Tutankhamun's Tomb

Definition

Tutankhamun's Tomb, discovered in 1922 by archaeologist Howard Carter, is the burial site of the young Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, who reigned during the 18th dynasty of Ancient Egypt. This tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, is famed for its wealth of artifacts and its almost intact state, providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian culture, burial practices, and the life of a young ruler.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tutankhamun's Tomb (KV62) is one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history due to its rich array of artifacts, including gold masks and furniture, which shed light on ancient Egyptian life and beliefs.
2. The tomb was relatively small compared to other royal tombs but was filled with thousands of items intended to accompany the pharaoh in the afterlife.
3. One of the most famous artifacts found in the tomb is Tutankhamun's solid gold funerary mask, which has become an iconic symbol of ancient Egypt.
4. Despite being a minor king who ruled for only about nine years, Tutankhamun's tomb gained immense fame largely due to its discovery and the media frenzy surrounding it.
5. The tomb's discovery sparked a renewed interest in Egyptology and has influenced popular culture significantly, leading to exhibitions and movies that explore ancient Egyptian history.

Review Questions

• How did the discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb contribute to our understanding of ancient Egyptian society?
  • The discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb offered unprecedented insight into ancient Egyptian society, revealing details about their burial practices, beliefs regarding the afterlife, and daily life through the vast array of artifacts found within. The nearly intact state of the tomb allowed archaeologists to study how Egyptians honored their pharaohs and prepared them for their journey into the afterlife. This finding has become essential in understanding not just royal life but also the religious and cultural aspects that defined ancient Egyptian civilization.
• Discuss the significance of mummification in relation to what was found in Tutankhamun's Tomb.
  • Mummification played a crucial role in ancient Egyptian beliefs about life after death, as evidenced by the elaborate burial items found in Tutankhamun's Tomb. The preservation of Tutankhamun’s body through mummification allowed for his journey into the afterlife to be more successful according to Egyptian beliefs. Items like canopic jars for his organs and other grave goods reflected their customs surrounding death, emphasizing that they believed one needed material possessions to thrive beyond this life.
• Evaluate how Tutankhamun's reign and tomb reflect broader themes in 18th dynasty Egypt's political and religious landscape.
  • Tutankhamun's reign and his tomb encapsulate several broader themes of 18th dynasty Egypt's political and religious landscape. His rise to power as a young pharaoh came after a period of turmoil following Akhenaten’s radical religious reforms. The treasures found within his tomb illustrate a return to traditional polytheistic beliefs and practices that emphasized honoring gods like Amun. Moreover, this period also reflects political stability after years of religious upheaval, showcasing how art and architecture flourished as a means of reinforcing both divine kingship and national identity in ancient Egypt.

Related terms

Mummification: The process used by the ancient Egyptians to preserve bodies for the afterlife, involving removing internal organs, drying the body with natron, and wrapping it in linen.

Pharaoh: The title given to the rulers of Ancient Egypt, who were considered divine and held absolute power over the land and its people.

Valley of the Kings: A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs and nobles were buried, known for its elaborate tombs cut into rock.