Outcomes of the “Burial of Nefertity” ’s International conference

Ministry of Antiquities 
Press Office

Antiquities Minister Dr. Mamdouh Eldamaty declared that the evidences that the British Scientist “Nicholas Reeves” relied upon using a new technology to which previous generations had no access, to come up with his new archaeological hypothesis might lead us to a phenomenal archaeological discovery that could be similar to that of discovering the Tomb of Tut Ankh Amun itself. The declaration came in the international press conference held yesterday October 1st 2015 at the State Information Service, an event witnessed by a huge number of Egyptologists, scientists, reporters and journalists from all over the world.

Eldamaty pointed out that he agrees with Reeves in his theory concerning the possibility of the presence of some hidden chambers that might embrace the burial of a Royal Lady, probably “Kia” mother of King Tut Ankh Amun or “Merit Aten” wife of “Semenkh ka Re” brother of the Boy King and his successor. Eldamaty expressed his sincere wishes that the rear wall of Tut Ankh Amun’s Tomb might reveal Nefertity’s Tomb as anticipated by Reeves, emphasizing that the Ministry of Antiquities is doing its best to facilitate the work performed by Reeves. He also said that this file will be discussed immediately by the Permanent Committee to take the necessary procedures.

Eldamaty added that actual works inside the Tomb is expected to start within one to three months after studying and deciding which is the best technical procedure to be used in order not cause any harm to the original Tomb.

Egyptian minister believes hidden chamber may not contain Queen Nefertiti

Egypt’s minister of antiquities posits that the hidden chamber behind Tutankhamun’s tomb’s northern wall could be of his mother Kiya

By Nevine El-Aref , Tuesday 29 Sep 2015

Minister of Antiquities Mamdouh Eldamaty opposes part of the theory of British archaeologist Nicholas Reeves, who claims that a hidden chamber located behind the tomb’s northern wall could be Queen Nefertiti’s resting place.
Eldamaty suggests that the chamber could belong to his mother, Queen Kiya, and not his stepmother, Queen Nefertiti, for two reasons.

The first reason, according to the minister, is that when Tutankhamun came to the throne, Nefertiti was already deceased. Secondly, when Tutanakhmun restored the cult of Amun and abandoned his father’s monotheistic religion, leaving the Aten capital Akhtaten to Thebes, he certainly would have taken his mother Kiya with him.

Eldamaty explained to Ahram Online that Tutankhamun’s unexpected death prompted the Valley of the Kings’ priests to search for an already complete tomb to bury him in, as they only had 70 days to place his mummy in its final resting place. "Kiya’s tomb was an ideal choice," Eldamaty suggested.

Eldamaty asserted that they may have selected a completed tomb of one of his family members, such as Kiya’s, taking a section of her tomb and dedicating it to Tutankhamun.

He added that an extension was possibly built in order to house the number of shrines made for him, replacing the several antechambers that are normally found in a royal tomb.

Akhenaten and the Amarna Period

By Dr Kate Spence

The appeal of the Amarna period

Some people are drawn by interest in Akhenaten himself or his religion, others by a fascination with the unusual art which appeals strongly to the tastes of modern viewers and provides a sense of immediacy rarely felt with traditional Egyptian representation. The radical changes Akhenaten made have led to his characterisation as the 'first individual in human history' and this in turn has led to endless speculation about his background and motivation; he is cast as hero or villain according to the viewpoint of the commentator.

Akhenaten came to the throne of Egypt around 1353 BC. The reign of his father, Amenhotep III, had been long and prosperous with international diplomacy largely replacing the relentless military campaigning of his predecessors. The reign culminated in a series of magnificent jubilee pageants celebrated in Thebes (modern Luxor), the religious capital of Egypt at the time and home to the state god Amun-Re. The new king was crowned as Amenhotep IV (meaning 'Amun is content') and temple construction and decoration projects began immediately in the name of the new king. The earliest work of his reign is stylistically similar to the art of his predecessors, but within a year or two he was building temples to the Aten or divinised sun-disk at Karnak in a very different artistic style and had changed his name to Akhenaten in honour of this god.

Akhenaten's 'great king's wife' was Nefertiti and they had six daughters. There were also other wives, including the enigmatic Kiya who may have been the mother of Tutankhamun. Royal women play an unusually prominent role in the art of the period and this is particularly true of Nefertiti who is frequently depicted alongside her husband. Nefertiti disappears from the archaeological record around year 12 and some have argued that she reappears as the enigmatic co-regent Smenkhkare towards the end of Akhenaten's reign.