What was Tutankhamun like?

Watch: Let’s meet Tutankhamun

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Learn about the famous Egyptian Pharaoh Tutankhamun.

What did Tutankhamun do?

Tutankhamun became Pharaoh when he was about 9.
He had powerful advisers who helped him rule.
He let the people worship their old gods again and repaired damaged temples.
He died when he was 18, and was buried in the Valley of the Kings.
Scientists now believe he died of malaria.

What was inside Tutankhamun's tomb?

In 1922 the Egyptologist Howard Carter discovered Tutankhamun’s tomb. In 1923 the tomb was finally opened. There were 5,398 items, including:

Tutankhamun’s famous golden death mask
a solid gold coffin
thrones
trumpets
fresh linen
a chariot
a dagger made from meteorite iron.

Watch: Tutankhamun's tomb

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Dan Cruikshank tells the story of Howard Carter's discovery of Tutankhamun's tomb.

Famous Pharoahs

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Image caption,
Hatshepsut (1478 - 1458BC)
Hatshepsut was the longest reigning female pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. She is considered one of the most successful pharaohs. She commissioned hundreds of grand buildings and established important trade routes.
Image caption,
Amenhotep III (1391 BC - 1353BC)
Amenhotep III built many of Ancient Egypt's famous monuments, including the Luxor Temple and the Colossus of Memnon.
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Ramesses II (1279 - 1213BC)
Ramesses II was one of the most powerful pharaohs. He led many military expeditions, founded cities and had huge statues of himself built.
Image caption,
Cleopatra VII (51 - 30BC)
Cleopatra VII was Ancient Egypt's last pharaoh, after her reign Egypt became a part of the Roman Empire.