The tomb of Tutankhamun in Luxor is facing its most fragile state since its discovery in 1922, according to a recent study. Cracks have spread across ceilings, rock layers are peeling under humidity, and mural colours are fading due to fungal growth.
The tomb, one of the smallest royal burials in the Valley of the Kings, suffers from a major fracture across the ceiling of the burial chamber and entrance. This has allowed rainwater to seep inside, worsening the cracks. The Esna shale rock, which expands and contracts with humidity changes, now poses a risk of deformation and collapse.
A 1994 flash flood submerged the valley in silt-laden water, eroding rock layers and raising humidity levels. This triggered fungal growth that damaged wall paintings. Professor Sayed Hemeda of Cairo University noted that the tomb's structural integrity is compromised, with water ingress and humidity fluctuations placing the ceiling under pressure beyond the rock's capacity.
The study recommends minimising humidity fluctuations and implementing a conservation programme. Professor Mohamed Atia Hawash warned that the surrounding mountains have extensive fissures, risking rockfalls onto adjacent tombs. He called for urgent action to prevent a disaster, noting the absence of risk management plans despite the site's UNESCO World Heritage status.
