Archaeologists have uncovered a long-lost tomb in Egypt, the first to be discovered since Tutankhamun’s burial in 1922.

Egyptian officials made the announcement on Tuesday of the discovery of the tomb of King Thutmose II, the last of the missing royal tombs of Egypt’s 18th Dynasty.

He reigned for over two centuries between about 1550 BC and 1292 BC.

Egyptian Supreme Council of Antiquities Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled described the find as one of the most significant in decades.

“This is the first time funerary furniture belonging to Thutmose II has been discovered, as no such items exist in museums worldwide,’’ he said.

Egyptian Head of Mission Mohamed Abdel Badei said in spite of the significance, the tomb was found in poor condition as it had flooded shortly after the king’s death.

“Water damage caused severe deterioration, leading to the loss of many original contents, which are believed to have been relocated during ancient times,” Mr Badei said.

Archaeological teams had restored portions of fallen plaster adorned with intricate designs, including blue inscriptions, yellow star motifs, and elements of a key religious text used in royal tombs, he said.

British Head of Mission Piers Litherland said the tomb was a typical design, with the only anomaly the second corridor.

It had been enlarged twice and sloped upwards, rather than down, above the chamber floor, Mr Litherland said.

It is thought the corridor was created to enable removing the king’s body from his flooded tomb, he added.

(dpa/NAN)