An excavation in Luxor directed by Myriam Seco Spanish archaeologist unravels the mysteries of the funerary temple of Tuthmose III

Cairo – To learn more about the pharaoh who was to become Egypt the main power in the Middle East,  three years ago the archaeologist with a PhD in History Myriam Seco (Sevilla, 1967), devotes her efforts to dig in his mortuary temple Luxor. The team led ancient Thebes performed in a job that others left unfinished in three sessions and successful campaigns: in 1886, 1906 and in the 30′s. Then Thutmose III was described as the Napoleon of Egypt. A military strategist who led the country unbeaten Nile to expand their boundaries and dominate the major trade routes of the East. But despite the importance of its builder, the temple was forgotten and remained abandoned and covered with debris until 2008.

“When in the nineteenth century began to explore the pharaonic remains, most researchers were interested in those buildings that were better preserved, so forget this place,” laments Myriam Seco. This building of Thutmose III is the only funerary temple of those in the Valley of the Kings which is built on various terraces or levels, like that of Deir El Bahari, raised by his aunt and stepmother, the legendary Queen Hatshepsut. “We found that was built over an old cemetery and there are four levels of graves beneath it,” she says proudly. “We have also cleared the pylon and the main ramp access. One of the few that remain from this time, since being made of mud and stone have not suffered more than the passage of time,” she says.

The excavation, which works a multidisciplinary team of archaeologists, surveyors, restorers, anthropologists and workers, also receives students of Archaeology and Fine Arts at the University of Granada to make their practices in the field, participating in different stages, either to trench foot, well-documented findings. Seco also emphasizes that, for the first time, is carrying out a collaboration between Spain and Egypt, to provide training to inspectors of the Antiquities of the country.

The doctor noted that similar efforts are required between 20 and 30 years to be finalized, but not worried. Moments like she lived a few weeks ago to find a tomb intact offset by far the efforts. “The excitement of opening a sealed room and see who has belonged to one of the most special moments I’ve experienced,” said the archaeologist.

Thutmose III succeeded Egypt was able to dominate more than 100 states and major trade routes, to include within its borders Nubia, Libya, the Phoenician coast, Syria and Cyprus. His policy of conquest noted for his cruelty  to the enemy, as emphasized by Dr. Zahi Hawass, secretary general of the Supreme Council of Antiquities, but by his intelligence and political pragmatism. “He used to capture the princes of the countries he conquered and brought to Egypt to learn about their culture and they should be loyal to this great empire,” says Egyptologist.

Myriam Seco adds value to its colossal task: “What we are doing is to recover a priceless legacy that will allow us to unlock the secrets of one of the most important pharaohs of Egypt.”