Tutankhamun: Infrared shows possible hidden chamber in King's tomb
The discovery could support a British's archaeologist's theory that Queen Nefertiti is also buried in the tomb
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Infrared scans have raised the possibility of a hidden chamber in the tomb of King Tutankhamun, the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities has announced.
The find could support a British's archaeologist's theory that Queen Nefertiti, or another ancient Egyptian royal, is also buried there.
Mandouh el-Damaty, the Minister of Antiquities, told National Geographic the preliminary analysis showed parts of the northern wall of the tomb had different temperatures.
One possibility is that the difference in temperature is caused by a hidden open area behind the wall.
Renowned British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves published a paper this year in which he claimed the tomb of the pharaoh includes two doorways that were plastered and painted over.
He argues the doorways indicate the tomb was originally built for Queen Nefertiti, but Tutankhamun's death would have forced priests to open the tomb 10 years after her death, because the young pharaoh's own mausoleum had not yet been built.
However, Mr el-Damaty says the chamber may contain Kiya, a wife of the pharaoh Akhenaten.
"A number of experiments will be carried out to determine more accurately the area marking the difference in temperature,” Mr el-Damaty told Yahoo News.
It will take a week or more using the thermography equipment in order to confirm the results, he added.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments