Discovering Tut 3 MARKS

 “Discovering Tut: The Saga Continues” 3 MARKS 

(i) King Tut’s body has been subjected to repeated scrutiny.

King Tut died very young, at around eighteen years of age, and his death remained a mystery. Archaeologists, historians, and scientists wanted to know how and why he died. Different theories about murder, illness, or accident came up. To solve this puzzle, his body was studied many times using modern methods like X-rays and CT scans.

(ii) Howard Carter’s investigation was resented.

Howard Carter discovered Tut’s tomb in 1922. He found it filled with treasures, but Tut’s body was stuck inside due to hardened resins. To take out the objects, Carter cut and damaged the mummy. His methods were considered rough and unscientific. Many experts felt he showed disrespect towards the royal remains, so his investigation was strongly criticised and resented.

(iii) Carter had to chisel away the solidified resins to raise the king’s remains.

Tut’s body had been covered with a thick layer of resin, used for preservation. Over time, the resin hardened like stone. The strong heat of the desert further baked it, sticking the body tightly to the coffin. Normal attempts failed. Finally, Carter used chisels, knives, and hammers to cut the body into pieces and remove it.

(iv) Tut’s body was buried along with gilded treasures.

The ancient Egyptians believed strongly in life after death. They thought that their king would need important objects, ornaments, and daily use items in the other world. Therefore, King Tut was buried with gold, jewellery, clothes, food, and many rich treasures. These reflected both his power and the love and respect of his people towards their ruler.

(v) The boy king changed his name from Tutankhaten to Tutankhamun.

Originally, Tut was named Tutankhaten, meaning “living image of Aten,” the sun god. But Aten was not popular, and his father’s religious reforms had angered priests and people. To win their support, the young king changed his name to Tutankhamun, meaning “living image of Amun,” the chief god of Egypt. This restored old traditions and satisfied people’s faith.