Inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun

The tomb of Tutankhamun, also known as the “Tutankhamun’s burial chamber,” is located in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt. It was discovered by Howard Carter in 1922 and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in the world.

Carter had been excavating in the Valley of the Kings in Egypt for several years before making this significant discovery. The tomb was found mostly intact, unlike many other tombs in the area that had been looted over the centuries.

The tomb’s contents, including the famous golden mask of tutankhamun, have since become iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.

The tomb contained a wealth of artifacts and treasures, including the sarcophagus and mummy of Tutankhamun, as well as various funerary items. The discovery of this tomb provided valuable insights into ancient Egyptian burial practices and the life of Tutankhamun, who was a king of the 18th Dynasty.

In the Tomb of Tutankhamun, the burial chamber’s west wall depicts an extract from the Book of Amduat or “What is in the Underworld”. Twelve baboon deities represent the twelve hours of the night through which the sun travels before its rebirth at dawn.

On the main north wall, The King and his Ka before Osiris followed by a scene of the boy king in front of the goddess Nut (making the Nini gesture) and a representation of the king as Osiris. On the left wall a section from the Amduat showing apes of the ‘First Hour’.

The scene from the north wall shows the brown “freckling” of the paintings that may have resulted when the tomb was hastily painted and sealed, trapping moisture. The scene is unique in its nature. We never witnessed an heir or a successor performing the ritual of the Opening of the Mouth Ceremony on the deceased King.

Next comes Tutankhamun in the presence of the sky goddess Nut who makes a nini gesture, thus agreeing him in the realm of the gods. Finally we see Tutankhamun followed by his Ka embracing Osiris in the same features as those of Tutankhamun’s.

Egyptians divided the sky into two parts: in the southern part were the stars called “tireless” (Eg. ihemu uredj), because of their incessant rising and setting, in the northern one those called “immortal” (Eg. ihemu sek), that is, the circumpolar stars, which indeed never set and whose apparent motion circles around the pole star.

In 4th of November 1922, a tomb was found in the Valley of the Kings. A single step was uncovered at first, then another, and another until 16 steps had emerged from the sands of Egypt. At the bottom of these steps was a stone door covered in plaster and seals containing the name of Tutankhamun.

Perhaps no mummy is more famous than that of the boy king, King Tutankhamun. The young king died more than 3,000 years ago at the age of 19. The opening of his tomb in 1922 was an international sensation because, unlike many royal tombs, it had not been looted.

The tomb of Tutankhamun holds great significance in the field of archaeology and our understanding of ancient Egypt.

Preservation of artifacts

Unlike many other tombs in the Valley of the Kings, Tutankhamun’s tomb was found mostly intact and undisturbed.

This allowed archaeologists to uncover a vast array of artifacts, including furniture, jewelry, chariots, and the famous golden mask of Tutankhamun. These artifacts provide valuable insights into the material culture and artistic style of ancient Egypt.

Historical insights

Tutankhamun was a relatively minor king who ruled during the 18th Dynasty of ancient Egypt. His tomb provided valuable information about the burial practices, religious beliefs, and royal customs of the time.

It shed light on the role of kings, their funerary rituals, and the significance of various objects and symbols in ancient Egyptian society.

Cultural impact

The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in the 1920s captured the world’s attention and sparked a renewed interest in ancient Egypt.

The treasures found within the tomb, including the iconic golden mask, became symbols of the grandeur and mystique of ancient Egyptian civilization.

The tomb’s excavation and subsequent exhibitions have had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring art, literature, and films.