Did You Know?
Even though Tutankhamun is probably the most famous pharaoh today, he was by no means the most important king in Egyptian history and very little is known about him.
Howard Carter was an archaeologist. That means he would search land where he thought he may find buried historic objects. For 31 years, Carter had been digging in an area of Egypt known as the Valley of the Kings. This was where many of Egypt’s kings – known as pharaohs – had been buried between the 16th and 11th century BC. Several small items had already been found in this area. Each had the name Tutankhamun written on them. Howard Carter was sure he could find another burial ground that may never have been discovered before.
On 04 November 1922, a small step was uncovered. Carter thought this may be one step that could lead downwards to a long-lost tomb. More digging took place over the next 24 hours and 12 more steps were revealed. At the bottom of the steps was a sealed door. Behind this was a dark passageway, 26 feet long, where a second sealed door was found. A small hole was made and a candle lit to see if any dangerous gases were in the air. Carter looked through the small hole and into a room. This is how he described the moment:
“At first, I could see nothing, but as my eyes got used to the candlelight I saw strange animals, statues and gold – everywhere the glint of gold. I was struck dumb with amazement.”
As Carter’s team made their way forward, they came to another room filled to the ceiling with precious objects. It included two life-size statues of the king. Many of the objects were made of solid gold. It took seven weeks to empty and catalogue just one room!
Tutankhamun was the first royal Egyptian mummy to be found since burial. He had been undisturbed for 3,300 years. It was discovered that he had died when he was just 19 years old. Once everything had been taken from his tomb, Howard Carter began the long task of documenting everything. It took him ten years! The treasures of Tutankhamun can be found in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
Question:
It’s over 100 years since Tutankhamun’s tomb was discovered. See some of the artefacts at the exhibition which celebrated the centenary:
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