Now known as TT320, the ancient Egyptian tomb is located next to the Deir el-Bahri, in the Theban Necropolis, opposite Luxor. It is thought to have initially been the last resting place of High Priest of Amun Pinedjem II, his wife Nesikhons, and other close family members. However, Pinudjem II died around 969 BCE, in a time of the decline of the Egyptian kingdom, during which mummies from former dynasties were vulnerable to grave robbery. 

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So, during the reign of Ramses IX's, the High Priest did something rather sneaky, which would remain a mystery for more than 3,000 years.

The incredible story was revealed during Bettany Hughes' Channel 5 show “Egypt’s Great Treasure” – broadcast on Wednesday.

Dr Hughes said: “The mummified body of an almighty Egyptian king was discovered somewhere rather surprising.

“The trail starts here, in the ancient city of Luxor, when some rather curious things started to appear on the antiquities market.

an amazing find was made down the shaftan amazing find was made down the shaft (Image: GETTY)

Great Pyramids of Giza

Great Pyramids of Giza (Image: GETTY)

The mummified body of an almighty Egyptian king was discovered somewhere rather surprising

“Incredibly valuable riches, belonging to some of Egypt’s most famous Pharaohs, but no-one knew where they were coming from.

“In the spring of 1881, the suspicious authorities started to make inquiries and they discovered that they were being sold by a local farmer called Abd el-Rassul.

“He was immediately taken in for questioning and under torture, he revealed the source of his treasures.”

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