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King Tut Facts

King Tut Facts
King Tut's full name was Tutankhaten. He was born in 1341 BC in Akhetaten, Egypt's capital city as the time. His father Akhenaten and his mother was one of Akhenaten's sisters. He was known as Tutankhaten when he was a prince, until he became king at the age of nine. He was known as Nebkheperure for the next three years. When he became the king of Egypt at the age of nine he married his half-sister Ankhesenpaaten. They had two daughters together but both were stillborn. Three years after he became king he changed his name to Tutankhamun. Some believe that King Tut was assassinated but most believe that his death was an accident. He only lived until his late teens.
Interesting King Tut Facts:
King Tut ruled for only about 10 years, from approximately 1333 BC to 1324 BC. He was the Pharaoh of Egypt.
His father died when he was only seven, and he became Pharaoh two years later when he married his sister. Marrying your sister was a normal thing in those days.
Because he was so young, most of the decisions made during his rule were by Ay and Horemheb.
King Tut's father was not popular with the Egyptians because he changed their religion to worship Aten. When King Tut became ruler he changed the religion back to worship Amun.
Because King Tut's body was so well-preserved, scientists have been able to learn a lot about him.
King Tut was about 5 feet 8 inches tall when he died. He was slim but well-nourished.
King Tut's two stillborn daughters were preserved (mummified) and buried in his tomb as well in tiny coffins.
King Tut was buried in a tomb in the Valley of the Kings, at Thebes which was the traditional burial place for the kings before him.
King Tut's tomb was discovered on November 4th, 1922 by the Egyptologist Howard Carter.
The Curse of Tutankhamun became famous when the financial supporter of Howard Carter, Lord Carnarvon died seven weeks after the tomb was discovered. He was bitten by a mosquito on his cheek and it became infected and he died. When they removed King Tut's death mask, he too had a mark on the same spot on his cheek.
When Lord Carnarvon died the lights went out in Cairo. His dog also dropped dead at the same time back in England.
The tomb of King Tut's mother was found as well. Because her true identity is not known 100%, she is now called 'The Younger Lady'.
King Tut's successor was the vizier Ay, who had helped King Tut rule.
King Tut's tomb consisted of four main rooms filled with treasures. It was likely built for a nobleman and not King Tut, but because King Tut died so suddenly, they had to use what they had.
The four rooms in King Tut's tomb include the Antechamber, the burial chamber, the annex and the treasury.
There were many valuable objects (approximately 3500) found in King Tut's tomb. Today they are on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo, Egypt.


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