Pieces from Tutankhamum’s tomb have traveled around the world more than any other artifact of historical significance. There are about 130 objects including wooden gilded figure of goddess Selket, Jewellery, jars, lamps, furniture and many other objects of afterlife put in by ancient Egyptians. There is a splendid collection of precious stones and golden ornaments that has driven huge crowds from all over the world to witness these extraordinary pieces of history. The exhibition began its tour from Los Angeles en route to California, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Chicago, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, before coming to London in November 2007. In early 2008 it would finally return back to Egypt. The solid gold funeral mask or the death mask of the boy-king is not included in this exhibition as it was never allowed to leave Egypt.

One tour through the exhibition would last 60-90 minutes, but visitors can stay on as per the business timings of the exhibition. Food and drinks are not allowed inside the exhibition with a restriction of photography inside.

The Millennium Dome:

The millennium dome is a landmark on London Skyline, and has been a centre for millennium celebrations throughout 2000. It is a located in Greenwich peninsula, a high infrastructure region, and would provide a venue for the Tutankhamun exhibition.

History:

Nebkheperure Tutankhamun or popularly nicknamed “King Tut” was a pharaoh of the eighteenth dynasty that ruled Egypt from 1333 BC to 1324 BC during the new kingdom era. Although formerly named Tutankhaten, which meant “the living image of Aten”, the creator of universe; his name was changed to Tutankhamun meaning “living image Amun”, an ancient Egyptian deity. Unlike other rulers of that age, the tomb of Tutankhamun situated in the “valley of Kings” is a much celebrated discovery from history’s treasures. This tomb was discovered completely intact in 1923 by a renowned archaeologist and Egyptologist Howard Carter. Immediately after its discovery, it received immense fame, media attention and public interest, making King Tut the most famous pharaoh of modern age.

There were many theories about Tutankhamun’s parentage. Some presumed he was the son of AmenhotepIII and Queen Tiye, whereas others established him to be a son of Smenkhkare and Meritaten. However the latest assumes that he was the son of Akhenaten and his minor wife Kiya. Not only his parentage, but his death has also remained much of a mystery up till 2005 when a CT scan on the mummy was released. Before this, the body was inspected by Howard Carter’s team in 1920’s after its discovery, and later in 1968 when an X-ray was performed on the mummy. The X-ray tests revealed a dense spot in the lower back region, which could have been caused by an accident or a stab wound. The CT scan however, ruled out the possibility of foul play or a blow to the back of head. It established that these signs may have been caused by embalmers. The team of Egyptian scientists in 2005 confirmed that he died after breaking his leg due to an attack of gangrene. According to physical developments, Tutankhamum’s age was estimated to be around 19years.

British Egyptologist Howard Carter was responsible for the discovery of this 3000year old tomb situated in the “Valley of Kings”. It was discovered on 4th November, 1922, close to entrance to tomb of Ramses VI. Later, Carter got in touch with his patron on 26th November, the same year, and after several weeks of careful excavation he opened the inner chambers uncovering the sarcophagus of Tutankhamun on 16th February, 1923.

Visits:

Presently the exhibition is in Philadelphia and is expected to arrive in London by the end of 2007. Visitors in groups of 15 or more would be qualified for ticket discounts.