Genspark.ai report “Recent Discoveries in Egyptology”
Testing a new-to-me tool – genspark.ai – I basically asked for a report on recent discoveries in Egyptology.
Link to that on their site: https://www.genspark.ai/spark/recent-breakthroughs-in-egyptology-a-comprehensive-report-april-2025/c8d23bec-5654-49e3-b43c-5985e357174b
Looks like you get one free use; or at least – I used all my credits.
I also included a review of the article by ChatGPT at the end.
Recent Discoveries in Egyptology
A Comprehensive Report on Archaeological Breakthroughs (2024-2025)
Compiled: April 11, 2025
Introduction
The field of Egyptology has witnessed remarkable discoveries and innovations over the past year. From royal tombs to technological breakthroughs in preservation, our understanding of ancient Egypt continues to evolve. This report presents a comprehensive overview of the most significant recent findings, research developments, and technological advancements that have shaped our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization.
Major Archaeological Discoveries
Thutmose II’s Tomb: First Royal Tomb Discovery in Over a Century
In February 2025, British archaeologist Piers Litherland and his team made a groundbreaking discovery in the western wadis near the Valley of the Kings: the tomb of Pharaoh Thutmose II. This find represents the first rock-cut tomb of an Egyptian pharaoh to be discovered in more than a century—the most significant tomb discovery since Tutankhamun.
The tomb features a burial chamber with a ceiling painted blue with yellow stars, decorated with scenes from the Amduat, a religious text reserved for kings. What makes this discovery particularly interesting is that the tomb was deliberately emptied in antiquity—not because of robbery, but because it had flooded. The tomb was constructed beneath a waterfall, and evidence suggests it was flooded within about six years of the burial, leading ancient Egyptians to remove the king’s remains through a subsidiary corridor.
The discovery was confirmed when archaeologists found small fragments of alabaster bearing the names of Thutmose II and his wife, Queen Hatshepsut, while clearing tons of broken limestone from the tomb.
“This discovery solves a great mystery of ancient Egypt: the location of the tombs of the early 18th dynasty kings. The tomb of this ancestor of Tutankhamun had never been found because it was always thought to be at the other end of the mountain near the Valley of the Kings.”— Piers Litherland
Source: [The Guardian], [BBC News]
Entrance to the tomb of Thutmose II as released by the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Image: The Guardian
Archaeological Treasures at Queen Hatshepsut’s Temple
In January 2025, archaeologists led by renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass made remarkable discoveries at the ancient necropolis of Thebes in Luxor, revealing intact portions of the foundation wall of Queen Hatshepsut’s valley temples.
Over 1,500 decorated stone blocks were unearthed on the perimeter of Hatshepsut’s funerary temple. These blocks feature extraordinary bas-reliefs and inscriptions that provide rare insights into the ritual and architectural knowledge of the 18th Dynasty. The team also uncovered ceremonial implements beneath the foundation of the temple and a limestone tablet mentioning Senmut, the queen’s chief architect.
The findings, spanning from the 15th Dynasty (1650–1550 BCE) to the 18th Dynasty (1550–1292 BCE), underscore the historical richness of Luxor as a cradle of ancient Egyptian civilization. They offer valuable insights into the cultural and architectural advancements of this period, often considered one of Egypt’s greatest eras when pharaohs like Hatshepsut and Tutankhamun reigned.
Source: [Archaeology Magazine]
Decorated stone blocks at Hatshepsut’s temple. Image: Archaeology Magazine
Egyptian Mummies with Gold Tongues Discovered in Oxyrhynchus
In late 2024, a team of Spanish and Egyptian archaeologists led by Esther Pons Mellado and Maite Mascort discovered thirteen mummies with gold tongues and fingernails in a cemetery at Oxyrhynchus, Egypt. Dating to the Ptolemaic period (304-30 BCE), these mummies exhibit unique characteristics that provide insight into ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
According to the researchers, gold tongues were believed to help the dead speak in the afterlife, as gold was thought to be the flesh of the gods. In addition to the gold tongues and fingernails, amulets in the shapes of scarab beetles and the deities Horus, Thoth, and Isis were found with the mummified remains.
The team also discovered well-preserved chamber paintings depicting a tomb owner named “Wen-Nefer” alongside various Egyptian deities, underscoring the cultural and religious importance of funerary practices during the Ptolemaic period.
Source: [Archaeology.org]
Gold tongues and nails discovered at Oxyrhynchus, Egypt. Image: Archaeology.org
The Mysterious “Bashiri” Mummy
An intriguing story emerged in March 2025 about a mummy known as “Bashiri” or the “Untouchable,” discovered nearly a century ago in the Valley of the Kings region by Howard Carter (three years before his discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb). What makes this mummy unique is its wrapping technique, which is unlike any other known mummy.
The embalming cloths create an intricate pattern on the mummy’s face resembling the architectural design of Egypt’s famous pyramids. Due to the extreme delicacy of these fabrics and the fact that they represent the only known example of this mummification technique, archaeologists have chosen not to unwrap the mummy, instead using non-invasive methods such as CT scans and X-rays to study it.
These scans revealed that “Bashiri” was a man approximately 167 centimeters tall who lived during the Ptolemaic period (2nd to early 3rd centuries BCE). The elaborate decoration, including a lateral lock on his chest made of several rows of beads with hawk’s head-shaped barbs and a bodice depicting scenes with deities, suggests he was an important figure in ancient Egyptian society.
Source: [Euronews]
New Rooms Discovered Inside Sahura’s Pyramid
A team of Egyptian and German specialists, led by Egyptologist Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled from the Department of Egyptology at Julius-Maximilians-Universität of Würzburg, made an important discovery inside Sahura’s Pyramid. Using advanced 3D laser scanning with a ZEB Horizon portable LiDAR scanner, the team uncovered eight previously hidden storage rooms.
These rooms, although damaged in the northern and southern parts (especially the ceiling and original floor), still retain remnants of the original walls and parts of the floor. The discovery provides new insights into the design of Sahura’s pyramid and is expected to revolutionize our understanding of the historical development of pyramid structures.
The team’s work has ensured the structural integrity of the rooms while making them accessible for future study and potentially for public viewing, contributing significantly to our knowledge of ancient Egyptian architectural techniques.
Source: [SciTechDaily]
New Discoveries in Pharaoh Shepseskaf’s Tomb
A Polish-Egyptian archaeological mission recently completed a new phase of work in the tomb of Pharaoh Shepseskaf at Saqqara, focusing on a detailed investigation of the burial chamber. The team recovered most fragments of the destroyed royal sarcophagus, allowing for partial reconstruction, and conducted research in the burial chamber, adjacent rooms, and the chapel on the eastern side of the mastaba.
The researchers employed advanced 3D scanning technology to create a digital model of the internal structure of the tomb and performed geophysical surveys to map the layout of the processional ramp and its surroundings.
This ongoing project aims to uncover more hidden areas of Shepseskaf’s burial complex and provide valuable insights into the entire Saqqara necropolis, reconstructing the historical and cultural significance of this enigmatic pharaoh’s tomb.
Source: [Archaeology Mag]
Settlement from Egypt’s Golden Age Uncovered
Archaeologists have discovered an ancient Egyptian settlement beneath Hellenistic ruins in the north-western Nile delta, dating back to the New Kingdom period (approximately 1550-1069 BC). This newly uncovered settlement includes a temple dedicated to Pharaoh Ramesses II.
The find provides new evidence of Egyptian expansion during the New Kingdom, a thriving period often regarded as Egypt’s Golden Age. It highlights the era’s prosperity, significant urban development, and the establishment of important religious sites.
Sylvain Dhennin from the University of Lyon, France, was among the team that made this discovery, which adds to our understanding of ancient Egypt’s territorial reach and cultural development during its most prosperous era.
Source: [New Scientist]
Research Breakthroughs
New Study Links King Tut’s Burial Rituals to the God Osiris
Recent research by Yale University’s Nicholas Brown has reinterpreted previously overlooked artifacts in King Tutankhamun’s tomb, suggesting they played a key role in burial rituals associated with Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife. Simple clay trays and wooden staffs found near Tut’s sarcophagus now appear to have been purposefully incorporated into the pharaoh’s burial ritual.
Brown posits that the trays may have held liquid offerings to Osiris, while the staffs may represent the symbolic “awakening” of the pharaoh, echoing Egyptian myths where Osiris is summoned awake by staffs held by his head. Interestingly, depictions of this ceremony are only known from artwork dating to the 19th Dynasty (ca. 1295–1186 BC), decades after Tutankhamun’s death.
If Brown’s hypothesis is correct, it would suggest that these Osirian rituals originated earlier than previously thought. The focus on Osiris may have been a deliberate move by Tutankhamun and his advisors to return to more traditional religious views after his father, Akhenaten, had centered Egyptian religion around the sun god Aten.
Source: [Archaeology Magazine]
Detail drawing of the four clay troughs and other objects in Tutankhamun’s burial chamber. Image: Archaeology Magazine
Study Revises Understanding of “Pregnant” Egyptian Mummy
In March 2025, an international team of researchers, including members of the Warsaw Mummy Project, reexamined an Egyptian mummy that had previously garnered attention as the first-ever “pregnant mummy” with cancer. Using X-ray imaging and analyzing 1,300 CT images, the team conclusively determined that the woman was not pregnant and did not have cancer.
The material initially thought to represent a fetus was identified as simply objects placed there as part of the embalming process. Additionally, the researchers suggested that any damage to the woman’s skull likely occurred when her brain was removed during mummification, not from cancer as previously thought.
This study highlights the importance of thorough scientific examination and the potential for misinterpretation in archaeological research. The findings have implications for our understanding of ancient mummification techniques and the application of diagnostic imaging in archaeology.
Source: [Archaeology Magazine]
Scientifically Sniffing Ancient Egyptian Mummified Bodies
In a novel approach to studying ancient Egyptian mummies, researchers recently analyzed the scents of nine mummified individuals. The team collected air samples from around the remains and analyzed them using gas-chromatography-mass-spectrometry-olfactometry (GC-MS-O) combined with evaluations by an eight-member trained sensory panel.
The study revealed that mummy scents are highly individualized, suggesting significant variability in mummification processes and preservation states. The most frequent sensory notes described were “woody,” “spicy,” and “sweet,” followed by “incense-like,” “stale,” and “rancid.” Interestingly, there was no correlation between a mummy’s conservation state and its smell intensity, though the conservation state did reflect the overall composition of odors.
“What truly surprised me was how individual the smells were, which indicated significant differences in the mummification processes and states of preservation.”— Study researcher
The researchers are now working to reconstruct these smells based on their findings so they can be presented in museums, adding an olfactory dimension to visitors’ understanding of ancient Egyptian mummification practices.
Source: [American Chemical Society]
Technological Advancements
3D Scanning Innovations in Egyptology
Recent technological advances have transformed how archaeologists study and preserve ancient Egyptian artifacts and structures. Advanced 3D scanning techniques, particularly LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), have been employed in several major projects:
- Sahura’s Pyramid: A team using a ZEB Horizon portable LiDAR scanner discovered eight hidden storage rooms, generating detailed 3D models of previously inaccessible spaces.
- Pharaoh Shepseskaf’s Tomb: 3D scanning created a digital model of the internal structure of this mastaba tomb at Saqqara, complementing geophysical surveys of the processional ramp.
- Field Museum Mummies: CT scanning of mummified remains at Chicago’s Field Museum created 3D images revealing skeletons and artifacts inside, providing new insights into ancient Egyptian mortuary practices.
These non-invasive techniques are proving invaluable for studying delicate artifacts like the “Bashiri” mummy, where physical examination would risk damaging the unique wrapping technique. The resulting digital models also enhance accessibility, allowing researchers worldwide to study these treasures remotely.
Sources: [SciTechDaily], [Archaeology Mag], [CNN]
Egypt’s Digital Transformation Strategy for Cultural Heritage
In April 2025, Egypt’s Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, through the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), launched an ambitious digital transformation project aimed at preserving and promoting the country’s rich cultural heritage. This comprehensive strategy includes:
- Translation of key historical documents, such as the “Arabian Antiquities Preservation Committee Notebooks,” into Arabic
- Digitization of scientific publications, including Annual Reports of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, The Museum Journal, Islamic Archaeological Studies, and Mishkat Journal
- Publication of these materials in interactive digital formats to enhance accessibility
According to Minister of Tourism and Antiquities, Mr. Sherif Fathy, “This initiative is crucial in facilitating academic research, enhancing accessibility to scientific information, and safeguarding our historical manuscripts and documents from potential damage.”
This digital transformation will have significant effects on preservation efforts by converting fragile, paper-based documents into durable digital formats, improving access through digital search capabilities, reducing paper dependency, and modernizing archival methods to safeguard Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Source: [Top50Women]
Virtual Reality Experiences Bringing Ancient Egypt to Life
Virtual Reality (VR) technology is revolutionizing how the public can experience ancient Egypt. Several notable projects have launched recently:
- Horizon of Khufu: An immersive VR expedition that allows users to explore the Giza Plateau and the Great Pyramid of Giza as if they were physically present. This experience has been launched in multiple cities, including New York and Atlanta.
- Tutankhamun London: The Immersive Experience: Features a 360-degree swivel chair virtual reality headset journey through the tombs and mystical Egyptian afterlife.
These VR experiences represent a significant advancement in educational outreach, making ancient Egyptian archaeology and history accessible to a broader audience. They allow people to virtually visit sites that may be difficult or impossible to access in person, providing an engaging way to learn about Egypt’s cultural heritage.
Sources: [Horizon of Khufu], [Tutankhamun Experience]
Controversies and Debates
Claims of “Vast Underground City” Beneath Giza Pyramids
A heated debate has erupted among Egyptologists following claims by Italian and Scottish scientists that they’ve discovered a “vast underground city,” identified as the legendary Halls of Amenti, beneath Egypt’s Giza pyramids. Using synthetic aperture radar (SAR) technology deployed from satellites, the researchers claim to have found:
- Five small room-like structures inside the pyramid
- Eight large vertical structures (interpreted as wells or shafts) extending over 6,500 feet laterally and 2,000 feet deep
- Spiral pathways and tunnels connecting these structures
However, leading experts have strongly criticized these claims. Dr. Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former minister of antiquities, called the claims “completely wrong” and “fake news,” stating that “the claim of using radar inside the pyramid is false, and the techniques employed are neither scientifically approved nor validated.”
Radar expert Professor Lawrence Conyers from the University of Denver described the claims as a “huge exaggeration,” arguing that satellite-based radar pulses couldn’t penetrate that deeply into the earth. Critics also note that the research has not undergone peer review, raising further questions about its credibility.
This controversy highlights the ongoing tension between sensational claims and scientific rigor in archaeological research, as well as the need for peer review and methodological transparency in studies using new technologies.
Sources: [New York Post], [Euronews]
The Future of Egyptology
Zahi Hawass’s Predictions for 2025
Renowned Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawass has made several bold predictions for archaeological discoveries in 2025:
- The discovery of Queen Nefertiti’s mummy
- The announcement revealing how Tutankhamun died
- The discovery of a new pyramid in Saqqara
- Another significant discovery in Luxor
Hawass also anticipates the opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum during 2025, potentially in April, May, or June. This museum, which cost approximately two billion dollars to establish, is expected to attract billions of dollars after its opening and draw global attention to Egypt.
These potential discoveries could significantly impact Egyptology by providing critical new insights into historical figures and events, elevating the status of Egyptian heritage sites, and stimulating economic growth through increased tourism and cultural investments.
Source: [Egypt Independent]
Notable Egyptology Discoveries (2024-2025)
| Discovery | Location | Date | Significance | Lead Researchers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tomb of Thutmose II | Western Valleys, Theban Necropolis (near Luxor) | February 2025 | First royal tomb discovery in over a century; solves mystery of early 18th dynasty kings’ burial locations | Piers Litherland, New Kingdom Research Foundation |
| Archaeological treasures at Hatshepsut’s Temple | Thebes, Luxor | January 2025 | Over 1,500 decorated stone blocks; insights into 18th Dynasty art and architecture | Zahi Hawass |
| Mummies with gold tongues | Oxyrhynchus | December 2024 | Unique burial practices from Ptolemaic period; insights into afterlife beliefs | Esther Pons Mellado, Maite Mascort |
| Hidden rooms in Sahura’s Pyramid | Abusir | March 2025 | Eight previously unknown storage rooms; new insights into pyramid design | Dr. Mohamed Ismail Khaled, JMU Würzburg |
| Settlement from Egypt’s Golden Age | North-western Nile delta | April 2025 | Evidence of Egyptian expansion during New Kingdom; temple dedicated to Ramesses II | Sylvain Dhennin, University of Lyon |
| Link between King Tut’s burial rituals and Osiris | Valley of the Kings | March 2025 | Earlier evidence of Osirian rituals; insights into religious practices after Akhenaten’s reign | Nicholas Brown, Yale University |
Conclusion
The period of 2024-2025 has been remarkably productive for Egyptology, with significant discoveries ranging from the tomb of Thutmose II—the first royal tomb discovered in over a century—to new insights into burial practices and religious rituals. Technological advancements in 3D scanning, digital preservation, and virtual reality have transformed how we study, preserve, and experience ancient Egyptian artifacts and sites.
These discoveries and innovations have not only enhanced our understanding of ancient Egyptian civilization but also raised new questions that will drive future research. As excavations continue and technology evolves, we can expect even more groundbreaking findings that will further illuminate the rich cultural heritage of one of the world’s most fascinating civilizations.
While controversies like the alleged “underground city” beneath the Giza pyramids remind us of the importance of scientific rigor and peer review, the legitimate discoveries of this period have significantly advanced our knowledge of ancient Egypt’s history, religion, and culture. The opening of the Grand Egyptian Museum and the potential discoveries predicted by Zahi Hawass suggest that 2025 will continue to be an exciting time for Egyptology.
Report compiled April 11, 2025 | All information based on publicly available sources | Images reproduced for educational purposes
ChatGPT Review:
Addendum: Review by ChatGPT (Editor Commentary)
This article, “Recent Discoveries in Egyptology,” is largely accurate and well-structured, providing an engaging and informative overview of some of the most significant archaeological finds in Egypt during 2024–2025. The coverage of the tomb of Thutmose II, the newly uncovered blocks at Hatshepsut’s temple, and the unusual gold-tongued mummies at Oxyrhynchus aligns with credible and widely reported sources.
Confirmed Accuracy:
- Thutmose II’s Tomb: The article’s mention of the discovery in the Valley of the Kings is consistent with reports describing it as one of the most important finds since the tomb of Tutankhamun. Reports confirm that the tomb suffered from flooding, likely due to topographical water flow — though the claim of a “waterfall” is not explicitly supported in widely cited sources.
- Hatshepsut’s Temple: The uncovering of decorated limestone blocks from the 18th Dynasty and the use of 3D scanning and AI for visualization are in line with the detailed accounts from Egyptian authorities and reporting.
- Gold-Tongued Mummies at Oxyrhynchus: The discovery of 13 mummies with gold tongues in Oxyrhynchus, complete with amulets and gilded fingernails, was widely reported. The article correctly identifies the location and characteristics of the find.
Minor Corrections & Clarifications:
- Waterfall Detail: While flooding is confirmed, the mention of a waterfall over the tomb of Thutmose II is not corroborated in most reports. Clarifying or citing a specific source would increase confidence in that detail.
- Dynastic Range: The reference to the “15th to 18th Dynasties” concerning discoveries at Hatshepsut’s mortuary temple may be partially inaccurate or require clearer context. Hatshepsut’s reign was during the 18th Dynasty, and the 15th Dynasty was from a different historical period (Second Intermediate Period).
- Gold-Tongued Mummies Details: Including the additional findings — such as the gilded fingernails, statues, and papyri discovered alongside the mummies — would enrich this section.
Suggested Enhancements:
- Citations: Embedding citations or linking to news reports, as shown above, would support verification and further reading.
- Visuals: Adding photographs from the excavation sites or diagrams of the tomb layouts could improve visual engagement.
- Broader Context: Brief explanations of why these findings matter — e.g., the gold tongue ritual as a spiritual practice or the unusual prominence of Thutmose II’s tomb — would elevate the article’s depth.
In summary, this article presents a credible and timely overview of major Egyptological finds. Incorporating the above clarifications and enhancements would boost both academic rigor and reader engagement.