Understanding the news: the Polytechnic University of Turin - no evidence of 'hidden chambers' in Tutankhamun's tomb
Understanding the news: the Polytechnic University of Turin finds no evidence of 'hidden chambers' in Tutankhamun's tomb
The Polytechnic University of Turin will present their results on May 6 to the Fourth Tutankhamun International Conference (more details will be posted where appropriate).
"Dr. Porcelli [the Polytechnic University of Turin] asserted that the main findings are as follows: No marked discontinuities due to the passage from natural rock to man-made blocking walls are evidenced by the GPR radargrams, nor there is any evidence of the jambs or the lintel of a doorway. Similarly, the radargrams do not show any indication of plane reflectors, which could be interpreted as chamber walls or void areas behind the paintings of KV62 funerary chamber.
It is concluded, with a very high degree of confidence, said Dr. Porcelli, the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamun’s tomb is not supported by the GPR data." [1]
This is the third survey to be conducted on the tomb in order to provide sound scientific evidence regarding the tomb's structure. I'm not disappointed by the negative result, hypotheses need to be tested against evidence. Some are supported by evidence, and some are not, it's ok, that's science, that's how we build our understanding and move forward.
This case demonstrates the importance of testing hypotheses carefully. Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves who posited the idea of further chambers and the possibility of Nefertiti's burial had an interesting idea, which he published in a paper, and made a compelling case for further investigation. The next step was to make those investigations to test if his idea was supported by further evidence. It is important to recognise, at this point, that it's ok to be wrong. Being able to change our ideas to suit new evidence is an important means of understanding our world and of making progress.
I've posted about this topic numerous times in the Collection but if you need a refresher on the Timeline of investigations, see this post:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/115474587731688985845/posts/gnh6e5YTeWi [link to G+ post]
I am looking forward to some interesting things coming out of the Valley of the Kings and its related sites nearby in the near future. There is still much to discover!
[1] http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/fully-discovered-by-carter-no-more-to.html
The Polytechnic University of Turin will present their results on May 6 to the Fourth Tutankhamun International Conference (more details will be posted where appropriate).
"Dr. Porcelli [the Polytechnic University of Turin] asserted that the main findings are as follows: No marked discontinuities due to the passage from natural rock to man-made blocking walls are evidenced by the GPR radargrams, nor there is any evidence of the jambs or the lintel of a doorway. Similarly, the radargrams do not show any indication of plane reflectors, which could be interpreted as chamber walls or void areas behind the paintings of KV62 funerary chamber.
It is concluded, with a very high degree of confidence, said Dr. Porcelli, the hypothesis concerning the existence of hidden chambers or corridors adjacent to Tutankhamun’s tomb is not supported by the GPR data." [1]
This is the third survey to be conducted on the tomb in order to provide sound scientific evidence regarding the tomb's structure. I'm not disappointed by the negative result, hypotheses need to be tested against evidence. Some are supported by evidence, and some are not, it's ok, that's science, that's how we build our understanding and move forward.
This case demonstrates the importance of testing hypotheses carefully. Egyptologist Nicholas Reeves who posited the idea of further chambers and the possibility of Nefertiti's burial had an interesting idea, which he published in a paper, and made a compelling case for further investigation. The next step was to make those investigations to test if his idea was supported by further evidence. It is important to recognise, at this point, that it's ok to be wrong. Being able to change our ideas to suit new evidence is an important means of understanding our world and of making progress.
I've posted about this topic numerous times in the Collection but if you need a refresher on the Timeline of investigations, see this post:
https://plus.google.com/u/0/115474587731688985845/posts/gnh6e5YTeWi [link to G+ post]
I am looking forward to some interesting things coming out of the Valley of the Kings and its related sites nearby in the near future. There is still much to discover!
[1] http://luxortimesmagazine.blogspot.com.au/2018/05/fully-discovered-by-carter-no-more-to.html
The mystery continues to fascinate all those who seek the answer
ReplyDeleteJill Turnbull I think the answer to this one is, based on the latest science, a definitive "Nothing to see here" - however, there are some fascinating things to see elsewhere which I will be posting about in the Collection soon.
ReplyDeleteEric Dolecki I agree 😁
ReplyDelete