Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb: Discover 10 incredible treasures you may have never seen

Celebrating the 100th anniversary of the discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb: Discover 10 incredible treasures you may have never seen

Thanks to Howard Carter’s remarkable discovery of King Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922, King Tut, the boy king who died in 1323 BC at the age of 20, has become the most well-known and beloved Pharaoh. November 4, 2022, marked the 100th anniversary of this earth-shattering moment in archaeology. In celebration of this centennial, we are sharing 25 of the astonishing treasures found within his tomb.

The most spectacular discovery was undoubtedly the golden sarcophagus of Tutankhamun, along with the inlaid coffins, one of which was made entirely of solid gold. Inside this intricate, nesting-doll-like assembly rested the mummified body of the young king himself. His iconic death mask, also crafted from gold, has become the quintessential symbol of ancient Egyptian artistry and is considered one of the greatest works of art from the ancient world.

An ivory headrest with two recumbent lions. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr) The headrest was the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow, and was designed to keep the head elevated during sleep.
An ivory headrest with two recumbent lions. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr) The headrest was the ancient Egyptian equivalent of a pillow, and was designed to keep the head elevated during sleep.

Beyond these famous items, over 5,000 other precious artifacts were found in pristine condition. The tomb contained six chariots and an array of weapons, shields, and daggers. The variety of furniture, much of it adorned with gold and precious stones, included two royal thrones, couches, chairs, ritual beds, and headrests. Chests within the tomb held priceless pieces of jewelry and beautiful clothing made of fine linen.

The tomb also held jars filled with rare perfumes, precious oils, and ointments, as well as elaborate shrines dedicated to the gods. One such shrine housed the Canopic jars that contained King Tut’s preserved internal organs. Musical instruments, writing implements, lamps, ostrich fans, and board games were also among the treasures. Moreover, the tomb contained food and as many as 30 bottles of wine, along with 139 walking sticks made of ebony, ivory, silver, and gold.

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In essence, every conceivable item a young king might need in the next life was meticulously placed around his body and sealed within the tomb for eternity. This remarkable collection of treasures not only provides insight into the opulence of King Tut’s reign but also offers a glimpse into the ancient Egyptians’ beliefs about the afterlife and the care they took to ensure their king’s journey beyond this world.

Detail of the ritual bed from Tutankhamen's tomb, replica (Mikhail / CC by SA 3.0)
Detail of the ritual bed from Tutankhamen’s tomb, replica (Mikhail / CC by SA 3.0) 
One of six chariots found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. These meticulously created reproductions were photographed at The Discovery of King Tut" exhibition in New York City. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
One of six chariots found in Tutankhamun’s tomb. These meticulously created reproductions were photographed at The Discovery of King Tut” exhibition in New York City. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
The Anubis Shrine was found guarding the entrance of Tutankhamun’s tomb. An Anubis statue sits atop a trapezoidal altar made of gilded wood. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (kairoinfo4u / Flickr)
The Anubis Shrine was found guarding the entrance of Tutankhamun’s tomb. An Anubis statue sits atop a trapezoidal altar made of gilded wood. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (kairoinfo4u / Flickr)
A legged hieroglyphic chest from Tutankhamun’s tomb (Bill Abbott / Flickr)
A legged hieroglyphic chest from Tutankhamun’s tomb (Bill Abbott / Flickr)
Cosmetic oil vessel with the representations of Nile gods symbolically uniting Upper and Lower Egypt, alabaster, gold, ivory, from the tomb treasure of Tutankhamun. Egyptian Museum, Cairo (Djehouty / CC by SA 4.0)
Cosmetic oil vessel with the representations of Nile gods symbolically uniting Upper and Lower Egypt, alabaster, gold, ivory, from the tomb treasure of Tutankhamun. Egyptian Museum, Cairo 
Ivory rattle and ornate reed pen case found in King Tut's tomb. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
Ivory rattle and ornate reed pen case found in King Tut’s tomb. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
Storage chest in the form of a cartouche found in King Tut's tomb. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
Storage chest in the form of a cartouche found in King Tut’s tomb. Photographed at the Discovery of King Tut exhibit at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry in Portland, Oregon. (Mary Harrsch / Flickr)
Ornate storage chest from the tomb treasure of King Tutankhamun, stuccoed and painted wood. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (Djehouty / CC by SA 4.0)
Ornate storage chest from the tomb treasure of King Tutankhamun, stuccoed and painted wood. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (Djehouty / CC by SA 4.0)
Detail of a golden animal head from a ritual bed found in the tomb treasure of King Tutankhamun. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (Djehouty / CC by SA 4.0)
Detail of a golden animal head from a ritual bed found in the tomb treasure of King Tutankhamun. Egyptian Museum, Cairo. (Djehouty / CC by SA 4.0)
One of 35 model boats found in Tutankhamun’s tomb (Dmitry Denisenkov / Flickr)
One of 35 model boats found in Tutankhamun’s tomb (Dmitry Denisenkov / Flickr)

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