed tomb believed to contain the pharaoh's remains and artifacts near Luxor, Egypt.
- What is the significance of discovering a second, concealed tomb potentially containing Thutmose II's remains and artifacts?
- British archaeologist Piers Litherland recently announced the discovery of pharaoh Thutmose II's tomb in Luxor, Egypt, the first such find since Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. The tomb, located under a waterfall, was mostly empty due to flooding shortly after the pharaoh's death in 1479 BC. A second, concealed tomb is suspected nearby, potentially containing the pharaoh's remains and artifacts.
- What evidence suggests the relocation of Thutmose II's remains and grave goods, and what challenges does the excavation of the second tomb present?
- Litherland's team discovered evidence suggesting Thutmose II's wife, Hatshepsut, moved the tomb's contents to a second, hidden location after the first was flooded. This second tomb is believed to be concealed beneath 23 meters of man-made layers of rock and plaster, designed to mimic the natural mountainside and protect it from discovery and looting. The discovery highlights the ingenuity of ancient Egyptian burial practices and the challenges faced by archaeologists in uncovering such sites.
- How might the discovery and analysis of Thutmose II's second tomb alter our understanding of ancient Egyptian burial practices, political dynamics, and the life of Thutmose II himself?
- The ongoing excavation of Thutmose II's second tomb presents significant challenges, requiring the careful removal of a massive man-made structure. This painstaking process, estimated to take another month, will reveal whether the tomb contains the pharaoh's mummy and grave goods, providing invaluable insights into 18th Dynasty burial practices. The potential discovery has the power to reshape our understanding of this period of ancient Egyptian history.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative is framed as a thrilling adventure story emphasizing the archaeologist's personal journey and the dramatic nature of the discovery. The potential historical significance of the discovery is present, but secondary to the excitement and mystery. Headlines and introductions use evocative language to heighten the drama. For example, 'find of the century' and 'the stuff of dreams' create a sense of extraordinary achievement.
Language Bias
The article uses emotionally charged language such as 'find of the century,' 'stuff of dreams,' and 'breathtaking' to create excitement. While enhancing engagement, this language lacks the strict neutrality expected in academic reporting. Using more descriptive but less emotionally laden terms would improve objectivity. For instance, 'significant archaeological discovery' instead of 'find of the century'.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the archaeologist's perspective and findings, potentially omitting other archaeologists' views or theories regarding the tomb's location and significance. There is no mention of alternative interpretations of the inscription or the methods used to identify the potential second tomb. Given the complexity of the subject and the potential for multiple interpretations, additional perspectives would strengthen the article.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic eitheor scenario: either the first tomb (flooded and empty) or the second tomb (containing the pharaoh's remains) is the true resting place. The possibility of the pharaoh's remains being elsewhere entirely is not considered, nor are intermediate possibilities, such as partial remains in both locations. This simplification might oversimplify the complexities of ancient Egyptian burial practices.
Gender Bias
While Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, is mentioned as a potentially relevant figure, the focus remains overwhelmingly on the male archaeologist and his team. There's no explicit gender bias in the language, but the narrative's emphasis on the male archaeologist might unintentionally downplay the potential roles of female researchers or contributors to the project.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and preservation of historical sites contribute to cultural heritage preservation, a key aspect of sustainable urban development. Protecting these sites promotes tourism and supports local communities.