Tutankhamun's Tomb

Definition

Tutankhamun's Tomb, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, is the burial site of the young Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled during the 18th Dynasty. The tomb is renowned for its wealth of artifacts and its relatively intact condition, providing invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and material culture.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a young age around 9 and ruled until his death at about 18 or 19 years old, making him one of the youngest pharaohs in ancient Egypt.
2. The discovery of his tomb is considered one of the most significant archaeological finds in history due to the wealth of artifacts it contained, including gold jewelry, chariots, and furniture.
3. The tomb was filled with over 5,000 artifacts, many of which were intricately designed and showcased the artistry and craftsmanship of ancient Egypt.
4. Unlike many other tombs that had been looted over the centuries, Tutankhamun's Tomb was largely intact when discovered, providing a rare glimpse into royal burial practices.
5. The golden mask of Tutankhamun is one of the most famous artifacts from the tomb and symbolizes ancient Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife and the importance of preserving one's identity.

Review Questions

• Discuss the significance of the artifacts found in Tutankhamun's Tomb and what they reveal about ancient Egyptian culture.
  • The artifacts found in Tutankhamun's Tomb are significant because they provide deep insights into ancient Egyptian culture, beliefs, and daily life. Items like jewelry, chariots, and tools reflect not only the artistic skills of the time but also the social status and wealth associated with royalty. The presence of funerary objects emphasizes their beliefs in the afterlife and the importance they placed on preparing for it, showcasing a culture deeply intertwined with spiritual practices.
• Analyze how Tutankhamun's relatively short reign and early death impacted his legacy in ancient Egyptian history.
  • Despite his brief reign, Tutankhamun left a lasting legacy due to the remarkable discovery of his tomb. His early death meant that he did not have time to implement significant changes or accomplishments as some of his predecessors did. However, his tomb has become emblematic of ancient Egypt's grandeur and mystery, igniting public fascination with Egyptology and enhancing our understanding of royal burial practices during this period.
• Evaluate the impact of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb on both archaeology and popular culture in the 20th century.
  • Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb had a profound impact on archaeology by showcasing the potential for uncovering valuable historical information through careful excavation. It also sparked a global interest in ancient Egypt that permeated popular culture, influencing fashion, art, literature, and film. The sensationalism surrounding the 'Curse of the pharaoh' myth added to the intrigue, resulting in increased tourism to Egypt and prompting further archaeological exploration within the region.

Related terms

Mummification: The ancient Egyptian process of preserving a body after death to prepare it for the afterlife, which involved removing internal organs and wrapping the body in linen.

Valley of the Kings: A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs of the New Kingdom were buried, including Tutankhamun, known for its elaborate tombs carved into rock.

Ankh: An ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, often found in tombs and associated with gods and pharaohs.