November 4, 1922

British archaeologist Howard Carter discovers the entrance to Tutankhamun's tomb in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.

Valley of the Kings, Egypt | British Archaeological Team

Discovery of Tutankhamun’s Tomb

On November 4, 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter made one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century: the entrance to the tomb of the ancient Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, Egypt.

Background

  • Howard Carter: An experienced archaeologist and Egyptologist, Carter had been working in Egypt since the late 19th century. His meticulous methods and dedication to uncovering Egypt’s ancient past were well-regarded.

  • Valley of the Kings: This area near Luxor, Egypt, served as a royal burial ground for pharaohs and powerful nobles of the New Kingdom (16th to 11th century BCE). By the early 20th century, many tombs had been discovered, but the tomb of the relatively obscure Pharaoh Tutankhamun remained elusive.

  • Lord Carnarvon: Carter’s excavation was funded by George Herbert, the 5th Earl of Carnarvon, who shared Carter’s passion for Egyptian antiquities.

The Discovery

  • Initial Find: On November 4, 1922, Carter’s team uncovered a set of steps leading to a sealed doorway. This was a significant moment, as it suggested the presence of an undisturbed tomb.

  • Sealed Doorway: The doorway bore the cartouche of Tutankhamun, confirming the tomb’s occupant. Carter famously described the moment he first peered into the tomb, saying he saw “wonderful things.”

Significance

  • Tutankhamun: Although a minor king who reigned from approximately 1332 to 1323 BCE, Tutankhamun’s tomb was significant because it was largely intact, unlike many others that had been looted in antiquity.

  • Artifacts: The tomb contained over 5,000 artifacts, including the iconic gold mask of Tutankhamun, chariots, thrones, and a wealth of other items intended to accompany the pharaoh into the afterlife.

  • Impact on Egyptology: The discovery provided unprecedented insight into the wealth and artistry of the New Kingdom period. It also sparked a renewed global interest in ancient Egypt, often referred to as “Tutmania.”

Aftermath

  • Excavation: The excavation and cataloging of the tomb’s contents took several years, with Carter and his team working meticulously to preserve the artifacts.

  • Legacy: The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb remains a landmark event in archaeology. It has contributed significantly to our understanding of ancient Egyptian culture and continues to captivate the public imagination.

Howard Carter’s discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb not only enriched the field of Egyptology but also left a lasting legacy in the study of ancient civilizations.

Reference: en.wikipedia.org