Howard Carter‘s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb in 1922 is often celebrated as one of the most remarkable archaeological finds in history. It unearthed not only the treasures of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh but also a wealth of knowledge about the enigmatic world of the New Kingdom period (circa 1550–1070 BCE). The discovery and its subsequent implications provide a fascinating narrative of perseverance, intrigue, and a glimpse into a golden age of ancient Egypt.

In the article below, World History Edu takes an in-depth look at the events leading to the discovery as the challenges and controversies surrounding this once-in-century archeological find.

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Background of Howard Carter and Lord Carnarvon

Howard Carter was an English archaeologist and Egyptologist whose passion for uncovering Egypt’s ancient secrets began in his youth. By the early 20th century, Carter had gained considerable experience in the field. However, he became embroiled in disputes that temporarily stalled his career. Around this time, he partnered with George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who shared Carter’s enthusiasm for Egyptology and agreed to finance his excavations.

Carter and Carnarvon believed the Valley of the Kings, a necropolis on the west bank of the Nile near Luxor, still concealed undiscovered treasures. Despite extensive excavations by earlier archaeologists, Carter was convinced there was one tomb left untouched: that of the young pharaoh Tutankhamun, whose reign (circa 1332–1323 BCE) during the 18th Dynasty was relatively obscure at the time.

The Discovery

By 1917, Carter had begun his quest for Tutankhamun’s tomb, but years of fruitless digging strained his relationship with Carnarvon.

In November 1922, as the funding was about to run out, Carter’s team discovered a step carved into the bedrock. Further excavation revealed a staircase leading to a sealed door marked with cartouches—oval-shaped hieroglyphic inscriptions indicating royal names.

The treasures of KV62 not only represent the opulence of a bygone era but also serve as a bridge to understanding the complexities of Egyptian culture, religion, and society.

On November 26, 1922, Carter made a “tiny breach” in the doorway and famously peered inside. When Carnarvon asked if he could see anything, Carter replied, “Yes, wonderful things.”

The Tomb’s Layout

The tomb, designated KV62, was remarkably well-preserved compared to other royal burials. It consisted of four main chambers: the Antechamber, Annex, Burial Chamber, and Treasury. Though it was relatively modest in size, it contained over 5,000 artifacts, ranging from everyday items to elaborate treasures.

The Antechamber

The Antechamber was the first room Carter entered. It was filled with gilded furniture, chariots, and statues, many of which were haphazardly arranged, suggesting the tomb had been disturbed and hastily resealed in antiquity.

The Burial Chamber

The Burial Chamber housed Tutankhamun’s sarcophagus and nested coffins, including an inner coffin made of solid gold. Inside the coffin lay the mummy of the boy king, adorned with the now-iconic gold funerary mask, inlaid with lapis lazuli, quartz, and colored glass.

The Treasury

The Treasury contained objects intended for the afterlife, such as canopic jars that held the pharaoh’s internal organs, a golden shrine, and statues of gods. Particularly notable was a miniature golden coffin containing Tutankhamun’s heart scarab.

The Annex

The Annex was the smallest room, cluttered with storage items, including pottery, oils, and linens. Though less ornate, these objects provided valuable insights into daily life and burial practices.

Why was King Tut’s tomb so well preserved?

Significance of the Artifacts

The artifacts found in Tutankhamun’s tomb reflected the wealth and craftsmanship of the New Kingdom. They included jewelry, weapons, musical instruments, and ceremonial items. These objects were not only stunning works of art but also practical tools believed to assist the king in the afterlife. The treasures demonstrated the Egyptians’ sophisticated understanding of metallurgy, stone carving, and symbolism.

The famous funerary mask, for instance, embodied the divine features of Osiris, the god of the afterlife, while emphasizing Tutankhamun’s royal status. Similarly, the intricate hieroglyphic inscriptions on various objects offered prayers and spells from the Book of the Dead, ensuring the king’s safe passage to the afterlife.

READ MORE: Interpretation of the Afterlife in Ancient Egypt

The Historical Context of Tutankhamun’s Reign

Tutankhamun ascended the throne as a child, following the tumultuous reign of his predecessor Akhenaten, who had instituted radical religious reforms by promoting the worship of a single deity, Aten. Tutankhamun’s reign marked a return to traditional polytheism and the reestablishment of temples dedicated to gods like Amun-Ra.

Despite his brief and relatively uneventful reign, Tutankhamun’s tomb provides critical insights into this period of restoration. The treasures reflect a synthesis of artistic styles and religious iconography, highlighting the cultural shifts of the late 18th Dynasty.

Challenges and Controversies

The excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb was not without challenges. The process of cataloging, conserving, and transporting thousands of artifacts was painstaking and fraught with difficulties. Carter’s meticulous documentation set a standard for archaeological practices, but his work was also criticized for its colonial undertones. At the time, Egypt was under British control, and the removal of treasures to museums abroad stirred debates about the ethics of archaeology.

The discovery also gave rise to sensational stories about a “curse” associated with the tomb. The death of Lord Carnarvon in 1923, shortly after the tomb was opened, fueled rumors of supernatural retribution. While modern scholars dismiss these claims as coincidental, they added an air of mystery to the discovery.

Legacy of the Discovery

The treasures of Tutankhamun’s tomb transformed public interest in ancient Egypt, sparking what became known as “Tut-mania” during the 1920s and 1930s. Exhibitions of the artifacts, such as the worldwide tour of the 1970s, continue to draw millions of visitors, showcasing the enduring allure of Egypt’s ancient civilization.

Carter’s discovery also revolutionized Egyptology, providing unprecedented insights into burial practices, artistry, and the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. The meticulous documentation of the tomb’s contents serves as a valuable resource for scholars, even a century later.

Questions and Answers

Who was Howard Carter, and when was he born?

Howard Carter, the renowned discoverer of King Tutankhamun’s treasures, was born on May 9, 1874, in Kensington, England.

What was Carter’s early life like, and how did he develop his skills?

Carter was a sickly child educated at home, where he learned drawing and painting from his father, a talented Victorian artist. These skills later became invaluable in his archaeological career.

How did Carter become interested in Egyptology?

Carter’s fascination with Egyptology began in his youth after encountering Lord Amherst’s collection of Egyptian artifacts. This introduction led him to Percy Edward Newberry of the Egypt Exploration Fund, who needed an artist to document tomb art.

When did Carter first visit Egypt, and what was his initial work there?

Carter arrived in Egypt in October 1891 at the age of 17. He began working on the Middle Kingdom tombs at Beni Hasan, where his artistry and passion earned him an apprenticeship with archaeologist Flinders Petrie.

What role did Flinders Petrie play in Carter’s career?

Under Petrie’s guidance, Carter transitioned from artist to Egyptologist, gaining expertise in field archaeology and excavation techniques.

What notable positions did Carter hold in his early career?

By his mid-twenties, Carter became the chief draughtsman at the Mortuary Temple of Hatshepsut in Luxor and was appointed Inspector General of Monuments for Upper Egypt in 1899 by French Egyptologist Gaston Maspero.

Why did Carter’s career face challenges in 1905?

Carter had a dispute with French tourists, refused to apologize, and was reassigned to minor tasks. This prompted his resignation, and he struggled financially, relying on his artistic skills for income.

How did Carter’s fortunes improve after 1908?

Maspero introduced Carter to George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, a wealthy patron who supported Carter’s excavations, marking the start of a fruitful partnership.

What was Carter’s ultimate goal during his collaboration with Carnarvon?

Carter aimed to discover Tutankhamun’s tomb, believing it remained hidden and intact, unlike previous discoveries.

Why did Carter and Carnarvon doubt Theodore Davis’s conclusion about Tutankhamun?

Davis concluded that an undecorated chamber (KV58) was Tutankhamun’s looted tomb, but Carter and Carnarvon believed otherwise since Tutankhamun’s mummy was missing from known royal caches.

What led to the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb?

After years of fruitless excavations, Carter convinced Carnarvon to fund one final season. On November 1, 1922, Carter’s team uncovered a sunken staircase leading to sealed royal insignias.

What happened after the staircase was found?

Carter notified Carnarvon, who arrived weeks later. On November 26, Carter made a small hole in the tomb’s doorway, peered inside by candlelight, and saw “wonderful things.”