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Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues – Questions & Answers

Very Short Answer Questions (1–2 lines each)

1. Who was Tutankhamun?
   Ans. Tutankhamun was a young Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th dynasty.
2. Who discovered his tomb?
   Ans. British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered it in 1922.
3. Where was the tomb located?
   Ans. In the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, Egypt.
4. Why is the discovery famous?
   Ans. It was nearly intact and full of treasures, giving insight into ancient Egyptian life.
5. What types of treasures were found?
   Ans. Gold masks, jewellery, statues, chariots, furniture, and everyday items.
6. Who funded Howard Carter’s expedition?
   Ans. Lord Carnarvon provided financial support for the excavation.
7. Why were items buried with Tutankhamun?
   Ans. Egyptians believed these items would help the pharaoh in the afterlife.
8. Why is the tomb called a “time capsule”?
   Ans. Because it remained sealed and untouched for over 3,000 years.
9. What was Howard Carter’s reaction on entering the tomb?
   Ans. He felt awe, excitement, and carefully documented every item.
10. What did the discovery reveal about Egyptian culture?
    Ans. It showed their artistry, burial customs, religious beliefs, and daily life of the elite.

Short Answer Questions (30–50 words)

1. Who was Tutankhamun and why is he important?
   Tutankhamun was a young Egyptian king. His tomb’s discovery was important because it was almost untouched, revealing treasures that help us understand ancient Egyptian culture, art, and burial traditions.
2. How did Howard Carter find the tomb?
   After years of searching, Carter noticed a hidden staircase in the Valley of the Kings. Clearing it carefully, he entered the tomb and discovered the sealed burial chamber with treasures inside.
3. Describe the treasures found in Tutankhamun’s tomb.
   The treasures included a golden mask, statues, jewellery, chariots, furniture, and everyday items like clothes and bowls. They reflected the skill of Egyptian craftsmen and the importance they gave to the afterlife.
4. Why was the discovery considered extraordinary?
   The tomb was nearly intact, unlike most other Egyptian tombs. Its contents provided detailed insight into burial practices, royal life, and the material culture of ancient Egypt.
5. What role did Lord Carnarvon play in the discovery?
   He funded Carter’s expedition, enabling years of searching, excavation, and preservation of the tomb and its artifacts.
6. Why were items buried with Tutankhamun?
   The Egyptians believed the pharaoh needed these items in the afterlife to live comfortably and maintain royal status.
7. How did the discovery change our understanding of ancient Egypt?
   It revealed advanced craftsmanship, religious rituals, belief in the afterlife, and the wealth and sophistication of Egyptian royalty.

Long Answer Questions (120–150 words)

1. Describe the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb.
   Howard Carter discovered the tomb in 1922 after careful searching in the Valley of the Kings. He found steps leading to a sealed doorway and entered to find a nearly intact tomb filled with treasures. Gold masks, statues, furniture, and chariots surrounded Tutankhamun’s mummy. The tomb had been sealed for more than 3,000 years, preserving everything. This discovery provided invaluable knowledge of Egyptian burial practices, craftsmanship, and royal culture. Carter documented every item carefully, ensuring its preservation, while Lord Carnarvon funded the expedition.
2. Explain the significance of the treasures found in the tomb.
   The treasures are significant because they show the wealth, art, and beliefs of ancient Egypt. The golden mask symbolized royal authority, while statues, furniture, and everyday objects indicated how Egyptians prepared for the afterlife. These items revealed religious beliefs, craftsmanship, and the sophistication of Egyptian society.
3. How did Howard Carter and his team preserve the artifacts?
   Carter meticulously documented each item with notes and photographs. The team handled artifacts carefully to avoid damage. This careful preservation ensured that scholars could study the tomb and its contents, and that artifacts could later be displayed for educational and cultural purposes.
4. What does the discovery tell us about ancient Egyptian civilization?
   The tomb shows that Egyptians had advanced artistic skills, detailed burial practices, and strong religious beliefs. They buried pharaohs with items for the afterlife, reflecting respect for kings and their belief in eternal life. The discovery provided scholars with a detailed understanding of royal culture and daily life in ancient Egypt.