Tomb of Tutankhamun
Tomb of Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun's Tomb was discovered in 1922 by the archaeologist Howard Carter. It is perhaps the most important hoard discovered by archaeology. It lay in the Valley of the Kings, remarkably intact, full of wealth and treasures, and presented the most extraordinary close-up view of the life and death of a young pharaoh of Egypt. Tutankhamun was a king who climbed the throne very young and ruled for a short time, and thus is remembered for what wonderful treasure he left behind in his tomb, such as his wonderful golden death mask. Not only did the tomb arouse worldwide interest, but it also gave the outside world rich insight into ancient Egyptian burial customs, art, and everyday living.
Who Was Tutankhamun? A Brief History of the Boy Pharaoh
The Boy King, Tutankhamun, came to the Egyptian throne at the tender age of around 9 years after the demise of his father, Akhenaten. The Boy King records a period during the 18th dynasty and a major change involving the abandonment of the new monotheistic worship of the sun god Aten to popular polytheism. His reign, dating most sharply from 1332 to 1323 BCE, was relatively short-lived; he died at about 18 or 19 under mysterious circumstances.
Shortly before his death, Howard Carter in 1922 discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun. The tomb became one of the most prized finds in archaeological history for the very fact that this monarch ruled for such a brief period. Most of what was learned about the boy pharaoh came from his tomb's treasure, for Tutankhamun has left no major record or monumental achievements as king. He ruled largely uneventfully, but it is the discovery of his tomb that has tied him most closely to the historical record, making him one of the best-known pharaohs of ancient Egypt.
Exploring the Treasures of the Tomb of Tutankhamun
The treasures found in the Tomb of Tutankhamun are one of the most amazing, intact items that were ever discovered in ancient Egyptian archaeology. The tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter and possessed more than 5,000 things, a large part of which elucidated ancient Egyptian life, artistry, and burial custom.
Tutankhamun's funerary mask is one of the most recognizable and famous treasures. It has become an emblem of ancient Egypt in itself. Made of solid gold but richly inlaid with lapis lazuli and other precious stones, the mask was conceived in order for the king to be recognized in the afterlife. Also treasures were richly ornamented chariots, golden thrones, and many types of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings, all done with sophisticated craftsmanship.
Everyday furniture, weapons, and musical instruments were incorporated among items to go along with Tutankhamun so that he had them in the afterlife.Also found were his canopic jars, in which his internal organs had been placed, and his sarcophagus, made of solid gold.
These treasures speak volumes of the rich treasure and skill of ancient Egypt, representing the real life of a wealthy and spiritual pharaoh. In addition, it shows that their advanced technologies in constructing them have made this tomb one of the greatest archaeological discoveries the world has ever known. It has illuminated the religious, cultural, and artistic traditions of that era.
Where is King Tutankhamun now?
The remains of King Tutankhamun are currently stored in the Valley of the Kings near Luxor, Egypt, having been discovered in his tomb by Howard Carter in 1922. The mummified body is preserved in a special purpose-built climate-controlled display in the tomb, even though it has been moved several times since its discovery.
In 2005, the remains were shifted by the Egyptian authorities to the Egyptian Museum in Cairo for preservation purposes. It has since returned to the tomb. Analysis of the mummy in 2007 suggested that Tutankhamun likely died young from an infection after suffering a broken leg, although some details remain uncertain.
A significant number of the treasures unearthed from his tomb, including the iconic golden mask, are on display in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, with plans to transfer them to the Grand Egyptian Museum located near the Pyramids of Giza, which is not set to open fairly soon. Such artifacts, including the hieroglyphs and the burial mask of the boy king, continue to capture the imagination of the whole world and to add to understanding about ancient Egyptian culture and history.
The discovery of the tomb and treasure of Tutankhamun was an unparalleled glimpse into the grandeur of Ancient Egypt and the life of one of its most famous pharaohs. Although much about the life of Tutankhamun remains a mystery, his legacy lives on through the incredible artifacts that were uncovered, which offer invaluable insight into the culture, craftsmanship, and beliefs of ancient Egyptians. As the study and wonder of these treasures continue, the story of King Tut remains a testimony to the continued fascination with ancient Egypt's past and how one discovery has changed the world.
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