Tutankhamen's tomb may contain other chambers

Image
Press Trust of India Cairo
Last Updated : Nov 28 2015 | 9:57 PM IST
The 3300-year-old tomb of legendary King Tutankhamun in Egypt's Valley of the Kings is likely to have secret chamber behind one of its walls that could lead to the discovery of long-sought mummy of his powerful and influential mother -- Queen Nefertiti.
Hi-tech infrared and radar scans of the walls of the tomb have now been completed and will be sent to Japan for detailed examination, Antiquities Minister Mamdouh al-Damati said.
Experts are "90 per cent" sure that there is a hidden chamber in Tutankhamun's tomb, the minister said, adding the final results may lead to one of the most important and great discoveries.
Tutankhamun's mother - Queen Nefertiti -- played a major political and religious role in the 14th century BC, making her tomb and mummy one of the most sought after prize in Egyptology.
The tests were carried out by renowned British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves who said that the tomb concealed an opening into another chamber, which may lead to the tomb of Queen Nefertiti.
"Clearly it does look from the radar evidence as if the tomb continues, as I have predicted," Reeves said speaking at the same press conference.
"It does look indeed as if the tomb of Tutankhamun is a corridor tomb and it continues beyond the decorated burial chamber. I think it is Nefertiti and all the evidence points in that direction," he added.
Tutankhamen died at the age of 19 in 1324 BC after just nine years on the throne.
His tomb was discovered in 1922 in Luxor's Valley of the Kings by another British Egyptologist, Howard Carter.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Nov 28 2015 | 9:57 PM IST

Next Story