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Tutankhamun

Background

Tutankhamun, often referred to as King Tut, was a pharaoh of ancient Egypt who ruled during the 18th Dynasty of the New Kingdom. His reign is dated from approximately 1332 to 1323 BCE. Despite his relatively short reign and young age, Tutankhamun is one of the most famous pharaohs due to the discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Here is an overview of Tutankhamun’s life, reign, and legacy:

Early Life

1. Birth and Family:

   • Tutankhamun was born around 1341 BCE. His original name was Tutankhaten, meaning "Living Image of Aten," reflecting the religious reforms of his father.
   • He was the son of Akhenaten, the pharaoh known for his radical religious reforms that centered on the worship of the sun disk Aten. His mother was likely one of Akhenaten's lesser wives, possibly Kiya or another woman of the royal harem.

2. Religious Context:

   • Tutankhamun was born during a time of significant religious upheaval. His father, Akhenaten, had introduced monotheism, focusing on the worship of Aten and neglecting the traditional Egyptian pantheon, especially the cult of Amun.

Reign of Tutankhamun

1. Ascension to the Throne:

   • Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at around the age of 9 or 10, after the death of Akhenaten and a brief, possibly interregnum period. He married Ankhesenamun, his half-sister and daughter of Akhenaten and Nefertiti.
   • His initial regnal name was Tutankhaten, but it was later changed to Tutankhamun as part of the restoration of the traditional religious practices.

2. Restoration of Traditional Religion:

   • During Tutankhamun's reign, efforts were made to restore the traditional polytheistic religion and the worship of Amun. This included reopening temples, restoring statues and images of the gods, and rebuilding the infrastructure of the religious institutions.
   • His name change from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun symbolized this return to the traditional religious practices and the reverence of Amun.

3. Political and Military Activities:

   • Tutankhamun’s reign saw the stabilization of internal affairs and the restoration of relations with the priesthood and nobility, which had been strained during Akhenaten's reign.
   • Military campaigns were conducted to reassert Egyptian control over territories in Nubia and the Near East, although there is limited evidence of direct involvement by Tutankhamun due to his young age.

4. Death and Burial:

   • Tutankhamun died unexpectedly around the age of 18 or 19. The exact cause of his death remains uncertain, with theories ranging from a sudden illness, genetic disorders, to an injury or accident.
   • He was buried in a hastily prepared tomb in the Valley of the Kings (KV62), which remained nearly untouched until its discovery in the early 20th century.

Discovery of the Tomb

1. Howard Carter’s Discovery:

   • In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb, which was remarkably well-preserved and contained a wealth of artifacts, including the famous gold mask, chariots, thrones, and numerous other treasures.
   • The discovery of the tomb provided an unprecedented glimpse into the wealth and splendor of the New Kingdom and the life of an Egyptian pharaoh.

2. Artifacts and Treasures:

   • The artifacts found in Tutankhamun’s tomb have provided invaluable insights into the art, culture, and daily life of ancient Egypt. The most iconic item is the gold funerary mask, which has become a symbol of ancient Egypt.
   • Other significant items include a solid gold coffin, a chariot, numerous statues, jewelry, and everyday objects that offer a detailed picture of life and death in ancient Egypt.

Legacy

1. Historical Significance:

   • Tutankhamun’s reign, although brief, is significant for the religious restoration that occurred during his rule. He played a crucial role in re-establishing the traditional practices disrupted by his father’s monotheistic reforms.
   • The discovery of his tomb has greatly influenced modern understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and has made him one of the most well-known pharaohs.

2. Cultural Impact:

   • The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb sparked worldwide interest in ancient Egypt, leading to a revival of Egyptology and contributing to the “Tutmania” phenomenon in the 1920s and beyond.
   • His tomb's treasures have been exhibited around the world, attracting millions of visitors and continuing to captivate the public’s imagination.

Summary

Tutankhamun, often known as King Tut, was a young pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who reigned during a crucial period of religious restoration in ancient Egypt. His relatively short life and reign were marked by efforts to undo the monotheistic reforms of his father, Akhenaten, and restore traditional polytheistic worship. The discovery of his nearly intact tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter brought him global fame and provided an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian civilization. Tutankhamun’s legacy endures through the spectacular artifacts found in his tomb and his role in the broader narrative of ancient Egyptian history.

Sources

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Secondary Sources

http://io9.gizmodo.com/why-king-tuts-dna-is-fueling-race-wars-1539130793