King Tutankhamun became the pharaoh of Egypt when he was only 8 or 9 years old. Also known as King Tut, and the Boy King, he ruled Egypt for 9 years from 1332 BC to 1323 BC. King Tutankhamun is famous because his tomb was the least damaged one found in the Valley of Kings.
Discovering Tutankhamun’s tomb
In 1922, Howard Carter found King Tut’s tomb and mummy without nearly any damage. There were 64 tombs that Howard found in the Valley of Kings, and King Tut’s was the least damaged.
Why is King Tutankhamun famous?
King Tut’s tomb is famous because it was the least damaged out of all the pharaohs. His gold funerary mask is particularly well-known.
What did King Tut do during his reign?
King Tut’s reign is known for restoring old Egyptian traditions and gods which the pharaoh before him had set aside.
When did King Tut die?
King Tut died around 1324 BC, when he was either 18 or 19 years old. Historians have a few different ideas of how he may have died. Some say he fell from his chariot. Other historians think he may have died from malaria.
He was mummified, which is how the Egyptians tried to stop dead bodies from rotting. King Tut was buried with his sandals, and over 5,000 bits of treasure. The king’s sandals even had pictures of his enemies painted on them!
What does the name Tutanhamun mean?
Tutanhamun means “the living image of Amun”. Amun is the Egyptian god of air.