Speculations about hidden chambers near the tomb of Tutankhamun emerged as early as 2015. Since then, scientists have been trying to determine whether there is indeed another burial complex behind its walls. Particular interest in this version is linked to Nefertiti — the chief wife of Pharaoh Akhenaten. Her burial place remains unknown, and her mummy has not been identified. Nefertiti had a complex familial relationship with Tutankhamun. She was his stepmother: Tutankhamun was considered the son of Akhenaten from another woman. At the same time, she was his mother-in-law, as the young pharaoh's wife was Nefertiti's daughter Ankhesenamun. The most famous depiction of the queen remains her bust, discovered in 1912 during excavations in ancient Amarna. It is currently housed in the Neues Museum in Berlin. ## What Was Discovered Behind the Wall New research in 2023–2024 was conducted by a team led by the former Minister of Antiquities of Egypt, archaeologist Mamdouh el-Damaty from Ain Shams University. During the examination of the burial chamber wall, ground-penetrating radar detected an adjacent space, which researchers interpret as a corridor filled with debris material, approximately two meters wide. Additionally, scientists applied microgravity measurements in the tomb of Tutankhamun for the first time. This method allows for the registration of extremely small changes in gravitational force, thereby revealing differences in the density of rocks and soil. Over an area of about 35 square meters, researchers conducted more than 1,200 measurements. As a result, rectangular areas of reduced density were found, located parallel to the northern wall of the tomb. Such anomalies may indicate the presence of hidden voids. ## Nefertiti — Just One of the Theories However, the researchers themselves do not yet claim that there is indeed a tomb of Nefertiti behind the wall. The discovered space could turn out to be storerooms or part of an older complex that was later affected by floods and became filled with debris. To determine what exactly is hidden behind the walls, scientists propose to conduct the next phase of research with minimal intervention in the ancient monument. It is planned to make several small holes with a diameter of about 7–8 centimeters. Through these, miniature controlled devices equipped with cameras can be sent into the presumed rooms. To carry out such work, permission from the Supreme Council of Antiquities of Egypt is required. If it can be obtained, the team hopes to begin the new phase of research as early as November. If the existence of hidden chambers is confirmed, the discovery could become one of the most significant archaeological events in recent years. But the main question remains unanswered: is there merely an unknown part of the complex behind the wall, or have archaeologists truly come closer to unraveling the mystery of the vanished tomb of Nefertiti.
