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.
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.
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.
