The Tomb of Tutankhamun

Unlocking Ancient Egypt's Boy King

The discovery of the tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922 stands as a landmark moment in the history of archaeology. Unlike many other pharaonic burial sites that had been plundered in antiquity, Tutankhamun's tomb was found remarkably intact, offering an unprecedented glimpse into the wealth and funeral customs of ancient Egypt.

The Discovery: For centuries, the tomb remained hidden beneath the rubble of ancient worker's huts in the Valley of the Kings. It was there that British archaeologist Howard Carter, funded by Lord Carnarvon, meticulously searched for a "lost tomb." After years of fruitless excavation, Carter's team finally uncovered a step leading to a sealed doorway on November 4, 1922. Upon breaking through, they found a passageway filled with debris, leading to a second sealed door.

On November 26, 1922, Carter made the famous small breach in the second door and, using a candle, looked inside. When asked by Lord Carnarvon what he could see, Carter famously replied, "Yes, wonderful things!" This moment marked the beginning of an extraordinary excavation that would take a decade to complete.

A final resting place, now a window into a golden world.

Layout and Contents: The tomb, designated KV62 in the Valley of the Kings, is relatively small compared to other royal burials. It consists of four main rooms:

The Antechamber: This room was filled with a staggering collection of funerary goods, including disassembled chariots, royal beds, chests, and ritual couches.

The Burial Chamber: The heart of the tomb, this room housed the king's nested sarcophagi and coffins, culminating in a solid gold coffin containing the mummy of Tutankhamun. The walls are adorned with stunning paintings depicting the journey to the afterlife. The Treasury: Guarded by a statue of Anubis, this chamber contained the canopic chest holding the king's mummified organs, as well as numerous ritual objects and shrines.

The Annex: This smaller, more disorganized room was filled with a mix of everyday objects and ritual items, including vessels, food, and wine. The estimated 5,000 artifacts found within the tomb provided invaluable insights into the life and death of a pharaoh. These objects, ranging from mundane items like food and clothing to incredible treasures like the iconic golden mask, have illuminated the artistic, social, and religious practices of the New Kingdom period.

Tutankhamun: The Boy King, Tutankhamun, who ruled from approximately 1332 to 1323 BCE, was a relatively minor pharaoh who died at a young age, likely around 19. His short reign followed the controversial Amarna Period of his father, Akhenaten, who had attempted to institute a monotheistic worship of the sun god Aten. Tutankhamun's reign saw a return to traditional religious practices and the restoration of the worship of Amun.

The discovery of his tomb, though a historical and archaeological marvel, also brought new attention to the curse of the pharaohs, a legend that gained traction in the media following the deaths of several people associated with the excavation, including Lord Carnarvon. While dismissed by scholars, the legend added to the public's fascination with the tomb.

Today, the artifacts from Tutankhamun's tomb are among the most famous exhibits in the world, with many displayed at the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza. The tomb itself in the Valley of the Kings remains a testament to the enduring mystery and grandeur of ancient Egypt.