Overview
This lecture discusses the discovery, examination, and historical context of King Tutankhamun's life and death, highlighting advances in archaeological methods and scientific investigations.
Discovery and Significance of Tutankhamun
- King Tutankhamun was a teenage pharaoh and the last heir of a powerful Egyptian dynasty.
- Tut's tomb was discovered in 1922 by British archaeologist Howard Carter in the Valley of the Kings.
- The tomb contained the richest royal collection ever found, with funerary treasures meant to guarantee resurrection.
Investigation of the Mummy
- Tut's mummy was in poor condition due to Carter's attempts to separate it from hardened resins inside the coffin.
- Carter used sunlight and chiseling to remove the mummy, which caused significant damage.
- Recent archaeological focus has shifted to understanding life and mysteries of death using technological methods.
Scientific Techniques and Findings
- In 1968, X-rays revealed missing breastbone and ribs beneath Tut's chest.
- Computed tomography (CT) scans provide detailed, cross-section images to produce a 3D reconstruction of the mummy.
- The 2005 CT scan produced 1,700 images, revealing intricate details of Tut's body and helping answer lingering questions about his death and age.
Historical Context and Family Line
- Tut's father or grandfather, Amenhotep III, ruled during Egypt's 18th dynasty golden age.
- Amenhotep IV (Akhenaten) introduced sun worship, moved the capital, and disrupted traditional religion.
- After Akhenaten, a brief ruler (Smenkhkare) appeared, followed by Tut, who restored old religious practices and died unexpectedly after a nine-year reign.
Modern Archaeology and Mummy Scanning
- The Egyptian Mummy Project began in 2003 to inventory and scan mummies using portable CT machines.
- Tutankhamun was among the first to be scanned, aiding research and preservation.
- The scanning process faced challenges, but successful imaging gave new insights into Tut's physical condition.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Forensic reconstruction — recreating appearance or circumstances from physical remains for investigation.
- Funerary treasures — valuable objects buried with the dead for use in the afterlife.
- Scudded across — moved swiftly across (used for clouds or winds).
- Circumvented — found a way around an obstacle.
- Casket grey — a grey color resembling a coffin or casket.
- Computed tomography (CT) — imaging technique using X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images.
- Resurrection — rising from the dead or returning to life.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review and infer the meanings of the expressions listed before reading.
- Read the full NCERT chapter for deeper understanding.
- Be prepared to discuss the changes in archaeological methods and King Tut’s historical significance.