KING TUT - PBS Special

Summary

This documentary explores the legacy of ancient Egypt, focusing on the reign of the boy king Tutankhamun. It delves into the mysterious burial practices, monumental architecture like the pyramids, and Egypt’s sophisticated belief system centered around the afterlife. The discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922, filled with over 5,000 treasures, captivated the world and provided invaluable insight into Egypt’s royal past. The film examines the rituals, political shifts, and enduring mysteries surrounding Egypt's pharaohs, particularly the short-lived reign of Tutankhamun, whose tomb remains one of the greatest archaeological finds in history.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ancient Egypt was a highly advanced civilization that lasted for over 3,000 years, known for its monumental architecture, religious beliefs, and wealth of knowledge.
• 😀 Pharaohs were seen as gods on Earth, and their tombs were filled with everything they might need in the afterlife, reflecting a deep belief in life beyond death.
• 😀 The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time, providing a wealth of information about ancient Egypt.
• 😀 Tutankhamun ascended to the throne at a young age, and though his reign was brief, he played a pivotal role in restoring Egypt’s traditional polytheistic beliefs after his father’s monotheistic revolution.
• 😀 The boy king's unexpected death at 19 remains a mystery, with theories ranging from illness and accident to foul play, though recent scans suggest a leg injury might have contributed to his death.
• 😀 The tomb of Tutankhamun contained over 5,000 items, including gold artifacts, jewelry, food, clothing, and everyday objects, offering insight into the wealth and culture of ancient Egypt.
• 😀 The Egyptian belief in the afterlife was central to their culture, influencing everything from their burial practices to the construction of tombs designed to ensure immortality.
• 😀 The tomb contained 'shabtis,' small figurines meant to serve the king in the afterlife, along with protective amulets and gold items, including the famous golden burial mask.
• 😀 The location of Tutankhamun's tomb was hidden for centuries, and Carter’s discovery was made after years of unsuccessful excavations in the Valley of the Kings.
• 😀 Despite its small size, Tutankhamun’s tomb was the wealthiest ever discovered, containing not only personal treasures but also those inherited from the previous court of Akhenaten.
• 😀 The 'curse of the pharaohs' gained worldwide attention following the death of Lord Carnarvon, Carter’s financial backer, just months after the tomb’s discovery, though this curse is largely considered a myth.
• 😀 The legacy of ancient Egypt continues through ongoing archaeological work, with new discoveries still being made, including potential new tombs in the Valley of the Kings and surrounding areas.

Q & A

What was the significance of Tutankhamun's tomb discovery in 1922?

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb in 1922 by Howard Carter is considered one of the greatest archaeological finds of all time. It contained over 5,000 artifacts, including treasures made of gold, offering invaluable insights into ancient Egyptian royal life, burial practices, and the afterlife.

Why did ancient Egyptians believe in the afterlife?

The ancient Egyptians believed that death was a continuation of life, only better. They viewed the afterlife as a place where individuals could enjoy eternal life, which is why they filled tombs with everything the deceased would need, including food, clothing, jewelry, and magical symbols.

How did the pyramids reflect Egyptian beliefs about the afterlife?

The pyramids were monumental tombs built for pharaohs to ensure their safe passage to the afterlife. The Egyptians believed that these grand structures would help the kings ascend to heaven and reside with the gods forever. They were seen as part of a larger national project focused on the afterlife.

What led to the shift in burial practices during the 18th Dynasty?

During the 18th Dynasty, the Egyptians moved their royal cemeteries to the Valley of the Kings, a secluded area far from the Nile. This shift was partly due to the realization that the pyramids were being looted and no longer provided sufficient protection for the tombs and treasures.

What religious changes occurred under Pharaoh Akhenaten?

Pharaoh Akhenaten introduced a revolutionary religious change by promoting the worship of a single god, Aten, represented by the sun disk. This monotheistic shift alienated many Egyptians, as it neglected the traditional beliefs in gods associated with death and the afterlife.

What is the mystery surrounding Tutankhamun's death?

The cause of Tutankhamun's death at the age of 19 remains uncertain. Recent investigations, including CT scans, suggest that a fracture in his leg, possibly leading to blood poisoning, may have contributed to his death. There is no clear evidence of foul play, though his sudden death at a young age raises many questions.

Why was Tutankhamun's tomb small, despite its wealth of treasures?

Tutankhamun's tomb was likely small because he was still a young boy when he died, and his tomb was not fully prepared. However, it contained a vast amount of treasures due to his inheritance of wealth and materials from the Amarna court, making it one of the wealthiest tombs ever discovered.

What role did the shabtis in Tutankhamun's tomb serve?

Shabtis were small figurines placed in Egyptian tombs to serve as servants in the afterlife. When the deceased needed assistance, they would utter a magical spell to bring the shabtis to life. In Tutankhamun's tomb, these figurines were intricately designed, some even holding tools to perform tasks for the king in the afterlife.

What is the significance of the curse of Tutankhamun?

The so-called 'Curse of the Pharaohs' gained prominence after the death of Lord Carnarvon, the financial backer of the tomb's excavation, just months after the discovery. Though many believed in a curse, there is no evidence to support it, and it is largely considered a myth created by sensational media coverage.

What is the ongoing archaeological work in Egypt related to ancient tombs?

Archaeologists continue to explore Egypt's ancient sites, such as the Valley of the Kings and Abidos, revealing new tombs and relics. Dr. Zahi Hawass, a leading archaeologist, has discovered potential new tombs, including one marked 'KV64', and is dedicated to preserving Egypt's monuments from the threats of pollution and environmental degradation.