New scans suggest hidden chambers near King Tut’s tomb
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Archaeologists in Egypt are re-examining the area around King Tutankhamun’s tomb, KV62, after new geophysical surveys revealed potential hidden chambers extending north from the known structure.
In 1922, Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb filled with treasures, but noted its unusual size and layout for a pharaoh’s burial. British Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves first proposed in 2015 that KV62 was originally built for a female ruler, possibly Nefertiti, and later adapted for the young king.
Initial radar scans produced conflicting results, with some indicating hidden spaces and others finding no evidence. Recent research combines ground-penetrating radar, electrical surveys, and microgravimetry, measuring tiny changes in gravity, to map anomalies beneath the surface. Researchers identified low-density features suggesting the presence of up to six chambers connected by rubble-filled passages extending 25 to 30 meters. The team believes ancient builders may have deliberately filled passages with rubble to conceal them from detection.
They propose carefully drilling small holes to insert cameras and explore any discovered spaces, pending approval from Egypt’s Supreme Council of Antiquities. While finding chambers would not guarantee Nefertiti’s burial, it would represent a major step toward resolving the long-standing mystery surrounding the tomb’s origins and purpose.
