Learn

One of the greatest archeological finds in history is the discovery of the burial tomb and mummy of a young king who ruled over 3,300 years ago! The tomb of King Tutankhamun (more commonly referred to as King Tut) was discovered by Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon in Egypt, 1922. It all started with the discovery of a single step that would ultimately lead the young king’s tomb. The most significant aspect of this discovery is that it was the first tomb found in Egypt that was untouched by robbers.

King Tut became the Pharaoh of Egypt when he was only nine years old. Can you imagine having that much responsibility when you are that young? He was responsible for all of Egypt! But, because he took the throne at such a young age he had several close advisers help him rule. He decided to rule Egypt alone when he was sixteen, but unfortunately died only two years later when he was eighteen. Since he had no children, his uncle, Commander Aye became the next King. Several questions remain about the cause of his death. Why did he die at only eighteen when the average life expectancy at that time was about forty years old? One theory is that a close adviser killed him. This theory began when they found a scar on the young king’s left cheek and a bone fragment in his skull that are both consistent with a death from a blow to the head.

In Egypt, during the time of King Tut, a king’s afterlife was considered more important than the king’s life. For this reason, the tombs were large and filled with treasures and items that the king would need in his next life. Inside King Tut’s tomb, they found along with the countless treasures, 415 statues of servants complete with baskets and tools. These servants were probably there to do the daily chores required by the king in his afterlife. They also found three coffins; the last made of solid gold which contained the mummified body of the young king. The king was found with 13 bracelets, 15 rings, and other earrings and amulets on his body. This was the first mummified body found intact from that time in history. This amazing find provides us an interesting and unique glimpse into the life and customs of the ancient Egyptians.