FAQ About Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the 18th dynasty, around 1332–1323 BC. He is commonly referred to as "King Tut." He became pharaoh at a young age and is best known today for his nearly intact tomb, discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922.

Tutankhamun's tomb is significant because it was found almost entirely intact, which is rare as most tombs were looted in antiquity. Its discovery provided a wealth of artifacts that have given modern researchers invaluable insights into the culture, art, and daily life of ancient Egypt.

The tomb of Tutankhamun was discovered by British archaeologist Howard Carter in 1922. After years of searching in the Valley of the Kings, Carter found the entrance to the tomb hidden beneath the remains of workers' huts built during the construction of another tomb.

Tutankhamun's tomb contained over 5,000 artifacts, including a solid gold coffin, a mask of the pharaoh, jewelry, chariots, model boats, canopic jars, and statues, among other treasures. These items are crucial to understanding ancient Egyptian burial practices and the wealth of the 18th Dynasty.

The "Curse of Tutankhamun," also known as the "Mummy's Curse," is a myth that suggests those who disturb the mummy will be cursed. The idea gained popularity after several members of the excavation team and others connected to the discovery died under mysterious circumstances. However, scientific research has debunked this as mere superstition.

Tutankhamun became pharaoh at the young age of around nine or ten. He ruled for approximately ten years until his death around the age of 18 or 19.

Tutankhamun was the son of Akhenaten, a pharaoh known for attempting to shift Egyptian worship toward a single god, Aten. His mother is believed to have been a sister of Akhenaten, though her identity is still a subject of study. Tutankhamun was married to his half-sister Ankhesenamun.

Tutankhamun was originally named Tutankhaten, meaning "Living Image of Aten." He changed his name to Tutankhamun, meaning "Living Image of Amun," to signify a return to traditional religious practices and the worship of the god Amun after the reign of his father, Akhenaten, who tried to promote the exclusive worship of Aten.

Tutankhamun's reign was relatively short and uneventful compared to other pharaohs. His main achievements were the restoration of the traditional polytheistic religion and the rebuilding of temples devastated during his father’s reign. Due to his young age and short reign, his advisors, particularly Ay and Horemheb, significantly influenced these policies.

The exact cause of Tutankhamun’s death remains a mystery, although several theories exist. Recent studies suggest he may have suffered from multiple health problems, including malaria and a possible genetic bone disorder. Injuries found on his body also suggest he might have died from an accident, possibly a chariot crash.