The Great Discovery
Tutankhamen, or King Tut as he is often called today, was the third-last king of Egypt’s 18th dynasty—a dynasty considered the most powerful and affluent in ancient Egyptian history. Tutankhamen came to the throne as a child, ruled for about a decade, and tragically passed away at just 19 years of age. His life may have been short, but his legacy has endured for thousands of years.
The discovery of Tutankhamen’s tomb by Howard Carter in 1922 is often described as one of the greatest archaeological achievements of all time. This discovery opened a window into a forgotten world and revealed treasures of unimaginable value.
Much has been written about his death and the dazzling treasures found in his tomb, yet surprisingly little has been said about his life. For someone who died so young, King Tut accomplished quite a lot. He left behind a collection of statues that stand as silent witnesses to his reign. One, nearly two meters tall, resides in the Chicago Museum. Another graces the Louvre in Paris. And in 1989, an intriguing sphinx of his was unearthed in the Temple of Luxor.
Archaeologists Worried
For decades, archaeologists have expressed deep concern about the disintegration of Egypt’s ancient monuments. The Great Sphinx of Giza, for instance, has not escaped damage. In 1988, an alarming incident occurred when a massive two-ton slab of stone suddenly broke off the Sphinx’s shoulder, crashing to the ground in a cloud of dust near a group of stunned tourists.
Luxor has its own challenges. Tomb paintings are flaking off the walls, and some of the majestic columns in the Luxor Temple are crumbling. These sites, which have stood for millennia, are now under siege from a combination of natural and human factors.
The exact cause of this deterioration remains uncertain. Some experts believe air pollution is a significant contributor, while others point to contaminated subsoils as a possible culprit. Egypt’s booming tourism industry has also added pressure, with the influx of visitors placing additional strain on the infrastructure around these historic sites. The increased demand on local sewage systems, for instance, has created challenges that the ancient environment simply cannot handle.
Still, others suggest that the Aswan Dam has played a role. Historically, the annual flooding of the Nile would wash away harmful salts. But since the dam’s construction, these salts have been absorbed into the limestone structures, causing further damage. In 1990, as a precaution, authorities tilted an alabaster sphinx at Saqqara onto its side and inserted plastic insulation underneath to protect it from further harm.
Discovery in the Temple of Luxor
In 1989, efforts to investigate the cause of the damage in Luxor led to an incredible discovery. Workers removed paving stones from the Temple of Luxor, intending to dig down to analyze the soil for damaging minerals. But after digging only half a meter, their tools struck something unexpected—something hard.
What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Careful excavation revealed a hidden treasure: statues buried beneath the temple. In total, twenty statues were unearthed, including an impressive sphinx of Tutankhamen. Today, this incredible find is displayed in the basement of the Luxor Museum.
Discoveries like this remind us of the enduring legacy of Tutankhamen. A stela in the Cairo Museum sheds light on his life, detailing how he abandoned the worship of Aton—an unpopular religious shift introduced by his predecessor Akhenaton—and restored the worship of Amun in Thebes, modern-day Luxor. This decision was welcomed by the people and likely contributed to the wealth lavished on his tomb after his death.
Tutankhamen’s Avenue of Sphinxes
One of Tutankhamen’s most enduring legacies is the Avenue of Sphinxes, a grand pathway stretching two kilometers from the Temple of Luxor to the Temple of Karnak. This avenue is lined with sphinxes positioned every few meters. The sphinxes at the southern end remain in excellent condition, as they were buried and protected for centuries. However, those at the northern end, exposed to the elements, have suffered significant weathering over time.
In 1991, the Egyptian Antiquities Department began excavating the buried sections of this avenue. Slowly but surely, the restoration work continues, offering us a glimpse into the grandeur of Tutankhamen’s vision.
The Tomb of Maya
Tutankhamen’s treasurer, Maya, played a significant role during the boy king’s reign. Maya’s tomb, discovered at Saqqara over a century ago by Dutch archaeologists, was long lost after being buried by a sandstorm. In 1986, a team rediscovered the tomb, revealing a lower burial chamber. While the tomb contained no treasures, it provided archaeologists with a wealth of historical information.
A fine statue of Maya and his wife resides in the Leiden Museum in the Netherlands. The caption accompanying the statue once speculated that Maya’s tomb might one day be rediscovered. That day finally came, reminding us of the enduring power of hope and discovery.
The Death of Tutankhamen
For decades, Tutankhamen’s death was shrouded in mystery. Early X-rays suggested that a blow to the back of his head might have caused his death, fueling speculation that he was assassinated. However, modern scans conducted in 2006 revealed that this injury likely occurred after his death, possibly during the embalming process.
More recent studies have painted a clearer picture. DNA analysis shows that Tutankhamen suffered from genetic defects due to his parents being siblings. He also endured multiple bouts of severe malaria and sustained a compound fracture in his leg shortly before his death. This injury, compounded by infection, may have been the final blow.
Some researchers even speculate that his injuries are consistent with those sustained in a chariot accident. Regardless of the exact cause, Tutankhamen’s untimely death remains one of the great tragedies of ancient history.
The Boy King’s Tomb
Tutankhamen’s tomb, located in the Valley of the Kings, stands out for its simplicity. Unlike the grand tombs of other pharaohs, his burial chamber was hastily prepared, with rough-cut walls and minimal decoration. Despite this, the treasures buried within were breathtaking—over 2,000 items in total.
These treasures offer us a glimpse into the life and culture of ancient Egypt, but they also serve as a reminder of the fleeting nature of earthly riches.
Moses’ Choice
Tutankhamen’s story brings to mind another figure in Egyptian history—Moses. As the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, Moses had access to all the wealth and privilege of Egypt. Yet, as Hebrews 11:24-26 tells us, Moses “chose to be mistreated along with the people of God rather than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin.”
Moses looked beyond the treasures of Egypt to something far greater—a relationship with God and the promise of eternal life.
A Final Reflection
King Tut’s treasures dazzled the world, but they stayed sealed in his tomb, a reminder of the temporary nature of earthly wealth. Moses’ story, on the other hand, points us to a lasting legacy—a life built on faith, purpose, and eternal hope.
As you reflect on these two lives, what choices are you making today? Are they building a legacy that will endure, or are they tied to things that will one day fade away?