KV 64, Another Tomb in the Valley?
There's another discovery in the Valley of the Kings.
With the recent discovery of KV 63 near Tutankhamun's tomb, an anomaly found by radar back in 2000 is now being looked at more carefully.
The Valley of the Kings is well know as a hotspot for Egyptology, but just recently another tomb is poised for excavation. Earlier this year, KV 63 was discovered close to Tutankhamun's tomb, but didn't live up to the hopes of the archaeologists. It turned out more likely to be a cache of goods for mummification than a burial chamber. However, the newly named KV 64 has again raised hopes.
Modern day archaeology came to the Valley of the Kings some years back, with equipment such as ground penetrating radar. This device can project anomalies without ever placing a shovel to the ground. Back in 2000, a radar survey showed an anomaly, but the archaeologist wasn't allowed to continue his work due to accusations of artifact smuggling, which were later dropped.
Once KV 63 was discovered, the anomaly that is now dubbed 'KV 64' was again examined. This presumed tomb is only a short distance from Tutankhamun's tomb and KV 63. This location places it as another possible Amarna or post-Amarna era find in the 18th Dynasty. Speculations are abounding as to who could be buried there; one of Akenaten's wives, one of his daughters or perhaps even Nefertiti herself, his head wife and famed for her beauty. It's presumed that if this is indeed a tomb, it is likely undisturbed.
There is a concern, however, that with two very recent discoveries so close together, the Valley of the Kings might become overwhelmed with researchers all vying for a 'piece of the action'. But, as any scientist knows, temptation to rush forward must be resisted. Carelessness must be avoided at all costs. As with all archaeological artifacts, buildings or tombs, once they are touched, moved or dug out of the ground, information is instantly lost forever. The find can be photographed, sketched or meticulously studied, but, unless left in situ, its intact state can never again be achieved.
So, where does that leave KV 64? At this point at least, it appears that those in charge of the Valley are taking it slow. However, even with the best radar and above-ground tools, the only true way to find out what is really showing up as an anomaly is to dig. Once permission is granted by the Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA), the excavation can begin. It's certain to be a time when all eyes will once again by on the Valley of the Kings, all hoping for another discovery like that of Tutankhamun's.
