before tut's reigntut as pharaohreligion in tut's timedaily life in tut's worldtut's death and burial
exhibition information
about king tut
purchase tickets
media gallery
education resources
upcoming tut events
planning your visit

 

“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 Inheritance

 discovery of tut's tombcurse of the pharaohsexamining tut's mummy

 

Early in his reign, Amenhotep IV (Tutankhamun's probably father) abandoned the pantheon of Egyptian gods, headed by the god Amun. He then replaced this traditional religion with the worship of the one god, Aten—a bold move that did not sit well with the priesthood.

In honor of this new god, Amenhotep IV changed his name to Akhenaten and built a new capital city christened Akhetaten (now called Amarna). This unpopular move essentially removed power from Egypt’s traditional administrative headquarters (the city of Memphis) and religious center (the city of Thebes).

Artistic Changes
At this same time, Akhenaten began to have himself portrayed in an exaggerated fashion, with a long, narrow face, pronounced breasts, wide hips, and a sagging belly. This unusual style stood in high contrast to the idealized images of the pharaoh seen in traditional Egyptian art.

Some believe that this new mode of portraiture was a reflection of the king’s actual appearance, possibly the result of a genetic disorder. Others think that the king’s features reflect the androgynous nature of his god Aten. Whatever the reason, this unique artistic style is a hallmark of Akhenaten’s reign.

Tutankhamun Takes the Throne
Akhenaten died after 17-years rule. Exactly what happened afterwards is still a matter of debate. Some believe his famously beautiful wife Nefertiti ruled for a while on her own. Others believe Tutankhamun’s brother held the throne for a short time.

In the end, Tutankhamun himself—probably Akhenaten’s 10-year-old son by a lesser wife named Kiya—came into power. At home, the boy king faced profoundly hostile reactions to Akhenaten’s religious revolution. This young, untried child now had to lead his nation through religious and political turmoil.

Continue to Tut as Pharaoh >>