The Boy King and His Child Bride
Tutankhamun became the ruler of Egypt at just 8 years old. Not long after, he married his half-sister, Ankhesenamun, who was also very young. Together, they would rule Egypt during a time of great change.
The Curse of Tutankhamun
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter opened Tutankhamun’s tomb, which had been sealed for over 3,000 years. Soon after, stories began to spread about a curse. Some people who entered the tomb reportedly faced strange or untimely deaths, leading to rumors of a curse that warned, “Death shall come on swift wings to anyone who disturbs the peace of the King.”
A Life of Luxury, Cut Short
Inside Tutankhamun’s tomb were treasures beyond imagination—gold sarcophagi, bejeweled chariots, and other priceless artifacts. Despite this wealth, his reign was tragically brief, ending when he was still in his 20s. The reasons for his early death remain a mystery.
Strange Underworld Prison
Among the most unsettling findings in Tutankhamun’s tomb were the mummified remains of stillborn infants. These could have resulted from the incestuous relationship between Tutankhamun and Ankhesenamun, who were unable to produce healthy heirs.
The Horrors of Inbreeding
To keep their bloodlines pure, Egyptian royalty often practiced inbreeding. This led to serious health issues for many children. The tragic fate of these infants highlights the dark side of royal traditions that prioritized lineage over the well-being of individuals. The legacy of this inbreeding is forever captured in Tutankhamun’s final resting place.
