bbc.com
Tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II Unearthed in Egypt
The tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt 3,500 years ago, has been discovered in Egypt's Theban Necropolis by a team of Egyptian and British archaeologists—the first such discovery since 1922. Though initially empty due to deliberate removal after a flood, fragments of gypsum vases with Thutmose II's and his wife Hatshepsut's names confirmed the identity of the tomb.
- What is the significance of discovering Pharaoh Thutmose II's tomb after more than a century, and what immediate implications does this have for our understanding of ancient Egypt?
- A team of Egyptian and British archaeologists have unearthed the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II, who ruled Egypt approximately 3,500 years ago. This discovery marks the first such finding since the tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922. The tomb, initially believed to belong to one of his wives, was found empty, suggesting its contents were moved after a flood.
- How did the archaeologists determine the tomb belonged to Thutmose II, considering it was found empty, and what broader context does this discovery provide about burial practices of the time?
- The discovery occurred in the western part of the Theban Necropolis near Luxor, contrary to initial expectations that such tombs were located further away. The tomb's entrance, discovered in 2022, led to a burial chamber with a blue ceiling, a characteristic feature of pharaonic tombs. The chamber contained fragments of gypsum vases bearing the names of Thutmose II and Hatshepsut, confirming the tomb's identity.
- What future research directions are suggested by the empty state of the tomb and the potential location of a second tomb, and what new insights might these lead to regarding the history and culture of ancient Egypt?
- The empty tomb suggests a deliberate removal of its contents after a flood damaged the site. The discovery challenges the previously accepted identification of Thutmose II's mummy, and the fragments of vases with names of Thutmose II and Hatshepsut, his wife, are the first artifacts linked to his burial. The team believes they have a lead on a second tomb that may contain untouched treasures.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The narrative prioritizes the archaeologists' emotional reactions and the dramatic aspects of the discovery (e.g., the unexpected nature of the find, the empty tomb, crawling through a narrow tunnel). This framing, while creating a compelling story, might overshadow the historical and scientific significance of the discovery. The headline itself emphasizes the rarity of the find, potentially prioritizing sensationalism over nuanced understanding.
Language Bias
The language used is largely neutral, but phrases like "complete bewilderment" and "very turbulent feelings" contribute to the emotional tone of the article, potentially influencing reader perception. These phrases could be replaced with more neutral descriptions, such as "surprise" or "strong emotions." Similarly, describing Tutmose II's death as a young man as "a hawk in a nest" is a figurative expression, adding some subjective flavor.
Bias by Omission
The article focuses heavily on the discovery and the emotional response of the archaeologists, potentially omitting details about the historical significance of Tutmose II beyond his relationship to Hatshepsut and Tutankhamun. The article also doesn't delve into the methods used to confirm the tomb's identity beyond mentioning the blue ceiling and Book of Amduat imagery. Further, the potential location of a second tomb is mentioned, but no details about the evidence supporting this claim are provided. While space constraints likely contribute to these omissions, they could leave the reader with an incomplete picture of the discovery's full implications.
False Dichotomy
The article presents a somewhat simplistic dichotomy between the expectation of finding a queen's tomb and the surprising discovery of the pharaoh's tomb. It doesn't explore the possibility of other outcomes or the complexities of ancient Egyptian burial practices. While the surprise element is engaging, it might oversimplify the range of potential archeological findings.
Gender Bias
The article mentions Hatshepsut, a female pharaoh, positively as the wife and sister of Tutmose II. However, the focus remains primarily on the male pharaoh. The inclusion of Hatshepsut is positive, but her role is secondary to the main narrative, suggesting a possible implicit bias. There is no evidence of negative gender stereotyping.
Sustainable Development Goals
The discovery and study of the tomb utilizes technological advancements and research methodologies to further our understanding of ancient history and civilizations. This contributes to the advancement of archaeological techniques and knowledge.