Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues

By A.R. Williams

Introduction

This chapter is a mixture of history, archaeology, and modern science. It tells the story of Tutankhamun, popularly called King Tut, one of the youngest pharaohs of ancient Egypt. Tut’s life and mysterious death, along with the discovery of his tomb in 1922, have fascinated historians and archaeologists for nearly a century. The chapter describes how scientific techniques, particularly CT (Computed Tomography) scanning, have been used to uncover secrets of Tut’s life and death.

The narrative moves between past and present, connecting the grandeur of ancient Egyptian civilisation with the modern quest to solve mysteries through science.

Who was Tutankhamun?

• Tutankhamun, often called Tut, became pharaoh of Egypt at a very young age (about 9 or 10 years old).
• His reign was short; he ruled for about 9 years and died when he was still a teenager, around 17 or 18 years old.
• Tut belonged to the 18th dynasty of Egyptian kings, a family that ruled during the “New Kingdom” period.
• His death was sudden and mysterious. There were no clear records about how he died. This created much speculation: was it an accident, an illness, or even murder?

The Discovery of Tut’s Tomb

• In 1922, the British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb in the Valley of the Kings, near Luxor, Egypt.
• The tomb was almost intact and filled with extraordinary treasures: gold ornaments, jewellery, statues, chariots, and the famous golden mask.
• Carter’s discovery was one of the greatest archaeological finds of the 20th century.
• However, the process of excavation also raised controversy. To reach Tut’s mummy, Carter had to dismantle parts of the body. The condition of the mummy made it difficult to handle, and the methods used were criticised by later scholars.

Mystery of Tut’s Death

• For decades, Tut’s death remained a puzzle. Some suggested that he was murdered due to political conspiracies. Others believed he died of illness, perhaps malaria or a genetic disorder.
• The absence of proper records from that time only deepened the mystery.
• Tut’s premature death ended his attempt to restore traditional Egyptian religious practices, which had been disturbed by his predecessor, Akhenaten (believed to be Tut’s father or relative).

The CT Scan of 2005

• In January 2005, Tut’s mummy was put through a CT scanner, a sophisticated medical machine that creates three-dimensional images.
• The purpose was to gather precise information about Tut’s physical condition at the time of death, without disturbing the body.
• More than 1,700 digital images were taken, showing detailed views of his skull, bones, and other body parts.
• This was one of the most advanced scientific studies carried out on an ancient mummy.

Findings of the Scan

• The CT scan revealed interesting but inconclusive results.
• There was no evidence of a blow to the skull, which had earlier led to speculation of murder.
• Instead, the scan showed damage to the chest bones and ribs, but experts debated whether this damage was caused before death or during the mummification process.
• Some suggested Tut may have died of an accident (such as a chariot crash), or from disease.
• The mystery was not completely solved, but modern science gave a clearer picture of his physical condition.

Tut’s Burial and Treasures

• Tut’s burial was lavish, even though he was a young king. His tomb contained more than 3,500 articles, including weapons, furniture, clothes, and toys.
• The most famous item was the golden funerary mask, which became a symbol of ancient Egyptian civilisation.
• Ancient Egyptians believed in the afterlife, and such treasures were placed in tombs to accompany the king in his journey after death.

Howard Carter’s Dilemma

• When Carter discovered the tomb, the mummy was in poor condition, stuck to the coffin due to the resins used in burial.
• In order to remove the mummy, Carter’s team cut it into pieces, which later drew criticism.
• Although Carter preserved the treasures, his methods with the body were questioned by modern archaeologists, who saw it as an act of destruction rather than preservation.

Blend of Past and Present

• The chapter highlights how modern science and technology are being used to study history.
• Tutankhamun lived more than 3,300 years ago, yet today’s medical tools like CT scans are bringing his story to life.
• This shows the continuity of human curiosity — from Carter’s manual excavation in 1922 to digital imaging in 2005.

Themes in the Chapter

1. Mystery and History – Tut’s life and death remain an unsolved puzzle.
2. Science and Archaeology – How modern tools help in uncovering the past.
3. Life and Death – The story reminds us of the fragility of human life, even for kings.
4. Tradition and Afterlife – Egyptian belief in life after death is reflected in the treasures buried with Tut.
5. Curiosity and Knowledge – Human desire to know the past continues through ages.

Character Portrayals

Tutankhamun

• A young king, remembered more for his death than his reign.
• Symbol of ancient mystery and royal grandeur.
• Represents both fragility and splendour of human history.

Howard Carter

• Determined archaeologist who discovered Tut’s tomb.
• Dedicated but sometimes controversial in his methods.
• His discovery changed the way the world looked at ancient Egypt.

Modern Scientists (2005 team)

• Represent rational, scientific curiosity.
• Unlike Carter, they used non-invasive methods.
• Their work shows how technology can help preserve and study heritage.

Literary Devices

• Imagery – Descriptions of golden treasures and the Valley of the Kings.
• Irony – A king remembered more for his death than his life.
• Symbolism – Tut’s tomb symbolises Egypt’s rich culture and mystery.
• Contrast – Old excavation methods vs. modern scientific techniques.
• Narrative Technique – Blend of history, journalism, and science.

Critical Analysis

• The chapter is not just about a king’s mummy but about the journey of human knowledge.
• Tutankhamun’s story is a metaphor for history itself: partly known, partly hidden, always fascinating.
• The author balances storytelling with factual reporting, making the chapter engaging yet informative.
• It also raises ethical questions — should we disturb the dead in the name of science? Is curiosity more important than respect for ancient traditions?
• The chapter thus becomes both an adventure in archaeology and a meditation on mortality.

Conclusion

“Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues” shows how history never truly ends. Every generation finds new ways to interpret the past. Tutankhamun’s story — from his sudden death, to Carter’s excavation, to modern CT scans — reflects the power of science and human curiosity to connect us with our ancient roots. The saga indeed continues, reminding us that history is not static but alive in new discoveries.