In the heart of Egypt’s Valley of the Kings, where the sun sets over the sprawling desert, lies the final resting place of legendary Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun. However, it’s not just Tutankhamun who captivates the imagination; Ankhesenamun, his queen, adds a layer of mystery and tragedy to the ancient tale.
Scientists may be closing in on the remains of Egyptian King Tutankhamun’s wife AnkhesenamunCredit: Getty – Contributor
Ankhesenamun, the third of six daughters, was only 13 years old when she entered into an unusual marriage with her half-brother, Tutankhamun, who was just nine years old at the time. The intricate web of royal relationships in ancient Egypt saw Ankhesenamun later marrying Tutankhamun’s successor, Ay, who happened to be her maternal grandfather. Additionally, there are historical suggestions that she might have been the first wife of her own father, Akhenten, painting a complex picture of familial ties in the Egyptian royalty.
The final remains of Ankhesenamun, immortalised in film The Mummy, are believed to be buried in the Valley Of The Kings
Renowned archaeologist Zahi Hawass, well-known for his work in uncovering Egypt’s ancient secrets, claims to have discovered Ankhesenamun’s final resting place in the Valley of the Kings. Using groundbreaking ground-penetrating radar technology in July, Hawass detected what he believes to be a tomb that could hold the key to solving the mystery of Ankhesenamun.
Archaeologist Zahi Hawass discovered what he claimed was her final resting place in the Valley of the Kings (pictured) using ground-penetrating technologyCredit: Getty – Contributor
The tomb was found in the Valley of the Monkeys, a side valley adjacent to the Valley of the Kings, and is in close proximity to the resting place of Tutankhamun’s successor, Ay. The discovery has sparked excitement, with Hawass referring to it as the “discovery of the century.” The excavation to uncover Ankhesenamun’s remains is now underway, promising to unveil details that have remained shrouded in mystery for centuries.
Tutankhamun is believed to have died before his burial chamber was built and buried in a rushCredit: Getty Images
Franco Porcelli, the project’s director, expressed optimism about the findings, stating, “Who knows what we might find as we scan the ground.” The use of advanced radar systems is expected to reveal underground architecture and potential anomalies within the tomb walls. The excavation aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the burial site and contribute to the ongoing exploration of the Valley of the Kings.
Hawass had been excavating the Valley of the Kings area as part of a fresh investigation into the resting place of TutankhamunCredit: Getty – Contributor
This isn’t the first time that researchers have delved into the mysteries surrounding Tutankhamun’s tomb. The famous burial site, discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922, has been subject to various theories and speculations over the years. Some believe in the existence of a secret room within the tomb, possibly the final resting place of Queen Nefertiti, Tutankhamun’s step-mother. Porcelli’s team, armed with high-tech radar systems, intends to put these speculations to rest, providing what they claim will be a “99 percent definitive” answer.
Archaeologist Howard Carter removing oils from the coffin of Tutankhamen in 1922Credit: Getty – Contributor
The hunt for Ankhesenamun’s remains is part of a broader study mapping the ancient resting places of Egyptian Pharaohs. It marks the third time in two years that researchers have entered Tutankhamun’s tomb, emphasizing the continuous efforts to unveil the secrets concealed in the 3,300-year-old burial chamber.
While doubts have been cast over the existence of a hidden chamber, the quest for Ankhesenamun’s remains represents a significant step in understanding the lives and relationships of ancient Egyptian royalty. As the excavation progresses, the Valley of the Kings might yield more clues about this enigmatic queen, immortalized in history and even portrayed as a villain in Hollywood blockbusters. The ancient echoes of Ankhesenamun’s story are poised to reverberate through time, shedding light on a bygone era that continues to fascinate and mystify us today.