Extended Response - Tutankhamun PDF

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Extended Response – Tutankhamun EXPLAIN WHAT THE ARTEFACTS FROM TUTANKHAMUN’S TOMB REVEAL ABOUT EGYPT DURING HIS TIME The extensive range of untouched artefacts in the tomb reveal a great deal about life in Egypt during the time of Tutankhamun’s reign. Items found in both the burial chamber and the treasury room provide information about the actual burial process, while those found in the antechamber add to our understanding of the afterlife. In addition to this, artefacts discovered in the annex, provide valuable insight into the daily lives of ancient Egyptians. Each of the thousands of tomb pieces serve as archaeological evidence of a rich and vibrant ancient culture. The Body of Tutankhamun itself combined with the collection of items placed in his tomb, lead to an unprecedented understanding of the burial process at the time of Tutankhamun. Tutankhamun is the worlds most well-known pharaoh. This is because his tomb was found in the best condition and allowed historians, as well as scientists to explain everything about Tutankhamun, giving people deep insight into the king’s life. Pieces of evidence found in the burial chamber that allowed historians to explain the burial process of the king were the burial chamber reliefs. These paintings in the eastern tomb described the funeral procession to the tomb, the scene shows the king being carried to his tomb by mourners, high officials of upper and lower Egypt. These paintings describe key moments in the king’s life, thus creating a literal picture of the king’s life. This is the first time in history that historians and archaeologists were able to access this kind of revealing information about Egypt during this time. Primary sources such as the canopic jars also give great understanding about the burial process of the ancient Egyptians. One of the eight steps in mummification involves the removal of vital organs such as the lungs, intestines, stomach and liver are all removed as part of the procedures. The heart however stays in the body as it guides the deceased to and through the afterlife. The organs from the abdomen area the placed into specific canopic jars in which a certain jar is fitted with the head of the God that would protect that specific organ. The main written source of the information about the process of mummification comes from the account of ancient Greek writer and traveler Herodotus, of the 5 th Century BC. Another outstanding piece of evidence that grants great access into the past is the golden falcon amulet. This stunning piece of neck jewelry was placed within the bandages of the mummified Tutankhamun. It is said that this amulet is placed on the body of the King to provide protection in the afterlife. Funerary amulets were consistently placed on a body or mummy between the 13th and 18th dynasties. Many different amulets had different meanings. The purpose of the golden falcon amulet was to help protect the body. The amulet possesses the powers of Isis, and it acts as the divine mother that provides protection for the dead and deceased. This act reveals a lot about ancient Egyptian culture in that people of the time would do whatever was necessary to grant their loved one’s access to the afterlife. Thus, the archaeological evidence centered on the ancient Egyptian burial process found within the tomb is critical to our understanding of it.

In addition to this, it is through a close inspection of Tutankhamun’s antechamber that we gain information supporting the importance of the afterlife to the Egyptian’s at the time of Tutankhamun. The afterlife is said to be the Field of Rushes. This field is what the deceased gained in the afterlife and they are required to look after their piece of land. To get their piece of land, the deceased person must go through the judgement period in the underworld, where they get their heart weighed, stand in front of the forty-two divine judges, and then they are able to claim their land. As part of an important person’s death, the ancient Egyptians would bury the person with everything they required for the afterlife. As stated earlier about Tutankhamun’s tomb being the rarest ancient Egyptian tomb because almost 6,000 items were found still intact, three large chariots, two royal thrones and painted chests were found among those 6,000 items that were said to be quite significant to Tutankhamun’s afterlife. Found within the antechamber were three large golden chariots. These chariots were used in battle in ancient Egypt and have quite a substantial role in Tutankhamun’s tomb. It is written by the Australian Museum that part of the journey to the afterlife was contending Gods, strange creatures and gatekeepers to reach the Hall of Final Judgement. The three chariots, made of gold to show major importance of his life on earth, would have been placed in his tomb so that he could ride smoothly and defeat enemies on his journey to the afterlife. These items hold great significance in showing people of the modern world what Egypt was like during the period of Tutankhamun’s reign. Another astonishing piece of treasure found in the antechamber that reveals a lot about ancient Egypt are the two royal thrones that Tutankhamun used throughout his lifetime as a pharaoh. A throne is a ceremonial chair that pharaohs would use in times of great occasions. The two royal thrones that were found in the antechamber are significant as they show the power of Tutankhamun to the judges of the afterlife, proving that he is worthy of entering the afterlife. The thrones would not only be for show in the afterlife but would also be for great use. The Ancient Egyptians are strong believers that whatever is left in the tomb of a king would automatically be taken with that specific person to his/her afterlife. Outstanding pieces of evidence that give great intel on the life style of ancient Egyptians are the painted treasure chests

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