Tutankhamun (King Tut): The Famous Ancient Egyptian Pharaoh
Tutankhamun, often called King Tut, became pharaoh at about age 9 and died young. The 1922 discovery of his tomb and its treasures made him famous.
Tutankhamun, often called King Tut, was a pharaoh of Egypt's 18th Dynasty who ruled from about 1332 to 1323 BCE. He became king at about age 9 and died young, at around 18 or 19.
Why He Is Famous
- His tomb: Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922. It is one of the most complete royal tombs ever found.
- The treasures: the tomb held more than 5,000 artifacts, including the famous golden death mask.
- Preservation: because the tomb was so well preserved, Tutankhamun became famous, even though his reign was relatively modest.
Key Facts
- Parents: likely Akhenaten, the "heretic" pharaoh, and possibly Akhenaten's sister.
- Health: evidence suggests he may have had a club foot and malaria.
- Religion: he reversed some of Akhenaten's unpopular religious reforms and restored the traditional gods.
