Monday 17 February 2020

London - Tutankhamun Exhibition

In 1914, Lord Carnarvon, a keen amateur Egyptologist, obtained a licence to excavate in the Valley of the Kings. 

Valley of the Kings

Lord Carnarvon employed Archaeologist Howard Carter to lead the exploration. Work was interrupted by the First World War, resuming in 1917. The excavations yielded nothing of great exception, until  November 1922 ,when a tomb was unearthed . Steps were discovered, which when excavated were found to lead to a tomb entrance with the seal still intact. The cartouche on the seal belonged to Tutankhamun who was pharaoh from c 1334 - 1325. 

Tutankhamun's Tomb Seal

Tutankhamun's Cartouche

Carter sent a telegram to the excavations sponsor, Lord Carnarvon:

"At last we have made wonderful discovery in Valley; a magnificent tomb with seals intact; re-covered same for your arrival; congratulations"

Carnarvon sailed to Egypt with his daughter, for the official opening of the tomb on 29th November 1922.

Lord Carnarvon, daughter Lady Evelyn and Howard Carter
Tutankhamun's Tomb 1922

The tomb was intact. It contained the solid gold coffin and face mask of Tutankhamun, together with objects that were buried with him for his afterlife.

Tutankhamun's Burial Chamber
  
Tutankhamun's Mask
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Tutankhamun's Tomb
Valley of the Kings
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Tutankhamun Exhibition
London