The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter remains one of the greatest archaeological finds in history. This article takes you on a journey through his burial chamber in the Valley of the Kings, a stunning replica of his tomb at Carter’s residence, the final resting place of his successor Ay, and the artifacts displayed at the Cairo Museum—soon to be relocated to the Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza.

Who Was Tutankhamun?

Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, ruled Egypt from approximately 1336–1327 BC. Some sources suggest his reign spanned 1334–1325 BC. Before Carter’s groundbreaking discovery, Tutankhamun was virtually unknown, absent from the official king lists at Abydos and Karnak. These records jump from Amenhotep III to Horemheb, omitting Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, his brief successor Smenkhkare, and Tutankhamun himself.

Egyptologists debate whether Smenkhkare was male or female, and some even question whether he was Tutankhamun’s older brother. However, one fact remains clear: Tutankhamun reversed his father’s radical religious reforms. Akhenaten had introduced the worship of Aten, a sun disk deity, abandoning Egypt’s traditional pantheon. This upheaval angered the people, who feared divine retribution. To further cement his reforms, Akhenaten even built a new capital city, Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna).

Upon taking the throne, Tutankhamun restored the old gods, abandoned Amarna, and reinstated traditional religious practices—moves likely welcomed with relief.

Inside Tutankhamun’s Tomb

Stepping into Tutankhamun’s tomb, visitors first encounter his mummified remains. Further inside, the burial chamber’s north wall depicts his journey to the afterlife. The artwork is divided into three scenes:

1. On the far right, Ay, Tutankhamun’s vizier and successor, dons a leopard-skin robe while performing the “Opening of the Mouth” ceremony on Tutankhamun’s mummy. This ritual was believed to restore the deceased’s ability to speak in the afterlife.

2. In the center, the goddess Nut welcomes Tutankhamun into the divine realm, ensuring his protection.

3. On the left, Osiris, lord of the underworld, embraces Tutankhamun while his Ka (spiritual double) follows behind.

On the east wall, another mural depicts Tutankhamun’s funeral procession. His mummy is placed on a sled, pulled by twelve men wearing white mourning headbands. Among them were his most trusted officials, possibly including Ay, General Horemheb, and the high priests of Egypt.

The west wall features scenes from the “Amduat,” a funerary text that provides a safe passage through the underworld. It describes the sun’s nightly journey, divided into twelve hours, each represented by a baboon. The sun god Ra travels through these realms on a solar barque, symbolizing rebirth at dawn.

The Replica Tomb at Howard Carter’s House

A fascinating replica of Tutankhamun’s tomb exists at Carter’s former home. Unlike the real tomb, this replica allows visitors to walk around the sarcophagus and closely examine the artwork. The south wall, which is not visible in the original tomb, showcases Anubis leading Tutankhamun into the underworld. Nekhbet, the vulture goddess, offers the ankh, the symbol of eternal life, ensuring the young king’s safe passage.

The Symbolism of Colors in Egyptian Tombs

Ancient Egyptian murals were painted with specific colors, each carrying deep meaning:

• White: Purity, sacredness, and power. Often seen in clothing, including the crowns of Upper Egypt.
• Black: Death, the underworld, and the fertile soil of the Nile. Osiris is often depicted with black skin, symbolizing rebirth.
• Red: Life, power, and destruction. The god Set, associated with chaos, is depicted in red.
• Yellow: Eternal life and divinity. Gold, the flesh of the gods, was used for sarcophagi.
• Blue: The sky, the Nile, and rebirth. Royal figures and gods were often adorned with blue.
• Green: Vegetation, fertility, and resurrection. Osiris, the god of the afterlife, is sometimes shown with green skin.

Ay’s Tomb: The Burial Site Meant for Tutankhamun?

Tutankhamun’s early death meant his tomb was unfinished. As a result, he was placed in a smaller, hastily prepared tomb. Meanwhile, Ay, his successor, took over the grander tomb that some Egyptologists believe was originally meant for Tutankhamun. Ay’s burial chamber is larger, with murals similar to those in Tutankhamun’s tomb. However, many of Ay’s cartouches have been erased, and his sarcophagus was defaced—possibly by his successor, Horemheb, who sought to remove Ay from history.

Tutankhamun’s Artifacts: A Journey to the Grand Egyptian Museum

Many of Tutankhamun’s treasures, currently housed in the Cairo Museum, will soon be displayed in the Grand Egyptian Museum. Among them:

• His iconic golden mask, which once covered his mummified face.
• A solid gold sarcophagus, placed within multiple nesting coffins.
• The statue of Anubis, found guarding the treasury room.
• A gilded canopic shrine, containing jars with his mummified organs.
• His golden throne, adorned with a scene of his wife Ankhesenamun anointing him under the rays of Aten.
• Two tomb guardians, which some believe represent his Ba, a spiritual force ensuring his afterlife journey.

Recent research suggests his famous death mask may not have been originally made for him. The mask features pierced ears, a style associated with children or women, leading some Egyptologists to speculate that it was repurposed from an earlier ruler—possibly Nefertiti.

How Did Tutankhamun Die?

Advances in forensic research suggest Tutankhamun suffered from malaria and a degenerative bone disorder, both of which likely contributed to his early death. He was only around 18 or 19 years old.

Why Is Tutankhamun So Famous?

Had his tomb not been discovered intact, Tutankhamun might have remained a minor figure in Egyptian history. His brief reign left few architectural legacies, and his successors erased much of his presence. However, his tomb’s unspoiled condition offered an unprecedented glimpse into the opulence of ancient Egypt.

Howard Carter, determined to locate Tutankhamun’s burial site, finally succeeded on November 4, 1922. A young Egyptian water boy, Hussein Abdel Rasoul, accidentally uncovered the first step leading to the tomb. Carter’s meticulous excavation revealed a treasure trove of artifacts, providing unparalleled insight into ancient Egyptian burial practices.

Tutankhamun’s story is one of mystery, intrigue, and unparalleled archaeological significance. His tomb’s discovery reshaped our understanding of ancient Egypt and continues to captivate the world. As his treasures move to the Grand Egyptian Museum, future generations will have the opportunity to witness the splendor of Egypt’s most famous pharaoh firsthand.