The Valley of the Kings has become quite the headliner when it comes to uncovering significant relics of the past. On Monday, Egyptologists believe they have identified who they believe is the mummy of Hatshepsut, who is often regarded as one of the most famous queens to rule during ancient Egyptian times. It is amazing that a mummy of such stature would be found in such a humble tomb. In this article, you will find additional details.
The chief archeologist in Egypt is scheduled to hold a press conference on Wednesday to reveal further details and answer questions, but word has it that the find is considered one of the most important discoveries within the Valley of the Kings since King Tut. The mummy of Hatshepsut is one of two female specimens, who were uncovered in 1903. The lovely ladies were situated in a small tomb, which is thought to have belonged to Hatshepsut’s wet-nurse, whose name was Sitre In.
Over the years, a handful of Egyptologists have suspected that one of the mummies was the queen, who was in power between 1503 and 1482 BC. She ruled over the ancient Egyptians at a time that the country was enjoying a high level of success as a powerhouse. Although new evidence for the identification will be presented, not all Egyptologists are truly convinced that a conclusive case is possible. Some of the main factors associated with the identification of Hatshepsut are based upon teeth and other body parts. While the artifacts are quite interesting, science will have to lead the way to the truth.
According to Elizabeth Thomas, another Egyptologist interested in the identification of the mummy, has suspected for many years that one of the mummies was indeed the queen. She had always held a particular interest in the positioning of the right arm, which was place over her chest , a common sign that she was of royal blood. As for where she was found, some believe her mummy was hidden in the humble tomb for her own safekeeping. After her death, her stepson and successor to the throne, Tuthmosis III, was at the time interested in destroying her memory.
In 1989, the tomb was rediscovered by Donald Ryan, an Egyptologist, who revealed their were many possible identities for the two female mummies. He elaborated that the mummies are undergoing many different tests that will use a variety of ingenious methods for proper identification. Currently, the two mummies are in Cairo, being heavily examined for extra clues to unlock their past.
For Ryan, the folded right arm of the mummy suspected to be the former queen had always troubled him. He has stated many times that he doesn’t believe it to be indicative of Hatshepsut. Why? Ryan described her has very large with a fat body and large breasts. He is not moved by the positioning of her arm as a reliable piece of evidence to suggest royalty.
Ryan has showed more interest in the mummy that has been traditionally identified as the wet nurse (because it was located in the coffin made for a wet nurse). Today, this mummy called the Egyptian Museum in Cairo its new home. He believes that the mummy that possesses the larger breasts may have been that of the wet nurse. The mummy that is houses on the third floor at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo may very well be that of Hatshepsut. Only time will tell.