Science & Tech · Science & Environment · 11 hrs ago
Survey suggests possible hidden spaces near Tutankhamun’s tomb
Researchers are investigating whether hidden spaces lie beyond Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, known as KV62, in Egypt.
A review of archaeological and geophysical work includes a survey carried out between 2023 and 2024.
Lead researcher Mamdouh Eldamaty said the results suggest concealed structures may be there.
Some researchers have proposed that a hidden space could hold Nefertiti’s burial, but the evidence for that remains much less certain.
Nefertiti was Tutankhamun’s stepmother and mother-in-law, and is famous for a painted bust found in Egypt in 1912.
Tutankhamun’s tomb is unusually small for a pharaoh’s burial, and one hypothesis is that it was adapted for him after his early death.
A decision on whether to drill carefully through the north wall and use miniature cameras could be made in coming months.
A review of archaeological and geophysical investigations reports survey results suggestive of concealed structures beyond Tutankhamun’s tomb, known as KV62.
The survey was carried out between 2023 and 2024.
Some researchers have suggested that hidden spaces, if they exist, could contain the burial place of Nefertiti.
The possibility of drilling through the tomb’s north wall and using miniature cameras may be considered in the coming months.
Experts caution that evidence for unexplored spaces does not establish that Nefertiti was buried there.
- Who
- A research team reviewed investigations at Tutankhamun’s tomb; lead researcher Mamdouh Eldamaty discussed the results.
- What
- A survey suggested there may be concealed structures beyond the tomb. Researchers have raised the possibility that Nefertiti’s burial place could be nearby.
- When
- The survey was carried out between 2023 and 2024. A decision about drilling may be made in coming months.
- Where
- At Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, known as KV62, in Egypt.
- Why
- Researchers are investigating indications of possible concealed spaces; the sources do not state a definitive reason for the survey.
Nicholas Reeves and researchers proposing hidden spaces
Cautious experts
Evidence
Nicholas Reeves and researchers proposing hidden spaces
Reeves points to clues including painted-over hieroglyphics on the north wall as possible signs of a nearby burial.
Cautious experts
Experts caution that the findings are limited and do not establish that hidden spaces exist.
Interpretation
Nicholas Reeves and researchers proposing hidden spaces
If concealed chambers exist, they could contain Nefertiti’s burial place.
Cautious experts
Evidence for unexplored spaces is not evidence that Nefertiti was buried there.
No direct quotes in the coverage so far.
The hypothesis that hidden rooms may lie beyond Tutankhamun’s burial chamber was first proposed.
A survey was carried out as part of investigations at the burial chamber.
A decision on whether to drill through the north wall and use miniature cameras could be made.
- Tomb
- Tutankhamun’s burial chamber, also known as KV62
- Survey period
- 2023–2024
- Lead researcher
- Mamdouh Eldamaty
- Possible next step
- Carefully drill through the north wall and deploy miniature cameras
- Potential burial linked to the hypothesis
- Nefertiti
Sources
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