The Opening of Tutankhamun’s tomb A reconstruction relay

What did they find…? Carter, accompanied by Lady Evelyn and Lord Carnarvon, were the first people to see the interior of Tutankhamun's tomb since it had been sealed. Carter cleared a small hole : I inserted the candle and peered in. At first I could see nothing, but as my eyes grew accustomed to the light, details began to emerge. Strange animals, statues, and gold, everywhere the glint of gold. For a moment (an eternity it must have seemed to the others standing by), I was struck dumb with amazement, and when Lord Carnarvon enquired anxiously if I could see anything, it was all I could do to utter the words, 'Yes, wonderful things'.

two strange ebony-black effigies of a King, gold- sandalled,……, loomed out from the cloak of darkness; gilded couches in strange forms, lion- headed, ….and beast infernal; exquisitely painted, inlaid, and ornamental caskets; alabaster vases, some beautifully executed of lotus and papyrus device; strange black shrines, with a gilded monster snake appearing from within; quite ordinary looking white chests; finely carved chairs; a golden inlaid throne; beneath our very eyes, on the threshold…… and, lastly, a confusion of overturned parts of chariots glinting with gold.

Credits We are grateful to the British Museum for kindly granting permission to use a selection of images from their collection. If you are the owner of any images for which we have not been able to trace the copyright then we are happy to make a suitable arrangement.