Tutankhamen''s tomb may contain other chambers

Cairo, November 28

The 3,300-year-old tomb of legendary King Tutankhamun in Egypt's Valley of the Kings is likely to have secret chamber behind one of its walls that could lead to the discovery of long-sought mummy of his powerful and influential mother — Queen Nefertiti.

Hi-tech infrared and radar scans of the walls of the tomb have now been completed and will be sent to Japan for detailed examination, Antiquities Minister Mamdouh al-Damati said.

Experts are "90 per cent" sure that there is a hidden chamber in Tutankhamun's tomb, the minister said, adding the final results may lead to one of the most important and great discoveries.

Tutankhamun's mother — Queen Nefertiti — played a major political and religious role in the 14th century BC, making her tomb and mummy one of the most sought after prize in Egyptology.

The tests were carried out by renowned British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves who said the tomb concealed an opening into another chamber, which may lead to the tomb of Queen Nefertiti.

"Clearly it does look from the radar evidence as if the tomb continues, as I have predicted," Reeves said speaking at the same press conference.

"It does look indeed as if the tomb of Tutankhamun is a corridor tomb and it continues beyond the decorated burial chamber. I think it is Nefertiti and all the evidence points in that direction," he added.

Tutankhamen died at the age of 19 in 1324 BC after just nine years on the throne.

His tomb was discovered in 1922 in Luxor's Valley of the Kings by another British Egyptologist, Howard Carter. — PTI