Tutankhamun's Tomb

Definition

Tutankhamun's Tomb, discovered in 1922 by Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings, is the burial site of the young Pharaoh Tutankhamun, who ruled during the New Kingdom of Egypt. The tomb is renowned for its wealth of artifacts and its relatively intact state, providing invaluable insights into the burial practices, art, and daily life of ancient Egyptians during this period. The discovery sparked worldwide interest in ancient Egypt and highlighted the opulence and complexities of New Kingdom society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a very young age, around 8 or 9 years old, and reigned for about 10 years before his untimely death at around 18 or 19.
2. The tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62) is famous for containing over 5,000 artifacts, including his iconic gold mask, chariots, weapons, and everyday items meant to accompany him in the afterlife.
3. Unlike many other royal tombs, Tutankhamun's Tomb was largely untouched by grave robbers, allowing historians to study it in great detail and gain insights into ancient Egyptian burial customs.
4. The discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb had a profound impact on archaeology and Egyptology, leading to a resurgence of interest in ancient Egypt and influencing popular culture globally.
5. The tomb’s layout included a series of chambers such as the antechamber, burial chamber, and treasury, each filled with objects that reflected the wealth and beliefs of New Kingdom society.

Review Questions

• What significance does Tutankhamun's Tomb hold in understanding the culture and burial practices of New Kingdom Egypt?
  • Tutankhamun's Tomb provides critical insights into the culture and burial practices of New Kingdom Egypt due to its wealth of artifacts that were included for use in the afterlife. The presence of everyday items alongside luxurious treasures illustrates not only the pharaoh's status but also reflects the beliefs and customs surrounding death and the afterlife in ancient Egyptian society. This tomb serves as a key source for understanding how Egyptians perceived life after death.
• Analyze how the discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb influenced modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian civilization.
  • The discovery of Tutankhamun's Tomb significantly shaped modern perceptions of ancient Egyptian civilization by revealing its extraordinary wealth, artistry, and cultural complexity. The media frenzy surrounding the tomb's treasures captured public imagination and fueled fascination with ancient Egypt, leading to increased tourism and interest in archaeology. As a result, Tutankhamun became a symbol of ancient Egyptian history, bringing attention to its achievements in architecture, art, and governance.
• Evaluate the archaeological methods used in excavating Tutankhamun's Tomb and their effectiveness in preserving artifacts for future study.
  • The archaeological methods employed during the excavation of Tutankhamun's Tomb were highly effective in preserving artifacts due to careful techniques employed by Howard Carter. He used meticulous documentation processes and ensured that items were removed without damage. This attention to detail allowed many objects to be preserved in their original context, providing a clearer understanding of their use and significance. The successful methods established during this excavation set new standards for archaeological practice, emphasizing preservation and context over mere retrieval.

Related terms

Pharaoh: The title given to the ancient Egyptian kings, regarded as divine figures who ruled over Egypt as both political leaders and religious authorities.

Valley of the Kings: A royal burial ground in Egypt where many pharaohs and nobles from the New Kingdom were buried, known for its hidden tombs designed to protect against grave robbers.

Ankh: An ancient Egyptian symbol representing life and immortality, often found in tomb art and artifacts, signifying the connection between the earthly and spiritual realms.