Tomb of Tutankhamun

Definition

The Tomb of Tutankhamun, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history, belonging to the young pharaoh who ruled during the 18th Dynasty of Egypt. This tomb is renowned for its wealth of artifacts and its intact burial chamber, which provided unprecedented insights into the art and culture of the New Kingdom period, showcasing imperial expansion and artistic developments that characterized that era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tomb was found nearly intact, containing over 5,000 artifacts including jewelry, furniture, and weapons that reflected the wealth and status of Tutankhamun.
2. The burial chamber features stunning wall paintings and inscriptions that depict scenes from Egyptian mythology and daily life, showcasing the artistic techniques used during the New Kingdom.
3. The discovery of the tomb sparked global interest in ancient Egypt and led to a renewed fascination with Egyptology, marking a significant moment in archaeological history.
4. Tutankhamun's death at a young age (around 19) has fueled much speculation and research regarding his health, reign, and the political context surrounding his rule.
5. The tomb's artifacts have been instrumental in understanding the broader cultural practices, religious beliefs, and artistic developments during the New Kingdom period.

Review Questions

• How did the discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun influence modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian culture?
  • The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb significantly influenced modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian culture by revealing a treasure trove of artifacts that showcased their artistry and craftsmanship. This find provided detailed insights into the material wealth and religious practices of ancient Egyptians during the New Kingdom. The sheer abundance and preservation of items within the tomb helped to illustrate not only royal life but also the broader cultural significance of burial customs and beliefs about the afterlife.
• Discuss the artistic developments seen in the tomb's design and contents compared to earlier periods in ancient Egyptian history.
  • The artistic developments seen in the Tomb of Tutankhamun reflect a transition from more rigid styles typical in earlier periods to a more naturalistic representation that emerged during the New Kingdom. The wall paintings in the burial chamber exhibit dynamic poses and intricate details that bring scenes to life. Additionally, the variety of materials used for artifacts—from gold to stone—demonstrates advancements in craftsmanship and artistic techniques that symbolize the height of imperial expansion and cultural expression during Tutankhamun's reign.
• Evaluate the significance of the Tomb of Tutankhamun within the context of imperial expansion and artistic developments during the New Kingdom.
  • The Tomb of Tutankhamun holds immense significance within the context of imperial expansion and artistic developments during the New Kingdom as it encapsulates both material wealth and cultural achievements. The vast array of luxurious artifacts signals not only the pharaoh's status but also highlights Egypt's economic strength during this period. The intricate artistry displayed in both the tomb’s architecture and its contents showcases advancements in artistic techniques that were influenced by external interactions through trade and conquest. Thus, it serves as a testament to how art was used as a means to convey power and divine authority amid Egypt’s flourishing empire.

Related terms

Valley of the Kings: A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs and powerful nobles were buried during the New Kingdom, including Tutankhamun.

Egyptian Art: The style of art produced in ancient Egypt, characterized by its religious themes, use of symbolism, and distinct artistic conventions.

Mummification: The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving bodies for the afterlife, integral to funerary practices and beliefs about life after death.