Another New Tomb in the Valley of the Kings?

Praxiteles writes "A radar survey in 2000 found KV63, the tomb excavated near King Tutankhamen's tomb earlier this year. (KV stands for Valley of the Kings). Just announced is that this same radar survey shows an image of what appears to be a shaft to another tomb just 15 meters north of KV63. Will radar stratigraphy change the multi-millennial tradition of destructive excavation and open new opportunities in the search for buried treasure?"

Comments

Re:We should leave some stuff where it is.

[sizzzzlerz]

Archeologists working in the southwest of the US (and elsewhere I presume) have done almost exactly that. In Chaco Canyon in New Mexico, there are a number of sites that have been located but not excavated. I imagine funding plays a role in these not having been dug up but the stated rationale is that these sites have survived 700 years while being buried. What better way to protect them and leave them for future study when, presumably, techniques have advanced to better study them.

Its unfortunate that this approach wasn't in use early in the 20th century. So many historical sites were looted and destroyed in the name of science but primarily for the treasures contained which could be displayed in museums and private homes. These places are literally priceless and any actions taken which violate them should be carefully considered.