Inside the Tomb of Tutankhamun

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 (Book of What is in the Underworld) showing apes of the ‘First Hour’.

The burial chamber in the Tomb of Tutankhamun
The burial chamber in the Tomb of Tutankhamun

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.

King Tutankhamun, with his ka, embracing Osiris
King Tutankhamun, with his ka, embracing Osiris
Tutankhamun is greeted by the goddess Nut
Tutankhamun is greeted by the goddess Nut
Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun
Entrance to the Tomb of Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings

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.

Scene of Amduat showing apes of the ‘First Hour’
Scene of Amduat showing apes of the ‘First Hour’

Perhaps no mummy is more famous than that of the boy king, King Tut. 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.

A depiction of King Tutankhamun on the north wall of his tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings.
A depiction of King Tutankhamun on the north wall of his tomb (KV62) in the Valley of the Kings. Photo: Giovanni Verri

Tomb of Tutankhamun (KV62), Valley of the Kings, West Thebes.