Discovering King Tut’s Tomb
The Excavation by Howard Carter
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings.
Carter and his excavation team spent years exploring the area, including the ancient city of Thebes, near modern-day Luxor.
This city was the capital of Egypt during Tutankhamun’s rule and served as a burial site for pharaohs and other powerful individuals.
Before the discovery, Carter had been working for years on the project, funded by his wealthy patron George Herbert, the Earl of Carnarvon.
The excavation turned out to be one of the most significant archaeological finds in history, uncovering not only Tutankhamun’s tomb but also countless other artifacts and treasures.
Earl of Carnarvon’s Contribution
As mentioned earlier, George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon was the financial supporter of the excavation project.
He was an enthusiast of Egyptology and saw tremendous potential in Carter’s work.
He provided both financial assistance and personal encouragement, which were essential to the success of the mission.
Impact on Egyptology
The discovery of King Tut’s tomb had a significant impact on our understanding of ancient Egyptian history, art, and culture.
Among the artifacts found within the tomb were golden masks, statues, rich jewelry, and exquisite furniture, providing invaluable insights into the daily lives of the elite during this time.
Furthermore, the discovery also inspired a renewed interest in Egyptology.
Universities, research institutions, and museums around the world began focusing on the rich history of ancient Egypt, and the so-called “Tutmania” gripped popular culture with art, fashion, and films all influenced by the remarkable artifacts found in the tomb.
In conclusion, the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter and the contributions of the Earl of Carnarvon have significantly increased our understanding of ancient Egypt and spurred worldwide interest in its rich history and culture.
King Tut’s Life and Afterlife Beliefs
Tutankhamun’s Reign and Heritage
Tutankhamun, also known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh who ruled during the 18th dynasty of the New Kingdom.
Born in 1341 BC, he became pharaoh at the young age of nine and reigned until his death in 1323 BC.
Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, initiated the Amarna revolution, which involved adopting the monotheistic worship of the sun-disk Aten, contrary to the traditional Egyptian religion.
After Akhenaten’s death, Tutankhamun, under the guidance of his advisers, including Ay and Horemheb, restored the polytheistic worship of ancient gods.
Religious Significance of the Amarna Period
During Akhenaten’s reign, religious practices radically changed, shifting from the worship of multiple gods to the monotheistic worship of Aten, the sun-disk.
This period, known as the Amarna Period, significantly influenced ancient Egyptian art and religious beliefs.
After Tutankhamun ascended to the throne, he reversed this religious revolution by restoring the traditional Egyptian religion and moving Egypt’s capital back to Thebes from Amarna.
Beliefs Surrounding Death in Ancient Egypt
Death and the afterlife held great importance in ancient Egyptian beliefs.
The pharaohs were believed to become gods upon their death, continuing to influence the lives of their subjects.
Mummification was a key process, as it was believed that preserving the body would allow the soul to continue its journey to the afterlife.
Organs were removed and placed in canopic jars, while the body was treated with oils and wrapped in linen bandages.
Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV62) contained numerous artifacts that were meant to accompany the young king to the afterlife.
These items included multiple coffins, a golden sarcophagus, a portrait mask, furniture, clothing, chariots, and shrine-like structures.
Wall paintings in the tomb depicted Tutankhamun’s journey to the afterlife, featuring gods such as Anubis and Osiris, and showcased his religious beliefs.