The Discovery of King Tut’s Tomb
Step inside the King Tuts Tomb, a moment of history. As the explorers carefully poked a hole in the plastered, sealed doorway of a tomb from ancient Egypt, the hot and stagnant air that was released carried the smell of centuries. Over 3,000 years ago, no one had looked beyond the threshold of an ancient Egyptian tomb. No one knew what treasures or secrets might be hidden there.
A flickering flame pierced the darkness on November 26, 1922, as archaeologist Howard Carter looked through the opening. The dim light danced over a glittering array of gold objects that were piled up in the chamber. Slowly, glittering thrones and statues appeared, as well as strange, unearthly forms. Carter replied Yes, I can see wonderful things. That moment marked the discovery and the world’s fascination with Pharaoh Tutankhamun’s tomb.
This Ancient Ruler
Tutankhamun, known today as “King Tut”, ruled Ancient Egypt from 1333 until 1323 BCE. He was only nine when he became pharaoh, during a period of religious turmoil.
Akhenaten’s predecessor had attempted to transform Egyptian society through monotheism. He had introduced the worship of Aten, the disk of the sun, rather than the pantheon that the Egyptians had venerated for millennia. The people were not happy with this religious revolution, but they had to obey their pharaoh. Archaeologists found small statues of old gods in homes dating from this time, indicating quiet defiance.
Tutankhamun reversed the reforms of his father when he inherited power. The young king restored Egypt’s ancient religious practices by reopening temples and commissioning statues of ancient gods. He also brought back rituals and festivals that had been forgotten. Tutankhamun (Living image of Amun) was his new name, replacing Tutankhaten, the “Living image of Aten”. He did this to honour one of Egypt’s strongest deities.
Tut was a young man, but he spent his reign attending religious ceremonies and festivals, as well as learning how to hunt using a bow and arrow. He also received military training and drove chariots. The activities were crucial to Tut’s ability to present himself to his people and gods as a capable, strong ruler.
Tutankhamun tragically lost his life at the age of 19. His death is still a mystery. Experts disagree on the cause of his death. Some believe that he died in a chariot crash, while others think he was killed by malaria, congenital bones, or a combination. The throne was passed on to Ay after Tutankhamun died, as he had no children.
The Treasures of King Tut’s Tomb
After millennia of darkness and silence, the tomb revealed a dazzling collection of treasures unparalleled in the history of archaeology. Among the artifacts were a golden throne adorned with intricate scenes of the young king and his queen, life-sized ebony and ivory statues, gilded beds shaped like sacred animals, ceremonial chariots, jewelled collars, and ornate caskets. There were carved chairs, musical instruments, gold-sequined clothing, sandals fitted with gold soles, and countless other objects designed to accompany the boy king into the afterlife.
The discovery was staggering not just for its wealth but for its historical significance. Over 5,000 objects lay packed within the tomb’s small chambers, offering a time capsule of life and death in Ancient Egypt’s New Kingdom. Retrieving and preserving these delicate treasures posed an enormous challenge, all while the world’s press descended upon Luxor in a frenzy of what became known as “Tutmania.”
What Happened To King Tut’s Tomb?
The tomb of Tutankhamun proved to be one of the most intact pharaonic tombs ever discovered. Unlike most royal burials, which had been plundered centuries earlier, Tutankhamun’s resting place remained sealed, preserving not only his sarcophagus and mummy but also invaluable insights into Ancient Egyptian burial practices. Over 5,400 items were painstakingly catalogued, ranging from mundane everyday objects to items of extraordinary craftsmanship.
Today, most of these treasures are housed in the Grand Egyptian Museum near Cairo, while Tutankhamun’s mummy and gilded sarcophagus remain in the Valley of the Kings, displayed in his original tomb for visitors from around the globe.
King Tut’s Legacy
Although Tutankhamun’s reign was short and relatively unremarkable, his legacy has far outlived those of many more powerful pharaohs. Crowned at just nine years old, he ruled for only a decade before his untimely death at around 19 years of age in 1323 BCE. His cause of death remains debated: some theories suggest an accident, like a broken leg and resulting infection, while others speculate about genetic disorders or even foul play.
The young pharaoh was buried in a tomb far smaller than those of other kings, leading scholars to believe his burial was rushed and possibly intended for a nobleman rather than a ruler. Some suggest his successor, Ay, claimed a grander tomb for himself, leaving Tutankhamun in this modest space. Yet this “imperfect” burial may have been his salvation its small size and concealed location likely helped it evade the tomb robbers who stripped neighbouring graves.
For over 3,000 years, the boy king rested undisturbed while empires rose and fell around him. His rediscovery in the 20th century turned him into an icon of Ancient Egypt, captivating generations and transforming our understanding of the past. Exhibitions of his treasures have drawn millions worldwide, and his golden mask has become one of the most recognisable symbols of ancient history.
Did Tutankhamun have any other companions?
The 1922 discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb raised the tantalising question: was he buried alone, or were there other chambers nearby that housed additional royal mummies? Recent studies suggest that the latter is possible.
Nicholas Reeves is a British Egyptologist who has suggested that hidden doorways in the walls of the tomb could lead to previously unknown burial chambers – perhaps even the resting places of Queen Nefertiti. Under whatever title or name she may have, the discovery of her mummy would be a breakthrough in the study of Ancient Egypt and shed light on the greatest mystery of all time: what happened to her after the Amarna Period.
Other possibilities remain. Frank Ruhli, a professor at the University of Zurich who conducted a thorough study of Tutankhamun’s remains, believes that the hidden spaces may contain other royal figures connected to the young Pharaoh. Maybe a wife, mother or advisor, whose presence would reveal Tutankhamun’s political and family alliances. If these rooms were not just storage areas, but also held the remains of important figures, it could have a dramatic impact on our understanding of 18th Dynasty royal succession and burial customs. Egyptologist Eaton Krauss once said: The only certainty about Tutankhamun’s death is that it is true.
The potential discoveries that lie beyond Tutankhamun’s burial chamber are exciting for those who love Ancient Egyptian mummies.
How Did King Tutankhamun Die?
Tutankhamun died at 19 years old, and it remains one of the greatest mysteries of Ancient Egypt. Although the newly hypothesised rooms may not directly answer that question, scientists are now closer to understanding Tutankhamun’s health and last days.
A DNA analysis showed that Tutankhamun had malaria more than once during his lifetime, which could have significantly weakened his immune system. A CT scan revealed a congenital disorder of the bones in his right foot that caused a deformity and made walking difficult. Archaeologists discovered over 130 walking sticks and canes in his tomb, proving that he used them during his brief reign.
Scholars have debated the image of the young pharaoh: Was he a fragile, dependent figure who was manipulated by powerful officials at his court? Was he, despite his ailments, a ruler who was trying to restore Egypt’s glory following the upheaval caused by his father Akhenaten?
Frank Ruhli is hoping for the opportunity to examine Tutankhamun’s remains in future using advanced technology. This could provide clues to the diseases and injuries he suffered and help settle the debate over whether his death was caused by an accident, perhaps a fall off a chariot, or a lingering disease.
A century later, the story of Tutankhamun’s tomb continues to fascinate. From the tireless efforts of the archaeologists who unearthed it to the global wave of Egyptomania that followed, and the enduring mystery of the boy king’s life and death, this is a tale that transcends time. The treasures of Tutankhamun have not only illuminated the grandeur of Ancient Egypt but also reminded us of the importance of preserving history for future generations.