February 16, 2024 – King Tut

On this day in 1923, archeologists opened King Tut’s tomb. King Tut ascended the throne around the age of 9 and ruled until his death around the age of 19. He’s believed to be the youngest pharaoh to ever rule over Ancient Egypt. King Tut’s health and cause of death have been hotly debated. A recent study suggests that he had bone necrosis and a possible clubfoot. He also had scoliosis and several strains of malaria. Though there are no records of the circumstances of his death, scholars believe he likely died of complications from a broken leg, possibly compounded by malaria.
Ancient Egyptians saw their pharaohs as Gods, so their bodies were carefully preserved after death. They were buried in elaborate tombs that contained rich treasures for their rulers to take with them into the afterlife. King Tut was buried in an unusually small tomb for his status. Its location was hidden for many years because it was buried under debris and workers’ houses were built over the entrance to the tomb.
In the 19th century, archeologists from all over the world traveled to Egypt and uncovered many tombs. Many had been broken into by robbers who had taken all of their riches. However, because King Tut’s tomb was hidden, it was safe from grave robbers. The tomb was first opened in November 1922. It contained over 5,000 artifacts. By February 1923, the antechamber had been cleared of everything except two statues. When the sealed burial chamber was opened, it was found to contain a sarcophagus with 3 coffins nested inside each other. Inside the last coffin, which was made of solid gold, was the perfectly preserved mummified body of King Tut. The tomb also contained golden shrines, jewelry, statues, a chariot, weapons, and clothing.
Starting in the 1960s, King Tut’s artifacts have traveled the world with unprecedented visitorship. The exhibition that toured the U.S. in the 1970s attracted more than 8 million visitors. Today, the discovery of King Tut’s tomb is considered to be the most famous find in the Valley of the Kings. Learn more here.