Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, is one of the most famous pharaohs in ancient Egypt. Despite his short reign and young age, Tutankhamun captivated the world with his exquisite tomb and its treasures. 

This article will explore Tutankhamun’s life, death, tomb, and enduring legacy, addressing various questions about his birth, reign, and significance.

Who was Tutankhamun? 

Tutankhamun was the 12th king of the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom period. He ascended to the throne at nine or ten, reigned for approximately nine years, from 1332 to 1323 BCE., and ruled for about 9 or 10 years.

A glimpse into the life of Tutankhamun

When was Tutankhamun born? 

Tutankhamun was born around 1341 BCE, during the reign of his father, Pharaoh Akhenaten.

How old was King Tut when he became pharaoh? 

King Tutankhamun was only nine or ten years old when he became pharaoh.

The ascent to the throne

How did King Tutankhamun die? 

The exact cause of Tutankhamun’s death remains uncertain. However, modern forensic examinations and CT scans suggest that he suffered from several health issues, including a severe leg fracture, malaria, and complications from a bone disorder called Kohler disease. It is speculated that these factors, combined with possible infections, ultimately led to his premature death.

The mysteries of King Tutankhamun’s death

How old was Tutankhamun when he died? 

Tutankhamun is believed to have died at 18 or 19, although some theories propose that he could have been as young as 17.

King Tutankhamun’s tomb

Tutankhamun’s tomb, designated as KV62, was discovered in the Valley of the Kings at Luxor City on November 4, 1922, by the British archaeologist Howard Carter. It is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history, as it remained largely untouched by grave robbers. The tomb contained many treasures, including golden funerary masks, jewelry, statues, chariots, and other precious artifacts.

Inside the legendary tomb of King Tutankhamun

Who discovered the tomb of King Tutankhamun? 

The tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered by the British archaeologist Howard Carter.

The archaeologist Howard Carter

The Story of Discovering Tutankhamun Tomb.

Unveiling the epic tale of discovery

Before Carter started his search of the tomb, there was the excavator Theodore M. Davis, who found some funerary objects with the name of Tutankhamun in pit number 55. He thought that he had found the tomb of Tutankhamen, and he published a book called The Tombs of Harmhabi and Tutankhamen. He mentioned that the Valley of Kings is now exhausted, and there are no other tombs.

Howard Carter believed in the existence of the Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings. He searched for the graves depending on the financial support of the rich Englishman Lord Carnarvon. But many seasons passed without reaching any result. Therefore, Lord Carnarvon became dissatisfied because he spent much money in vain. In the year 1922, Lord Carnarvon gave Carter one more season of funding to find the tomb. Carter was so ambitious and confident in finding the tomb. So, he started his final work on the 1st of November 1922. After three days, on the 4th of November, Carter’s workers discovered a step cut into the rock, which led to an ancient doorway that appeared to be still sealed. On the doorway was the name Tutankhamun.

By the 26th of November 26, Carter and his workers succeeded in removing the blocks from the tomb, and finally, Carter achieved his dream of discovering the tomb of King Tutankhamun. Without delay, Carter dispatched a telegram to Carnarvon and anticipated his arrival. By November 26th, Carnarvon had reached Egypt, observing as Carter created an opening in the door. With a candle in hand, Carter leaned in for a closer look while Lord Carnarvon inquired, “Can you see anything?”

“-Carter answered, “Yes, wonderful things.”

Why is Tutankhamun famous despite his early death? 

Tutankhamun’s fame stems from the remarkable state of preservation of his tomb and the treasures it contained. The discovery of his intact burial chamber provided unparalleled insights into ancient Egyptian funerary practices, religious beliefs, and artistic mastery. The vast collection of artifacts revealed the splendor and luxury of the pharaohs, captivating the world’s imagination and sparking a renewed interest in ancient Egypt.

The enduring fame of King Tutankhamun

What were the names of King Tutankhamun?

His original birth name was Tutankhaton, “Living Image of god Aton”. This indicates that he followed the cult of Aton during the lifetime of Akhenaton. After the death of Akhenaten, his name was changed in the second year of his rule to ‘Tutankhamen Heqa-iunu-shema, which means ‘Living Image of Amun, Ruler of south Heliopolis (Thebes)”.

The titles and names of Tutankhamun

How to pronounce Tutankhamun? 

The correct pronunciation of Tutankhamun is “too-tahn-KAH-moon.” The name is derived from ancient Egyptian hieroglyphs, and while the pronunciation may vary slightly, this is the generally accepted pronunciation. The name of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh is commonly written and spelled differently across various countries. Some variations include “Tutankaman,” “Tutenkamen,” “Tutankhamen,” and “Tuthankamon.”

King Tutankhamun’s Background and Family Tree

Tutankhamun was the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten and his wife, Queen Kiya. Akhenaten is known for introducing a revolutionary religious reform centered around the worship of the sun god Aten. Tutankhamun’s mother is believed to be one of Akhenaten’s secondary wives. After Akhenaten’s death, Tutankhamun assumed the throne, possibly at nine, under the regency of his Vizier Ay. At the age of nine, he married Ankhesenpaaten, the youngest daughter of King Akhenaton. Probably, they had two girls. The mummies of the girls were discovered in his tomb.

Tracing the lineage of King Tutankhamun

 

The Restoration of the Traditional Religion of King Tutankhamen: 

During Tutankhamun’s reign, he oversaw the restoration of the traditional polytheistic religion that his father had abandoned. He changed his name from Tutankhaten, which reflected the worship of Aten, to Tutankhamun, to honor the god Amun. This religious shift was significant in ancient Egyptian history, marking the return to traditional beliefs and deities.

 

Tutankhamun’s Funerary Mask: 

One of the most iconic artifacts in Tutankhamun’s tomb is his funerary mask. Made of solid gold and weighing around 11 kilograms (24 pounds), the mask is a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian artistry. The mask features exquisite detailing, with inlaid semi-precious stones depicting the pharaoh’s facial features and ceremonial beard. It has become an enduring symbol of the treasures found within the tomb.

The iconic mask of Tutankhamun

The Curse of Tutankhamun: 

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb sparked speculation about a supposed curse associated with disturbing the pharaoh’s resting place. Several deaths of people associated with the excavation team led to sensationalized reports of a “Curse of the Pharaohs.” However, the deaths were mostly due to natural causes or unrelated circumstances, and archaeologists have widely discredited the curse and considered it a combination of coincidence and media exaggeration.

Here are some stories related to the curse of Tutankhamen:

A- When Carter arrived home that night, his servant met him at the door with a few yellow feathers. His eyes were full of fear, and he told Carter that a cobra had killed the canary. Then, the servant warned Carter from disturbing the tomb.

B- After discovering the tomb within a few months, Lord Carnarvon (57 years old) became very ill before meeting his death. The exact cause of his death was not known, but it seemed to be from an infection started by a bite of an insect.

When the mummy of Tutankhamun was unwrapped in 1925, it was found to have a wound on the left cheek in the same position as the insect bite on Carnarvon that led to his death.

C- The favorite dog of Carnarvon has also died.

D- By the year 1929, eleven people connected with the discovery of the Tomb had died early with no cause or reason. These persons included two of Carnarvon’s relatives, Carter’s personal secretary Richard Bethell.

E- The various presses attributed these accidents to the “Mummy’s Curse”.

F- However, Howard Carter, the man who actually opened the tomb, never believed in the curse and lived to the age of 66.

 

Tutankhamun’s DNA Analysis: 

Scientists have recently conducted DNA analysis on Tutankhamun’s mummy to gain insights into his ancestry and health. The study revealed that he had several genetic impairments, including a clubfoot, a cleft palate, and possibly a genetic form of malaria. These findings shed light on the medical conditions prevalent in ancient Egypt and provide valuable information about Tutankhamun’s physical well-being.

Unlocking the secrets through DNA analysis

King Tutankhamun’s Worldwide Exhibitions: 

Several traveling exhibitions have been organized to share the treasures of Tutankhamen with the world. These exhibitions feature carefully replicated artifacts from the tomb, allowing people from different countries to experience the grandeur and beauty of ancient Egypt firsthand. These exhibitions have attracted millions of visitors, fostering a deeper appreciation for ancient Egyptian culture and Tutankaman’s legacy.

The global exhibitions of King Tutankhamun’s treasures

tutankhamun cartouche:

The royal cartouche of Tutankhamun

The cartouche of Tutankhamun refers to the oval shape used to encircle and highlight the written name of the pharaoh Tutankhamun in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics. The cartouche acts as a royal seal, signifying the divine and protective nature of the pharaoh’s name. The hieroglyphs within the cartouche spell out Tutankaman’s name, representing his unique identity and royal lineage. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s intact tomb and the presence of his cartouche on various artifacts have provided valuable insights into the life and reign of this famous pharaoh.

 

Tutankhamun’s Resting Place: 

Tutankhamun’s mummy was moved from the Egyptian Museum in Cairo City to the new Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM). The GEM, located near the Giza Pyramids, is a state-of-the-art facility showcasing Egypt’s ancient treasures. Tutankaman’s relocation is part of an effort to provide a more modern and secure environment to preserve and display his remains.

 

The Legacy of King Tutankhamun:

Reflecting on Tutankhamun’s enduring legacy

King Tut’s legacy extends beyond his reign and the treasures found in his tomb. He symbolizes the fragility of life and the fleeting nature of power, as his reign was relatively short-lived, yet his name and story have endured for millennia. His tomb’s discovery and the subsequent exploration of ancient Egyptian history have significantly contributed to our understanding of one of the world’s most captivating civilizations.

He also made some buildings like:

– At Karnak Temple, he made decorations on the Third Pylon and restored the Sixth Pylon. He erected Stela, representing him before Amun and Mut. Also, he made a statue for Khonsu, which bears the facial features of King Tutankhamun.

– Probably, he erected a mortuary temple at Madinet Habo.

– He also erected temples at Memphis and Nubia at Kawa and Faras.

 

Tutankaman allies and enemies:

The pharaoh’s allies and adversaries

Tutankhamun Allies:

Ay: Ay was likely Tutankhamun’s closest advisor and may have been his great-uncle. After Tutankhamun’s death, Ay succeeded him as pharaoh, marrying Tutankaman’s widow, Ankhesenamun. Ay played a role in Tutankhamun’s rise to power and protected his legacy.

Horemheb: Horemheb served as a high-ranking military officer during Tutankhamun’s reign. He later became the last pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty. Horemheb may have been a close ally of Tutankhamun and possibly restored traditional religious practices after the Amarna period, which Tutankaman’s predecessor, Akhenaten, had disrupted.

Tutankhamun Enemies:

Amarna Period Supporters: Tutankaman ascended to the throne following the reign of Akhenaten, who introduced radical religious reforms during the Amarna period. Akhenaten had sought to establish the worship of a single deity, the Aten, and suppressed the traditional polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egypt. After his death, there may have still been followers of the Amarna period who opposed Tutankhamun’s restoration of the old religious order.

Foreign Powers: During Tutankhamun’s reign, Egypt faced external threats from various foreign powers, including the Hittites, Nubians, and Libyans. While it is unclear if Tutankhamun had direct enemies among these groups, they posed potential challenges to the stability and security of his kingdom.

It is important to note that our understanding of Tutankhamun’s reign and his relationships with allies and enemies is based on fragmented historical records and archaeological evidence. The limited available information leaves some aspects open to interpretation and further investigation.

Conclusion: 

Tutankhamun, the boy king of ancient Egypt, continues to captivate the world with his remarkable story and the treasures in his tomb. His brief reign left an indelible mark on history and renewed interest in ancient Egypt. Tutankhamun’s influence on art, culture, and our understanding of ancient civilizations is a testament to the enduring legacy of this young pharaoh.