What Happened On November 4th?
On November 4, 1922, Howard Carter’s team, after years of searching, made one of the greatest archaeological discoveries in history. As they removed debris in the Valley of the Kings, a set of steps began to emerge from the earth. These steps led to a sealed doorway that had not been touched for over three millennia. Carter believed he had finally found the tomb of Pharaoh Tutankhamun, and the undisturbed seals on the door suggested it had been hidden from looters. Unlike other tombs in the area that had been ransacked, this one had survived the centuries intact.
Carter immediately paused the excavation and sent word to his financial backer, Lord Carnarvon, in England. Upon Carnarvon’s arrival, the final debris was cleared by November 24th, fully revealing the tomb’s entrance. Two days later, on November 26th, Carter pierced a hole in the sealed door and, using a candle for light, peered into the chamber. When Carnarvon eagerly asked what he saw, Carter famously replied, “Yes, wonderful things,” confirming the enormity of the find.
The tomb remained hidden for thousands of years due to layers of rubble, which had fallen from later constructions, concealing it from tomb raiders. Inside the antechamber, Carter and his team found a treasure trove of items, including gilded furniture, statues, and chariots. These carefully arranged artifacts had been placed there to accompany the young pharaoh into the afterlife, offering a rare and remarkably preserved glimpse into ancient Egypt’s burial practices.
Tutankhamun, who ascended to the throne at about the age of nine, ruled Egypt for only ten years before dying unexpectedly around the age of 19. His death, likely caused by illness or injury, came so suddenly that his burial appeared hastily arranged. Scholars believe the tomb was not originally built for a king of his stature but was repurposed due to time constraints. Despite this, the tomb’s contents were elaborate and showcased the wealth and artistry of the 18th Dynasty.
One of the most famous objects found in the tomb was Tutankhamun’s golden death mask. Weighing over 22 pounds, it was crafted from solid gold and inlaid with lapis lazuli and other precious stones. The mask was designed to protect the pharaoh’s spirit as he journeyed through the afterlife and remains one of the most iconic symbols of ancient Egypt.
The tomb also held an unusual find—a dagger with a blade made from meteoritic iron. At the time, iron was a rare and highly prized material, and this dagger, forged from a meteorite, highlighted the Egyptians’ ability to work with otherworldly materials. Its presence in the tomb emphasized the importance of equipping the king with extraordinary items, not just for power in life but for divine protection in death.
Alongside the treasure, Carter’s team uncovered more than 400 ushabti figurines, each intricately carved to serve Tutankhamun in the afterlife. These small statues were believed to come to life to perform tasks and labor for the king in the next world, ensuring that he would not be burdened with work in his eternal existence. Each figurine bore inscriptions invoking magical spells to activate their duties, and the sheer number of them indicated the importance placed on the king’s comfort after death.
Further investigation revealed several walking sticks, some ornately decorated with gold and ivory. These canes provided clues to the pharaoh’s health. Later examinations of Tutankhamun’s mummy showed he suffered from physical ailments, including a clubfoot. This discovery was significant because it explained why so many walking sticks had been included in the tomb. These items were both practical and symbolic, representing his need for assistance during life and possibly also in the afterlife.
The layout of the tomb further suggested that his burial had been rushed. Unlike the grand, elaborate tombs constructed for other pharaohs, Tutankhamun’s was small and less ornate, consisting of a few chambers. However, the objects within reflected the care and attention given to preparing him for the afterlife. Ritual beds, ceremonial chariots, and various weapons were all part of ensuring the young king would enter the afterlife fully prepared, highlighting the Egyptians’ deep belief in life beyond death.
Signs of attempted looting were present in the outer corridors of the tomb. Robbers had damaged seals and made hasty repairs shortly after the burial, but they did not manage to reach the inner chambers. This fortunate turn of events left the tomb’s main treasures intact, allowing Carter to uncover the full extent of what remained hidden for thousands of years.
Carter took nearly a decade to complete the excavation of Tutankhamun’s tomb. He carefully documented and cataloged every artifact, ensuring that nothing was lost or removed without proper documentation. His methodical approach set a new standard for archaeological practices and allowed historians to reconstruct the life and death of Tutankhamun with remarkable accuracy.
Among the daily provisions found in the tomb were jars filled with food, wine, and perfumes. These were placed alongside lavish treasures, illustrating the Egyptians’ belief that the pharaoh would need sustenance in the afterlife, just as he did in life. Some of these jars bore inscriptions with details about their contents and the year of their harvest, giving scholars valuable insights into Egypt’s agricultural practices during Tutankhamun’s reign.
The mummification process revealed how carefully the Egyptians prepared their dead for the afterlife. Tutankhamun’s body was wrapped in 13 layers of linen, with protective amulets placed between the layers to ward off evil spirits. The condition of his body, after more than 3,000 years, showed the remarkable skill of the embalmers who had ensured his preservation.
Treasures from the tomb toured the world, drawing millions of visitors to exhibitions that showcased the incredible craftsmanship and wealth of the “boy king.” Although Tutankhamun’s reign had been short and relatively unremarkable, the discovery of his tomb cemented his place as one of the most famous pharaohs in history.
