Tomb of tutankhamun

Definition

The tomb of Tutankhamun, also known as KV62, is the burial site of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. Discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter, the tomb is famous for its incredible wealth of artifacts and treasures, which provide invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and beliefs about the afterlife, closely tied to the concepts found in the Book of the Dead.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The tomb of Tutankhamun was relatively small compared to other royal tombs, but it was filled with more than 5,000 items, including gold artifacts, furniture, and chariots.
2. The discovery of the tomb generated worldwide excitement and significantly increased interest in ancient Egyptian culture and archaeology.
3. Many of the items found in Tutankhamun's tomb were inscribed with texts and images that reflected his connection to the gods and his preparations for the afterlife.
4. The tomb's layout included a burial chamber, an antechamber, and several storerooms that contained offerings meant to accompany Tutankhamun in the afterlife.
5. Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a young age and ruled during a time when ancient Egyptian religion was undergoing significant changes, which can be reflected in the artifacts found within his tomb.

Review Questions

• How does the tomb of Tutankhamun illustrate ancient Egyptian beliefs about death and the afterlife?
  • The tomb of Tutankhamun serves as a remarkable example of ancient Egyptian beliefs surrounding death and the afterlife. The numerous artifacts found within his burial site, including gold masks, jewelry, and everyday items, were meant to assist him in navigating the afterlife. Many inscriptions and images on these objects connect directly to religious texts from the Book of the Dead, highlighting the importance of preparation for eternal life beyond death.
• Discuss the significance of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb for our understanding of ancient Egyptian funerary practices.
  • Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was groundbreaking because it provided a nearly intact royal burial site filled with artifacts that had not been plundered over millennia. This allowed researchers to gain deep insights into funerary practices during the New Kingdom period. The items found in the tomb reflect elaborate burial rituals and beliefs about life after death, showcasing how these practices were interwoven with religious texts like the Book of the Dead.
• Evaluate how Tutankhamun's reign and burial practices reflect broader social and religious changes occurring in ancient Egypt during his time.
  • Tutankhamun's reign was marked by significant social and religious shifts following a period of upheaval under his predecessor Akhenaten. The artifacts found in his tomb reveal a return to traditional polytheistic practices, emphasizing a connection to gods like Amun. The contents also suggest a desire to align with previous customs surrounding death and burial. Analyzing these artifacts alongside changes documented in texts from the Book of the Dead allows for a deeper understanding of how Tutankhamun's rule was both a continuation and a reaction to evolving societal norms in ancient Egypt.

Related terms

Valley of the Kings:

A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs and nobles were interred during the New Kingdom period, known for its royal tombs.

Howard Carter:

The British archaeologist who discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922, leading to one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.

Book of the Dead:

An ancient Egyptian funerary text that contains spells, prayers, and incantations intended to guide the deceased through the afterlife and ensure a safe passage to the Field of Reeds.