DIVERS have rediscovered ancient sculptures featuring the face of Tutankhamun’s grandfather at the bottom of the River Nile.
Tutankhamun – also known as King Tut – has been a famous pharaoh since his tomb was found in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.
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Now archaeologists have stumbled upon stone slabs long lost deep in the Nile that include hieroglyphics about the conquests of King Amenhotep III, King Tut’s grandfather.
The artifacts were found near the Aswan Dam, an area preferred by researchers due to the presence of rock formations that have maintained their good condition.
The sculptures were discovered there by archaeologists as early as the 1960s, but were lost when the Aswan Dam was built to control flooding.
The most recent dive took place in an attempt to track down lost Egyptian monuments.
But illustrations of notable pharaohs like Amenhotep have been discovered in remarkable condition.
Carvings were also found about King Thutmose IV, famous for rediscovering the Great Sphinx of Giza that was hidden in the sand, legend has it.
The Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said Smithsonian Magazine: “For the first time, we submerged to study the rock formations between the Aswan Reservoir and the Aswan High Dam.
“As the site remains in good condition, the mission was able to fully document it.”
Researchers filmed and took photos of the sculptures underwater, but it is unclear how the hieroglyphs could be translated.
The city of Aswan has historical significance for Egypt.
The ancient Egyptians are said to have sent troops there, using it as a garrison town.
The city is also home to Abu Simbel, a temple with four enormous statues of Pharaoh Ramses II.
Archaeologists are now licking their lips about what else could be found at the site.
Dr Islam Saleem suggested there could be new discoveries and historical information revealed in future dives, according to the Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities.
This could include learning more about the reign of King Tut’s grandfather, Amanhoteb III, as well as other kings.
Who was King Tutankhamun?
Here’s everything you need to know about the Boy King…
- King Tutankhamun is the most famous of Egypt’s ancient pharaohs
- He ruled Egypt more than 3,000 years ago, from 1332 to 1323 B.C.
- Tut is known as the “boy king” as he was just 10 years old when he was thrown
- When he became king, he married his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten. They had two daughters together, but both were stillborn.
- Tut died aged just 19 under mysterious circumstances
- Some believe King Tut was murdered, but most believe his death was an accident.
- The pharaoh is also famous for the supposed curse that haunts his tomb
- After the discovery of the tomb in 1922, archaeologists and even family members died from horrible illnesses or in freak accidents – and some say the deaths were not a coincidence.
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