Most Interesting Things about Tutankhamun’s Life Story

Tutankhamun Life Story; the Boy King

Tutankhamun was born in 1334 BC to King Akhenaton, also known as Amenhotep IV. He ruled Egypt when he was only 9 years old and thus the name “the Boy King.” His original name was Tutankhaten, which means “The Living Image of Aten.” He reached the throne during the New Kingdom in the 18th dynasty. He has become famous after the discovery of his iconic tomb, with its glamorous gold coffin and impressive artifacts. Also, it was the only royal tomb that wasn’t previously robbed by thieves. This discovery has stirred interest in the ancient Egyptian era, attracting tourists from all over the world. He became known as King Tut upon the discovery of his tomb. He had a lot of titles, including:

  • Kanakht Tutmesut, which means “The Strong Bull”
  • Neferhepusegerehtawy Werahamun Nebrdjer, Nebkheperure, which means “Lord of the forms of Re”
  • Tutankhamun Hekaiunushema, which means “Living image of Amun, ruler of Upper Heliopolis”

King Tut Childhood Facts

  • Tutankhamun wasn’t born to Nefertiti who had daughters only, causing tension in the royal court.
  • Tutankhamun’s father, Akhenaten, was a religious radical who changed the entire religion of ancient Egypt to the worship of god Aten. He also built a new capital, dedicated to Aten and named it Amarna.
  • Tutankhamun loved to hunt ostriches, feeling proud when he returned with his prey.
  • Tutankhamun’s favorite possession was an iron dagger, named “iron from the sky.”
  • Tutankhamun had a dog as a pet and dog staff were found in his tomb.
  • Tutankhamun was trained in the military.
  • Tutankhamun was great at archery.

Was King Tut married?

King Tut was married to Ankhesenamun, his half-sister, originally known as “Ankhesenpaaten,” which means Living through the Aten. The change of god worship from Aten to Amun has caused this change of names. King Tut married Ankhesenamun when he was only eight years old while she was about thirteen years old. The couple had two daughters, however, no records have documented what happened to them, mostly stillborn.

The Pharaoh Tutankhamun

Tutankhamun ruled Egypt at a young age (nearly 9 years old) and his reign was short, around 10 years until his death at 19. During this short time, the King had little accomplishments, mostly known for changing the religious worship to god Amun. Considered an important Pharaoh, King Tut has restored the country’s peace and prosperity after the chaos caused by his father. During his reign, many battles took place between Egypt, the Nubians, and Asiatics, disputing over territories and trade routes.

There haven’t been any records of Tutankhamun, so, he wasn’t much known to the world. That was until Howard Carter discovered his opulent tomb that was sealed for over 3,200 years in the Valley of the Kings. A great discovery with no equal! That’s how King Tut became famous, with the addition of the curse of Tutankhamun that caught everyone’s attention. On the tomb’s door, there was an inscription, bearing these words “I will kill all of those who cross this threshold into the sacred precincts of the royal king who lives forever.” However, it was revealed afterwards that the translation was incorrect.

Tutankhamun Tomb Discovery

In fact, King Tut’s Tomb was quite small, compared to other Pharaohs’ glorious tombs. Historians suggested that the King’s sudden death at a young age rushed the mummification and burial process. Despite the hasty completion, Tutankhamun’s tomb is one of the impressive tombs, with its fabulous inscriptions and intricate carvings. And, we can’t surpass Tutankhamun’s golden glory. The funerary mask is a masterpiece on its own, with rare gemstones and charming decorations.

Archaeologists discovered about 5,398 valuable items inside the burial chamber, including sandals, bracelets, statues, jewelry, and artifacts. Actually, the gold coffin of his burial is the most expensive in the world. You can view the striking golden mask inside the Egyptian Museum in Cairo. And, you can view King Tut’s precious collection at the Grand Egyptian Museum, which is supposed to open to the public in 2020.

King Tutankhamun Accomplishments

Although King Tutankhamun’s reign was short, he had valuable accomplishments that affected the ancient Egyptian Kingdom. He ended the worship of Aten and encouraged the worship of Amun, changing his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun. He moved the capital back to Thebes and established many prominent temples at Karnak, dedicated to the god Amun. He also ordered the construction of the red granite lions to stand as guards at the Temple of Soleb in Nubia. During his reign, he tried his best to flourish his kingdom by establishing diplomatic relationships with other thriving kingdoms.

How did King Tut die?

Many theories have been circulating King Tut’s death since the discovery of his tomb in 1922. The King was extremely fragile, with poor health. Some archaeologists suggested that maybe the King was assassinated because they found a hole in the back of the skull. But, the tests revealed that this hole was accidentally made during the mummification process.

Historians contributed this to the traditional inbreeding that took place in the ancient Egyptian civilization. According to accurate DNA tests, Tutankhamun was born to a brother and sister, causing medical problems and deformations. Also, the tests revealed that King Tut had a curved spine, as well as the discovery of the mosquito-borne parasite that causes malaria in his mummy. Besides, the tests showed that the King had an infected fractured left leg, maybe caused by a chariot wheel. All of these medical problems may have caused the king’s early death. Upon his death, vizier of King Tut, Ay, married his widow Ankhesenamun, became a Pharaoh, and ruled Egypt for four years.

Ready to go!

The life of the young king, Tutankhamun is really impressive, with unsolved mysteries and exciting stories. Even the cause of his death is still a mystery despite modern technology, achieving 11 different death reasons. If you’re interested to know more about Tutankhamun’s life, achievements, and tales, consider attending the Pyramids Sound and Light Show. You’ll be stunned by the wonderful music and enchanting lights as you hear incredible stories of ancient Egypt.