This Week in History: Week 48 (26 November 1922)
Tutankhamen's Tomb Is Opened
The tomb of the ancient Egyptian "boy king" is opened for the first time in over 3,000 years.
In 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter opened the tomb of the ancient Egyptian pharaoh or "boy king" Tutankhamen. It was the first tomb to be found that had not been raided by thieves since it was sealed over 3,000 years ago. Among the remarkable objects found inside were a gold throne, couches, chariots, statues and priceless jewellery. Carter also found the mummified body of the teenage king lying inside a solid gold coffin and wearing a beautiful, lifelike solid gold mask.
archaeologist (noun): person who studies the past by excavating historical sites
raid (verb): enter or attack quickly (with no notice or warning)
chariot (noun): a two-wheeled vehicle pulled by a horse or horses
priceless (adjective): so unique or amazing that its value cannot be measured
mummified (adjective): preserved with cloth and special chemicals (usually a dead body)
Mini Quiz
1. British archaeologist Howard Carter was the first person in 3000 years to
a) raid Tutankhamen's tomb
b) enter Tutankhamen's tomb
c) seal Tutankhamen's tomb
bShow answer
2. When he was entombed, Tutankhamen was wearing
a) a lifelike mask
b) a priceless gold crown
c) a solid-gold coffin
aShow answer
3. Ancient Egyptians mummified important people
a) to help them live a long life
b) when they became adults
c) after they had died
cShow answer