Tutankhamuns

Tutankhamun, commonly known as King Tut, was an ancient Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ruled during the New Kingdom, roughly from 1332 to 1323 BCE.ascending the throne at about nine years old, he governed for about a decade before dying in his late teens. His original name, Tutankhaten, was changed to Tutankhamun as part of a restoration of the traditional polytheistic worship after his father’s religious reforms.

Most scholars consider him the son of Akhenaten, with his mother likely a queen from the Amarna period, though the exact identity remains uncertain. His reign is characterized mainly by the continuation of stable governance and a reversal of Akhenaten’s religious innovations, reinforcing the worship of Amun and the pharaoh’s role within the traditional priesthood and state structure rather than pursuing ambitious building projects.

Tutankhamun’s tomb, designated KV62, was discovered in 1922 in the Valley of the Kings by archaeologist Howard Carter with sponsorship from Lord Carnarvon. The tomb was largely intact and yielded a wealth of grave goods intended for the afterlife, including the famous gold death mask, nested coffins, furniture, chariots, and ceremonial items. The tomb’s layout comprises antechamber, burial chamber, and treasury rooms, reflecting typical New Kingdom burial practices and artistry.

The discovery provided extraordinary insight into ancient Egyptian burial customs, art, and daily life, and it sparked enduring public interest in Egyptology. Ongoing scientific analyses, such as genetic and radiological studies, continue to refine knowledge about Tutankhamun’s lineage, health, and the circumstances surrounding his death.