King Tutankhamen: What can we learn about Ancient Egypt through the examination of objects from King Tut’s tomb?

King Tut: the Boy King King Tut became king of Egypt at the age of nine He only ruled for ten years, and died at the age of nineteen He ruled over a unified Egypt which is why he is shown in these statues wearing the crowns of both upper and lower Egypt.

Who was King Tut? King Tut was originally named Tutankhaten because of his father, Akhenaten’s, religious devotion to Aten Tut’s mother was probably a woman named Kiya, Akehenaten’s secondary wife. Tut was married at age nine to Ankhesenpaaten, who was his half sister. She was the daughter of his father Akhenaten and Nefertiti, Akhenaten’s primary wife Tutankhamun died in 1325 BC Tut’s cause of death is still unknown

Tut’s Tomb Tut was buried in a small tomb near the floor of the Valley of the Kings. Tut’s body was first dried out with salts and resins, which were applied to protect the skin. The brain was removed through the nostrils, and his limbs were wrapped in fine linen bandages. Different objects were wrapped up in the linens with in his coffins that give us many clues into the life and beliefs of Ancient Egyptians.

The Discovery of the Tomb of Tutankhamun In 1914 an Englishman named Howard Carter began digging sites in the Valley of the Kings

On the morning of November 4,1922 a boy carrying water for Carter discovered steps that led to the doorway of Tut’s tomb

Two weeks later, Lord Carnarvon, who was paid for his work, joined Carter in the Valley of the Kings Carter made a hole in the doorway and had a first look at the tomb by candle light.

Carter’s first impression of the tomb “At first I could see nothing, the hot air escaping from the chamber causing the candle flame to flicker, but presently, as my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details of the room within emerged slowly from the mist, strange animals, statues, and gold- everywhere the glint of gold…I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon, unable to stand the suspense any longer inquired anxiously, “can you see anything?” It was all I could do to get out the words, “yes, wonderful things.”

Objects from Tut’s tomb give us clues about Ancient Egypt Some topics we will learn about: Daily Life Burial Practices and Religion Geography and Trade Power and Politics

What does this box tell us about: Daily Life in Ancient Egypt? How was this object made? What types of craftspeople were involved in its design? Power and Politics in Ancient Egypt? What does the hieroglyphic text mean?

What does this coffinette tell us about: Burial Practices and Religion in Ancient Egypt? Why did Ancient Egyptians craft such elaborate objects to be buried in a tomb?

What does this model boat tell us about: Geography and Trade in Ancient Egypt? Where did materials come from to make a model wooden boat? How did Ancient Egyptians travel and exchange goods?

Let’s take a closer look at some of the objects in King Tut’s tomb in order to learn more about Ancient Egypt.