The mummy of King Thutmose III, one of ancient Egypt’s most illustrious pharaohs, was originally interred in tomb KV34 in the Valley of the Kings. However, to protect it from grave robbers, his mummy was later moved to the Deir el-Bahari Royal Cache (DB320) and placed in his original middle coffin. Thutmose III, known for his expansive empire-building and dynamic reign, was highly active across Egypt and Nubia, leaving an indelible mark on the region.

Thutmose III, often called the “Napoleon of Egypt,” reigned from approximately 1479 to 1425 B.C. His tenure was marked by significant military conquests, administrative reforms, and monumental construction projects. His campaigns extended Egypt’s borders far into the Near East and deep into Nubia, solidifying Egypt’s dominance and bringing immense wealth to the empire. The pharaoh’s ambitious building projects included numerous temples, obelisks, and monuments that celebrated his victories and affirmed his divine status.

The relocation of Thutmose III’s mummy to DB320 was a strategic move by the priests of the 21st Dynasty to safeguard the royal remains from looters. The Deir el-Bahari Royal Cache, concealed in a cliffside near the temple complex, provided a secure resting place for many royal mummies, ensuring their preservation through the ages. This secretive transfer underscores the high esteem in which Thutmose III was held and the extraordinary measures taken to protect his legacy.