Tutankhamun

Definition

Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty who ruled from approximately 1332 to 1323 BCE. He is most famous for his intact tomb discovered in 1922, which revealed a wealth of artifacts and provided significant insights into ancient Egyptian culture and burial practices. His reign marked a pivotal moment in ancient Egyptian history, as it followed the tumultuous period of Akhenaten's religious reforms.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a very young age, likely around 9 years old, and ruled for about 10 years before his untimely death at around 19.
2. His tomb, designated KV62, was discovered nearly intact by archaeologist Howard Carter and is one of the most significant archaeological finds in history.
3. The treasures found in Tutankhamun's tomb included gold masks, jewelry, and other artifacts that demonstrated the wealth and craftsmanship of ancient Egypt.
4. His reign is often seen as a return to traditional polytheistic beliefs after Akhenaten's monotheistic experiment, restoring old religious practices and art forms.
5. The mystery surrounding Tutankhamun's death has led to various theories, including possible murder, accidental injury, or health issues such as malaria.

Review Questions

• Discuss the impact of Tutankhamun's reign on ancient Egyptian religion and culture following the rule of Akhenaten.
  • Tutankhamun's reign had a significant impact on ancient Egyptian religion and culture by reversing the radical changes instituted by his predecessor Akhenaten. Akhenaten’s monotheistic worship of Aten disrupted traditional polytheistic practices. In contrast, Tutankhamun reinstated the worship of multiple gods and restored old religious customs, which helped stabilize society during his short reign. This return to tradition set the stage for cultural revival and continuity in ancient Egypt.
• Evaluate the importance of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in understanding ancient Egyptian civilization.
  • Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 was crucial for understanding ancient Egyptian civilization because it provided an unprecedented glimpse into royal burial practices and daily life during the New Kingdom period. The intact artifacts revealed advanced craftsmanship and artistry that reflected the society's values and beliefs about the afterlife. This find shifted scholarly perspectives on Egyptology, highlighting not only the wealth of pharaohs but also the intricate rituals associated with death and burial.
• Analyze how Tutankhamun's death has been interpreted in different ways by historians and archaeologists over time.
  • Tutankhamun's death has been a topic of debate among historians and archaeologists due to the limited evidence available from ancient sources. Various interpretations suggest he may have died from an accident, such as a chariot crash, or due to health issues exacerbated by malaria or genetic disorders. Some theories even propose foul play or murder given the political instability of his time. The ambiguity surrounding his demise not only intrigues researchers but also reflects the broader complexities of ancient Egyptian society during a transformative era.

Related terms

Mummification:

The ancient Egyptian practice of preserving the body after death to prepare it for the afterlife, involving embalming and wrapping in linen.

Valley of the Kings:

A burial site in Egypt where many pharaohs were buried, including Tutankhamun, known for its elaborate tombs carved into the rock.

Akhenaten: The pharaoh preceding Tutankhamun, known for his radical shift to monotheism worshipping the sun disc Aten, which caused significant upheaval in Egyptian religion and culture.