On 4 November 1922, British archaeologist Howard Carter discovered the entrance to the intact tomb of ancient Egyptian pharaoh Tutankhamun in the Valley of the Kings, marking one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history.
The discovery brought worldwide attention to the young pharaoh, whose burial chamber had remained largely undisturbed for more than 3,000 years.
Carter was leading an excavation team funded by British aristocrat Lord Carnarvon when workers uncovered a flight of steps beneath the sand. The steps led to a sealed doorway bearing the royal seals of Tutankhamun.
A discovery that changed archaeology
The tomb, known as KV62, was found near the tomb of Ramses VI. It was relatively intact, unlike many other royal burial sites in the Valley of the Kings, which had been looted over the centuries.
Carter’s discovery was particularly remarkable because the burial site contained thousands of objects, offering an extraordinary insight into ancient Egyptian beliefs, royal life and burial traditions.
The excavation also revealed an impressive collection of treasures, including golden shrines, jewellery, chariots, statues, furniture and the pharaoh’s famous golden burial mask.
The moment Carter saw the treasures
Although the entrance was discovered on 4 November, it was not until 26 November 1922 that Carter made his famous first inspection of the tomb’s antechamber.
After making a small opening in a sealed doorway, he peered inside by candlelight. When Lord Carnarvon asked whether he could see anything, Carter reportedly replied: “Yes, wonderful things.”
The discovery attracted international attention and became one of the defining archaeological events of the 20th century.
The excavation and documentation of the tomb’s contents took around 10 years to complete, with thousands of artefacts carefully recorded and removed.
Who was Tutankhamun?
Tutankhamun was an Egyptian pharaoh of the 18th Dynasty who ascended to the throne as a child and ruled for approximately nine years before dying at around the age of 18 or 19.
Although his reign was relatively short, he became one of ancient Egypt’s best-known rulers because of the remarkable preservation of his tomb and its treasures.
His discovery continues to fascinate historians, archaeologists and visitors from around the world, more than a century after Carter uncovered the entrance.
Also read: ON THIS DAY: Laika became the first animal to orbit Earth (1957)
For more videos and updates, check out our YouTube channel.
