King
Tutankhamun
and the Valley
of the Kings
Embark on a journey through ancient Egypt to
uncover the captivating story of King
Tutankhamun.
The boy pharaoh, whose intact tomb, discovered in
1922, ignited global fascination and revealed
unparalleled insights into a magnificent
civilisation.
Made By: Rupesh Naga
Class: 11-D
Roll No.: 25
Ancient Egypt: Cradle of Civilisati
Enduring Empire The New Kingdom
Flourished for over 3,000 years (c. 3100 BC - 30 BC), A period of immense wealth, empire expansion, and
leaving an indelible mark on history. elaborate burial practices (c. 1550-1070 BC).
Pharaoh's Divine Role Afterlife Beliefs
The pharaoh served as the divine ruler, mediating Complex beliefs in the afterlife necessitated elaborate
between the gods and mortals, embodying cosmic mummification and the inclusion of grave goods for
order. eternal sustenance.
The Valley of the Kings: Royal Necropolis
Located on the West Bank of the Nile, near ancient
Thebes (modern Luxor), the Valley of the Kings
served as the principal burial ground for New
Kingdom pharaohs of the 18th, 19th, and 20th
Dynasties.
Over 63 known tombs (KV1 to KV63), including
Tutankhamun's (KV62).
Chosen for its natural pyramid-shaped peak (al-Qurn)
and secluded, defensible location.
Despite efforts, most tombs were plundered in
antiquity due to their immense wealth and value.
King Tutankhamun: The Boy Pharaoh
Brief Reign
1 Reigned from c. 1332–1323 BC (18th Dynasty), ascending the throne around nine and dying at
approximately nineteen years old.
Royal Lineage
2
Confirmed by DNA analysis in 2010 to be the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten and Akhenaten's sister.
Religious Restoration
3
Crucially, he reversed his father's monotheistic Atenist reforms, restoring traditional polytheistic
worship.
Sudden Demise
4
His hasty burial suggests an unexpected death or a very short reign, which contributed to the
preservation of his tomb.
Howard Carter's Historic Discovery:
The relentless pursuit of Egyptologist
Howard Carter, funded by British aristocrat
Lord Carnarvon, culminated in one of the
most significant archaeological finds in
history.
On November 4, 1922, Carter's team uncovered
the first step of what would be identified as
Tutankhamun's tomb (KV62).
Twenty-two days later, on November 26, Carter
made the famous breach, declaring, "Wonderful
things!" upon seeing the tomb's contents.
It was the only nearly intact royal tomb ever
found in the Valley of the Kings, setting it apart
from all others.
The discovery ignited a global phenomenon
known as "Egyptomania," sparking widespread
interest in ancient Egypt.
The Treasures of KV62: Unveiling Immort
1 2 3 4
Gold Burial Mask Nested Shrines Canopic Shrine Mummy's Artifacts
& Coffins
The iconic mask, weighing 11 Four nested gilded shrines The ornate Canopic Shrine Over 143 artifacts, including
kg (24 lbs) of solid gold, enclosed three coffins, with housed four alabaster jars two daggers (one of meteoric
adorned with lapis lazuli and the innermost one crafted containing Tutankhamun's iron), were meticulously
quartz, is a masterpiece of from 110 kg of solid gold, mummified internal organs, placed within his mummy's
ancient art. protecting the pharaoh's each protected by a deity's wrappings.
mummy. effigy.
Tut's Life and Mysterious Death
Despite his youth, Tutankhamun's reign
was significant, marked by religious
restoration and building projects, though
he was largely guided by his Grand
Vizier Ay and General Horemheb.
CT scans in 2005 revealed a severe leg fracture
just before his death, possibly leading to a fatal
infection.
The DNA analysis in 2010 further indicated that
he suffered from malaria and congenital bone
disorders, including Kohler disease.
The prevailing theory suggests his death at 19
was a result of complications from his leg injury
exacerbated by malaria, rather than foul play.
The “Curse of the Pharaohs”
&
Enduring Myths
1923 Mystica
Carnarvon's Death Ancient Attributions
Lord Carnarvon's death shortly after the tomb Deaths of individuals connected to the tomb were
opening fueled sensational media claims of an often attributed to mystical curses placed by ancient
ancient curse. Egyptians to protect their pharaohs.
Scientific Iconic
Rational Explanations Cultural Impact
Scientists offer explanations such as coincidence, The "curse" narrative, though unfounded, greatly
pre-existing health conditions of those involved, or enhanced public intrigue and tourism, solidifying
exposure to ancient molds and bacteria within the Tutankhamun's mask as a global cultural icon.
tomb.
Modern Research and Conserv
Advanced scientific techniques continue to unravel the mysteries surrounding Tutankhamun
and ensure the preservation of his legacy.
1 CT Scans (2005): Provided detailed skeletal analysis, definitively debunking
murder theories and suggesting natural causes of death.
2 DNA Studies (2010): Confirmed his parentage and identified several genetic
ailments and diseases, including malaria.
3 Radar Scans (2015-2016): Initial scans suggested hidden chambers behind
KV62's walls, though subsequent investigations proved inconclusive.
4 Getty Conservation Institute (2009-2019): A multi-year project meticulously
preserved KV62, addressing dust, tourism impact, and environmental decay.
THANK
YOU
