Compared to his royal relatives, King Thutmose II doesnt get much attention. Depending on the documentation, the monarch only ruled over ancient Egypt for 13 years (1493-1479 BCE) at most, and possibly as little as three (1482-1479 BCE). Egyptologists tend to focus more on his father, Thutmose III; half-sister and wife, Queen Hatshepsut; and son, Thutmose II.But that doesnt make the discovery of his final resting place any less important. On February 18, the Egyptian government announced that an international team of archeologists have finally confirmed the tombs locationmaking it the first and most significant royal find since the identification of King Tutankhamuns tomb in 1922.The simple tomb was heavily damaged by flooding but still included a number of artifacts linked to Thutmose II. Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and AntiquitiesThe story of recovering Thutmose IIs remains dates back to the 19th century, when researchers found the kings mummified body at what is known as the Deir el-Bahari Cachette. But the site clearly wasnt the mummys original location, leading experts to wonder about the whereabouts of Thutmose IIs original tomb for well over a century.In 2022, experts unearthed a site a few miles west of Luxor and the Valley of Kings, which they designated Tomb No. C4. Given its relative simplicity and location near Queen Hatshepsuts grave, archeologists initially theorized No. C4 contained one of King Thutmose IIIs wives. The room and its features had been heavily damaged by flooding, making it difficult to understand its overall context. Further excavation also yielded the discovery of a second, smaller corridor thought to have been a robbers tunnel.Artifacts in tomb No. C4 linked to King Thutmose II. Credit: Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities Despite its significance, the tomb was found in poor condition, flooded in antiquity shortly after the kings death. Water damage caused severe deterioration, leading to the loss of many original contents, which are believed to have been relocated during ancient times, Mohamed Abdel Badei, head of the Ancient Egyptian Antiquities Sector and project co-lead, said in a statement.But despite the flooding, the vault wasnt devoid of artifactsand what archeologists found actually confirmed the tombs original inhabitant. According to Egypts Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, alabaster vase fragments spelled out not only Thutmose IIs name, but his final status as a deceased king. Other finds included plaster painted blue and decorated with yellow stars, along with portions of the Book of Amduat, a key religious text used during Egyptian royalty burial rituals. Researchers could also confirm that Queen Hatshepsutone of only two queens known to rule over ancient Egyptoversaw the burial of her husband and half-sibling. Get the Popular Science newsletter By signing up you agree to our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.Further analysis appears to solve not only the reason for the removal of Thutmose IIs mummy, but the mystery corridors purpose. Researchers now believe it wasnt robbers who built the tunnel, but royal attendants who rescued the kings remains from the flooded chamber. As excavation work continues, archeologists hope to learn even more answers about life during Thutmose IIs brief reign, as well as details about the rescue effort to recover his body from the flooded tomb.