It was on this day, January 3, of 1924 that the sarcophagus of Pharaoh Tutankhamen was uncovered by British Egyptologist, Howard Carter. He and a team of others had discovered the tomb two years earlier, but the mummy and treasures buried with it were only found on this day.
“King Tut,” as he is often colloquially referred to, reigned from the age of eight or nine for about nine years (1341-1323 BCE). His sarcophagus and items buried with him caused enormous interest one hundred years ago and remain marveled over today. They have traveled the world over that time, but rightfully remain in Egypt, where they illustrate the land’s heritage.
One tomb that remains undiscovered is that of Nefertiti, who may have been Tutankhamen’s mother. Some speculate that it lies behind a wall in Tut’s tomb, but Egypt has thus far refused to allow Tut’s tomb to be disturbed further.
Tut’s tomb was relatively small and was hidden by the homes of workers excavating other tombs, thus avoiding robbery, as had occurred with a number of other graves over the centuries. The Curse of the Pharaohs, which was said to doom any who disturbed the Pharaohs’ tombs, and several who were associated with Carter did die untimely deaths after the discovery.
And, of course, no discussion about Tutankhamen should omit reference to the hit song “King Tut” by the comedian Steve Martin and the Toot Uncommons. No doubt Martin’s success led to enough riches for him to rival the boy king.
