“The Story of Tutankhamun” is taken from the writings of Dr. David P. Silverman, exhibition curator, and the text of Dr. Zahi Hawass, as printed in Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs, the companion book to the exhibition.	The Story of King Tut
		When British archaeologist Howard Carter uncovered the remarkably preserved tomb of Tutankhamun in 1922, he created a worldwide sensation. The only tomb of its era found intact and full of indescribable treasures, it was also the first major discovery in the age of easy worldwide communication. That, along with rumors of a mysterious curse, helped make Tutankhamun the most popular of the Egyptian pharaohs in the modern world. But what was Tutankhamun’s world really like? Who were the men who helped this boy king run an empire? Crowned at the tender age of nine, how did this child train for his roles as head of the state, church, and military? And what led to his death before his twentieth birthday? Learn the answers to these questions and more as you read “The Story of King Tut” and view the marvelous objects that give us a picture of his life. Explore King Tutankhamun’s Story chronologically by continuing to Before Tut’s Reign, or select a specific topic from the list of chapters below. Before Tut’s Reign Find out more about King Tutankhamun’s father and grandfather, and meet other famous pharaohs of the 18th Dynasty who set the stage for Tutankhamun’s reign. Tut as Pharaoh Learn about Tutankhamun’s political, military, and religious responsibilities and find out more about the challenges the boy king faced and the training he received. Religion in Tut’s Time Examine Egypt’s traditional polytheistic beliefs, and take a look at King Tutankhamun’s role in restoring the orthodox faith after the death of his heretic father, who had introduced monotheism. Daily Life in Tut’s World Discover what King Tutankhamun and his people drank, ate, wore, and more in-depth exploration of Egyptian culture during the 18th Dynasty. Tut’s Death and Burial Investigate the embalming and burial practices used in ancient Egypt and learn more about King Tutankhamun’s death and funeral. Discovery of Tut’s Tomb Re-live the search for Tutankhamun’s tomb and learn about the politics, scandal, and intrigue connected to Carter’s expedition. The Pharaoh’s Curse Hear more about the “Curse of the Pharaohs” and examine the fact and fiction behind the creation of this legend. Examining Tut’s Mummy View the 2005 CT scans of Tutankhamun’s mummy and find out what they tell us about his death and what he may have looked like in life.