Fatal Submarine Accident Claims Lives of Tourists in Egypt's Red Sea

Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) announced the remarkable discovery of a military leader's tomb dating back to the era of King Ramses III during an excavation at Tell Roud Iskander. This site, historically significant as a military stronghold, has revealed a main burial chamber, three adjoining rooms, and a trove of funerary relics, including jewelry and alabaster vessels, according to SCA Head Mohamed Abdel-Badie. The tomb, constructed from mudbrick and featuring white plastered walls, contained a human skeleton encased in layers of cartonnage, indicating its use over time. Although the identity of the officer remains unknown, historians speculate he may have links to King Horemheb, based on cartouches found within the burial site. In addition to the main tomb, the excavation unveiled mass graves and individual tombs from the Greco-Roman and Late Roman periods, containing amulets and skeletal remains. According to SCA Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Tell Roud played a pivotal role in defending Egypt's eastern borders during the New Kingdom. The ongoing research promises to further illuminate Egypt's ancient military history.

Researchers led by Filippo Biondi from the University of Strathclyde and Corrado Malanga from the University of Pisa claim to have discovered a "vast underground city" beneath Egypt's Giza pyramids. Using Synthetic Aperture Radar technology, they identified eight vertical cylindrical artifacts extending over 2,100 feet underground, along with other unidentified structures located 4,000 feet below the surface, as reported by GB News. The study, part of the Khafre Project, suggests the presence of multiple room-like structures inside the pyramids and possible connections to underground corridors. It also posits that the so-called Halls of Amenti may contain a legendary Hall of Records beneath the Great Sphinx. However, these claims have been met with skepticism. Zahi Hawass, Egypt's former minister of antiquities, dismissed the findings as "fake news," stating that the research techniques were unproven and lacked evidence of large subterranean architectures after decades of investigation. Radar specialist Professor Lawrence Conyers echoed this sentiment, suggesting that while the site could harbor smaller constructions, the announced findings are likely exaggerated. Further examination by independent scholars is necessary.

Archaeologists have unveiled the tomb of Thutmose II in Egypt's Valley of the Kings, marking the first discovery of an Egyptian pharaoh's tomb in over a century. British archaeologist Dr. Piers Litherland led the discovery, which he deemed highly significant, likening it to findings associated with Tutankhamun in 1922, according to the BBC World Service. The excavation team initially believed the tomb belonged to a royal wife but later identified it as belonging to Thutmose II, who ruled from 1493 to 1479 BC. While exploring, Litherland recognized the burial chamber's ceiling adorned with blue and yellow stars, which led to the remarkable find. Following flood debris clearance, the team discovered that the tomb had been emptied deliberately, indicating the king’s remains were relocated shortly after burial. The Royal mummy was likely moved to another undisclosed location, raising the prospect of a second intact tomb, as stated by Mohsen Kamel, the assistant field director. This discovery provides new insights into early 18th Dynasty kings and the mystery surrounding their burial places.