DISCOVERY
Howard Carter examining Tutankhamen's sarcophagus. Image from The Incredible Blog.
Valley of the Kings. Image from Encyclopedia Britannica Kids.
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The Valley of the Kings, where Tutankhamen's tomb was found, is located near Thebes, Egypt. It actually consists of two separate valleys--the eastern valley is where most tombs were built, including Tutankhamen's. |
Tutankhamen's tomb was an extremely important discovery because it was the only tomb in the Valley of the Kings that was almost completely intact, with most of the original artifacts still present. |
A digital recreation of Tut's face. Image from National Geographic News.
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Carter and Carnarvon, respectively. Image from Aton-Ra.
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Howard Carter began working in Egypt in 1891 at the age of 17. In 1907, Lord Carnarvon hired Carter, and in 1917, they began to investigate the Valley of the Kings, looking for Tutankhamen's tomb. After five years of searching and finding nothing, Lord Carnarvon almost gave up, but Carter convinced him to fund the expedition for one more year.
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On November 4, 1922, a water boy went to set his burden down and discovered a stone step. Carter's team uncovered 12 steps the following afternoon, and covered them while they waited for Lord Carnarvon's arrival. |
Steps to the tomb's entrance. Image from 1961: Around the World with Grandma.
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