How did a young King who barely made his mark on the stage of Egyptian history, become the most famous Pharoah in the modern age? This "boy wonder" has long captured the imagination of the world, sparking a global fascination that continues to draw millions of visitors to Egypt.

Perhaps, Egypt’s greatest ruler is Ramses II, often called Ramses the Great. Reigning for an impressive 66 years (1279-1213 BCE), his time on the throne was marked by monumental achievements, far outweighing anything Tutankhamun achieved during his short reign. Ramses II also led numerous military campaigns, notably against the Hittites, and signed one of history's earliest known peace treaties. His architectural legacy includes the awe-inspiring temples of Abu Simbel and several others, showcasing him as an architectural genius.

See Best Egypt Tourist Attractions.

Despite these significant accomplishments, Ramses II often finds himself in the shadow of Tutankhamun in modern popular culture.

So let’s look at how Tutankhamun became famous.

Tutankhamun - a brief history

Tutankhamun was born in 1341 BCE , possibly in Akhetaten (modern-day Amarna), Egypt. He is the son of Pharaoh Akhenaten, a controversial ruler best known for abandoning the traditional polytheistic beliefs of ancient Egypt. This move was highly unpopular with the Egyptian people and was later reinstated when Tutankhamun came to power.

His mother was thought to be the Queen Nefertiti as she was married to Akhenaten at the time, but new DNA testing has appeared to now confirm she was in fact his step mother.

Tutankhamun, often referred to as "King Tut," ascended to the throne in 1332 BCE at a remarkably young age, perhaps as young as nine years old. His ruling came during the during the New Kingdom's 18th Dynasty from 1332-1323 BCE marking the return to traditional polytheistic beliefs and the restoration of temples and religious practices disrupted during his father's reign.

Tutankhamun died unexpectedly in 13BCE at around 18 or 19 years old. The exact cause of his death remains unclear, with theories ranging from illness (like malaria) to injuries possibly caused by an accident or assassination.

How a discovery created the world's most famous Pharaoh

Located along the West Bank of the Nile River, the Valley of the Kings is home to some 60 tombs, including those of Ramses II, Seti I, and of course Tutankhamun.

While many royal tombs in the Valley of the Kings had been ransacked by grave robbers over the centuries, Tutankhamun's tomb was the only tomb that remained remarkably intact. It contained a treasure trove of artifacts, including gold funerary masks, chariots, jewelry, and everyday objects. The sheer volume and exquisite craftsmanship of these treasures astonished the world and catapulted Tutankhamun to instant global fame.

The tomb itself also offered an unparalleled glimpse into ancient Egyptian burial practices and answers to once unresolved mysteries.

The discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb was a momentous event in archaeological history.

Here's a glimpse into that day:

The Team: Led by British archaeologist Howard Carter, the excavation team had been meticulously searching the Valley of the Kings for years. Carter, a meticulous and patient man, had dedicated his life to uncovering the secrets of ancient Egypt.
The Breakthrough: On November 4, 1922, after years of fruitless digging, Carter finally made a breakthrough. As his workers cleared away the debris, they uncovered the top step of a blocked doorway.
A Moment of Suspense: Carter, with his patron Lord Carnarvon, cautiously peered through a small hole in the doorway. When asked “can you see anything”, Howard famously replied “Yes, Wonderful things”.

A tomb of wonderful treasures

Gold Funerary Mask: This iconic mask, crafted from solid gold and adorned with precious stones, is perhaps the most famous artifact from the tomb.

Chariots: Ornate chariots, some covered in gold leaf, were discovered, offering a glimpse into ancient Egyptian warfare and transportation.

Jewelry: A vast collection of jewelry, including necklaces, bracelets, and rings, showcased the wealth and power of the pharaoh.

Furniture: Beautifully crafted furniture, such as thrones and beds, were found within the tomb.

Everyday Objects: A surprising array of everyday items, including food, wine, and even games, were included to accompany the pharaoh in the afterlife.

Why Tutankhamun Continues to Fascinate

Tutankhamun's enduring fame can be attributed to several factors:

The Discovery Itself: The discovery of his intact tomb in 1922 was a major archaeological sensation, capturing the imagination of the public worldwide.
The Richness of the Treasures: The sheer volume and exquisite craftsmanship of the artifacts found within the tomb were unprecedented, offering a unique window into the life and times of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh.
The "Curse of the Pharaoh": The sensationalized stories of "curses" associated with the tomb added an element of intrigue and mystery, further fueling public fascination.
Pop Culture Influence: Tutankhamun has been featured in numerous books, films, and documentaries, ensuring his legacy continues to resonate with audiences of all ages.
A Unique Glimpse into a Lost World: Unlike many other pharaohs, Tutankhamun's tomb offered an unparalleled glimpse into the daily life of an ancient Egyptian ruler. From his personal belongings to his royal chariots, the artifacts provided a fascinating window into the past.
A Symbol of Mystery and Intrigue: The young age of the pharaoh, the brevity of his reign, and the many unanswered questions surrounding his life and death have contributed to an aura of mystery that continues to captivate.

Visiting Tutankhamun Tomb and Gold Mask

Visiting the Valley of the Kings is on many people’s bucketlist alongside the Great Pyramids of Giza.

You can access the site via group tours or on an independent level. Many visitors come from Nile Cruises that are docked in the city of Luxor where the temples of Karnak and Luxor reside.

Read 10 reasons why you’ll love a Nile Cruise

You can see the tomb of Tutankhamun for an additional cost to the general entry ticket. The tomb is relatively small, consisting of four chambers, including the burial chamber. The walls are decorated with scenes from Egyptian mythology, depicting the pharaoh's journey to the afterlife.

The tomb contains a large stone sarcophagus housing three nested coffins. The innermost coffin is made of solid gold and holds the mummy of Tutankhamun, the only mummy left in the Valley to view. To see the remains of other rulers you will have to visit the Mummy Hall in the National Museum of Egyptian Civilization in Cairo.

The majority of the treasures found in Tutankhamun's tomb, including the iconic gold mask, are currently on display at the Egyptian Museum in Cairo.

The Valley of the Kings is best visited during the morning in the hotter months when temperatures reach well above 40 degrees.

Read Best Time to Visit Egypt - Summer or Winter

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How Tutankhamun became Egypt’s most famous King

Tutankhamun - a brief history