Tutankhamun
Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ruled during the New Kingdom.
Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ruled during the New Kingdom. He is best known today because his tomb, discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings, was found in unusually intact condition and contained thousands of artifacts.
Early life and reign
Tutankhamun became pharaoh as a child and ruled for a relatively short period during the late 18th Dynasty. His reign is generally dated to the 14th century BCE and is less well known than the later discovery of his tomb.
Tomb discovery
In 1922, Howard Carter and his team uncovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. The burial was largely intact by ancient Egyptian standards and contained the mummy along with a large collection of funerary goods.
Archaeological significance
The tomb’s preservation made it one of the most important archaeological discoveries ever made in Egypt. It provided exceptional evidence about royal burial practices, material culture, and craftsmanship in the New Kingdom.
Modern legacy
Tutankhamun became a global cultural icon after the 1922 discovery, often called King Tut in popular writing. His name remains closely associated with ancient Egypt in museums, scholarship, and public history.
Key facts
- Tutankhamun was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh whose original name was Tutankhaten.
- His tomb was discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter’s excavation team in the Valley of the Kings.
- The tomb was unusually well preserved and contained thousands of artifacts.
- The discovery became one of the most famous archaeological finds of the 20th century.
- Tutankhamun’s burial mask and other objects made him one of the best-known figures from ancient Egypt.
Tutankhamun is widely studied in archaeology and museum exhibitions in Canada, where ancient Egypt remains a common topic in school curricula and major museum programming.
Frequently asked questions
Who was King Tut?
Why is Tutankhamun famous?
Where was Tutankhamun’s tomb found?
When was Tutankhamun’s tomb discovered?
Who discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb?
How many objects were found in the tomb?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discovery_of_the_tomb_of_TutankhamunSupports: Discovery date, Valley of the Kings location, near-intact condition, and significance of the tomb.
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/TutankhamunSupports: Reign dates, tomb contents, discovery team, and biographical overview.
- British Museum — https://www.britishmuseum.org/visit/object-trails/tutankhamun-ancient-and-modern-perspectivesSupports: Reign length, tomb discovery in 1922, and archaeological significance.
- The Metropolitan Museum of Art — https://www.metmuseum.org/met-publications/tutankhamuns-tomb-the-thrill-of-discoverySupports: Historical importance of the tomb discovery.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/biography/TutankhamunSupports: Tutankhamun's identity, reign, alternate name, and historical significance.