New radar survey of Tutankhamun’s tomb

A rigorous investigation of Tutankhamun’s tomb using next-generation radar technology will attempt to determine once and for all whether the boy king’s burial site contains hidden chambers, a contentious topic for archaeologists in recent years

Mediterranean Sea

Cairo

River Nile

EGYPT

—————
Tutankhamun’s tomb 
Discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter

Entrance

200m 650ft

VALLEY OF THE KINGS

Corridor

Treasure Chamber

Possible resting place of Nefertiti

Antechamber

Annex

5 metres 16 feet

Burial chamber

Proposed storeroom

———————
Recent investigations

2015: British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves claims Tutankhamun’s tomb contains two hidden doorways that could lead to secret chamber, possibly lost burial site of Queen Nefertiti

Scans by Japanese radar specialist Hirokatsu Watanabe suggest tomb contains two open spaces 

2016: Further scans by National Geographic Society fail to confirm initial findings

2017: Team from Polytechnic University of Turin, led by Franco Porcelli, will use new radar technology capable of peering up to 10 metres into solid rock to detect existing underground structures

Some believe “Younger Lady”, mother of Tutankhamun whose mummy was discovered in tomb of Amenhotep II in 1898, could be Nefertiti

Reeves believes remains of Tutankhamun, who died 3,300 years ago aged 19, may have been rushed into outer chamber of what was originally Nefertiti’s tomb

Reeves’s theory based on close examination of high-resolution laser scans used to create facsimile of tomb for multiple tourist visits 

Fissures revealed may indicate presence of two sealed doors in west (1) and north (2) walls

Confirmation of Nefertiti’s final resting place would be most remarkable Egyptian archaeological find in almost a century

Nefertiti: Queen of Egypt and wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten in 14th century BC

————————————
Pictures: Associated Press, Getty Images

Sources: The Burial of Nefertiti? by Nicholas Reeves, Factum Arte, Theban Mapping Project,

© GRAPHIC NEWS