Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty, who ruled during the New Kingdom period (circa 1332–1323 BCE). Ascending to the throne at a young age, he is most famous for his nearly intact tomb, discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings. This discovery provided unprecedented insights into ancient Egyptian culture and funerary practices. Despite his relatively short reign and limited accomplishments as a ruler, Tutankhamun’s tomb’s wealth of artifacts and the mystery surrounding his death have made him one of ancient Egypt’s most iconic and studied figures.
Early Life and Ascension to the Throne
Tutankhamun was born around 1341 BCE during a turbulent period in Egyptian history. He was originally named Tutankhaten, which means “Living Image of Aten,” reflecting the religious revolution initiated by his probable father, Pharaoh Akhenaten, who sought to shift Egypt from polytheism to monotheism centered on the worship of the sun disk, Aten. Tutankhamun was likely the son of Akhenaten and one of his sisters, a practice not uncommon in royal families but one that might have contributed to health problems due to inbreeding.
Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at about eight or nine years old, following the death of his predecessor, who may have been either Smenkhkare, a mysterious figure whose relationship to the royal family is still debated, or Neferneferuaten, who might have been Nefertiti ruling under a different name. Given his age, the young pharaoh’s early years on the throne were dominated by powerful advisors, particularly the vizier Ay and the general Horemheb, who would later become pharaohs themselves.
Reign and Religious Restoration
One of the most significant aspects of Tutankhamun’s reign was the reversal of Akhenaten’s religious reforms. Under the guidance of his advisors, Tutankhamun moved the capital back to Thebes from Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna) and reinstated the traditional polytheistic worship. He changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun, signifying the restoration of the old gods, particularly Amun, a key deity in the Egyptian pantheon. This religious restoration was aimed at stabilizing the kingdom and restoring the traditional order, which had been disrupted by Akhenaten’s radical policies.
The young king also worked on several building projects, particularly in Thebes and Karnak, aiming to restore the temples and monuments desecrated or neglected during Akhenaten’s rule. These efforts were not only religious but also political, as they helped to solidify his legitimacy and placate the powerful priesthood of Amun.
Health and Death
Despite the grandeur associated with his tomb, Tutankhamun’s life was likely fraught with health issues. Modern scientific investigations, including DNA analysis and CT scans, have revealed that he suffered from several genetic disorders, possibly due to the inbreeding common in the royal family. He had a cleft palate, a clubfoot, and evidence suggests he was afflicted by malaria. These conditions would have made daily life challenging and could have contributed to his early death.
Tutankhamun died around 1323 BCE at about 18 or 19 years old. The exact cause of his death remains a topic of debate among scholars. Various theories have been proposed, including a chariot accident, a fall, or even assassination, although there is no conclusive evidence to support any of these claims definitively. What is clear is that his death was sudden and unexpected, as indicated by the hastily completed nature of his tomb.
Discovery of the Tomb
The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings on November 4, 1922, by Howard Carter and his patron, Lord Carnarvon, was a watershed moment in the field of archaeology. Unlike other tombs that had been plundered over the millennia, Tutankhamun’s tomb was remarkably intact, providing an unprecedented look into the burial practices and material wealth of New Kingdom pharaohs.
The tomb contained a wealth of artifacts, including the iconic gold death mask, chariots, weapons, clothing, jewelry, and numerous other items intended to accompany the king into the afterlife. The discovery captivated the world and sparked a renewed interest in ancient Egypt, leading to what some call “Tutmania.”
Tutankhamun’s Tomb
Tutankhamun’s tomb, designated KV62, is relatively small compared to other royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings, reflecting his premature death and the subsequent rush to prepare his burial site. The tomb comprises four main chambers: the antechamber, annex, burial chamber, and treasury.
Antechamber: The antechamber contained numerous artifacts, including chariots, couches, and various other items used in daily life. The chaotic arrangement suggested a hurried burial.
Annex: The annex was packed with smaller items like oils, wines, and everyday tools. The disorganized nature of this chamber further indicated the tomb’s rushed preparation.
Burial Chamber: The burial chamber housed the king’s sarcophagus and nested coffins, including the innermost solid gold coffin that held Tutankhamun’s mummified remains. The walls of this chamber were adorned with painted scenes depicting the king’s funeral and journey to the afterlife.
Treasury: The treasury contained a variety of religious artifacts, including statues of gods and the canopic chest that held Tutankhamun’s internal organs. This chamber emphasized the spiritual preparations for the king’s afterlife.
Artifacts and Symbolism
The artifacts found within Tutankhamun’s tomb are rich with symbolic meaning, reflecting ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife. Among the most famous is the gold mask that covered the king’s mummy, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and an icon of ancient Egypt. The mask features intricate inlay work and inscriptions intended to protect the king’s spirit.
Other notable items include the thrones, one of which is known as the “Golden Throne,” with a depiction of Tutankhamun and his queen, Ankhesenamun, in a tender scene. The elaborate jewelry, weapons, and even the royal chariots found in the tomb highlight the wealth and power of the pharaoh.
Each item was carefully chosen to serve a purpose in the afterlife, whether it was to provide comfort, protection, or ensure the king’s successful journey to the afterlife. The wealth of artifacts also underscores the extensive resources dedicated to royal burials, demonstrating the Egyptians’ deep belief in an afterlife where the deceased would need such luxuries.
Tutankhamun’s Legacy
Despite his short reign and the relative obscurity he lived in, Tutankhamun’s legacy has been remarkably enduring. The discovery of his tomb had a profound impact on our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and history. It provided invaluable insights into the art, craftsmanship, and daily life of the period.
The public fascination with Tutankhamun has also had a lasting influence. The “Treasures of Tutankhamun” exhibition, which toured the world from the 1960s through the 1980s, attracted millions of visitors and generated widespread interest in Egyptology. Tutankhamun has become a symbol of ancient Egypt’s grandeur and mystery.