Here are some facts about Tutankhamun.
- Tutankhamun was one of the most famous Egyptian Pharaohs. He ruled Egypt during the 18th dynasty, between about 1332 and 1323 BC.
- The tomb of Tutankhamun, or King Tut, was discovered in the Valley of the Kings in 1922 by Howard Carter.
- The tomb was smaller than many Pharaoh’s tombs. This is perhaps due to Tutankhamun’s untimely death, meaning there was no time for an elaborate tomb.
- The body of Tutankhamun was buried in a wooden coffin covered with gold and placed inside a huge granite sarcophagus. The coffin was made from 110 kg of solid gold.
- Tutankhamun was about 180 cm tall and was of slight build. He may have had a foot deformity or have been crippled; some ancient paintings and carvings clearly show him using a cane.
- The burial mask of Tutankhamun is one of the most recognizable of Egyptian artifacts. It weighed 10 kg, was made from solid gold and had precious stones set into it.
- Tutankhamun was only 18 when he died. He may have died from malaria or from a chariot crash, and some historians even suggest that he was murdered.
- The items from the tomb of Tutankhamun are some of the most seen and most travelled artifacts in history. A 1972 exhibition in London was viewed by 1.6 million visitors.
- Today, many of the treasures from his tomb are in the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. On display are gold and ivory bracelets, a gold chest, medicine, weapons and clothing.
- Over the years, King Tut has been used as a brand name for different products, including cotton, antiques and matches. It was also the name of President Hoover’s pet dog.
What next? Find out more about the Ancient Egyptians by visiting our resources page.
