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tomb of tutankhamun In luxor It is in its most fragile state since its discovery in 1922, with cracks in the ceilings expanding, layers of rock peeling away due to moisture, and the colors of the frescoes fading due to attack by fungus.
This tomb is one of the smallest royal tombs Valley of the KingsThe ceiling of the burial chamber and entrance is suffering from a major fracture, causing cracks that have allowed rainwater to seep inside.
Given the nature of the Esna shale rock used in the tomb, which expands and contracts with changes in humidity, the threat of distortion and collapse now looms over both the structure and its intricate decorations.
West of Luxor, the Valley of the Kings is home to dozens of royal tombs carved deep into the mountains. Many of these have been destroyed by the flash floods that occur from time to time in the area. In 1994, a devastating flood inundated the valley with silt-laden water, destroying layers of rock and rapidly increasing moisture levels within the tombs.
As a result, fungi flourished and damaged precious paintings and frescoes, while the valley’s delicate geological structure, dominated by weak Esna shale, further compounded the crisis.
In a recent study published in Nature‘S NPJ Heritage Science magazine, Seyed Hemeda, professor of conservation of architectural heritage at Cairo University, wrote that Tutankhamun’s tomb now suffers from compromised structural integrity. He identified the flood of 1994 as a turning point: it allowed water to enter, increasing humidity levels and causing the growth of fungus that destroyed the wall paintings.
Dr. Hemeda also highlighted that major cracks cutting through the ceiling of both the burial chamber and the entrance “allowed rainwater to seep in and worsen the cracks, causing pressure on the ceiling beyond the Esna shell rock’s ability to withstand, especially given its tendency to expand and contract with fluctuations in humidity”.
The study concluded with a recommendation to “reduce humidity fluctuations to preserve the tomb by regulating the internal environment and implementing a focused program of reinforcement and conservation”.
The tomb of Tutankhamun, known among Egyptologists by the standard designation KV62, is one of the most important archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. It was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter on 4 November 1922 after years of excavation, hidden behind an unremarkable entrance amid the debris of other tombs.
The tomb, smaller than usual royal tombs of the 18th Dynasty, is believed to have not been originally designed as a royal burial place, but rather hastily renovated after the sudden death of the young pharaoh.
Tutankhamun’s tomb consists of four main chambers: the entrance; the porch where furniture and chariots were found; The burial chamber containing three coffins; and the treasury, which once contained about 5,000 artefacts, including the famous golden mask, gold statues, fine furniture, weapons and funerary objects depicting the complex rituals associated with royal burials.
Mohammed Atiya Hawash, professor of architectural conservation at the Faculty of Archeology of Cairo University, explains that most of the tombs in the Valley of the Kings are deeply cut into the rock, making them vulnerable to periodic floods, which create cavities and sometimes flood water that damages wall paintings.
He warns that the surrounding mountains themselves suffer from extensive cracks, not only in the valley but also in the Deir el-Bahari area where the mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut is located. These fractures pose a risk of large rocks breaking apart and collapsing onto adjacent graves.
Dr Hawash’s research emphasizes that Tutankhamun’s tomb is not the only site at risk, but is a “strong warning that should be heeded”. He said that “a disaster could strike at any moment, and if the Valley of the Kings is to be preserved, action must be taken before it is too late.”
This area, despite the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ancient Thebes and its Necropolis, is not protected. This raises immediate questions about the absence of risk management plans and inaction of responsible authorities in the face of such threats.
Professor Hawash explains that earlier studies had already warned of the possibility of new cracks and further flash flooding, but no real action has been taken.
talking to independent arabHe said crisis management structures exist but remain ineffective in practice: “We have the capacity to monitor risks scientifically, but the absence of a culture of prevention means we only react after disaster strikes.”
They highlighted that Tutankhamun’s tomb displays sophisticated ancient techniques in painting and producing artificial dyes such as Egyptian blue and green, and argued that practical solutions are needed – such as reducing the load on the mountain above the tomb or installing removable internal supports that preserve the character of the site while preventing potential collapse.
Imad Mahdy, a member of the Egyptian Union of Archaeologists, said: “A high-level expert committee should be immediately formed to analyze the site geologically and archaeologically, assess the impact on the wall inscriptions, develop an accurate risk profile and prepare an urgent report for the highest authorities to take prompt action to save it.”
“As an archaeologist, I am deeply saddened by the state of the tomb. This crisis requires practical solutions, such as setting up a special risk-monitoring body composed of academics that issues credible reports and continuously monitors the safety of archaeological sites. Where are the regular reports tracking sites at risk and outlining intervention and safety measures?”
Translated by Dalia Mohammed; reviewed by Tooba Khokhar And celine asaf