King Tutankhamun: Behold the Treasures of the Most Well-known Egyptian King

The story of King Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, is one of the most fascinating in Egyptology. His reign, although brief and relatively uneventful compared to other pharaohs, has captured the imagination of millions around the world. Discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter, the tomb of Tutankhamun remains one of the most significant archaeological finds of all time. The treasures within the tomb, combined with the mystery surrounding his life and untimely death, have propelled him into the annals of history as one of Egypt’s most famous kings.

Discovery of Tutankhamun

In 1922, Howard Carter, a British archaeologist and Egyptologist discovered the tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Luxor, during an excavation funded by Lord Carnarvon. The excavation received worldwide press coverage.

Despite his posthumous status, King Tutankhamun did not have a large, elaborate tomb. By the time of his death, during the era of the New Kingdom, most kings were buried in secrecy, perhaps to avoid gravediggers and thieves.

Another probability is that Tutankhamun died too young to complete his ambitious plans for a large tomb. What’s more than that is that it seems he was buried in a coffin that was intended for someone else. The research found that the coffin seemed too snug for the 180 cm tall Pharoah. However, the innermost coffin was made from thick gold that weighs 110.4 kg.

Tutankhamun’s mask, now preserved and on display at the Egyptian Museum, remains one of the most fascinating discoveries of the era. Exhibits of artefacts from the Tutankhamun’s tomb have been showcased at major museums all over the world.

King Tutankhamun: The Boy Pharaoh

Born around 1342 BC, Tutankhamun ascended the throne of Egypt at the tender age of nine. He was a member of the 18th Dynasty, one of the most powerful families ever to rule Egypt, and the son of the controversial Pharaoh Akhenaten. Akhenaten had famously attempted to transform Egypt’s religious landscape by focusing worship on a single deity, the sun god Aten, moving away from the traditional pantheon of gods revered for centuries. This monotheistic experiment was not famous with the people or the priests, leaving a legacy of discontent.

This religious upheaval shaped Tutankhamun’s early life. When he became king, one of his primary actions was to restore the traditional polytheistic beliefs and bring back the worship of Amun, the chief deity of the time. To signify this return to tradition, Tutankhamun changed his name from Tutankhaten (living image of Aten) to Tutankhamun (living image of Amun).

A Short and Mysterious Reign

Tutankhamun’s reign lasted only about ten years, and he died under mysterious circumstances at around 19. The cause of his death has been the subject of much debate, with theories ranging from illness and a chariot accident to outright murder. However, today’s consensus leans towards natural causes, potentially exacerbated by a leg injury leading to complications. Modern examinations of his mummified remains, including CT scans and DNA analysis, suggest that Tutankhamun may have suffered from a combination of malaria and a genetic bone disorder, which could have contributed to his premature demise.

Despite his short reign, Tutankhamun played an important role in stabilising religious tensions in Egypt and returning the country to its traditional beliefs. Yet, it was not his political or religious contributions that made him famous. Instead, it was what was found in his tomb—an astonishing collection of riches and the preservation of his mummy—that immortalised him.

The Treasures of the Tomb

Tutankhamun’s tomb contained over 5,000 artefacts, each offering a glimpse into ancient Egypt’s wealth, artistry, and religious practices. Among the most famous items are:

1. The Golden Death Mask

Perhaps the most iconic item found in the tomb is the solid gold death mask of King Tutankhamun. Weighing over 10 kilograms, this exquisitely crafted piece is considered a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian art. The mask portrays the young pharaoh wearing the traditional striped nemes headdress, with inlaid eyes made of obsidian and quartz, and a serene expression meant to guide him into the afterlife.

This mask has become a symbol not only of Tutankhamun but of ancient Egypt as a whole, embodying the extraordinary skill of Egypt’s goldsmiths and the belief in eternal life.

2. The Inner Coffin

Tutankhamun was buried within a series of three coffins, the innermost of which was made of solid gold. The craftsmanship on this coffin is exquisite, with intricate details that depict the king as Osiris, the god of the afterlife. The coffin is another testament to the immense wealth and the level of artistry present during Tutankhamun’s reign.

3. The Throne

Tutankhamun’s gilded throne is a stunning piece of furniture, richly decorated with scenes of the king and his wife, Ankhesenamun. The chair, made of wood and covered in gold leaf, features intricate inlays of semi-precious stones and glass. The scene on the backrest shows the queen anointing the king, a tender image that has led some historians to believe theirs was a genuine love match.

4. Chariots and Weaponry

Several chariots were disassembled in the tomb, suggesting that Tutankhamun may have been an accomplished charioteer. Additionally, various weapons were discovered, including bows, arrows, and a dagger made of iron—likely from a meteorite—. These items hint at the young king’s possible participation in military activities, although no significant wars or battles were recorded during his reign.

5. The Canopic Shrine

The Canopic Shrine housed the four alabaster canopic jars holding Tutankhamun’s internal organs, which were removed during mummification. These jars were placed within a gilded shrine, protected by four goddesses—Isis, Nephthys, Selket, and Neith—whose outstretched arms symbolically guarded the king’s remains.

6. Jewellery and Personal Items

Among the thousands of items found were a vast collection of personal effects, including jewellery, sandals, and even small statues known as shabtis, which were meant to serve the king in the afterlife. The sheer number and variety of objects—ranging from ornate necklaces and rings to simple board games—offer a vivid picture of the life of an Egyptian pharaoh and his journey into eternity.

The Curse of the Pharaohs

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb was not without its drama. Shortly after the tomb was opened, Lord Carnarvon, the expedition’s financial backer, died of an infected mosquito bite. This prompted a flurry of sensational stories about a “curse of the pharaohs,” said to bring misfortune to anyone who disturbed the king’s final resting place. Over the years, other excavation team members also met untimely ends, further fuelling rumours of a curse.

However, historians have largely dismissed the so-called curse as nothing more than coincidence. Carter, who spent years working inside the tomb, lived for another 17 years after the discovery, passing away in 1939 at the age of 64.

Tutankhamun in Modern Times

The treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb have been exhibited worldwide, captivating audiences from London to Los Angeles. The allure of the young king’s treasures has endured for nearly a century, with many exhibitions drawing record crowds. In 1972, a world tour of the treasures began, with the British Museum’s exhibition in London attracting over 1.6 million visitors.

In recent years, many of Tutankhamun’s artefacts have been moved to the new Grand Egyptian Museum, set to open near the Pyramids of Giza. This state-of-the-art facility will house the entire collection of treasures from Tutankhamun’s tomb, providing an even more comprehensive view of his life and legacy.

Ancient Curse

Most people are pretty familiar with the myth of the Pharaoh’s Curse. Over the years, many people have claimed that if an individual were to enter an ancient Egyptian tomb, they would meet with sudden death or tragedy. Even though the myth has been debunked repeatedly, some have chosen to believe in it.

One example is how Tutankhamun’s curse was said to have caused the end of WWII. How, you may ask? Because of the two trumpets found in his tomb.

On 16 April 1939, an orchestra used the two trumpets to play a live broadcast from Cairo Museum through a BBC live broadcast, and 150 million listeners tuned in to the event. Since several people claimed that the trumpets had the power to summon war, it was suggested that the broadcast, as mentioned earlier, caused Britain to enter the Second World War.

Legacy of Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun came to power at nine and ruled Egypt until his death ten years later. During his reign, Tutankhamun famously reversed some of his father’s decisions. He ended the worship of the god Aten, which his father had followed, and restored the god Amun. Moreover, he moved the capital of Egypt back to the city of Thebes. He also changed his name to Tutankhamun, “Living image of Amun”.

In the foreword to the 1977 edition of Carter’s The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun, Jon Manchip White writes, “The pharaoh who in life was one of the least esteemed of Egypt’s Pharaohs has become in death the most renowned.”

Where Is He Now?

Visit the Pharaonic Village and the Egyptian Museum in Cairo to learn more about the renowned Egyptian king.

The Egyptian Museum of Antiquities, located in the heart of Cairo, contains many essential artefacts of ancient Egyptian history. It houses the world’s most extensive collection of Pharaonic antiquities.

If you want to travel to the ancient past, where pharaohs ruled Egypt, the Egyptian Museum is a must-see. The museum houses the belongings and treasures of some of the most well-known Egyptian kings and queens, along with their well-preserved mummies.

The Egyptian Museum is so large and filled with so many artefacts that it may be hard to take it all in at once, so be sure to plan your day around this particular visit. You don’t want to miss a thing!

The Boy King’s Enduring Fascination

What makes King Tutankhamun so compelling to modern audiences is the combination of mystery and luxury surrounding him. The circumstances of his early death, the enigmatic figures who influenced his reign, and the extraordinary preservation of his tomb all contributed to his ongoing fascination with his story. His tomb offers a rare glimpse into the splendour of pharaonic burial practices and the reverence with which the ancient Egyptians approached death and the afterlife.

Moreover, the almost mythological status of his tomb discovery adds to the allure. The idea that such a treasure could have lain hidden for millennia, undisturbed by robbers, speaks to a sense of wonder and intrigue that resonates with anyone captivated by history.

Conclusion

King Tutankhamun’s treasures inspire awe, curiosity, and a deep appreciation for ancient Egyptian culture. Though his reign may have been short and relatively inconsequential in political terms, the discovery of his tomb has ensured that his name and image are among the most recognisable in the world.

The treasures within the tomb—from the golden death mask to the simple yet personal artefacts—tell the story of a young king who, despite his youth, was laid to rest in one of the most elaborate and richly adorned burials in history. Tutankhamun’s legacy serves as a reminder of ancient Egypt’s extraordinary craftsmanship, religious devotion, and cultural achievements, a civilisation whose mysteries and marvels continue to capture the world’s imagination.

Also, don’t forget to check out other Egypt-related blogs: The Implications of the Coursing Nile River through Egypt| National Museum of Egyptian Civilization| Famous Haunted Houses in Egypt| One of Egypt’s Hidden Gems| Ultimate Egyptian Vacation Part 2|