Explain What Tutankhamun’s Tomb and Its Contents Reveal About the Role of a New Kingdom Pharaoh

1591 words 7 pages
With reference to Sources A, B, C and D and other archaeological evidence: Explain what Tutankhamun’s tomb and its contents reveal about the role of a New Kingdom Pharaoh.

The tomb of King Tutankhamun was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter. Many secrets were revealed about the life of Tutankhamun and his role as a New Kingdom pharaoh through the contents found in his tomb. As well as being the ruler of Egypt, Tutankhamun took on many other roles and responsibilities. The vast amount of treasures and wall paintings in his tomb, provide sufficient evidence as to what kinds of roles and responsibilities were expected of the young King.

Over three thousand items were placed in Tutankhamun’s tomb, some of which
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The ancient Egyptians considered beards to be sacred to the Gods and therefore to Pharaohs. The false beard depicted on Tutankhamun in Source D is a symbol of the Gods and emphasises his status as a living God. Other items of regalia found in Tutankhamun’s tomb include his crook and flail, which emphasise his role as an administrator. The crook was originally used as a farming tool and symbolised that the pharaoh was like a shepherd to the Egyptians. The flail, used as a weapon, represents the necessary punishment that the pharaoh could administer to maintain order in society. These artifacts symbolise the role of the pharaoh as a herdsman of humanity, as Tutankhamun provided order and nourishment for the land and its people.

Another artifact uncovered in Tutankhamun’s tomb was a small statue of a sphinx, which provides supporting evidence of his role as a warrior pharaoh. As depicted in Source C, the sphinx has the body of a lion and the head of a man. On its head it wears the nemes headdress as well as another crown, which clearly shows it is a representation of the pharaoh. Lions had a special status in the life of ancient Egyptians and were highly respected and feared, just as the pharaoh would have been, both as a king and whilst defending Egypt in war. Tutankhamun’s portrayal as a lion also emphasises his power. The lion was considered to be the most powerful


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