“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 Tutankhamun’s Political Role
		Because he was still a child, Tutankhamun was particularly dependent on his advisors. A small group of men stood by ready to assist him with his more challenging responsibilities and decisions. Advisors to The King The man closest to Tutankhamun seems to have been the Commander in Chief of the army and Overseer of All Works, General Horemheb. Another key figure was an elderly man name Aye, who was Commander of the Horses and may have been Nefertiti’s father. Aye and Horemheb most likely took principle responsibility for major decisions during Tutankhamun’s childhood. Interestingly, both men later ruled as pharaohs after Tutankhamun’s death. The highest officials in the royal administration were the viziers. There were two of these, one each for the north and south (Upper and Lower Egypt). In addition, the king’s Viceroy of Kush was responsible for the province of Nubia, and thus for the flow of gold from the south into the royal coffers. These men, along with many others, performed the tasks that ensured the effective day-to-day running of the empire. Continue to Tutankhamun’s Military Role. >>