Tutankhamen Flashcards
Who discovered Tutankhamen’s tomb?
British archaeologist, Howard Carter.
Why did Tutankhamen’s tomb remain hidden for over 3000 years?
The ancient Egyptians didn’t have a lot to time to build his tomb, so it was much smaller than the tombs of other pharaohs. Because it was so small, it was overlooked.
Name 5 things that were found in his tomb?
- Furniture
- Jewellery
- War chariot
- Make-up
- Boat
What materials were used to make Tutankhamen’s mask?
It was made from 2 sheets of gold and decorated with precious gems.
Where are all the objects from his tomb on display today?
The Egyptian Museum in Cairo.
What was the curse of Tutankhamen?
There was a hieroglyphic message found in the tomb that read “Death Shall Come on Swift Wings to Him Who Disturbs the Peace of the King.” This was meant to curse anyone who entered the tomb and they would die.
Was there any truth to the curse?
There were some coincidences…
- Lord Carnarvon, who sponsored Carter’s dig, died from pneumonia.
- A few people who had visited the site or were part of the excavation team, died.
- Jay Gould, an American business man caught a cold while visiting the tomb and later died of pneumonia.
BUT… most people, like Carter, lived for a long time.
Who was Tutankhamen?
He was the son of Akhenaten. He became pharaoh at the age of 9. He married his half-sister, Ankhesenamun. They did not have children that lived. He was pharaoh for only 9 years. He died suddenly at the age of 18.
Why do we know so little about Tutankhamen?
His father, Akhenaten was declared a heretic and so all records of him and his successors were destroyed by Egyptian officials.
What is a heretic?
Someone who does or believes things that are opposite to the official principles of religion.
Why was Akhenaten declared a heretic?
He introduced a new religion and wanted the people to worship one god. He banned other gods and closed temples.
Why did people first think that Tutankhamen was killed?
In 1968, an X-ray of his skull showed a piece of bone inside it. This could have been caused by a fall or blow to the head.
What was the most likely cause of Tutankhamen’s death?
A broken leg which could have become infected or had other complications.
How was his broken leg discovered?
In 2006, a new scan of Tutankhamen’s mummy showed a thin coating of embalming resin around his broken leg. This proved that he broke it shortly before he died.
What is resin?
A liquid taken from plants.
